Things To Do
Cruise Magazine has just voted Arubas beaches Number One in the world,
so if you are beach bums like us, or travelling with children, chances are youll have to be prised from the sand! But when you eventually leave them, what is there to do? Here are some answers....
Nightlife
When the sun goes down, a whole different side of Aruba comes to life. Remember - the days in Aruba dont end with the sunset, they just start all over again! All of the hotels have entertainers and shows, and with Aruba being so safe, the night time is just one long, lovely party, with every one out for a good time!
Go Dining
Aruba's diverse dining scene has given the island the well-deserved reputation of being the culinary mecca of the Caribbean. Its cultural melting pot brims with flavours and cooking traditions from all reaches of the world.Try the taste sensations of regional Caribbean fare, experience the traditions of various European countries, or relish the spice of the Far East - all prepared by top award-winning chefs.
Enjoy one of the island's many seaside al fresco venues, relax in the cool sophistication and rich decor of upscale cosmopolitan locales, or enjoy a cappuccino and a pastry at one of the casual street cafes.
Go To The Shows
Many hotels have large modern theatres featuring live entertainment imported from the US and Central America.
Local Aruban musicians are very professional, and usually perform at "Theme Nights." You can catch parties with themes such as Arubas spectacular Carnival, the islands thrilling pirate history, Latin Salsa beats, or the traditional favourite limbo night!
They invite audience participation, so be ready to party on down! See talented singers in any of the hotel bars, or mambo and salsa shows around the pools.
Go Clubbing
Ask any local which disco is "the" happening place at the moment and youll find all of the excitement right there. E-Zone in Oranjestad, near the harbour, is one of the popular night clubs, and if you like house music Dutch style go to The Cellar! There are other nightclubs for all ages, like Club 2000, Palladium and City One, as well as many bars like Iguana Joes and Mambo Jambos where you can sip cocktails and thrill to the salsa beat with the locals.
Go To The Bars
Party on down in Oranjestad, or sit and watch the sun go down over the Caribbean sea in any one of countless quiet beach bars. Swing in beach hammocks and sip cocktails like the Mosquito, (aarghh!!) the Lethal Lizard (not for the faint hearted!) or a simple pina colada, while the famous green flash of the setting sun heralds the magical appearance of that famous Caribbean moon.
Go On Excursions
Take a cruise on a sunset party boat that has a disco on board! Midnight swing from ropes into the warm ocean! Experience the magic of the tropical moon as it inspires the most reluctant feet to dance to popular island rhythms, and your favourite tunes past and present! Dance and enjoy dinner under star filled skies while the talented crews entertain you!
You also could hop onto a party bus (our favourite) and have a tropical cocktail in the hottest bars in town and learn some salsa dancing. On the way you will get in the right party mood with contagious music on the bus, and some buses even have room to dance!
Sailing And Boating
As lovely as it is to gaze at the horizon from Arubas shores, the view of the island itself is a dazzling spectacle from the sea! Many partake of sailing adventures at all times of day and night. Some prefer to choose water sports expeditions, while others prefer a dinner cruise, and still others opt to dance on the decks into the night with the excitement of a midnight dip!
Along Aruba's southern coastline, the smooth ocean is great for sailing and the steady trade winds ensure favourable sailing conditions. You can rent a Sunfish or a Minifish, practically untippable little pleasure sailboats that are terrific fun for skimming along the beach. You can also go sailing on a catamaran, a trimarin or a ketch.
Most day cruises include snorkelling as a part of their itinerary. Mask, fins and snorkels are supplied and boats will usually anchor near a large German tanker that was sunk just offshore. or just rent some gear and do your own thing!
Go beyond snorkelling and try "SNUBA" (SNorkeling + scUBA). Air tanks float on rafts on the ocean and several 20 ft air hoses provide oxygen to the swimmer below the surface.
The hoses permit underwater explorers as young as eight years old to safely descend to a depth of 20 feet with the aid of a SNUBA-instructor, allowing for unique views of colourful fish and intriguing coral formations.
The constant 15-knot trade winds, along with the variety of flat-water locations and challenging wave conditions, have made Aruba one of the most popular spots on earth for windsurfers. Whether you're a beginner, an expert or anywhere in between, you can find a suitable location for your skill level.
Novices can take advantage of the gentler winds, abundance of rental equipment and instructors along the island's southern shore. Advanced students and experts have a choice of any number of prime locations along the northern and southeastern coasts.
