ToursAruba
Aruba UTV & ATV Tour: Animal Garden, North Coast & Andicuri Beach
About
Aruba's North Coast is the part of the island a rental car can't reach. This guided Aruba UTV and ATV tour lets you drive your own vehicle across desert trails and along the volcanic coastline, behind a local guide.
The route links Philip's Animal Garden, Alto Vista Chapel, Baby Natural Bridge, Wariruri Bay, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Andicuri Beach, Tripod Bridge, and Blackstone Beach, passing by Cave Pool, Shark Bay, and the Ayo Rock Formations.
- Up to 50 travelers in the group
What to expect
- 1Philip's Animal GardenYour UTV or ATV tour starts at Philip's Animal Garden, Aruba's largest privately run wildlife rescue sanctuary and the meeting point for this excursion. It is home to more than 60 rescued and rehabilitated species, from lions and monkeys to kangaroos, parrots, tortoises, and snakes, most of them animals that were abandoned, confiscated, or surrendered by owners who could no longer keep them. Your entrance fee includes a complimentary feeding bag, so you can feed the animals by hand instead of watching from behind glass. It is a relaxed, family-friendly half hour before the engines start, and it is one of the stops guests mention most often in their reviews. Free camera-monitored parking is available here if you drive yourself to the tour rather than using our complimentary pickup. 30 min Admission included
- 2Alto Vista ChapelFrom Philip's Animal Garden, the trail climbs to Alto Vista Chapel, the oldest chapel in Aruba and one of the island's most photographed landmarks. The first chapel was raised on this hillside above the North Coast in 1750; the small bright-yellow church standing here today was rebuilt on the same spot in 1952. Step inside to see the simple wooden pews and altar, then walk the grounds for open views across the northern coastline and the cunucu countryside behind it. Many riders also walk the 11-circuit prayer labyrinth beside the chapel, or follow the line of white crosses along the Peace Path that leads up to it. Admission is free, and you have time to look around and take photos before getting back on your UTV or ATV. 15 min
- 3Natural BridgeNext, you will park at the Baby Natural Bridge, the coral-limestone arch known locally as the Daughter Bridge. It sits on Aruba's North Coast directly beside the spot where the island's famous original Natural Bridge stood until it collapsed in September 2005. That bridge was the largest of its kind in the Caribbean and Aruba's single most visited landmark; what remains today is this smaller arch beside it, cut by the same Atlantic surf that brought the original down. Walk right up to the arch, watch the waves drive through the opening, and photograph one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline on the island. Please note: the original Natural Bridge no longer exists. This stop is the Baby Natural Bridge beside its remains, which is the bridge every Aruba tour visits today. 15 min
- 4Wariruri Bay is one of the emptiest places on the whole route. A remote cove on…Wariruri Bay is one of the emptiest places on the whole route. A remote cove on Aruba's windward North Coast, it is all jagged black volcanic rock, wind-bent divi-divi trees and Atlantic surf breaking hard against the shoreline. This is the raw, unfiltered version of the island that most visitors never see, because there is no sign, no facility, and nothing built here at all. It is a long-standing favorite with local bodyboarders and photographers for exactly that reason. Hop off your UTV or ATV and walk out along the rock shelf to watch the waves come in and feel the spray, or stand for a minute and take in the open ocean stretching north with nothing between you and the horizon. Admission is free, and there is time to explore on foot before you ride on. 10 min
- 5Bushiribana RuinsRide on to the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, the weathered stone shell of a gold smelter built here in 1872 during Aruba's gold rush. Gold was discovered on the island in 1824, and for roughly a century Aruba mined and smelted it commercially, which is how the island earned its old nickname, Isla de Oro. The Bushiribana mill processed ore from the surrounding hills for about a decade before operations moved south to Balashi. Park your UTV or ATV and walk through the archways and thick stone walls, climb to the upper level for a long view down the North Coast, and frame a photo through one of the original window openings with the Caribbean Sea behind it. Admission is free, and there is time to explore on foot. 15 min
