From horseback riding to scuba diving to dining on the beach, Aruba offers terrific experiences that should be on every traveler’s list. Here are Fodor's top picks for a memorable trip.
High-Rise Resorts
On a beautiful stretch of Palm Beach, Aruba vacationers can choose among many of the Caribbean’s most lavish resorts, with deluxe spas, watersports centers, fine restaurants, casinos, shops, and nightclubs.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Aruba Travel Guide
Eagle Beach
Prepare to be dazzled (seriously, bring your sunglasses) by the bright white sand of Eagle Beach, which stretches far and wide on the southwestern coast. The beach is popular but rarely overcrowded.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Aruba Travel Guide
Casinos
Aruba casinos are the real deal, with slots, table games, and sports books for plenty of action. Theaters, restaurants, bars, and cigar shops round out the entertainment.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Aruba Travel Guide
Horseback Riding
An exciting, romantic way to explore Aruba is on horseback. Take a leisurely beach ride or survey the countryside on trails flanked by cacti, divi-divi trees, and aloe vera plants.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Aruba Travel Guide
Barhopping Buses
Why drive to a bar when a groovy bus can pick you up at your hotel? Enjoy the journey and the destination as you’re shuttled to the liveliest nightspots aboard Aruba’s unique party buses.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Aruba Travel Guide
The Bonbini Festival
Every week this festival at Fort Zoutman showcases steel pan bands and local performing artists. It’s both a brisk introduction to Aruba’s lively culture and a great place to meet friendly locals.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Aruba Travel Guide
Scuba Diving
Advanced and novice divers appreciate the plentiful marine life in Aruba’s clear waters. Some of the best sites are right offshore, and there are fascinating shipwrecks in both deep and shallow waters.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Aruba Travel Guide
Sailing
Day sails to remote snorkeling spots, sunset voyages on a catamaran, and champagne-and-dinner cruises are some of the most memorable ways you can spend a day or night in Aruba.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Aruba Travel Guide
Dining on the Beach
Open-air dining on the beach is a special island experience available at a number of Aruba restaurants. The most romantic tables are at Passions on the Beach and Flying Fishbone.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Aruba Travel Guide
Snorkeling
Thanks to water visibility of ninety feet and close-in sites such as Barcadera Reef, snorkelers can view many of the same underwater spectacles as divers. Huge seafans, nurse sharks, and hawksbill turtles are common sights.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Aruba Travel Guide
Arikok National Park
At Aruba’s sprawling national park you can explore caves, play on sand dunes, or hike Mt. Yamanota, the island’s highest peak. History you can see includes Arawak petroglyphs and remnants of Dutch settlements.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Aruba Travel Guide
Oranjestad
Aruba’s capital is a delight to explore on foot. Pastel-painted buildings of typical Dutch design face its palm-lined central thoroughfare, and there are numerous boutiques and shops.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s Aruba Travel Guide