Every year in June, Aruba hosts the Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge windsurfing tournament. This ten-day competition attracts the most competitive professional windsurfers and hundreds of amateurs to the island of Aruba and is sanctioned by the PBA (Professional Board sailers Association).
Many Americans and Latin Americans choose Aruba as their vacation paradise specifically because of their love for glitzy and glamorous casinos! You can spend so much time in the lavishly appointed casinos, it can be hard to tell the difference between night and day!
A few casinos are open 24 hours a day. In general, opening hours are 11 a.m. for slots and 1 p.m. through early morning for table games. Hours vary seasonally, so please check before making plans. No one under 18 is allowed in the casinos.
The larger casinos feature live first class entertainment imported from other countries such as the United States and Latin America.
Jeep Tours and Off Road Adventure
Take the road less travelled and discover an Aruba full of surprises. Theres a full-day guided "adventure caravan", includes such diverse sights as the California Lighthouse, the picturesque Alto Vista Chapel the historical gold mill ruins of Bushiribana, the amazing Natural Bridge, carved solely by the pounding waves of the rugged Northern seaside for the last 200 years, and the mysterious Ayo Rock Formation with its authentic Indian drawings. After having explored the dusty Northern Trail, its time for a well deserved mouth watering lunch at one of Aruba's
Rancho Notorious, "Home of Aruba's Happy Horses."
most spectacular snorkel sites ... De Palm Island.
This privately owned coral reef island is home to an incredible breed of Blue Parrot Fish. Even first-time snorkellers will soon agree that this will be an unforgettable experience. A must-do, can't leave Aruba without doing it, adventure.
For those who like to explore the outback, what better way than to go "off-roading", 4X4 style! A guided half-day safari will take you through the island's unique and rugged landscape allowing you to drive your own topless off-road vehicle on this "Shake & Bake" adventure.
Or you could rent a jeep from the many rental companies, and do it yourselves!
Go, Bikers!
All manner of vehicles can be rented on a daily basis from the many rental companies, including authentic Harley Davisons! Go for it, and explore the island!
Horseback Riders!
Aruba's topography offers a variety of exotic locations for adventurous visitors. From the challenging sand dunes to the desert-like plains that will make you feel like the star of your own western motion picture. Riding experience is not required, but suntan lotion is recommended!.
Located a short 5 minutes from the high-rise hotels, this ranch offers 3 different trails for the young and young at heart.
Rancho Daimari: Features trips through gorgeous, rugged terrain to Aruba's Natural Pool.
Rancho Del Campo,
Trips to the Aruban countryside and the Natural Pool.
Rancho El Paso,
Trips to the Aruban countryside and along the coastline.
Tierra del Sol
At the island's northwest tip is Aruba's first world-class golf course. The 18-hole, par-71 course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II to take full advantage of Aruba's unique and rugged natural surroundings.
From the wild, green parakeets on the organ-pipe cactus to the lizards and salamanders that bask on rock formations, the wildlife of Tierra del Sol has become an attraction in its own right.
Afterward, golfers can relax at the clubhouse or swimming pool which includes a pro shop, locker rooms, and restaurant with a panoramic view.
Aruba Golf Club
Located at the opposite end of the island near San Nicolaas, the Aruba Golf Club features a 9-hole course with 20 sand traps and 5 water traps. The clubhouse is complete with bar, storage rooms, workshop and separate mens and ladies rooms with showers and lockers.
Miniature Golf
Billed as the world's largest miniature golf course, Adventure Golf is a spectacular wonderland surrounded by rushing waterfalls and is popular with families in the cooler evening hours.
Seaworld Explorer
If youre a little uncertain about donning scuba diving and snorkelling gear, but have a yen to admire Arubas glorious spectacles that reside under the sea, then this cruise is for you! View Arubas spectacular underwater world from a traditional glass bottom boat on the morning and afternoon trips to the German wreck, Antilla and Arashi coral reef. Relax or work on your tan from the upper deck as you enjoy the scenic view of the coastline during the ride and then hop down to admire the reefs.
Atlantis Submarine
Explore the Caribbean at 150 feet below surface on board the 46 passenger state-of-the-art Atlantis Submarine.
Following a brisk catamaran ride from downtown Oranjestad to the dive site, youll board Atlantis Submarine for an unforgettable journey into Arubas mysterious underwater world.
Sea Trek
Take a walk 20 feet below the surface using a special diving helmet. Your face and hair will remain completely dry. You can even wear glasses! These tours are fully guided and narrated.
Whatever you like to do, Aruba can satisfy!
And we can guarantee one thing, once you get off that sand, youll never be bored in Aruba!