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 photo

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…

Arikok National Park photo

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…

Aruba Beaches photo

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 …

Natural Pool photo

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…

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