6 Fun Things to do in Aruba @Aruba

Outside your hotel pool and a notch above sunning on one of the gorgeous white sand beaches, you have so much offered to you on the island of Aruba!  Explore Aruba’s One happy island with some cultural and adventurous activities that will make your Caribbean vacation the best it can be.  Here are 6 fun things to do in Aruba that I experienced and loved and I think you will too!

photo by Parm Parmar

Carubbian Festival Every Thursday evening from 6-10pm on Main Street in San Nicolas enjoy the cultural celebration of international music, dance, song, theater, ethnic foods, crafts, traditional customs, folklore and more as you stroll through the street for a fun-filled family friendly adventure!  Packages can be purchased through your hotel and include round-trip transportation!

photos by Jad’s Aruba

Snorkeling  I love the beach and the ocean and jump at the opportunity to snorkel when given the chance!  There is something so magical when you don flippers and a mask to explore the world beneath the shore.  While I may have anxiety about breathing properly through the snorkel and losing my focus when out in open water, once the rhythm works and my heart beats at a normal pace, it’s one of my favorite island activities!

We headed out to Mangel Halto beachwith Jad’s Aruba and walked through the mangroves to get out into the water.  The waters were a level up from calm, but not too rough where we did get to explore and see some amazing tang and coral.  We swam about 200 meters out and the staff at Jad’s were so patient with people like me who tend to panic first and think second.  I would do this again in a heartbeat, despite my nerves I was so proud of myself after snorkeling!

Arikok National Park Covering about 1/5 of the surface of Aruba, Arikok National Park is a must visit.  Here you can experience the visitor’s center, explore underground Indian caves, and see the highest point in Aruba, Mount Jamanota.  Exotic cacti spot the landscape which also makes for the most ironic photos with the Caribbean in the background and desert vegetation in the front. Tropical flowers, divi-divi trees, aloe, plus the many species of migratory birds, rattlesnakes, lizards, goats, and donkeys all dot the landscape and the hills.  Hiking, horseback rides as well as ATV and Land Rovertours are led through the park if you crave a little bit more adventure.

photos by Avagay Lindsay

The Natural Pool  After a lovely breakfast, we took a jeep tour down to the Natural Pool (or Conchi) for an afternoon dip. A secluded treasure on the island you can only access this special spot by 4X4, foot, or horseback.  Surrounded by huge rocks, you can swim, dive, snorkel, or bask in the tranquil waters.  Waves crash over the rocks for exhilarating moments, bring water shoes to navigate, it can get slippery!

Archeological Museum  In downtown Oranjestad, learn about 3 periods of Amerindian habitation through artifacts, film, and audio presentations as well as cultural and religious practices.  Families will enjoy the exhibits and interactive technology throughout the museum.  The maloca (shown above) is a recreated hut where the natives lived 1000 years ago, and you’ll be fascinated by their burial practices.  If you’re able, tour with a curator for the most thorough museum experience!

photo by Avagay Lindsay

Kukoo Kunuku  Party buses are contagious!  Even at the age of 41, I thought that enjoying a cocktail on a bus playing loud music would be something only the young kids could enjoy but I was wrong!  Hop a board the wonderfully wild and fun Kukoo Kunuku open-air bus and feel the warm breeze on your face, smile and wave to all the passers-by, and dance the night away!  Bonus, try doing it with a cocktail in one hand and shaking a maraca in the other! It takes a little bit of balance to get the hang of dancing in a moving bus, but it’s fun and worth it and the DJ/Driver can make it so much fun all while exploring the beautiful island of Aruba!

Whether you are just making an airport transfer, touring the island, celebrating with a wedding party, or making it a night out on the town, your Kukoo Kunuku experience will be one you will be talking about months after your vacation!  Are you on the island with your family?  Check out the Animal Lover and Family Friendly tour! www.kukookunuku.com.

This is just a little taste of the amazing opportunities available to you when you visit Aruba, for more information and to book travel, visit Aruba.com!

Activities were provided as part of my media tour, all opinions are completely my own!