Aruba is known for its fantastic beaches and the carefree nature that you will feel once your toes touch its pristine sands. However, it’s not just lounging by the waters that you can do while you are here on this beautiful island. The country has a lot more to offer due to its geographical assets and its people’s sheer will to give tourists more bang for their buck. These are the top ten things that you can do on your next trip to this island paradise.
Table of Contents
10. Go to the Beach
Aruba boasts several beaches. However, Eagle Beach is the most popular beach in Aruba. It is an extensive stretch of beautiful sand and crystal clear waters. Found very near the country’s capital, tourists can make the day trip and get back to the city within just a few hours. Water activities such as snorkeling and kayaking can be done in the calm and clear waters, while dining opportunities are also plenty. Here, visitors can wine and dine to their hearts’ content.
9. Look at Houses at Oranjestad
If you are a fan of house designs and quirky architecture, then Aruba is the place to go. Oranjestad, the country’s capital city, is home to vibrantly designed and colored houses that are primarily painted in pastel. Tourists can appreciate the fantasy-like appeal of the homes that can be found here. These are also great places to take photographs in, as the colors that will greet you will surely be unique.
8. Eat Seafood
Aruba is one of the places where you can find the best seafood. Home to many kinds of fish and other marine species, you can visit restaurants where the most delectable dishes will be served. You can experience authentic Caribbean style cooking, although others offer varying themes as well. Tourists can also enjoy dynamic menus – dishes offered depending on what was caught during that day. This way, you will definitely get to enjoy sumptuous foods that are as fresh as they can be as they were literally just caught from the sea.
7. Visit an Aloe Factory
Aloe vera is a plant that is very common in Aruba. For this reason, numerous products made of aloe are made on the island, and much of the imported aloe came from the island. Visiting an aloe factory will let you see how the plant is cultivated, harvested, and ultimately processed to create the final product. This would provide you with insights on how useful this plant is, as well as give you ideas and even inspiration to grow your own aloe plants for your own use.
6. Go Wreck Diving
For the more adventurous, you can sign up for wreck dives. The most famous wreck in Aruba, the Pedernales oil tanker, can be found here. There are other minor sites where you can go looking for wrecks or simply just enjoy diving. Take note, though, that prior experience to diving may be required to visit some sites. However, beginners can simply dive for fun or simply get lessons and get certified.
5. Go for a Cruise
Aruba has breathtaking sunsets, and there is no better way to enjoy them than to take a cruise. Tickets to cruises come relatively cheap, and you can enjoy parties or you can just sit back, relax, and take in the view as the sun slowly descends over the horizon. This is certainly one of the things that you should not miss out on while in Aruba, as the sights that you will see are certainly ones to remember.
4. See Local Wildlife
The island is home to different species, and you can get up close and personal with them. Locations of note are Donkey Sanctuary and Flamingo Beach. Here, donkeys and flamingos are within touching distance. You may even feed and pet them. Of course, taking pictures and selfies with these majestic creatures should certainly be at the top of your list when visiting these places.
3. Look at Murals at San Nicolaas
San Nicolaas is a quick ride that would certainly be worth a trip. This is because this site is the home of colorful and beautifully painted that you can find on the sides of different building s and establishments. This type of street art highlights the talents of local artists, and it also attracts multitudes of tourists each day. Each mural is different from the other, and it is fully endorsed by the government. Take pictures and appreciate the beauty of these fabulous pieces of art.
2. Visit Arikok National Park
Nature-lovers should make it a point to make Arikok National Park a part of their itinerary. Home to different species of cacti as well as ancient rock paintings, you can also do treks in order to appreciate the different types of wildlife available on the island. You may also visit the Fontein cave where natural rock formations can be found. Arikok National Park is a wide expanse of land where you can see the different geographical wonders that Aruba has been blessed with.
1. Go Gambling
It may sound as a surprise, but Aruba is home to several casinos. The Stellaris Casino at Aruba Marriott Resort is the largest casino on the island, and you can enjoy gambling as well as shows all night long. If you are not a gambling man, then you can simply enjoy the nightlife with the nightly parties or even have a quiet time at the bar. Although Aruba is known for its adventures under the sun, the night offers some great times, as well.
Visiting Aruba means that you will not run out of things to do. The island is chock-full of activities that you and your family, friends, and loved ones will really enjoy. There are activities for everybody, and each one will bring you some memorable and amazing experiences. You will definitely see that it’s not all about beaches when you go visit Aruba. There are lots of things to do and various things to discover, making your trip definitely one for the books.
