We should begin by covering the fundamentals:
People: the Aruban people are laid back and welcoming to everyone. The vast majority of the population speaks a minimum of four languages - English, Dutch, Papiamento, and Spanish. Locals are eager to help make your trip an incredible experience; so don't be afraid to ask for directions or recommendations for dinner. Also, the locals would be happy to teach you a few words in Papiamento.
Weather: with an average of 82-degree Fahrenheit temperature year-round and a cooling north-easterly breeze all day long, Aruba's weather is consistent and predictable. The island is located outside of the hurricane belt, so you can safely visit any time of the year.
Safety: Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. The Ordinary Traveler ranks Aruba as the safest island in the Caribbean and offers some common sense advise to not leave your belongings unattended.
Travel: Aruba's International Airport (AUA) generally has over 150 flights from around the world including the United States, Canada, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, South America, and other Caribbean islands. Passengers traveling to the United States enjoy US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance upon departure from Aruba as an added benefit. This means that upon arrival in the United States you are considered a domestic passenger and can proceed straight to baggage claim without the hassle of waiting in line with other arriving international passengers. You can even use Global Entry clearance kiosks at the airport in Aruba. Also, you do not need to be concerned about currency exchange if traveling from the United States as the US Dollar can be used at all local establishments.
Now for the fun stuff:
In Aruba, there is something for everyone, whether you seek adventure, relaxation, excitement, gambling, or a combination of these experiences.
Beaches
Aruba boasts some of the Caribbean's most pristine sandy beaches that extend for miles. All beaches in Aruba are accessible to the public, including those located in front of hotels. Visitors are invited to relax by the ocean, take leisurely walks along the shore, or partake in various water activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, tube riding, and more. As the day comes to a close, you can treat yourself to breathtaking sunsets that showcase nature's beauty.
Adventure: Land and Sea
Aruba offers numerous opportunities for adventure, whether on land or at sea.
Land
Jeep safari: Explore the rugged side of Aruba by Jeep. You could do this on your own, but if you want some guidance, there are several tour operators that provide you with guided tours where you are the driver and follow the guide and even some that will drive for you. Explore some of Aruba's natural wonders, its rugged terrain, the national park, oceanside caves, and even take a dip in "Conchi", Aruba's unique natural pool, that can only be reached in a true 4x4 high-clearance vehicle.
Party bus: Okay, so this may not exactly fit with the other activities, however, it is on land and it certainly is an adventure! Join others on a bus tour around the island where the attractions are Aruba's many cool local bars. Your entire bar hopping tour is accompanied by drinks, festive music, and some of the coolest people you will ever meet. For those of you that can carry a tune (or not) there is also a Karaoke party bus tour.
Horseback riding: Why not explore the island on horseback? There are many options to choose from when it comes to horseback riding in Aruba. Take a leisurely sunset stroll, explore Aruba's country side, escape to Aruba's sand dunes, visited secluded beaches, or combine several of these options to make your very own custom experience. Horses are well-trained and cared for, and an expert guide will be with you throughout your journey for your safety and to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Land surfing: Yes, that is actually a thing! Not ready to go wind or kite surfing in the ocean, why not try your hand at land surfing? An exhilarating experience well worth your time.
Beach tennis: Now here's something that you can do with the whole family or with the friends you just made in Aruba.
Many other options: Obviously there is a lot more to explore on land in Aruba. Some other activities include, sky diving (okay, technically not quite a land activity), visit the Ostrich, Butterfly and Donkey farms, play golf, mountain biking, beach yoga, UTV tours (check out our blog post on this), Segway tours, trike tours, walking tours, bird watching, zip lining, rock climbing, and many more.
Sea
Deep sea fishing: It is not for the faint of heart, but certainly a wonderful experience. You even get to keep your catch and cook up some of the freshest seafood.
Snorkeling: Or you can choose to simply admire ocean life up close and personal, snorkeling by simply walking into the ocean or taking one of many snorkeling tours.
Scuba diving: If you want to get even closer, you can take a guided scuba diving trip. If you are a certified diver, remember to bring your credentials. If you are not a certified diver, you can still participate in the experience as many local dive shops offer a compressed training program that covers all the basics on land, followed by practice in a swimming pool, culminating in a divemaster guided exploration in the ocean.
Windsurfing, stand-up-paddle boarding, kite surfing: The constant northeasterly wind in Aruba makes it the perfect location for wind and kite surfing. It's no wonder why Aruba is internationally recognized as one of the top places for the sports. You can participate in the activities whether you are a seasoned surfer or completely clueless. There are numerous operators that offer rental equipment for experienced guests or provide lessons with an experienced instructor.
Many other options: The possibilities are too numerous to name, but you can also enjoy sailing, kayaking, canoeing, Jetlevving, and Seabobbing among others.
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