Summary
Nestled in the Southern Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba’s warm climate and stunning natural beauty make it the ideal destination for a tropical island getaway. Whether you’re travelling with family or jetting off on a romantic break for two, you’ll fall in love with Aruba’s gorgeous beaches and year-round sunshine.
When your surroundings are this perfect, there’s no need to do anything but sit back and relax with a cocktail on the beach. But for those so inclined, the island’s watersports experiences, rugged Arikok National Park, lively cities and vibrant nightlife provide a delightful variety of adventure and activity.
Explore Aruba
Aruba
Description
Beach island paradise
As you’d expect from a Caribbean island, the beaches of Aruba are beautiful to behold. With warm, clear waters lapping gently at immaculate white sands, there are idyllic spots all around the island. The Palm Beach resort is the main tourist area in Aruba, buzzing with bars, restaurants and casinos that come alive after sunset. If you’re looking for something a little more secluded then head for Baby Beach in San Nicolas for quiet relaxation off the beaten track – enjoy a walk along the beach or shelter in thatched palapas to shield yourself from the heat of the sun.
Surfing, swimming and snorkelling
The turquoise-blue sea of Aruba is so inviting, you won’t be able to resist its charms! Above the water, windsurfing, waterskiing and sailing are an exhilarating way to enjoy the Caribbean, or plunge right in to the warm and inviting waters, with a spot of swimming, scuba diving or snorkelling. Aruba is home to four different species of turtle, and if you’re lucky, you might spot them during your stay. Snorkelling in the calm seas around the island you’ll have a good chance of encountering Leatherback, Hawksbill, Green or Loggerhead species (and if you visit during hatching season you may even spot baby turtles emerging onto the beach).
Oranjestad and the Bon Bini festival
Why wait til the weekend to party? In Aruba, every Tuesday is carnival time, with the weekly Bon Bini festival in Oranjestad. From early evening, the courtyard of Fort Zouman is filled with the sounds of celebration, with drums, calypso, dancing, traditional costumes and amazing local food. Through a spectacular stage show, you’ll learn about the history and rich culture of Aruba. With its colonial architecture, high-end shops and white sand beaches, the city of Oranjested has lots more to offer when the festival is over.
The art of Aruba
If you want to get to know the real character of Aruba, head to San Nicolas to experience a thriving art scene, with its unique and colourful street murals. Round every corner you’ll find vibrant new expressions of creativity – a cultural experience like no other. These masterpieces are free to explore at your leisure, and San Nicolas is also home to several formal art galleries which are well worth a visit. When you’ve had your fill of art, head to Boca Grandi for kitesurfing, Baby Beach for sunbathing, or Rodger’s Beach to relax in tranquility.
Island hopping in the Caribbean
Keen to explore? There’s no need to stay on Aruba for your whole break. Its location is ideal for island hopping and it’s easy to visit to nearby Curacao and Bonaire, both just a short trip by plane for a day trip with a difference. For an exotic experience you won’t get anywhere else, you can pay to visit Renaissance Island’s wonderful Flamingo Beach with its fabulous pink-tinged residents, an 8-minute boat ride from the ‘mainland’. Or combine your trip to Aruba with something completely different, such as a city break in New York or Miami. Check out our multi site trips to Aruba for the perfect Caribbean getaway.
