California Lighthouse to the Natural Bridge: Aruba’s North Coast by Jeep or UTV
By Guljar HosenFacts checked 25 Sep 2026
Aruba’s north coast strings together four of the island’s best-known stops: the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, the Bushiribana gold mill ruins and the site of the Natural Bridge. Here are the facts for each, with the source and date, and what to rent to visit them yourself.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The California Lighthouse was built in 1910 and is named after the S.S. California, a steamship that sank before it was built. Entry is $5 and it is open daily 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. (aruba.com, checked 25 Sep 2026)
- The famous Natural Bridge collapsed in 2005. The remains are still worth a visit, and a smaller intact bridge, Baby Bridge, stands next to it. (aruba.com, checked 25 Sep 2026)
- Alto Vista Chapel dates from 1750 and is free to visit. (aruba.com, checked 25 Sep 2026)
- Aventurova’s UTV page lists routes toward the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, Bushiribana Ruins and the Natural Bridge. (Aventurova UTV page, checked 25 Sep 2026)
- UTVs, ATVs and motorbikes are banned from the protected nature areas of Arikok National Park, so keep the park for a Jeep day. (acf.aw/experiences, checked 25 Sep 2026)
1. The four stops
| Stop | What it is | Facts | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Lighthouse | A 1910 lighthouse in the Hudishibana area near the northwestern tip, with 360 degree views from the top | $5 entry, open daily 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, no reservation | aruba.com, checked 25 Sep 2026 |
| Alto Vista Chapel | A small Catholic chapel on a hilltop in Noord, built in 1750 | Free to visit. Opening hours are not stated by the source | aruba.com, checked 25 Sep 2026 |
| Bushiribana gold mill ruins | Stone ruins of a gold mill from Aruba’s 19th century gold rush; gold production ran to 1916 | Windswept ruins you can walk around. Entry and hours are not stated by the source | aruba.com, checked 25 Sep 2026 |
| Natural Bridge remains | The largest and most photographed of Aruba’s natural bridges until it collapsed in 2005. The intact Baby Bridge is beside it | Between the Bushiribana ruins and Andicuri Beach. A souvenir shop and snack bar sit in a replica cunucu house | aruba.com, checked 25 Sep 2026 |
2. Jeep or UTV for this route
Both are used for the north coast, and the Aventurova UTV page lists these stops as UTV routes. If you also want the Natural Pool or Arikok National Park you need a Jeep, because UTVs cannot enter the park. Read Jeep or UTV in Aruba for the side by side, then rent a Jeep in Aruba or rent a UTV in Aruba. A Wrangler is from $259.99 a day and a UTV from $240 for 4 hours, before tax. (Aventurova Jeep and UTV pages, checked 25 Sep 2026) For the park itself, see the Arikok National Park guide and Natural Pool Aruba by Jeep.
3. Practical notes
- Pick-up and return are free at the airport, the cruise port, the Ponton 49 office or your hotel. (book.aventurova.com, checked 22 Sep 2026)
- The driver must be 23 or over, with a valid license and a credit card for the deposit. (Aventurova Terms, checked 25 Sep 2026)
- Fuel comes back at the level you took it, or $20 per 1/8 tank. Late return is $25 an hour (Jeep) or $50 (UTV). (Aventurova Terms, sections 6 and 8)
FAQ
Is the California Lighthouse open every day?
Yes: daily 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with a $5 entry fee. (aruba.com, checked 25 Sep 2026)
Can I still see the Natural Bridge?
The large bridge collapsed in 2005, but the remains and the smaller intact Baby Bridge next to it can still be visited. (aruba.com, checked 25 Sep 2026)
Can a UTV go to the Natural Bridge and the lighthouse?
Aventurova’s UTV page lists routes toward both. UTVs cannot enter the protected areas of Arikok National Park. (Aventurova UTV page and acf.aw, checked 25 Sep 2026)
Do I need a Jeep or a UTV?
Either works for this route. Choose a Jeep if you also want the park or the Natural Pool. Choose a UTV for a shorter coastal ride from $240 for 4 hours.
Sources (checked 20 to 25 Sep 2026)
- aruba.com pages (checked 25 Sep 2026): California Lighthouse ($5, daily 9:00 to 19:00, built 1910), Aruba’s Natural Bridges (collapse in 2005, Baby Bridge, snack bar), Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins (gold rush, production to 1916), Alto Vista Chapel (1750, free).
- Aruba Conservation Foundation, acf.aw/experiences (checked 25 Sep 2026): ATVs, UTVs and motorbikes prohibited in protected nature areas.
- Aventurova UTV and Jeep pages, aventurova.com/utv/ and /jeep/ (checked 25 Sep 2026): routes, prices.
- Aventurova Terms and live booking system (checked 22 to 25 Sep 2026): age, deposit, fuel, late fees, pick-up and return.