Aruba is a Caribbean beauty that knows how to please and pamper her guests with activities perfectly suited to their heart’s content precisely. Besides the things one can normally do in every Caribbean island, such as water sports, enjoying the crystal-clear waters and the sugary beaches, and entertaining themselves with nightly options or evening ventures, Aruba also invites to several, much more unique, experiences. Here are some ideas.
Workout Atop Hooiberg
Hooiberg (translated as “Mount Haystack” in Dutch) is an imposing 165-metre (541 ft) – high volcanic formation which, as expected, offers some of the most alluring and spellbinding views of Aruba. The combination of pristine vistas with an unmatched sense of tranquillity and peacefulness that distinguish Hooiberg also turns it into a dreamy place to try yoga, Pilates, meditation, or another spiritual or mindfulness practice; even tai chi. Its prestigious location in the heart of Aruba makes it seen from nearly across the island, while the 600 steps one needs to climb to get to the very top of the attraction is yet another great form of exercise!
Tip: Do come either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to catch the first or last rays of the sun, respectively, and, of course, heart-stopping vistas few human eyes get to see. And, don’t forget to bring some snacks and water as this is a lonely road to the top!
Climb the Ayo & Casibari Rock Formations
Some people look at the Ayo and Casibari rock formations and only see a pile of rocks and rock boulders. Others view real natural appeal and an incredibly appealing landscape. Although beauty, indeed, lies in the eyes of the beholder, nobody can question the magnificence of this scenic landmark.
Rock climbers will probably find the climb, which, by the way, is neither too challenging nor too steep (perfect for almost all fitness and expertise levels), fascinating. The wondrous geological formation is also popular with explorers who love trekking on the narrow pathways leading to the top. Once believed to be a sacred place for the Aruba Indians due to the many ancient Arawak petroglyphs seen on the site, the Ayo and Casibari rock formations reward those that dare take on this adventure and stop only when they reach the summit with stunning views of Aruba. Be prepared for some windy weather, though, once you get up there!
Swim in the Natural Pool
Apart from the adorable and diverse Aruba coastline that greets visitors with all sorts of beaches, from sugary and cosmopolitan to shores featuring rugged scenery and wilder seas, holidaymakers can also swim and snorkel at the Conchi Natural Pool that is part of the amazing Arikok National Park. Definitely nothing like a standard resort pool, this natural pool is surrounded by rocks, which act as breakwaters, protecting it from the rough sea.
To get there, you could either hike the nearly 5-kilometre (3 miles) -long trail (we recommend you do this either late in the afternoon or early in the morning) or rent an off-road-suitable 4 X 4 or UTV vehicle. Another alternative is to opt for a horseback riding adventure and gallop to the natural pool!
Stroll Through the Arikok National Park (or Choose the Activity you Fancy the Most)
The Arikok National Park is a protected area officially established in 2000 that covers almost 20% of the total Aruba land. It is assigned to protect and preserve the historical remains, alongside the geology, fauna, and flora of the island that’s present within the park, while providing numerous opportunities for visitors to enjoy different activities as they stroll, hike, climb, swim, or just relax anywhere within the 34 m2 (7900 acres) of Arikok.
Expect anything from spectacular bays adorned with sand dunes and white-sand beaches breaking the North Coast (such as Dos Playa and Boca Prins), a natural pool (see above for details), imposing caves (i.e., the Fontein Cave) whose ceilings host some of the oldest Arawak painting of the island, a volcanic lava formation, and rough hills, to mysterious limestone and tonalite boulders, spots where corals have been fossilised and turned into rocks, and the island’s tallest hills (namely the Arikok hill and the Jamanota hill at 176 and 188 metres, respectively).
Imagine the possibilities that present themselves to you, once you step foot on this amazing land! What you cannot do, though, is drive when inside the park. This includes both vehicles and motorbikes.
