Aruba Vacations Provide Pleasure for All Traveler Tastes
With the highest number of return visitors in the Caribbean, Aruba has become known for its variety of tourist activities that are sure to please every crowd. Energetic families, quiet couples and adventurous groups can all find a custom vacation that fits their interests, be it total tranquility or non-stop adventure.
Aruba Beaches and Snorkeling
Aruba is home to some of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches, perfect for tourists seeking a vacation aimed at R&R. From laying on the white sand beaches to heading into the surf for a leisurely snorkel, Aruba's beaches are second to none when it comes to finding the perfect spot to relax.
Great for families with kids, Baby Beach really lives up to its name with its smooth sand and shallow waters - perfect for little ones to safely splash around, and making it an ideal spot for snorkeling novices. Rental snorkel gear is readily available, and the site is often noted for scores of brightly colored fish and calm waters.
If looking for other perfect snorkel locations, the search stops at Malmok Beach and Boca Catalina. Both locales are popular for masked marine watchers, as the calm, shallow waters and variety of ocean creatures draw snorkelers of all ages and abilities.
For the more experienced beachgoer, Arashi Beach on the northwest side of Aruba has it all: calm seas and a sandy ocean floor make for ideal swimming conditions, and a beautiful reef ups the ante for seasoned snorkelers. The snorkel crowd will enjoy Arashi's reef, which reaches a depth of 15 feet and sees regular appearances by schools of tropical fish, turtles, crabs and octopus. Tourists who prefer to stay on dry land can delight in a slow-paced jaunt to the famed California Lighthouse for a prime photo opp.
If relaxing isn't the primary beach objective, popular spots including Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are places to revel in the action of Aruba. Palm Beach stretches along the island's main resort hub, meaning water sport rentals and beachfront amenities are abundantly available for tourists. Bonus: the sand is sifted daily by the surrounding hotels, creating a perfectly smooth surface for walking down the beach to take in the scene, or to simply roll out a towel and sunbathe.
Aruba Scuba Diving and Adventure
Thrill-seeking travelers will find Aruba'd offerings right up their alley, as the island boasts a number of unique adventures. Whether it's scuba, sail or surf, adrenaline junkies will find that seaside opportunities make for the best adventures.
Aruba is a haven for certified scuba lovers, boasting a number of quality dive spots and shipwrecks. The island's most popular dive is the Antilla, the Caribbean's largest shipwreck that is often cited for being both easy and interesting. The ship can be seen from the surface, making it a dual attraction for snorkelers and scuba divers, but the braver souls will want to make the 50-plus foot dive to the sunken boat's port side to get a better view of the coral formations, angelfish, eels, octopus and puffers that flank the wreck site.
For beginners, the WWII-era Pedernalis shipwreck is a perfect Aruban scuba intro as it sits just over 30 feet below the surface and boasts angelfish and grouper among its commonly sighted marine life. The Tugboat shipwreck or one of Aruba's two sunken airplane sites are also popular destinations for scuba divers on the island.
Adventure seekers that are more into skimming the surf than going under the sea will find that Aruba has a number of water sports and excursions to offer. Hadicurari Beach is known for its windsurfing, and Palm Beach revelers can hop aboard a sailboat or cocktail cruise excursion for even more fun in the sun. Jetski rentals and parasailing are also popular options at many of the busier public beaches.
Sightseeing and other Aruba Tourist Attractions
Beachside mainstays aren't for everyone, so for vacationers looking to hit dry land and see the sites, Aruba has a variety of locales to satisfy your tourist tastes.
History buffs will find nature's throwback treasures when visiting Aruba's ancient caves and tunnels. Once home to the Arawak Indians, the Fontein and Guadirikiri Caves are two of the island's oldest and now house centuries-old native drawings and hundreds of bats.
Nature lovers will want to visit Arikok National Park, situated in the famed Aruban deserts and home to many unique species including everything from tropical birds to flowers.
For a more structured tourist activity, a visit to the Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory might be in order. Learn about the rich history of the island's top export, and take home a sample or two of aloe vera to cool sun kissed skin after a long day of Aruban adventures.
Erin Keaveney writes articles about Aruba vacation travel for the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino.
