Aruba Vacations

Water sports abound on the beaches and resorts of Aruba but the most popular are wind related activities like sailing and windsurfing. You can also rent boats, jet-skis, kayaks and a multitude of other beach activities are offered. Fishing expeditions are available for a half or full day.

Aruba is a paradise destination for diving enthusiasts. A great variety of dive sites can be explored, notable ones include: Arashi Reef, Malmok Reef and Debbie II, Renaissance Airplanes, Kantil Reef, Jane Sea Freighter Wreck and the Natural Bridge Dive. Some dive sites are reserved to experienced divers only due to the strong water currents. Snorkelling may be practised in various spots around the island as well.

Horseback riding tours let you explore other part of Aruba and those who enjoy hiking should head to the Arikok National Park. There is even a paintball facility on the island.

Golf lovers can practice their swings at one of two golf courses open to visitors. The Tierra del Sol is an 18-hole, par 71 course. The Aruba Golf Club, has 9-holes and can be challenging with 20 sand traps, 5 water traps, steady trade winds, and the occasional roaming goat.

Shopping
Most shops can be found along Caya G. F. Betico Croes street. Dutch porcelains, figurines, hand-embroidered linens and cheese make wonderful souvenirs. Hot sauces, spices and an array of local alcoholic libations will keep your mouth watering long after your return home. Paintings, pottery, woodwork and jewellery make up the majority of the handicraft. Aloe Lotions, suntan creams, hair care products and fragrances are made locally and make great buys. Stamp collectors will rejoice with the many stamps series created by the island's most respected artists to commemorate local events, holidays and flora and fauna.

Dining

Local Aruban restaurants serve up freshly caught seafood and fish, or stews made of goat, beef or vegetables. Other traditional fare includes: Pastechis (spicy filled pastries), Bitterbal (meat croquettes), Erwten Soep (pea soup), Krokechi (fish croquettes), Tutu (corn-meal mush with black eyes peas), Kesio (Caramel Custard) and Pudin di Coco (Coconut Pudding).

Another great place to enjoy local temptations is at the Bonbini Festival which takes place every Tuesday night at Fort Zoutman.

For those preferring a more international experience, sometimes fused with the local dishes, restaurants specializing in Indonesian, Japanese, Chinese, Dutch, Italian, French and Cantonese cuisine can be found.

Nightlife
Try your luck at the many baccarat, roulette and blackjack tables or at the slot machines in one of Aruba's many casinos. The Crystal Casino is popular and open 24 hours. The nearby Crystal Theatre offers live entertainment as well. There is also the Allegro Casino and the Copacabana Casino, to mention a few.

Clubs abound on this tiny island so you will surely find one to your liking. Try Carlos & Charlies offers a wide variety of music, Mambo Jambo, Choose a Name or La Fiesta. More relaxed atmospheres can be found at Plaza Café, Chaos or Scandals. Many hotels organize theme party nights open to all tourists. The Let's Go Latin Show at the Renaissance or the Cuban Revue at the Wyndham Aruba offer dinner shows.