Get a Glimpse of Venezuela
Aruba is particularly close to the Venezuela coast (around 15 miles far). On a clear day, chances are you will be able to see the South American country. You just need to reach one of Aruba’s highest points, such as the Hooiberg rock or the Alto Vista Chapel. From the same spots, you can also catch romantic sunset views or even have a nice picnic with the sun slipping behind the horizon in the background.
Enjoy the Animated Aruba Nightlife
From exciting casinos lining Palm Beach and beachfront lounge bars to vibrant clubs and lots of local celebrations and festivals to join, Aruba comes forward with a plethora of entertainment options to relax, enjoy a delicious cocktail, dance the night away, or party until the wee hours. Some of the most popular venues on the island are @7 Club Lounge, Craft, Excelsior Casino, Gusto, Kukoo Kunuku, Pega Pega, and more, including lots of LGBTQ-friendly ones. An exciting alternative to experience the Aruba night scene is by hopping on the Party Bus – a colourful, open-air bus that includes tasty drinks, lively music, and memorable stops as you get to the coolest Aruba hangouts and bars.
Sample Local Cuisine
The Aruba dining scene is also magnetic and diverse, spoiling food lovers with dining options whose influences come from Spanish, African, Asian, Dutch, and other 90 cuisines. Whether you take delight in local flavours or international gastronomy, Aruba will definitely please you. You may treat your palate with a glass of the best wine or delicious fresh fish straight from the sea, or even meat, pasta, sushi, and seafood dishes at waterfront restaurants, gardens, rooftops or in the shallow of an 18th-century lighthouse!
Other Things to do in Aruba
- Play golf, baseball, soccer, and beach tennis.
- Go bowling at the Eagle Bowling Palace.
- Skydive
- Watch international drag races at the Palomarga Raceway Park.
- Have a spa treatment.
- Visit art galleries and museums like the Aruba Archaeological Museum, the Etnia Nativa Art Gallery & Museum, or the Terrafuse Aruba Glass Ceramics, to name a few.
- Join a music festival, such as the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival, the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, or the Aruba Summer Music Festival, and expect lots of dancing, drinking, and having fun.
Aruba is a Caribbean beauty that knows how to please and pamper her guests with activities perfectly suited to their heart’s content precisely. Besides the things one can normally do in every Caribbean island, such as water sports, enjoying the crystal-clear waters and the sugary beaches, and entertaining themselves with nightly options or evening ventures, Aruba also invites to several, much more unique, experiences. Here are some ideas.
Workout Atop Hooiberg
Hooiberg (translated as “Mount Haystack” in Dutch) is an imposing 165-metre (541 ft) – high volcanic formation which, as expected, offers some of the most alluring and spellbinding views of Aruba. The combination of pristine vistas with an unmatched sense of tranquillity and peacefulness that distinguish Hooiberg also turns it into a dreamy place to try yoga, Pilates, meditation, or another spiritual or mindfulness practice; even tai chi. Its prestigious location in the heart of Aruba makes it seen from nearly across the island, while the 600 steps one needs to climb to get to the very top of the attraction is yet another great form of exercise!
Tip: Do come either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to catch the first or last rays of the sun, respectively, and, of course, heart-stopping vistas few human eyes get to see. And, don’t forget to bring some snacks and water as this is a lonely road to the top!
Climb the Ayo & Casibari Rock Formations
Some people look at the Ayo and Casibari rock formations and only see a pile of rocks and rock boulders. Others view real natural appeal and an incredibly appealing landscape. Although beauty, indeed, lies in the eyes of the beholder, nobody can question the magnificence of this scenic landmark.
Rock climbers will probably find the climb, which, by the way, is neither too challenging nor too steep (perfect for almost all fitness and expertise levels), fascinating. The wondrous geological formation is also popular with explorers who love trekking on the narrow pathways leading to the top. Once believed to be a sacred place for the Aruba Indians due to the many ancient Arawak petroglyphs seen on the site, the Ayo and Casibari rock formations reward those that dare take on this adventure and stop only when they reach the summit with stunning views of Aruba. Be prepared for some windy weather, though, once you get up there!
