Activities
Activities
A Whirlwind Week of Wonderful by Susan Campbell If you only have one week to spend on Aruba, then follow my lead to get the absolute most out of it without spinning your wheels or missing out on anything fabulous. Allow me to tailor an itinerary that will show you what dushi is all about on One Happy Island. Fun-day Monday
My first recommendation is to visit The Butterfly Farm on your first day because the initial admission fee is good for the rest of your stay. It’s a glorious spot of tropical gardens full of colorful winged wonders. Wear bright colors so they might land on you! Go in the early morning when they are most active and that’s when you’re most likely to witness newborn butterflies and moths emerge from their cocoons. Magical. Now, get your beach bearings. Start with Palm Beach – along the highrise resort strip. Make sure you have your bathing suit, as you will want to take a few dips in the irresistible aqua waters. Walk along the beach to find both main piers (De Palm and Pelican), where all the snorkel and sailing excursions depart from. On the way, you’ll see that activity shacks abound with banana-boat rides, parasailing, sea kayaking, waterskiing, jet boating, deepsea fishing, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, yoga, and more. And there are scads of beach bars, dining spots, snack stands, and shops along this sandy strip. Next, grab a public bus or taxi, or drive a short distance to Aruba’s lowrise resort
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strip: Eagle Beach. There, it’s not about doing as much as it is about seeing. This stellar stretch of pristine sand on rolling turquoise surf is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. It’s a spellbinding spot for a stroll and a swim. Terrific tours Tuesday
Now it’s time to explore the island a bit further. There are many choices of transportation for island tours: air-conditioned motor coach, ATVs, dune buggies, monster trucks, even Harley-Davidsons! And most stop at landmarks like the Alto Vista Chapel, the California Lighthouse, and the famous fallen land bridge en route to the rugged outback. But one of my favorite adventures is the ABC Jeep Safari that goes to the natural pool in Arikok National Park. It’s an exhilarating adventure – some call the “shake and bake” tour – and the ride is wild. It includes snorkel gear so you can explore the pool called conchi. Be prepared for steep stairs down, and exercise caution, as the rocks into it are extremely slippery. But the scenery is surreal.
Go wild Wednesday
Aruba has unique animal attractions like the Ostrich Farm. There you can follow the ungainly bird’s growth from giant egg to adult. You’ll also have the opportunity to feed them. Then, there is Philip’s Animal Garden: a sprawling nonprofit sanctuary for unwanted animals taken in by owner Philip Merryweather. You receive healthy treats to feed them, and the eclectic collection includes camels, an ocelot, peacocks, monkeys, and even a kangaroo! But watch out for the monkeys. They are master thieves and will grab your sunglasses, hat, camera, and even cell phone if you aren’t careful! Another nonprofit foundation is the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba. Its residents will also appreciate treats like apples and carrots. This is part of Save the Donkey Foundation run by Desiree Eldering. You can adopt a donkey there – but not take it home – and donations go to its care and feeding. You can also adopt one from their website. !
Top right and jeep photo courtesy of ABC Tours
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Activities If you’d rather not drive out to these rural spots then take the special Animal Lovers Tour offered by Kukoo Kunuku. You can also see Aruba’s native creatures if you take a guided hike at Arikok National Park. And their visitor center has some live species exhibits as well. Thrilling Thursday
I have yet to do it, but a tandem jump out of a small plane over the island with Skydive Aruba is still on my bucket list. Now that’s seriously extreme! But there are other extreme activities on the water too. Like the futuristic jetpack, hoverboard, and jetblade contraptions that Red Sail Sports offers. I highly recommend the jetpack (JETLEV) for beginners, since the other two require more skill and balance to master. But whatever you choose, self-propelled hovering up to 30 feet over the waves is serious fun!
Activities Less intense, yet also thrilling are the snorkel boat trips. All go to the sunken Antilla wreck where snorkelers get a diver’s view of the colorful marine life and pretty coral that now makes the wreck their home. If you’d prefer not to get wet to view Aruba’s marine life, then I recommend a semi-sub or real submarine tour below the waves. Also a thrill is getting up for the first time windsurfing. The operations and conditions at Fisherman’s Huts are top rate and have spawned world champions. I found it a breeze to get up thanks to such expert instruction. They also have kiteboarding, but be forewarned, you need at least four hours for your initial lesson.
