5 Best Adventures To Be Had In Aruba In The Caribbean

Aruba offers travelers a perfect combination of climate and culture to keep the island always exciting, even for regular visitors. In fact, this beautiful Caribbean destination has almost every type of adventure anyone could desire. With its idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters, with coral and shipwrecks to explore, travelers will wish they had made a plan to stay longer. While many visitors stay in the resorts on the northwest coast, it is definitely worthwhile to explore the areas beyond.  Let’s take a brief look at five of the best adventures to be had in Aruba.

1. Take a 4WD tour of the volcanic landscape

Head to Arikok National Park to explore the trails that wind through the island’s volcanic landscapes. Along the way, towering cacti stand on either side, with the blue Caribbean Sea shining on the horizon. The adventure tours cost around $100 but are well worth the price for the fun of exploring this other-worldly, rugged landscape. Should you not choose an organized tour, you will need to hire your own 4WD vehicle to explore on your own.

2. Swim and cliff jump into a natural pool

Staying in Arikok National Park, this area of the island also offers an amazing natural pool, where visitors can cliff jump, dive and swim among the crashing waves in safety. Conchi Natural Pool is set in the national park on Aruba’s rugged northeastern coast. The pool can be found on a 3.5-mile trail from the park entrance. Meanwhile, the hiking trail heads around the Sero Arikok Volcano, the second-highest point in Aruba. Alternatively, the pool can be visited as a part of a national park official tour.

3. Windsurf or kitesurf at Hadicurari Beach

For those who like to get right out on the waves, Hadicurari Beach is the perfect spot. The beach was originally known for its iconic fishing huts. However, these days this piece of coastline between Palm Beach and Malmok Beach hosts some of the biggest windsurfing competitions in the world. Those that are new to the sport can book a lesson with Windsurfing Aruba. Meanwhile, those experienced surfers can rent the necessary gear and get out onto the waves.

4. Explore WW2 shipwrecks on the northwest coast

For those who enjoy diving, one place on Aruba is a must. In February 1942, a German U-boat torpedoed a British tanker SS Pedernales off the coast of Aruba. These days, parts of the ship have turned into an artificial reef on the seabed, teeming with colorful marine life. As the wreck is only 20 feet underwater, the dive is suitable for divers of all skill levels.

Meanwhile, a little further down the coast is the wreck of the cargo ship SS Antilla, lying in 55 feet of water. The German ship was scuttled by its captain at the beginning of WW2 and 80 years later, the wreck is one of the most popular dive sites in the Caribbean.

5. Kayak through the mangrove forests of Aruba

For those who prefer to stay on top of the water, a glass-bottomed kayak is a perfect way to view the sea turtles, colorful fish and other marine life on Aruba’s coast. Clear Kayak Aruba offers fun tours in glass-bottomed kayaks through the largest mangrove forest in Aruba. Here, travelers can experience the lush marine ecosystem of the island while gliding through the trees. For those who like to dive, there is also an opportunity to snorkel among the mangroves.

These are only five of the many adventures to be enjoyed on a vacation in Aruba in the Caribbean. Visit the official tourism website for more information.