• ACTIVITIES
Experience the Real Aruba by Susan Campbell
Beyond the glorious fun in the sun activities, there are lots of hidden natural wonders and unique historical and cultural attractions well worth seeking out. So grab your sense of adventure, and come discover the real Aruba! Make Maritime Memories Of course, with such outstanding beaches there’s fabulous swimming, but that’s just a drop in the ocean when it comes to this island’s multitude of wonderful water-based activities. There’s superb snorkeling along vibrant coral reefs, and divers enjoy some of the best underwater wreck explorations in the entire Caribbean – there’s even a sunken airplane! Non-divers can try SNUBA for deep underwater submersion without tanks, and even non-swimmers are invited to trek along the actual sea floor aided by an “air helmet”. A submarine tour lets you explore beneath the waves and stay dry in the process! Even more marvelous maritime memories are assured if you reserve your spot aboard one of the many deepsea fishing charters, Jet Skis, wave runners, banana-boats, parasails, party boats, sunset sails and gastronomic dinner cruises. You can also kayak through the lush mangroves or seek out the stunning natural pool on the romantically rocky north coast. And the excellent conditions and instruction at Fisherman’s Huts make it one of the world’s best spots to learn windsurfing. Extreme enthusiasts can also try the cool new sport of kitesurfing here, and families will really enjoy the water parks for freshwater fun.
Fall in Love with the Land The desert-like interior is called the cunucu (countryside) and it’s teeming with cacti, cool critters, and natural rock art. Explore the surreal topography by bus or off-road vehicle, on horseback, by mountain bike, or even on a Harley! Guided tours include an eco-sensitive nature tour on foot of Arikok National Park, a protected preserve covering 20% of the island. You can even explore it by moonlight! Birdwatchers will love Bubali’s marshlands, and there’s also a butterfly farm, ostrich farm, and a donkey sanctuary to discover! Golfers will enjoy the distinctive course by the sea that is home to indigenous burrowing owls, and sensational spelunking adventures await in the island’s caves including a natural skylight and ancient petrogylphs. Historic topside attractions include the California Lighthouse, lovely Lourdes Grotto, serene Alto Vista Chapel, and an ancient cunucu house. All provide wonderful photo ops, but if you want a perfect panoramic view, try climbing the some 500 steps up the “haystack”, a.k.a. Mount Hooiberg, or take a helicopter tour for an awesome aerial perspective of the island. And you’ll never get lost if you follow the natural bend of the famous divi-divi trees because they always point the way toward the hotels! >>>
Tierra del Sol Golf Course
34 • ARUBA DAYS • 2010
Sailing photo by Famke Backx. SNUBA photo by Michael DeFreitas. Mount Hooiberg photo by Lara Rosenoff. Other photos by Pierre Arsenault
• ACTIVITIES Dancers from the Ballet Folklorico Nacional di Aruba
Seek out Local Color As you explore this tiny nation you’ll discover a distinctive heartbeat of joy pulsating throughout the land kept alive by the collective spirit of a cheerful and friendly people. Why not try to learn some of the native language, Papiamento? Even simple greetings will be met with smiles, and the ability to decipher specialties etched on chalkboards at seaside stands, snack trucks, and cozy cafés will help you discover wonderful local fare. Arubans love bowling, drag racing, and baseball as well, so why not visit a lane, the track, or take in a game? And the famous Balashi beer is the only brew in the world made from desalinized seawater, so hoist a few at the refinery’s on-site beer gardens! Visitors can also join in cultural celebrations like Dera Gai, Flag Day, Dande, the weekly Bon Bini Festival, and, of course, the famous Carnival – an islandwide revelry of song, dance, and extravagant parades. It’s an unforgettable experience! Really Go to Town Beyond the happening hot spots, nightclubs, casinos, world-class shopping, and first-rate dining in downtown Oranjestad, you’ll also discover lots of cultural locales like stylish art galleries and modern museums. And the colorful neighborhoods and amazing architecture are camera-ready; take a walking tour to discover the secret alleys, historic nooks, and gloriously restored heritage buildings. And when you see the world come and go from the famous cruise ship port with such welcome fanfare, you’ll discover why Aruba has more repeat visitors that any other Caribbean island. On Aruba, there’s so much to do beyond the beach, that it’s easy to forget about that chaise longue you reserved! K
Archaeological Museum of Aruba
Local artist Elisa Lejuez
36 • ARUBA DAYS • 2010
Middle photo by Colette Perrin. Other photos by Paul van Driel