- 6Cave Pool ArubaJust past the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, you will pass the Cave Pool, a natural rock pool carved into the North Coast shoreline and hidden from the road above. For years, it was one of Aruba's best-known local swimming spots, reached by a ladder down the cliff face and popular for cliff jumping into the clear water below. After a section of the cliff collapsed, the ladder was removed, and swimming and cliff jumping are no longer permitted here, so this is now a scenic pass-by rather than a stop. Your guide slows as you ride past, points out where the ladder used to be, and tells you the story behind one of the island's most photographed hidden gems. If you are looking for the Conchi Natural Pool inside Arikok National Park, that is a different site on the other side of the island, and no UTV or ATV tour is permitted to enter it. Passes by without stopping
- 7Shark Bay is a short scenic pass-by on one of the wildest sections of Aruba's North…Shark Bay is a short scenic pass-by on one of the wildest sections of Aruba's North Coast, where the Atlantic hits the ironshore hard enough to throw spray up over the rocks - no stop here, no path down, and no facilities. You ride past as your guide points out the coastline and explains how the constant trade winds and heavy surf shaped this side of the island, making it so different from the sheltered beaches on the west. It is one of the best places on the route to understand why the North Coast has stayed undeveloped while the rest of Aruba is filled with resorts, and why a UTV or ATV is the only practical way to see it. Passes by without stopping
- 8Andicuri BeachSave your swimsuit for this one! Andicuri Beach is the highlight of the ride and the tour's only beach stop. It sits in a deep cove on Aruba's wild North Coast, framed by limestone cliffs on both sides with the open Atlantic rolling straight in, and it feels like a different island from the calm, resort-lined sand of Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. No vendors, no loungers, and usually very few people, because the track in is rough enough that rental cars don't attempt it. That is exactly why it stays this quiet. Park your UTV or ATV, walk the sand, climb a little way onto the rocks for the view back across the bay, and take what most guests agree are the best photos of the day. Swimming is allowed here whenever the sea is calm. Andicuri faces the open ocean, and the surf can build quickly, so on rough days your guide will keep everyone out of the water for safety. Bring a swimsuit and a towel so you are ready either way. 30 min
- 9Pull up at Tripod Bridge, a natural rock arch standing on the coastline near…Pull up at Tripod Bridge, a natural rock arch standing on the coastline near Blackstone Beach and one of the more unusual geological formations on Aruba's North Coast. Unlike the island's better-known bridges, this one rests on three separate stone supports rising out of the ironshore, which is where the name comes from: from a distance, it really does look like a tripod planted on the rocks. It sees a fraction of the visitors that the Natural Bridge does, so you will usually have it to yourselves. Step off your UTV or ATV, walk around the formation to see how the sea has cut through it, and photograph the arches against the surf. Your guide will share the local story behind the name while you look around. 10 min
- 10Blackstone Beach is exactly what the name promises: a shoreline paved in smooth dark…Blackstone Beach is exactly what the name promises: a shoreline paved in smooth dark volcanic stones instead of sand, with turquoise Caribbean water breaking over them. The contrast between the black rock and the bright sea makes it one of the most striking photo stops on the route, and centuries of Atlantic surf have rounded and polished the stones. It sits on a remote stretch of Aruba's North Coast reachable only by off-road vehicle, so it is almost always quiet. Park your UTV or ATV and walk the black-stone shoreline. Footwear matters here, as the stones shift underfoot and can be slippery when wet. Swimming is not advised at Blackstone: the current is strong, and the shore drops away quickly. This is a stop to look, walk, and photograph, not to swim. 15 min
- 11Ayo Rock FormationsOn the return leg, you ride past the Ayo Rock Formations, huge tonalite boulders that rise straight out of Aruba's desert floor near the village of Ayo. Some are the size of a house, stacked in shapes that look deliberately balanced, and the island's original Arawak inhabitants used the site as a lookout, leaving petroglyphs on the rock faces that are still visible today. Your guide will point them out and tell you the story as you pass. This is a scenic pass-by rather than a stop, but it is one of the most photogenic backdrops on the entire route, and the cactus-covered terrain around it is a complete contrast to the coastline you have just ridden. Passes by without stopping
Photos
Reviews
5.0
5 reviews
4 on Viator · 1 on Tripadvisor
Make a day of itPlan my day lines up what else is on in Aruba, with real start times.
