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 Aruba Ostrich Farm 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 Aruba Ostrich Farm are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Angochi
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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 Arikok National Park.

Jamanota
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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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Macuarima

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

Macuarima
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Warawara

Warawara might not have many top sights, but Arikok National Park Visitors Center and De Palm Island 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! (48 reviews)
A Great Spot!
"This is a great spot if you like a thoughful, fun space. My experience was fantastic. Everyone is so friendly it almost feels like staying with a friend. The location is great for seeing the island (rent a car). The space itself was very groovy and had an awesome island vibe. The outdoor kitchen ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Mammaloes
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! (1,274 reviews)
"NA"

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Hotel Riu Palace Antillas - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Beach Resort & Casino by IHG

Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Beach Resort & Casino by IHG

4 out of 5
J E Irausquin Boulevard 230, Noord
The price is ฿8,459 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
฿8,459
฿11,103 total
5 Sept - 6 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Noord. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,496 reviews)
"Pools were nice and beach was amazing"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Resort Aruba - Beach Resort & Casino by IHG
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.
Sunway Aruba Aparments

Sunway Aruba Aparments

3 out of 5
Santa Cruz 2-N, Santa Cruz
Stay at this apartment in Santa Cruz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 beach bars and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Eagle Beach and Renaissance Island are located ...
Sunway Aruba Aparments
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (258 reviews)
"Perfect for a quiet getaway."

Reviewed on 5 May 2025

Aruba Blue Village
Vistalmar Ocean Suites

Vistalmar Ocean Suites

2.5 out of 5
28 Bucutiweg, Oranjestad
Stay at this beach apartment in Oranjestad. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a private beach and a marina. Popular attractions Eagle Beach and Renaissance Island are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (145 reviews)
"This was a wonderful place to stay!! A dog lover’s dream!!! Off the beaten path yet still close to everything!! Would highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

Vistalmar Ocean Suites
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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