Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
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Top 8 Budget-friendly Things to do in Santa Cruz, Aruba
Discover the best top things to do in Santa Cruz, Aruba including Rancho Loco, Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, Boca Prins Beach, Arikok National Park, Dos Playa, Fontein Cave, Madi Magical Tours, HF Tours and Transfers - Day Tours.
Restaurants in Santa Cruz
1. Rancho Loco
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 319 reviews
Rancho Loco is an equestrian center that is dedicated to boarding and caring of horses, training of juvenile horses, riding lessons for beginners as well as experienced riders and horseback ride tours.
Reviewed By b_a_c-77777 - Raleigh, United States
Had a blast on the tour to the natural pool. Horses were very well trained and calm - perfect for any first-time riders. Tour leaders - one in the front (Andres), one in the back (Danny) - were very helpful and taught us quite a bit about horses, the national park, and the country. 9 total horses on the tour - 2 guides and 7 visitors. Beautiful views both up and down the mountain. Water in the natural pool was very relaxing and calm despite the rough water surrounding it. Included some pictures of the ride through the national park but since I was swimming I did not get any pictures of the natural pool. Recommend bringing your own water bottle - they do provide water bottles but the ride is long enough that more than one bottle is probably needed. Would recommend this experience to anyone!
2. Donkey Sanctuary Aruba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 903 reviews
Visit Donkey Sanctuary Aruba where you can feed and pet the donkeys from the safety of our enclosed porch. They especially love apples and carrots, so feel free to bring some along. There is no admission fee, though your generous donations are greatly appreciated and are what continue to allow us the ability to care for our donkey family, which has approximately 130+ members at the moment. Our volunteers will be more than happy to show you around and answer your questions. And if you get there early enough, you can even help with the daily chores of feeding and caring for the donkeys, a great and educational experience for children! If you’d rather just observe, then you’re welcome to grab a seat on our covered porch, sit back with some coffee or a cold beverage and snack from our concession stand, or take a look inside our gift shop. Whatever you decide, we look forward to seeing you there!
Reviewed By RKNO5 - Windsor, United Kingdom
This is well worth a visit. The sanctuary does a wonderful thing for these donkeys and need as much support as possible. They are obviously cared for extremely well and happy. We stopped off at Super Foods on the way and bought 4 large bags of carrots and apples which they loved and also gave a donation once there. Thanks guys for taking care of these donkeys, you do an amazing job x
3. Boca Prins Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By TimDore - Marana, United States
Boca Prins Beach was a real nice contrast after driving around Arakok National Park and climbing in and out of caves most of the morning. It’s quite unique to see all desert then all of a sudden here is a beautiful rocky beach with white sand. The beach is for viewing and not swimming. There is limited parking but you would be fairly safe to park just off the side of the road. Other than people on our tour there was nobody there much like Dos Playa Beach which is a mile past. Certainly recommend a visit for great secluded ocean viewing just sitting there watching the waves crash against the rocks.
4. Arikok National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,148 reviews
This beautiful National Park in Aruba comprises almost 20% of the island. Enjoy gorgeous vistas of Aruba’s rugged terrain, desert-like hills filled with tall cacti, a breathtaking coastline and protected local flora and fauna. The National Park takes you on a memorable journey of the islands past offering unique geological, cultural and historical sites. These can all be enjoyed and explored either on your own or during guided tours. Visiting the Natural Pool? A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for your trip. A wide variety of educational and informative programs and fun activities is available. You are warmly invited to the National Park and enjoy Aruba’s natural beauty at its best. Explore the parks Highlights.
Reviewed By 681janeg
Rent a jeep or 4WD vehicle and explore the park on your own. It's $11 per person to visit the park and well worth the money. We rented a truck with A/C so we didn't have to deal with the dust from the UTVs or Jeep tours. We also were able to visit both the north and south trails of the park - the southern route is where you will find Dos Playa, Boca Prins which are stunning beaches and coastlines. You can also see the two caves as well. The northern route (which is definitely off roading) takes to you one of the high points of the island and the Conchi Natural Pool. The conchi drive takes about 30 -35 minutes and is worth the drive. It is some of the most beautiful coastline I have seen to date in my travels. Spend some time at the natural pool and bring lunch so you can enjoy the conchi without the hoards of tourists from the tour groups. A must see in Aruba.
5. Dos Playa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By TimDore - Marana, United States
As part of our tour to Arakok National Park and two of the Caves we stopped at Dos Playa Beach. The surf was good, not real large and not blown out. It is just one mile past Boca Prins Beach which is near Fontein Cave. So if you’re cruising in that area I certainly recommend a visit. Probably best by Jeep but doable by a regular car with caution. I would not consider this a swimming, body surfing beach for the average person. This is very secluded and great for pictures of a pristine beach where you just might be the only person.
6. Fontein Cave
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 214 reviews
Reviewed By Aliciabvalenti - Saskatoon, Canada
The ranger was excellent in explaining the history of the cave and a bunch of interesting facts about how it currently stands. The ranger was wonderfully polite as well. We had a fun time at this quick stop which was concluded with fish nibbling our feet in the pond just outside. It was like getting a free foot massage.
7. Madi Magical Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
8. HF Tours and Transfers - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
