Let’s Go
The List
Aruba 1
emory kristof / national geographic stock
Aruba Heli-Tours Get a bird’s-eye perspective of the island and take some incredible aerial photos on this exciting helicopter ride. Choose from scenic beach flights, complete island tours or fly’n dine outings that drop you off at ritzy Tierra del Sol Golf & Country Club’s restaurant on the scenic north coast. Look for the red whirlybirds hovering over Oranjestad marina. Seaport Helipad; 13-P Sero Biento; 297-731-9999; arubahelitours.com
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Let's Go
The List
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Donkey Sanctuary Bring snacks to make fast friends with the adorable creatures at this non-profit foundation. The volunteer staff can always use a hand, or a donation, to ensure that the island’s population of wild donkeys has a safe haven when in need of medical care, food and shelter. Santa Lucia 4A; 297-593-2933; arubandonkey.org
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The Antilla Shipwreck Dive or snorkel the Caribbean’s largest shipwreck: The Antilla, a 400-foot-long German freighter that was scuttled by her captain during WWII to avoid capture. It's easily accessibly, lying almost perfectly intact just off Malmok Beach. Red Sail Sports, 348-A J.E. Irausquin Blvd; 297-5861603; redsailaruba.com
Renaissance Mall, Oranjestad Get your retail therapy fix among the candy-colored colonial Dutch buildings that dot Aruba’s picturesque capital. Find tax-free bargains from the likes of Gucci and Cartier, or refuel at one of four dining spots within the complex. 82 L.G. Smith Blvd; 297-582-4622; shoprenaissancearuba.com
Arikok Park This nature preserve covers nearly 20 percent of Aruba. Its new, eco-friendly visitors center allows you to preview the park’s unique attractions via movies, interactive demos and even the handling of cool critters like Aruba's blue whiptail lizard and the many local iguana species. 70 San Fuego; 297-5851234; arikokpark.com
San Nicolas Once an oil refinery boomtown, Aruba’s oldest city is experiencing a cultural renaissance with its weekly Carubbian Festival, which showcases local arts and crafts, music, folkloric dance and delicious street food like pastechis (meat and seafood-filled fried dough) every Thursday evening. San Nicolas; 297-5823777; aruba.com
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Barefoot Aruba Your tootsies might be bare at this toesin-the-sand spot, but rest assured your taste buds will be wrapped in upscale cuisine. This new eatery epitomizes Aruba’s penchant for laidback surfside gourmet by offering up creative and inspired seafood fusion mere feet from the Caribbean Sea. 1 L.G. Smith Blvd; 297-588-9824; barefootaruba.com
De Palm Island Take a water taxi out to this private island to enjoy a wonderful stand-alone waterpark, a resplendent reef for snorkeling, an air helmet walk on the seafloor, salsa lessons, volleyball, seaside massages and private beaches. Half- and full-day packages include all you can eat and drink. 142 L.G. Smith Blvd; 297-582-1100; depalmtours.com
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Pinchos Grill & Bar This restaurant, which has its own pier, is so close to the water your dinner might flop onto your plate. Indulge in islandinspired cuisine like the apple-stuffed pork tenderloin with Kahlua ‘n cream sauce accompanied by a signature colada. Take in the sparkling water from the cozy surfside couches. 7 L.G. Smith Blvd; 297-583-2666
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Nikky Beach This South Beachinspired hotspot caters to families during the day but morphs into a pulsing nightclub after dark, featuring the island’s best live bands and DJs. Sandy stilettos, tapas-style snacks, chilled champagne and beachside bottle service set the stage at Aruba’s newest party complex. Surfside Beach, 297-582-0153; nikkybeacharuba.com —Susan Campbell