Plan my dayWhat’s included
- Safety Brief: Your guide walks you through safety tips & vehicle controls before you hit the trails
- Helmet (Only for ATVs)
- Pickup & Drop-Off: Most hotels, the Aruba Cruise Port, and Airbnbs. See Meeting and Pickup for info
- Entrance Fee (Philip's Animal Garden, including a feeding bag for the animals)
- Free Parking: At our meeting point, Philip's Animal Garden, for guests joining the tour directly
- Unlimited Bottled Water: To help you stay hydrated on the dusty off-road trails
- Bandana: To cover your face and keep dust out of your nose and mouth
- Expert Local Tour Guide (English, Spanish, and Dutch)
Not included
- Goggles (Highly recommended - available to purchase on-site for $15 or $20)
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Alcoholic Beverages
- Gratuities (Optional)
Before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour takes you across Aruba's rugged North Coast on rough, bumpy off-road trails - expect to get dusty and dirty along the way
- The driver must be 18+ and have a valid driver's license (digital or physical) to drive an UTV or ATV in Aruba
- The minimum age for UTV passengers is 4 years, while for ATV passengers, it is 6 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Before hopping on your UTV or ATV, you'll sign a liability waiver and rental agreement with us in person
- Please drive carefully - you're responsible for any vehicle damage caused by careless driving, like reckless driving, using your phone, or driving under the influence
- We ask that everyone be respectful of the group and the experience - your guide may need to end the tour early, without a refund, if someone's behavior becomes inappropriate or disruptive
- Service animals are welcome - please let us know in advance so we can prepare
- What to Wear: Loose-fitting athletic wear in dark colors (avoid white or new clothing, since it will get dusty and dirty), closed-toe shoes, water shoes, or sturdy sandals, and a secure hat or cap. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes - you won't have a chance to change during the tour
- What to Bring: Sunglasses (or glasses instead of contacts, if you wear them), backpack, goggles (highly recommended), sunscreen, mobile, towel, and cash
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Meeting & pickup
Meeting pointArubaGet directions (opens Google Maps)
Meet us directly at Philip's Animal Garden, Alto Vista 116, Noord, Aruba. Search "Philip's Animal Garden" in Google Maps for accurate directions. Free parking in our secure, camera-monitored lot for your rental car. Arrive 8:40-8:50 am for the 9:00 am tour, or 2:10-2:20 pm for the 2:30 pm tour.
Important - Please Read Before Your Tour: Check your email, WhatsApp, and text messages before your tour, even while on vacation. Viator's ticket shows only your tour start time, not your actual pickup time. We send the pickup time separately via all three channels, and it may be 20–50 minutes earlier, depending on your hotel or Airbnb location. Coverage Area: We offer free pickup and drop-off at hotels, apartments, condos, Airbnbs, private homes, villas, and the Aruba Cruise Port. However, pickup isn't available in Tanki Leendert, Paradera, Santa Cruz, Pos Chiquito, Savaneta, San Nicolas, Secrets Baby Beach Aruba Hotel, or a few other specific areas - you can contact us if you're unsure whether we cover your location. If you're staying at an Airbnb, private home, or villa, pickup times vary by location - please reach out to us on the WhatsApp number mentioned on your ticket right after booking to confirm yours. Cruise Ship Guests: Pickup is at 8:20 am (Aruba time) for the 9:00 am tour, or 1:50 pm (Aruba time) for the 2:30 pm tour, right in front of the Ocean Drive Store, outside gate 3, on the right-hand side. If your ship is running late, call or message us on WhatsApp to adjust your pickup or explore other options. Low-Rise Hotel Guests: Pickup runs from 8:10 am to 8:30 am for the 9:00 am tour, or from 1:40 pm to 2:00 pm for the 2:30 pm tour. Look for our vehicle with the Around Aruba / Around Aruba Tours banner, parked in front of your hotel lobby. High-Rise Hotel Guests: Pickup runs from 8:20 am to 8:40 am for the 9:00 am tour, or from 1:50 pm to 2:10 pm for the 2:30 pm tour. Look for our vehicle with the Around Aruba / Around Aruba Tours banner, parked in front of your hotel lobby. Please wait outside at your hotel's main gate or entrance, not inside the lobby, since our pickup vehicle waits outside and can't see guests seated inside. Our pickup team can wait up to 5 minutes; if you miss your pickup, please take a taxi at your own expense to meet us at Philip's Animal Garden.
