I think it’s fair to say that no one really needs an excuse to want to visit the Caribbean, right? 🙂 The Caribbean has long since appealed to travelers across the globe and is becoming increasingly accessible to lots more people, which is definitely a great thing.
Now, you’ve decided you want to go to Aruba in the Caribbean (good choice on your part there), and although you know how stunning it will be, there’s that niggling little question of what to get up to when you get there (aside from soaking up sunshine and cocktails)…
Well, we’ve got you covered there. 🙂 Here are 8 fun experiences you definitely should have when you’re on that lovely Caribbean island of Aruba!
1. Soak in the Sunshine and the Sights at Eagle Beach
Heads up – make sure you bring along your sunglasses as that bright white sand is pretty much guaranteed to dazzle your eyes! Oh, and don’t forget your camera while you’re at it too – you owe it to everyone else at home to show them how much fun you’re having in Aruba, and the beach is perfect for capturing those moments! Best of all, although this is a very popular beach, it’s rarely overcrowded, which is always a winning point for pretty much every beach lover. Also, be sure to stick around to check out the sunset here; it’s stunning, perhaps even more so with a drink in hand.
2. Take Part in the Bon Bini Festival
This weekly festival at Fort Zoutman is a great opportunity to experience Aruba’s culture. Enjoy steel pan music at its best and learn a few dance moves from friendly locals while you’re at it! Chances are you don’t have to work the next day, so come prepared to join in the fun.
3. Go Scuba Diving
Like seriously, you’re in one of the best places in the world for scuba diving. This is probably the ideal time to get certified (if you aren’t already) and experience one of the most diverse and colorful species of aquatic life in the world.
4. Spend an Afternoon in Oranjestad
Explore Aruba’s old Dutch capital on foot and fall in love (or at least, deep lust) with the many pastel-colored Dutch buildings that line its streets. It’s also a fantastic place to shop and try out local Aruban cuisine, so make some time to slowly explore Oranjestad and soak in all that Aruba has to offer.
5. Trek Across the Arikok National Park
Rugged, wild, and enchanting, the park is a definite must-visit though I must caveat that you don’t have to trek through the park to actually enjoy it! You can opt for a jeep tour around the park instead. For a small entry fee, you can tour the caves, take a dip in cool natural pools, or just kick back and slowly enjoy its pure rustic beauty.
6. Go Sailing
Again, you’re in one of the best places to go sailing – complete, of course, with the occasional stop to go snorkeling. You can do this by day, leaving you free for the evening’s festivities on land, watch the sunset, or perhaps even try a nighttime dinner cruise like the sophisticated folk probably would. The point is, there’s enough choice out there that the time of day is no excuse for not taking an almost mandatory sailing trip in Aruba. 🙂
7. Join in on the Barhopping Buses
This sounds like the best pub crawl ever and perhaps the best way to make new friends on the island. No need to worry about how to get around. No need for a designated driver, and with all of this, you get to experience an important and exciting part of Aruba – its nightlife!
8. Spend an Afternoon in Philips Animal Garden
This one’s a bit of a slower pace but no less interesting. Also, chances are that after your night on the barhopping buses, you’ll be grateful for the laid-back experience of visiting this world of animals and kicking back in the sunshine while you do so.
