Things to do in Aruba

If you’re visiting Aruba at the beginning of the year, then experiencing the carnival is a must. Carnival is Aruba’s biggest annual event and is a time when steel bands play feel good music and the locals have a chance to dress in colourful, elaborate costumes.

Based around the religious traditions of Lent and Easter, the weeks of celebrations include: pageants and parades, live music and street parties called jump ups and J’ouvert.

This island wide party occurs on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday with the Grand Parade. Led by the Carnival Queen, this glorious spectacular of noise and colour is, in our opinion, best seen at night in the capital Oranjestad where the largest processions and parties take place.

Want to explore the underwater kingdom of Aruba without the hassle of snorkelling, diving or even getting wet? Then climb on board the air-conditioned Atlantis Submarine as it dives to a depth of 40 meters, revealing the beauty of the Caribbean’s sea life and even getting a peep at a shipwreck nestling on the ocean floor.

This fantastic family adventure in a US Coast Guard approved vessel is great for all ages and is exciting and informative. All the creatures you will encounter are described on colourful cards displayed around the cabin and your jovial and knowledgeable Captain will provide an entertaining running commentary as you explore the hidden depths of the Barcadera Reef.

Aloe based products are Aruba's biggest export. Take time to visit the Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory at Hato and learn about the cultivation of this plant with amazing medicinal and healing products.

Guided tours are available in English, Dutch, Spanish and Papiamento and reveal how the 160-year history of growing and utilising this diverse, natural resource is linked to the nation’s own development.

If you take a tour or wander around on your own schedule, you won't be disappointed by the experience as you visit the factory facilities, see the manufacturing process and gain an understanding of how it all started in the museum.

If you love animals then a trip to Philip’s Animal Garden is a must. Set up in 2009, this non-profit zoo and rehabilitation centre rescues and cares for a wide variety of injured and abused, exotic species.

Built entirely by his own hands, the zoo allows visitors to learn about and get close to over 50 different animal species from around the World.

You and your little ones will delight in touching and feeding animals, reptiles and birds including: monkeys, deer, pythons and even camels.

Make sure you take time out to support this amazing individual and the work he is doing.

For a fantastic family day out, take a trip to De Palm Island. Make your own way there or book onto an organised excursion which will include air-conditioned transfers from your hotel, free-flowing food and drink and pre-paid activities such as; banana boat rides and entry to the superb water park.

Make sure you set aside a full day for your visit to ensure you have enough time to enjoy the amazing beach, exhilarating water slides or getting close to the pink flamingos.

If you get tired of above-water activities then why not try SNUBA; this mix between snorkelling and diving allows people as young as eight to experience the underwater world safely and without any specialist training.

Whatever you decide to do we can guarantee that you will not return from De Palm Island saying you were bored.

Why not forget the World and explore some of Aruba’s amazing coastline aboard a luxurious catamaran whilst sipping ice cold champagne and nibbling on some quality food? On board your boat, you will be served a glass of bubbly as you decide to enjoy the experience from one of the many deck seats or the sunbathing trampoline, suspended over the ocean.

During the four-hour excursion you will be served a light continental breakfast and gourmet seafood-based lunch, ideal to soak up all the unlimited drinks you can enjoy. If that wasn’t enough, make sure you take your swimming gear to partake in a bit of swimming and snorkelling during the three scheduled stops.

Spend time looking at insects – you must be mad. But think again and take time out to experience the tranquillity and pleasure of Aruba’s very own butterfly farm. Laid out within a tropical forest themed environment, a meshed enclosure allows hundreds of brightly coloured butterflies to live their lives freely, fluttering around you as you navigate past lush trees, exotic flowers and gently flowing waterfalls. Guided tours are available all day and make sure you take your camera as you will want to capture fond memories of this fabulous experience.

Get your bearings and learn about the amazing holiday destination you have chosen on a full island tour. Lasting approximately six hours your air-conditioned transport will whisk you all over the island whilst being entertained and informed by your knowledgeable guide. During your excursion, you will take in all the popular tourist spots and landmarks such as the Aloe Factory and Museum, California Lighthouse, Ayo rock formations, Bushiribana gold mines and many more. Ensure you take your camera with you as there will be plenty of opportunities to capture and preserve those memories from the best spots selected by your guide.

For the foodies amongst you why not book onto The Fusion of the World Food Tour. Aruba’s multi-cultural history has given it an amazingly mixed and diverse cuisine, and this two and a half hour guided tour allows you to learn about and taste the best of the island’s foods.

Conducted in the cool evening hours, your knowledgeable and entertaining guide will walk you around the streets of Oranjestad, visiting five specially selected local restaurants where you will enjoy the delights of Jamaican, Cuban, Dutch, Italian and of course, Aruban food.

Make sure you have abstained during the day so that you have plenty of room to fully enjoy this culinary experience.

Want to enjoy a romantic meal with a difference? Then head over to Palm Beach and book yourself onto an evening cruise abord a luxurious catamaran. Lasting around three hours your excursion will gently take you out to sea while you enjoy some fine food and wine. See the coastline recede into the distance and watch the sun set majestically into the ocean as the sky darkens and the stars appear. Your captain and attentive crew will ensure that you have a memorable experience on board, before gently returning you to your departure point, where you can dis embark to continue to enjoy Aruba’s nightlife.