Starts from
- Two-Seater UTV VehicleSeating Capacity: Seats 2 side-by-side, facing forward like a car. You'll get dusty off-road, so moderate fitness is recommended. Requirements: The driver must be 18+ and have a valid driver's license (digital or physical); riders must be 4+ for the Two-Seater UTV. Activities: Ride an ATV/UTV to 10 iconic stops on Aruba's North Coast, swim at Andicuri Beach, & feed animals at Philip's Animal Garden. Duration: 4 hours Included: Free pickup and drop-off at most hotels, the Aruba Cruise Port, and Airbnbs. See the Meeting and Pickup section for details. Included: Free entry to Philip's Animal Garden, plus a feeding bag, bandana, bottled water, and an expert local tour guide. Excluded: Gratuities, Goggles, Breakfast, Lunch, and Alcoholic Beverages. What to Wear & What to Bring: Casual wear, closed-toe or water shoes, and a hat. Wear your swimsuit underneath. See Additional Info for the full list. Pickup included
- Three-Seater UTV VehicleSeating Capacity: Seats 3 side-by-side (driver plus 2 riders). You'll get dusty off-road, so moderate fitness is recommended. Requirements: The driver must be 18+ and have a valid driver's license (digital or physical); riders must be 4+ for the Three-Seater UTV. Activities: Ride an ATV/UTV to 10 iconic stops on Aruba's North Coast, swim at Andicuri Beach, & feed animals at Philip's Animal Garden. Duration: 4 hours Included: Free pickup and drop-off at most hotels, the Aruba Cruise Port, and Airbnbs. See the Meeting and Pickup section for details. Included: Free entry to Philip's Animal Garden, plus a feeding bag, bandana, bottled water, and an expert local tour guide. Excluded: Gratuities, Goggles, Breakfast, Lunch, and Alcoholic Beverages. What to Wear & What to Bring: Casual wear, closed-toe or water shoes, and a hat. Wear your swimsuit underneath. See Additional Info for the full list. Pickup included
- Five-Seater UTV VehicleSeating Capacity: Seats 5 side-by-side (driver plus 4 riders). You'll get dusty off-road, so moderate fitness is recommended. Activities: Ride an ATV/UTV to 10 iconic stops on Aruba's North Coast, swim at Andicuri Beach, & feed animals at Philip's Animal Garden. Requirements: The driver must be 18+ and have a valid driver's license (digital or physical); riders must be 4+ for the Five-Seater UTV. Duration: 4 hours Included: Free pickup and drop-off at most hotels, the Aruba Cruise Port, and Airbnbs. See the Meeting and Pickup section for details. Included: Free entry to Philip's Animal Garden, plus a feeding bag, bandana, bottled water, and an expert local tour guide. Excluded: Gratuities, Goggles, Breakfast, Lunch, and Alcoholic Beverages. What to Wear & What to Bring: Casual wear, closed-toe or water shoes, and a hat. Wear your swimsuit underneath. See Additional Info for the full list. Pickup included
- Four-Seater UTV VehicleSeating Capacity: Seats 4 side-by-side (driver plus 3 riders). You'll get dusty off-road, so moderate fitness is recommended. Requirements: The driver must be 18+ and have a valid driver's license (digital or physical); riders must be 4+ for the Four-Seater UTV. Activities: Ride an ATV/UTV to 10 iconic stops on Aruba's North Coast, swim at Andicuri Beach, & feed animals at Philip's Animal Garden. Duration: 4 hours Included: Free pickup and drop-off at most hotels, the Aruba Cruise Port, and Airbnbs. See the Meeting and Pickup section for details. Included: Free entry to Philip's Animal Garden, plus a feeding bag, bandana, bottled water, and an expert local tour guide. Excluded: Gratuities, Goggles, Breakfast, Lunch, and Alcoholic Beverages. What to Wear & What to Bring: Casual wear, closed-toe or water shoes, and a hat. Wear your swimsuit underneath. See Additional Info for the full list. Pickup included
- Double-Seater ATV VehicleSeating Capacity: Seats 2 in tandem: driver in front, passenger behind. You'll get dusty off-road, so moderate fitness is recommended. Requirements: The driver must be 18+ and have a valid driver's license (digital or physical); riders must be 6+ for the Double-Seater ATV. Activities: Ride an ATV/UTV to 10 iconic stops on Aruba's North Coast, swim at Andicuri Beach, & feed animals at Philip's Animal Garden. Duration: 4 hours Included: Free pickup and drop-off at most hotels, the Aruba Cruise Port, and Airbnbs. See the Meeting and Pickup section for details. Included: Free entry to Philip's Animal Garden, plus a feeding bag, helmet, bandana, bottled water, and an expert local tour guide. Excluded: Gratuities, Goggles, Breakfast, Lunch, and Alcoholic Beverages. What to Wear & What to Bring: Casual wear, closed-toe or water shoes, and a hat. Wear your swimsuit underneath. See Additional Info for the full list. Pickup included
- Single-Seater ATV VehicleSeating Capacity: Seat 1 - driver only; no passenger seat. You'll get dusty on these off-road trails, so moderate fitness is recommended. Requirements: The driver must be 18+ and have a valid driver's license (digital or physical) to drive the Single-Seater ATV. Activities: Ride an ATV/UTV to 10 iconic stops on Aruba's North Coast, swim at Andicuri Beach, & feed animals at Philip's Animal Garden. Duration: 4 hours Included: Free pickup and drop-off at most hotels, the Aruba Cruise Port, and Airbnbs. See the Meeting and Pickup section for details. Included: Free entry to Philip's Animal Garden, plus a feeding bag, helmet, bandana, bottled water, and an expert local tour guide. Excluded: Gratuities, Goggles, Breakfast, Lunch, and Alcoholic Beverages What to Wear & What to Bring: Casual wear, closed-toe or water shoes, and a hat. Wear your swimsuit underneath. See Additional Info for the full list. Pickup included