Country guides
Caribbean
Things to do in Aruba
Windsurfing and kite surfing are undeniably two of the biggest drawcards for visitors to Aruba, with the island providing some of the best conditions possible in the world for these two sports. Whether a beginner or an expert, there are spots suitable for everyone as well as plenty of schools and shops that provide lessons and equipment hire. Further water-based activities include snorkelling and diving along the shallow, world-class coral reefs, tubing, banana-boating, and much more.
Holidaymakers with a yen for horseback riding can indulge themselves in Aruba's topography, which provides plenty of adventurous and enjoyable excursions, from sand dunes to arid desert plains. Riding experience is not required to join a guided outing from one of the two main horse-riding operators, Rancho Notorious and Rancho Del Campo. Most excursions take in the island's sights and landmarks, such as the Arikok Hills, the lighthouse and natural bridge.
A visit to the waterfront in Oranjestad is all it takes for deep-sea fishing enthusiasts to hire themselves a private boat with captain and crew, for a day or a few hours, to set out to sea in search of game. The island's temperate offshore waters boast a wide variety of Atlantic game fish, including white and blue marlin, Barracuda, Shark, Blackfin, Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna. In high season charters may be difficult to come by, so it may be wise for visitors to book ahead through their hotels.
And of course, for the less actively inclined, there are miles and miles of pristine white beaches, fringed with palm trees and ringed with warm, bright blue water.
San Nicolaas
San Nicolaas is the industrial centre of Aruba, and the island's oldest and largest town. Until the late 19th century it was a small fishing village but all this changed with the m…
San Nicolaas
San Nicolaas is the industrial centre of Aruba, and the island's oldest and largest town. Until the late 19th century it was a small fishing village but all this changed with the mining of phosphate on the island, and more recently the discovery of oil off the coast of Venezuela. The town provides a glimpse of old British-Caribbean charm and contains a handful of restaurants and shops, most notable in a section of the town's main road that has been turned into a promenade. There are a few popular beaches to the east of the town that offer good swimming and snorkelling opportunities and are suitable for families.
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park encompasses a significant chunk of the interior and a long stretch of the northern coast. The park has miles of well-marked hiking trails and this, for most, i…
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park encompasses a significant chunk of the interior and a long stretch of the northern coast. The park has miles of well-marked hiking trails and this, for most, is the best way to discover it. Between the towering cacti and the contorted divi-divi trees lie the best preserved Indian cave paintings on the island, deserted plantation houses, and the ruins of an old gold mine. There are also two ancient Aruban adobe huts, made entirely from materials found on the island, which have been carefully restored using traditional building techniques. The huts give a fascinating insight into the life of Arubans before they were able to import many useful materials into the country.
Website www.arubanationalpark.org
Aruba Beaches
Just north of the capital, Aruba's best stretch of beaches extends four miles (7km) between Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. The endless golden sand and crystal-clear shallow water has …
Aruba Beaches
Just north of the capital, Aruba's best stretch of beaches extends four miles (7km) between Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. The endless golden sand and crystal-clear shallow water has attracted crowds and with them the high-rise, luxury hotel complexes that line the beach. There is no shortage of bars and restaurants to choose from and beachgoers are able to hire all sorts of toys, including kayaks, windsurfers, snorkelling gear and catamarans. North of Palm Beach there are many colourful reefs and shipwrecks to entice divers and snorkellers. Some shallower reefs are so close to the shore that it's possible to walk out into waist-high water to look at the sponges and coral.
Natural Pool
Also known as 'Conchi' or 'Cura di Tortuga', Aruba's Natural Pool is a must-see tourist attraction. It is formed from a depression in the surrounding volcanic rock, and filled by t…
Natural Pool
Also known as 'Conchi' or 'Cura di Tortuga', Aruba's Natural Pool is a must-see tourist attraction. It is formed from a depression in the surrounding volcanic rock, and filled by the spray of the tide smashing into the deserted coastline below. The Natural Pool is a unique geological formation, and a tranquil place to spend the day swimming. The pool is situated in the heart of Aruba's most rugged terrain, and is inaccessible by car; however, visitors can hire or charter a Jeep to take them there, or hike there, or (most romantic of all) get there on horseback.