Aruba is best known for its beautiful, powdery white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, but there’s so much more to explore beyond the coast. From flavorful local dishes to unique cultural experiences and scenic landscapes, the island offers a variety of ways to connect, unwind, and discover at your own pace.
Water Activities
Aruba’s turquoise waters offer exciting options for those looking for fun on or under the clear Caribbean Sea. From sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling to deep sea fishing, surfing, kitesurfing, parasailing, and paddle-boarding, there are a large variety of water sports to enjoy in Aruba.
Scuba Diving
Aruba is known as the wreck-diving capital of the Caribbean. Along Aruba’s entire south coast is a coral reef with over 20 dive sites and nine diver-friendly wrecks, including a plane, tugboats, cargo ships, and historic vessels sunk by destiny or design. Dive operators offer expert instruction and are either PADI or NAUI certified dive centers.
Windsurfing/Kitesurfing
Known as one of the best locations to learn the sports of windsurfing and kitesurfing, Aruba’s flat-water locations, extensive shallows, and constant trade winds make this a paradise for these sports. Aruba hosts international competitions in the summer annually.
Deep Sea Fishing
Aruba is a haven for deep-sea fishing with some 18 sport-fishing charter companies offering half- and full-day excursions. They troll waters five to seven miles offshore for game fish like sailfish, blue and white marlin, dorado, wahoo, shark, barracuda, kingfish, bonito, amberjack, and blackfin and yellowfin tuna. Enjoy bottom fishing in shallower water (100-300 feet deep) drifting over spots known to have concentrations fo fish like snapper, grouper, triggerfish a, and squirrelfish.
Surfing/Paddle-Boarding
Wariruri is a great spot for wave sports like body boarding and surfing. Further on Dos Playa has faster, more powerful, and hollow waves. At both spots, waves break over the sand instead of coral. Andicuri and Boca Grandi also rank high with sports enthusiasts. Arashi Beach (on the leeward side near California Lighthouse) and Nanki reef (directly in front of Rodger’s Beach in Seroe Colorado) can have dream swells during winter months.
Standup paddle-boarding (SUP_ is a fun and easy way for everyone to play on the water, and you don’t have to be a surfer to learn.
Clients can take an exciting voyage 130 feet below the Caribbean Sea with Atlantis Submarines. They will enjoy viewing the remains of two shipwrecks, spectacular coral reefs, and an abundance of colorful sea life. Another option, Seaworld Explorer Semi Submarine, always remains above sea level, while its hull, which sits five feet below the surface, provides spectacular views of the Arashi coral reef’s abundant sea life, as well as the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, the World War II German freight, Antilla.
Beaches
Aruba’s beaches have the perfect natural elements for any kind of beach lover!
The island’s geographical contrasts allow you to choose total relaxation on stretches of soft, white sands on the west and south sides, explore secluded beaches and coves on the eask side (windward coast), and challenge the waters at the beaches situated at the north side of the island.
All beaches in Aruba are public access beaches. Caution should be exercised, as there are no lifeguards as is customary in the US and Canada.
West Coast
The seven-mile strip of beaches along the west coast highlights those powdery-white and soft sands and clear turquoise waters that have earned Aruba top accolades, including Conde Nast Traveler’s #1 ranking for best island for beaches in the world. Eagle Beach is characterized by silky white sands that stretch for miles and is notable nesting site for endangered sea turtles, while Palm Beach offers a lively collection of beach bars and restaurants, and a bevy of watersports to enjoy. Fisherman’s Huts, also known as Hadicurari Beach, is one of the most popular windsurfing and kitesurfing locations in the world. Several watersports operators are set up on the beach, providing both instruction and equipment rental. The calm, shallow, flat waters are also great for standup paddleboarding (SUP).
Windward Coast
In contrast, the beaches along with windward coast are in more secluded and undeveloped areas. There are coves carved out of limestone, inlets formed by pounding waves, unique natural phenomena, and craggy desert terrain. Both coasts afford spectacular Caribbean Sea views.
Island Tour Adventures
Whatever vehicle they choose (or on foot a hiking experience), guests can enjoy spectacular vies of scenic desert, rock formations, and amazing coast lines for unforgettable island experiences.
Aruba on Wheels
Be sure uncover hidden beauty that’s found on the island’s back roads A 4-wheel drive vehicle is the best way to explore this part of the island (UTVs and ATVs are no longer allowed in Arikok National Park). This is a great way to navigate the island in a single day without a map!
Horseback Riding
These tours of the island range from scenic hills to desert-like plans. Aruba’s topography offers a variety of exotic locations that will delight visitors looking to discover the island’s unique landscapes as they meander through cactus-studded desert terrain on Aruba’s gentle-gaited trail horses. Riding experience is not required, but sunscreen is recommended! We have several tour companies offering morning and late afternoon island tours.
Mountain Biking
There’s no better way to see the countryside first hand than mountain biking. Trails meander up to the Alto Vista Chapel and all along the rugged north east coast. The Aruba Tourism is working with our local mountain biking community, develophing more marked trails to explore. The weather is generally hot and sunny, but cyclists will appreciate Aruba’s cooling trade winds.
Casino & Nightlife
Whole many hotels have their own casino or special in-house entertainment, there is plenty of nightlife to cater to a variety of intersts with local atmospheres filled with exitement. Aruba’s night life offers a wide range of activities, from a quiet dinner on the beach to listening to a local band at one of the many beach bars along Palm Beach. Aruba truly has something for everyone! Please note that while the legal drinking age is 18, some nightclubs cater to the 21 and over age group. Make sure you find out if there are any restrictions before heading out for the evening.
Shopping
Aruba has a variety of shopping districts featuring a wide range of selections such as jewelry, table linens, perfumes, leather goods, designer fashons, electronics, locally make hadicrafts, Cuban cigars, Dutch Delft, Dutch cheeses, and may other goods.
