Experiences in Aruba

It’s true that we’re small, but we pack more fun and happiness into 70 square miles than any other Caribbean island.

We’re known for our perfect weather and legendary beaches, near-endless stretches of alabaster sand kissed by sparkling warm seas and hugged by the wind-curved trunks of our fofoti trees.

Venture beyond the sand and you’ll discover so much more. A sea full of life and shipwrecks. Pastel streets lined with shows, shopping and vibrant nightlife. An authentic, inviting culture. There’s no shortage of fun things to do here, it’s just a matter of finding which ones make you happiest.

The only thing easier than navigating our happy island is letting a local show you around the Aruba they know and love. By land, sea and even submarine, an organised group or individual sightseeing tour is a safe, authentic way for you and your family to explore all the beautiful corners of Aruba.

Experience our island like a true local, as you follow Aruban guides on off-road adventures to Baby Beach, beneath the waves to the wreck of the SS Antilla, or on horseback to Aruba’s hidden limestone coves. There’s no shortage of hidden gems to see, or friendly locals eager to share them with you.

From our lively capital to quiet seaside towns, pristine beaches to rugged desert, it’s easy to get around in Aruba. Aruban roads are safe and modern. You can rent a vehicle from Queen Beatrix International Airport and set off making our entire island your playground from the word go.

You can also easily find a taxi, hop on public transportation or organise a shuttle to and from hotels, resorts and attractions. And at just 70 square miles, our happy island is the perfect size for all your happy adventures.

A Caribbean Holiday in Aruba for Families
Our friendly people are eager to welcome you in English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento. With daily flights from all over the world and plenty of child-friendly resorts and accommodation, getting here, staying here and exploring our safe, happy island with your family is a doddle.

Bathed in consistent sunshine, you can play on our white-sand beaches and snorkel in our calm, clear waters; discover butterfly farms and donkey sanctuaries; or, sample the authentic specialities of our family restaurants. However your family defines happiness, let us help you find it. Enjoy your Caribbean family holiday to Aruba.

Eating in Aruba
In Aruba’s restaurants you’ll find fresh mahi mahi, red snapper and barracuda pulled from the sea and rubbed with creole seasoning. In upmarket restaurants and small local gems, stew pots bubble with rice, meats and rich Latin and African flavours.

All in the same day, you can indulge in traditional Dutch pancakes, sip ice-cold Aruba Aribas by the sea, and pile your plate high with pastechi—with a dash of spice from our local hot pepper sauce, pica di papaya. Around our tables, everyone is welcome.

Adventure travel in Aruba by Land and Sea
Indulge your wild side by windsurfing, kitesurfing, or cruising on a catamaran above the clear, calm turquoise waves. Or, scuba dive and snorkel through the reefs and shipwrecks beneath them. The warm southern Caribbean has graced Aruba with world-class water-sports.

Venture inland and you’ll find even more to experience. Explore the caves and ancient boulders of Arikok by foot, horseback, or ATV. Dive headfirst into the tranquil depths of “Conchi,” a hidden natural pool. It’s easy to wander our whole island in search of happy adventures.

From land to sea, Aruba’s diverse geography offers a variety of opportunities to explore in your quest for adventure.

 

Adventures on land
Whether it’s walking through our Arikok National Park, exploring our caves, mountain biking, horse riding or jumping behind the wheel of a quad or jeep, our scenic, cactus-studded countryside and breathtaking coastline offer you endless opportunities for adventure.

Adventures in the water
Kayak or paddleboard through mangroves forests populated with exotic birds and other local wildlife, snorkel our close-to-shore reefs brimming with colourful sea life, or scuba dive one of the many underwater wrecks that have earned Aruba the status of being one of the best wreck diving destinations in the Caribbean.

Adventure awaits here on the One happy island, where you can choose unique, exciting experiences such as taking a jeep tour through Arikok National Park, renting your own 4X4 vehicle to explore the rocky northern side of our island, go horse riding through the countryside and on the beach, potholing or even skydiving. If you prefer water adventures, Aruba offers amazing snorkelling opportunities along our reefs and exceptional scuba diving and wreck diving.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling in Aruba
Marvel at a diminutive damselfish as it guards its home among waving sea fans, or encounter a school of blue parrotfish. It’s all an everyday experience when snorkelling in Aruba. Lucky ones can even meet one of Aruba’s four sea turtle species swimming majestically by.

Aruba scuba diving is perfect for expert divers and new divers alike, with a variety of classes on offer to teach you how to get the most out of your underwater experience.

 

Parasailing in Aruba
Join the fun of parasailing on Palm Beach and experience the exhilaration at the moment the parachute fills with air. Up, up, and away! Taking flight along the scenic coast of Palm Beach with one of the many parasailing excursions offered on the island is a must for adventure seekers.

Parasailers board a speedboat that whisks them from the shores of Palm Beach out a few hundred yards where they are launched into the sky over the azure Caribbean Sea. The thrill starts as you lift up off the boat and into the air above Aruba’s coast.

 

Kayak & Canoeing in Aruba
Kayak through Aruba’s calm waters and mangrove lagoons along Aruba’s southern fringe. The inherently quiet nature of kayaking enables paddlers to observe the birds and marine species living among the mangroves without disturbing them.

Organised tours set out from Savaneta, making their way up the coast to popular spots such as Mangel Halto and the Spanish Lagoon. These tours offer knowledgeable guides and usually include snorkelling, swimming, beach time and lunch for an entire morning of enjoyment for the whole family.

 

Skydiving in Aruba
Welcome to Aruba! Jump into Paradise with Skydive Aruba!

A tandem skydive is the quickest and easiest way to experience the thrill of free fall at 120MPH, while securely attached in a harness to one of our professional instructors. There is no better place in the world to do skydive than right here on the beautiful island of Aruba..

With the views of Venezuela, Curacao and the crystal clear blue and green waters of the Caribbean below, Aruba offers you the most breathtaking views. No prior skydiving experience required. Skydive Aruba is owned and operated by Gabriel Richards and Thijs Landkroon who together have over 20 years experience in the Skydive and Aviation business.