Go full-tilt Friday
Friday is downtown day. On Aruba, there are actually two “downtowns” – the area in front of the highrise known as “the strip” and downtown Oranjestad. You can do both. Start off in Oranjestad and look for the new eco-trolley. It’s free and tours the newly refreshed downtown grid. You can hop on and off at will. It stops close to Fort Zoutman where you’ll find a small historical museum. It also stops near the large modern National Archaeological Museum complex where you can trace the island’s interesting past; it’s definitely worth a visit. !
BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD A visit to Aruba’s Butterfly Farm is an unforgettable encounter with nature in all its beauty and diversity. Step into a tropical garden teeming with butterflies from around the globe and prepare to meet some of the world’s most colourful creatures. Observe the life cycle of these fascinating animals from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. The Butterfly Farm is also home to Aruba’s most unique gift shop.
Open 7 days a week 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Last tour starts at 4 pm Call us at 586-3656
Boca Prins in Arikok National Park
At happy hour, visit the Renaissance Mall or the Renaissance Marketplace to join locals in a toast to the impending weekend, and maybe hit the casinos, or stay on for dinner there, or head to the strip for more dining options. After dinner, many restaurants morph into nightspots (see the Nightbeat section in this magazine for more info). Head to Palm Beach Plaza for a first-run movie, a game of glow-in-the-dark bowling, or some cool virtual video games. Then take it back to the streets to join the nightlife. And if you were in the mood for really wild and crazy, book ahead for a barhopping bus tour. They typically hit the road around 9:30 p.m. and keep rolling until midnight.
Sunbaked Saturday
By day six, you might be getting worn out from so much “wonderful” and need some sun and sand downtime. But regardless whether you like to watch the party people play or prefer to sunbathe in solitude, there’s a beach to suit your mood. There are also wild, restless seas set along craggy cliffs that make for perfect picnic spots. But be aware that currents are too strong for swimming at most north coast beaches. !
J.E. Irausquin Blvd Z/N Conveniently located across from the Phoenix Hotel www.thebutterflyfarm.com
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Left photo by Luis Mejia
Top photo courtesy of Kukoo Kunuku party bus. Bottom photo by Luis Mejia
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Activities After sunset over the sea, enjoy another spectacular light show at Paseo Herencia Mall’s courtyard. Several times a night, the fountains light up in a neon display of dancing waters synchronized to music. It’s lovely. Delightful De Palm Sunday
Before you leave, a day at De Palm Island is a must. The opportunity to get up close and personal with their giant, neon blue parrotfish is incredible. And there is so much to do there. A full day or half-day pass includes hotel pickup and drop-off, water taxi to the private island, snorkeling, beach lounges, a huge waterpark, banana-boat rides, zip line operations, organized activities like salsa lessons, open bar, snack shack, and two huge all-you-can-eat buffets per day.
They also offer cool optional activities. I really enjoy Sea Trek – an underwater walk with an air-supplied helmet. And there is also SNUBA and SNUBA Doo (for small children), unique air-supplied hose snorkel rafts so you can go deeper, power snorkel machines, and a small seaside spa on-site. I recommend a full-day pass, as a half-day is never enough time to enjoy it all, but either way a visit to De Palm Island is always an ideal way to end a week full of wonderful on Aruba. "
For more suggestions of fun things to do while on Aruba, consult our activities listing on facing page.
Step into a Dream World! Aside from the sun-drenched beaches, there’s actually a whole new world to be discovered. Head over to the ONE and ONLY innovative family entertainment game center – the first of its kind on Aruba – Dreamland and DreamBowl. Over 15,000 square feet of dedicated fun located on the third floor of Palm Beach Plaza Mall features the hottest arcade amusement machines, one of the biggest sports bars on the island, eight state of the art glow-in-the-dark bowling lanes, billiard tables, a kitchen serving only freshly made to order food, and it doesn’t stop there! Every time you play, you can win unbelievable prizes! Relax and watch a game at their sports bar while the children play, or join in the fun at a game of bowling, or let yourselves go with their wide-ranging arcade games. It’s the only indoor place where kids and adults can have so much fun together! Your vacation really has not started until you have ventured into this “Dream” world. Open daily. For more details visit Dreamland Aruba and DreamBowl on Facebook. 30 Nights
Left photo courtesy of Paseo Herencia. Right photos courtesy of De Palm Island