Aruba – Exploring the tropical paradise in the Caribbean

Get ready to be transported to a tropical Amsterdam while in Aruba. With its clear water, white sandy beaches, colorful fish, pastel colored Dutch houses and picturesque views, this fascinating Caribbean paradise provides a feeling as though one is truly soaking up the panoramic capital city of the Netherlands itself.

Aruba, situated in the Netherlands Antilles, has become a prime destination for honeymooners and leisure travelers in the Caribbean. There is so much to do and see here. If you are also planning a fun-filled vacation in Aruba, here are some of the top activities and pastime that will keep you engaged throughout your stay.

Kayaking

The exciting sport of kayaking has gained immense popularity in Aruba over the years. It offers opportunity to explore Aruba’s coast in a unique way. A kayaking tour here starts at the beautiful Mangel Halto Beach and takes you alongside the gorgeous mangrove forests, mysterious lagoons and caves. You will be able to observer different forms of marine life while gliding along the crystal clear lagoon’s surface. Most of the hotels on the island offer free use of kayaks or guided tours for their guests.

Scuba Diving

Aruba is renowned for its interesting coral formations and spectacular shipwrecks, which dominate its underwater realm. The 400-foot Antilla wreck here is considered to be the largest in the Caribbean. Aruba is great favorites with scuba divers because of its popularity as one of the main wreck diving destinations in the Caribbean. It provides opportunity to visit 11 wrecks and over 20 dive sites. Scuba diving in Aruba is undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable experiences.

Snorkeling

Aruba is one of the best places in the Caribbean for a relaxing snorkel vacation. Best snorkeling experience awaits here with the plenty coral reefs, awesome marine life and some great locations for wreck diving. The famous Antilla shipwreck, said to be the Caribbean’s largest, is worth checking out. It would also be great to visit the popular Palm Beach and Eagle Beach for fantastic snorkeling experience. The three famous snorkel stops in Aruba include Catalina Bay, Antilla Wreck and the Arashi Reef. The calm waters of the shallow Catalina Bay are the best to see colorful tropical fishes. The Arashi Reef is also great to spot angelfish, parrotfish and octopus.

Sailing

Experience some excellent sailing and boat trips in Aruba with flat, shallow water and the most consistently reliable winds in the Caribbean. Sunset sail on Aruba’s azure seas is great fun, pure relaxation, and simply fascinating. Whether you are planning for a sailing cruise with a yacht, a teak schooner, a luxury catamaran, a rented Hobie Cat, you will simply fall in love with the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

Must-visit Places/Attractions

Aruba is home to some popular attractions and places. The capital city Oranjestad is a must visit, particularly for its Dutch architecture and many pastel colored buildings. Among other places to visit here are Archaeological Museum and Numismatic Museum. The Archaeological Museum has a wide collection of shells, stones and ceramic artifacts, and acquaints you with the old traditions, deep-rooted beliefs and customs of the island. The Numismatic Museum is home to above 35,000 different pieces of currency from over 400 countries.