The Caribbean Island Of Aruba

I think it’s fair to say that no one really needs an excuse to want to visit the Caribbean, right?  The Caribbean have long since appealed to travellers across the globe and are becoming increasingly accessible to lots more people which is definitely a great think.

Now, you’ve decided you want to go to Aruba in the Caribbean (good choice on your part there) and although you know how stunning it will be, there’s that niggling little question of what to get up to when you get there (asides drenching yourself in sunshine and cocktails)…

Well, we’ve got you covered there.   Here are 8 fun experiences you definitely should have when you’re in that lovely Caribbean island of Aruba!

1.) TAKE PART IN THE BON BINI FESTIVAL

This weekly festival at Fort Zoutman is a great opportunity to experience some of Aruba’s culture. Enjoy steel pan music at its best and learn a few dance moves from friendly locals while you’re at it too! Chances are that you don’t have to go to work the next day so come prepared to join in the fun.

2.) SPEND AN AFTERNOON IN ORANJESTAD

Explore Aruba’s old Dutch capital on foot and fall in love (or at least, deep lust) with the many pastel-coloured Dutch buildings that line its streets. It’s also a great place to go shopping and try out local Aruban cuisine so make some time to slowly explore Oranjestad and soak in all that Aruba has to offer.

3.) GO SAILING

Again, you’re in one of the best places to go sailing – complete of course with the occassional stop to go snorkelling. You can do this by day, leaving you free for the evenings festivities on land, watch the sunset or perhaps even try a night time dinner cruise like more sophisticated folk probably would. Point is, there’s enough choice on off that the time of day is no excuse for not taking an almost mandatory sailing trip in Aruba.

4.) SPEND AN AFTERNOON IN PHILIPS ANIMAL GARDEN

This one’s a bit of a slower one but no less interesting. Also, chances are that after your night on the barhopping buses, you’ll be grateful for the laid-back experience of visiting this world of animals and kicking back in the sunshine while you do so.

5.) SOAK IN THE SUNSHINE AND THE SIGHTS AT EAGLE BEACH

Heads up – make sure you bring along your sunglasses as that bright white sand is pretty much guaranteed to dazzle your eyes! Oh and don’t forget your camera while you’re at it too – you owe it to everyone else at home to show them how much of a great time you’re having in Aruba and the beach is the perfect scenery for this!  Best part is that although this is a very popular beach, it’s rarely overcrowded beach which is always a winning point for pretty much every beach-lover. And make sure you stick around to check out the sunset here, it’s stunning, perhaps even more so with a drink in hand.

6.) GO SCUBA DIVING

Like seriously, you’re in one of the best places in the world for it so this is probably the time to get certified (if you aren’t already) and experience one of the most diverse and colourful species of aquatic life in the world.

7.) TREK ACROSS THE ARIKOK NATIONAL PARK

Rugged, wild and enchanting, the park is a definite must visit though I have to caveat, you do not have to trek the park to actuallyenjoy it! (You can go opt to go for jeep tour around the park instead). For a small entry fee, you can tour the caves, take a dip in cool natural pools or just kick back and slowly enjoy its pure rustic beauty.

8.) JOIN IN ON THE BARHOPPING BUSES

This sounds like the best pub crawl ever and perhaps the best way to make new friends on the island. No need to worry about how to get around. No need for a designated driver and with all of this, you get to experience an import and exciting part of Aruba – it’s nightlife!