Top Things to do in Santa Cruz
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What to do and see in Santa Cruz, Aruba: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Santa Cruz, Aruba including Rancho Loco, Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, Arikok National Park, Rancho Daimari, Madi Magical Tours, Fontein Cave, Pro Kite School Aruba, Boca Prins Beach, Dos Playa, ArubaSalsa.
Restaurants in Santa Cruz
1. Rancho Loco
Overall Ratings
5 based on 219 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 Philip A
My husband and I had a great experience with horseback riding at Rancho Loco! We were met right outside of where our cruise ship was docked and driven to the ranch where we embarked on a 3.5 mile horseback ride through the national park to the natural pool. The scenery was just breathtaking and swimming in the natural pool was an amazing experience. Andreas and Danny were our guides and they were great guys and very professional. We were amazed at how well trained the horses were and how well they rode over hilly and rocky terrain. We had a perfect day and have fond memories of our experience with Rancho Loco.
2. Donkey Sanctuary Aruba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 632 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 cdlhos - Los Angeles, California
This sanctuary houses the majority of the donkeys on the island. There are only a few remaining outside this facility because they were getting hit by cars. This place has a large area for the donkeys to roam and they seem well taken care of. They get real excited when its feeding time and all gather around to be fed. They generally take food gently, but I did notice some bullies and others were more timid. I tried to spread the wealth when feeding to make sure every donkey got a share. There are also some friendly cats and beautiful peacocks onsite. This place does not have an organized tour, you mostly wander around on your own. That was fine with us. It is a nice place to spend an hour or so. We visited the same day we went to Baby Beach and Arikok national park.
3. Arikok National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 867 reviews
Reviewed By LoveArubaYES - Georgia USA
Spent twodifferent days exploring this ruggedly beautiful park. Watching the crashing waves, spotting the wild donkeys and goats, visiting the unique caves. Beautifully natural park with a wide variety of sights!
4. Rancho Daimari
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
"Rancho Daimari" facilities are family oriented ... Something for everybody ... So come on down, saddle up and be ready for the best ride of your life!A little private beach located at the north east side of the Island it's very popular with the local surfers. It's breathtaking views are amazing!!!... Is is one of the most remote places on the Island an experience you can't miss...Free Round Trip Transportation 2-hour guided tour into the most spectacular scenery in Aruba (Natural Pool, Arikok National Park,Andicuri Beach, Sand Dunes & more)Swimming at the Natural Pool!Refreshment all skill levels and Children welcome. Also featuring Private Tours. Come and enjoy Aruba at its best, amazing Beaches and panoramas and .... Lots of hidden treasures. You are Welcome!!
Reviewed By SuquitaRubio - Quito, Ecuador
Wow, what an amazing experience. The horses were relaxed and easy going, the scenery just amazing. Francisco met us at the hotel, and from that moment our tour started. We saw part of the city and part of the country side before we arrived at the ranch; everything was smooth and well coordinated. My gorgeous horse “La Pinta” was awesome. Francisco took great pics from us.
5. Madi Magical Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By Oldcoastie23
Dear Madi, thank you so much for ruining our very first trip to Aruba. We booked a tour with you a year before our arrival based on a friends recommendation. We contacted you on numerous occasions to assure all was well and arrange the time and meeting place. We arrived at the meeting place early excited to be taking the tour. Shortly thereafter a family of nine adults and one child also showed up for the tour. Then you arrived in an ancient willys jeep that could only seat 7 safely. You boasted that you had friends that could take the overflow. That didn't pan out. Guess they weren't close friends. You chose the family of nine and bumped us, leaving us on the side of the road, too late to book anything else. So thanks for nothing. Maybe you should be operating an airline.
6. Fontein Cave
Overall Ratings
4 based on 136 reviews
Reviewed By jwcorbett - Miamisburg, Ohio
One of the only caves on the island that has a ancient writing on the cave walls that are acceptable to the public. Our Park Guide gave us a personal tour. Won't take long because its very small. Within walking distance is a pool of fish that you can put your feet in and they nibble your feet! Fun for all!
7. Pro Kite School Aruba
Overall Ratings
5 based on 46 reviews
Pro kite school Aruba situated at Boca Grande. The only spot with steady wind on Aruba.We do beginner lessons, but also advanced and Freestyle, or wave board riding classes. Down wind trips. Rental. Repair. Trips, supervision and guidance all around Aruba.All classes provided by Petr Pechi Pechacek. Pro instructor, pro rider and world record holder with 14 years of experiences.
Reviewed By Kiteguy - NY
Pechi is very detail oriented. He has developed a very precise process for kiting from start to finish and was very effective at helping me correct some very basic flaws in my technique (or lack thereof). Actual behavior modification is very difficult for me and Pechi was very patient yet firm. My skill and knowledge improved immensely because of his time and attention.
He has you wear a helmet that has a receiver in it so you can hear him clearly even when you are out on the water. Extremely helpful!
An observer commented that his students are always smiling. Maybe that's because we're having fun??
8. Boca Prins Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Christine S - Jackson, Michigan
Nestled within Arikok National park, Boca Prins is a very short walk from a parking area. The beach is a gem wrapped within two cliffs. The cliffs are an incredible fossil history of the coral reefs that lay below the water until volcanic rock pushed them above the water. We spent a lot of time here exploring the cliff walls, enjoying the view, and climbing along the rocks. Be advised the terrain is uneven; sandals or flip flops not advised. To access the beach, use the staircase or climb down the dunes. No swimming on the beach - dangerous currents and rough surf.
9. Dos Playa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Christine S - Jackson, Michigan
It's best to drive to Dos Playa in a UTV, ATV, or 4x4. I wouldn't risk it in a car. The two Beaches are separated by a large coral formation, you'll need sturdy shoes to cross it. Once there, you'll likely have this stretch of beach to yourself. Not sure swimming is recommended due to strong currents. Stunning beach!!
10. ArubaSalsa
Overall Ratings
5 based on 33 reviews
If you want to learn how to dance Salsa or other Latin Caribbean dances then you are at the right place! ArubaSalsa offers lessons in a wide variety of dances: Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Latin ChaChaCha, Rueda, Reggaeton, and folkloric Aruban dances. ArubaSalsa offers group lessons and very popular private lessons but also offers workshops for weddings, parties, team-building activities and your special event. We teach at most of the big hotels as well. Ask your concierge or activities team if your hotel offers complimentary Salsa lessons by ArubaSalsa and what day it takes place. ArubaSalsa also has different locations all over the island where you can take your lessons. Our main studio is situated right next to the bowling alley and pizza hut on the main road to the hotels, at Club Hipsz. It's like a 2 - 5 minute drive from most hotels. Do you think you have two left feet and absolutely no sence of rhythm? Not possible! We will teach you salsa and other dances in the easiest way possible and make sure you learn how to dance. By teaching everything step-by-step and by creating a positive and comfortable atmosphere in our lessons, your dance success is guaranteed!
Reviewed By Cleow2013 - Barrington, Rhode Island
We tried a free class with Mitchell at the Pier and loved the huge group lesson. We then made a private lesson appointment with Aruba Salsa and met up with Mitchell at Hipz Club. We had a blast! He worked with us, made it fun and broke it down so easily for my husband. We even danced here in our kitchen when we got home and he jokes about "7 UP". Now my husband is willing to take classes together her at home and I'm very excited. I feel like we can go out and dance and not feel like we can't dance salsa together. We have the basics down and we will build on it moving forward. Thanks Mitchell!