Swim in the Natural Pool
Apart from the adorable and diverse Aruba coastline that greets visitors with all sorts of beaches, from sugary and cosmopolitan to shores featuring rugged scenery and wilder seas, holidaymakers can also swim and snorkel at the Conchi Natural Pool that is part of the amazing Arikok National Park. Definitely nothing like a standard resort pool, this natural pool is surrounded by rocks, which act as breakwaters, protecting it from the rough sea.
To get there, you could either hike the nearly 5-kilometre (3 miles) -long trail (we recommend you do this either late in the afternoon or early in the morning) or rent an off-road-suitable 4 X 4 or UTV vehicle. Another alternative is to opt for a horseback riding adventure and gallop to the natural pool!
Stroll Through the Arikok National Park (or Choose the Activity you Fancy the Most)
The Arikok National Park is a protected area officially established in 2000 that covers almost 20% of the total Aruba land. It is assigned to protect and preserve the historical remains, alongside the geology, fauna, and flora of the island that’s present within the park, while providing numerous opportunities for visitors to enjoy different activities as they stroll, hike, climb, swim, or just relax anywhere within the 34 m2 (7900 acres) of Arikok.
Expect anything from spectacular bays adorned with sand dunes and white-sand beaches breaking the North Coast (such as Dos Playa and Boca Prins), a natural pool (see above for details), imposing caves (i.e., the Fontein Cave) whose ceilings host some of the oldest Arawak painting of the island, a volcanic lava formation, and rough hills, to mysterious limestone and tonalite boulders, spots where corals have been fossilised and turned into rocks, and the island’s tallest hills (namely the Arikok hill and the Jamanota hill at 176 and 188 metres, respectively).
Imagine the possibilities that present themselves to you, once you step foot on this amazing land! What you cannot do, though, is drive when inside the park. This includes both vehicles and motorbikes.
Get a Glimpse of Venezuela
Aruba is particularly close to the Venezuela coast (around 15 miles far). On a clear day, chances are you will be able to see the South American country. You just need to reach one of Aruba’s highest points, such as the Hooiberg rock or the Alto Vista Chapel. From the same spots, you can also catch romantic sunset views or even have a nice picnic with the sun slipping behind the horizon in the background.
Enjoy the Animated Aruba Nightlife
From exciting casinos lining Palm Beach and beachfront lounge bars to vibrant clubs and lots of local celebrations and festivals to join, Aruba comes forward with a plethora of entertainment options to relax, enjoy a delicious cocktail, dance the night away, or party until the wee hours. Some of the most popular venues on the island are @7 Club Lounge, Craft, Excelsior Casino, Gusto, Kukoo Kunuku, Pega Pega, and more, including lots of LGBTQ-friendly ones. An exciting alternative to experience the Aruba night scene is by hopping on the Party Bus – a colourful, open-air bus that includes tasty drinks, lively music, and memorable stops as you get to the coolest Aruba hangouts and bars.
Sample Local Cuisine
The Aruba dining scene is also magnetic and diverse, spoiling food lovers with dining options whose influences come from Spanish, African, Asian, Dutch, and other 90 cuisines. Whether you take delight in local flavours or international gastronomy, Aruba will definitely please you. You may treat your palate with a glass of the best wine or delicious fresh fish straight from the sea, or even meat, pasta, sushi, and seafood dishes at waterfront restaurants, gardens, rooftops or in the shallow of an 18th-century lighthouse!
Other Things to do in Aruba
- Play golf, baseball, soccer, and beach tennis.
- Go bowling at the Eagle Bowling Palace.
- Skydive
- Watch international drag races at the Palomarga Raceway Park.
- Have a spa treatment.
- Visit art galleries and museums like the Aruba Archaeological Museum, the Etnia Nativa Art Gallery & Museum, or the Terrafuse Aruba Glass Ceramics, to name a few.
- Join a music festival, such as the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival, the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, or the Aruba Summer Music Festival, and expect lots of dancing, drinking, and having fun.