Santa Cruz Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Conchi Natural Pool featuring general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Conchi Natural Pool
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz which includes animals and zoo animals
Conchi Natural Pool which includes general coastal views as well as an individual female

Find a slice of authentic Aruba away from the crowds at this centrally located town on the edge of Arikok National Park.

Devoid of the resorts, restaurants and offerings of Aruba’s popular western coastline, the town of Santa Cruz has a much more low-key and local vibe. Wander around town to see where locals live, chat with shop owners and get a feel for real Aruban life in this small, laid-back town.

Although Santa Cruz is not crowded with tourists, it does make an excellent base from which to see some of the island’s best natural attractions. Drive just 5 minutes or so from town to reach Mount Hooiberg, a 541-foot (165-metre) tall peak. Trek up more than 550 steps to the summit, which affords superb views over Aruba’s colourful capital, Oranjestad, and the harbour. On clear days, the vistas may even extend as far as neighboring Venezuela.

Drive 10 minutes southeast of town to Arikok National Wildlife Park, a vast swath of protected arid parkland. The park contrasts sharply with the more developed west coast. Hike along the park’s path to see unusual plants, including around 70 cacti varieties, as well as bright blue Aruban whiptail lizards and free-roaming donkeys. Venture as far as the east coast to discover wild and secluded white-sand beaches such as Dos Playa and Boca Prins. Take a tour around the park’s caves in which darkened chambers contain strange formations, bats and drawing by Arawak Indians.

The park isn’t the only place where you can see donkeys near Santa Cruz. Not far from town is the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, which serves as a shelter. Arrive early to help feed and care for the donkeys, and ask volunteers about the work they do there.

Eating out can be great value in Santa Cruz. Many restaurants here cater to locals rather than tourists and their prices reflect this. Dine on barbecue in an open-air setting or pick up a few bitterballen, a Dutch snack of deep-fried, breadcrumb-covered balls with a meaty roux interior.

Find Santa Cruz in central Aruba, east of Oranjestad. Drive from Queen Beatriz International Airport to the town of Santa Cruz is around 15 minutes.

Where to stay in Santa Cruz

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Cas Ariba

While Cas Ariba isn't home to many top sights, Hooiberg and Donkey Sanctuary are some notable places to visit nearby.

Cas Ariba
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Angochi

Angochi might not have many top sights, but Arikok National Park Visitors Center and Donkey Sanctuary are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Angochi
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Macuarima

While Macuarima isn't home to many top sights, Donkey Sanctuary and Hooiberg are some notable places to visit nearby.

Macuarima
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Mon Pos

While there might not be top attractions in Mon Pos, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Aruba Ostrich Farm and Hooiberg.

Mon Pos
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Jamanota

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Jamanota and surrounding area, you can visit Arikok National Park Visitors Center and Donkey Sanctuary.

Jamanota
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Warawara

Warawara might not have many top sights, but Donkey Sanctuary and Arikok National Park Visitors Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Warawara
Mammaloes
Mammaloes
2.5 out of 5
Balashi 24B, Santa Cruz
Stay at this B&B in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Renaissance Island and Renaissance Mall Aruba are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (42 reviews)
"Good choice if you are looking for a more authentic stay away from the busy hotel zone. Will need a car rental as it’s in a residential area. Facility is basic, charming and quiet."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Mammaloes
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
4.5 out of 5
L G Smith Boulevard 82, Oranjestad
Stay at this luxury resort in Oranjestad. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,265 reviews)
"Excellent. Would have loved if they had more than one bed per room on the adults only side."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Hotel Riu Palace Antillas - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Palace Antillas - Adults Only - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
J E Irausquin Boulevard 77, Noord
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Noord. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,193 reviews)
"I’m from Brooklyn NY and we’re normally not the friendly welcoming type . But Aruba? AMAZING staff beautiful view everyone was so welcoming on and off the resort i definitely will be coming back."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Hotel Riu Palace Antillas - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coconut Inn
Coconut Inn
2.5 out of 5
Noord 31, Palm Beach, Noord
Stay at this aparthotel in Noord. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (449 reviews)
"The Coconut INN was a great place and inexpensive.. It is 1.1 miles from the beach. The Coconut Inn picture shown by Expedia is not accurate"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Coconut Inn
Aruba Blue Village
Aruba Blue Village
2.5 out of 5
Cunucu Abao 37, Noord
Stay at this aparthotel in Noord. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (253 reviews)
"Perfect for a quiet getaway."

Reviewed on 5 May 2025

Aruba Blue Village
Caribbean Palm Village Resort
Caribbean Palm Village Resort
3.5 out of 5
43-E, Palm Beach Road, Noord
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Noord. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Eagle Beach and Hyatt Regency Casino are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (393 reviews)
"It was just like being at home"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Caribbean Palm Village Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Santa Cruz