Flights to Aruba

Things to do and places of interest in

Aruba is famous for its superb beaches, wind-sculpted landscapes, and some of the best wreck diving in the Caribbean. This relatively dry island enjoys consistently fine weather, and sitting as it does in the far south of the Caribbean, it’s generally out of the path of most hurricanes. When you visit Aruba, plan to experience some of these attractions and activities.

• Visit charming Oranjestad to enjoy the colorful Dutch colonial architecture infused with Spanish and Caribbean influences. Here you’ll find museums and galleries along with unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
• There are a bevy of beautiful beaches to check out. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are the most well-known, but don’t overlook Baby Beach, especially if you have little ones, Boca Grande for kiteboarding and windsurfing, and Arashi or Rodgers beaches for swimming.
• Take a tour through Arikok Park to learn about the island’s desert-like ecology and view local flora and fauna. Make a stop at Fontein Cave to view the Arawak Indian pictographs on the cave walls.
• Several local companies offer horseback riding tours for adventurous visitors. Some will even take you on a ride to famous sites such as the Natural Pool, Arikok National Park, Andicuri Beach, or for a gallop along the sand dunes.
• Divers will undoubtedly want to visit some of the well-known wrecks for which Aruba is famed. You can dive or snorkel at the SS Antilla, the largest wreck in the Caribbean, or dive at the freighter Jane Sea and the oil tanker Pedernales.
• Birdwatchers should pay a visit to the Spanish Lagoon, where you can spot many of Aruba’s 220 species. Even if you’re not an avid birder, you’ll be amazed at the avian diversity in this tropical lagoon facing a protected marshland. It’s the best birding spot on the island with a profusion of bananaquit, parakeets, herons, troupials, and ground doves.

Tips and tricks for visiting

Tipping in Aruba is not mandatory, but is at your discretion. Please note that certain restaurants and bars will add a service charge of 10 – 15% to your bill. You may supplement this for exemplary service, if you wish. Don’t be tempted to take your rented off-road vehicle into the dunes; this is strictly prohibited to protect them from damage. It’s better to get out and walk among the dunes. You’ll see everything better and preserve their beauty for others to appreciate as well.