Aruba has long held a special place in the hearts of Canadian travelers—Canada remains the island’s second largest tourism market, with over 63,000 Canadian visitors in 2023. As tourism continues to play a vital role in Aruba’s economy, there’s a growing movement to make travel more responsible, sustainable, and community-focused.
To support this shift, Aruba invites visitors to go beyond the typical vacation experience and engage in voluntourism—a way to give back to the island while enjoying its natural beauty and culture. These opportunities align with The Aruba Promise, a pledge that encourages travelers to act mindfully, respect local culture, support communities, and help protect the environment.
Here are some meaningful ways to contribute during your trip:
1. Join Aruba Doet – The Caribbean’s Largest Volunteer Event
Hosted by CEDE Aruba, Aruba Doet takes place May 16–17, 2025, marking its 13th annual edition. This community-wide initiative welcomes both locals and visitors to participate in various social projects across the island. Activities include:
- Beach and nature cleanups
- Mural painting and decorating
- Gardening and landscaping
- Renovation and light construction work
Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, Aruba Doet offers a chance to connect with locals and make a direct impact.
2. Do-Good Program at Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
The Boardwalk Boutique Hotel encourages guests to give back through its multi-faceted Do-Good Program, offering hands-on ways to contribute to the island’s well-being:
Beach Cleanup – “Bucket Challenge”
Take a bucket from the hotel’s station, fill it with litter found on the beach, and post your contribution using #Boardwalkbucketchallenge. Hotel staff will recycle the collected waste, helping to keep Aruba’s coastline clean.
Donate a Crate!
Guests can support local families in need by adding a Baby, Hygiene, or Food Crate to their hotel bill. Donations go directly to Fundacion pa nos Comunidad (FPNC), Aruba’s community food bank. Monetary donations are also welcomed.
3. Environmental Volunteering at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
Eco-conscious travelers staying at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort can get involved with a number of sustainability initiatives:
Monthly Beach Clean-Up
Guests are invited to join the resort’s monthly beach clean-up alongside staff, helping to remove debris that threatens Aruba’s delicate ecosystems, including nesting grounds for endangered Leatherback sea turtles.
Pack for a Purpose
Visitors can participate in the Pack for a Purpose program by bringing essential supplies for local charities and schools—an easy way to give back before you even arrive.
Bucuti Tara – GMC Nature Preserve
In partnership with Ban Lanta y Planta, guests can join the effort to reforest a 30-acre nature preserve in the heart of Noord. Volunteers assist with planting trees and restoring biodiversity in one of Aruba’s few remaining green spaces.
Travel That Gives Back
Voluntourism in Aruba is more than just a feel-good experience—it’s a chance to become part of the island’s story, forge real connections, and leave a positive footprint behind. Whether it’s a few hours of beach cleanup or supporting local families through donations, every small action contributes to Aruba’s vision for a more sustainable, inclusive tourism future.
So, next time you book your Aruba getaway, consider adding a purpose to your paradise.
Discussion about this post