Fringing turquoise Caribbean waters, Aruba’s beaches include wide shaded expanses, quiet retreats, and busy sunbathing and water sports meccas. Much of the seven-mile strip along the west coast is lined with resorts and packed with activity. Beachgoers relax on their comfortable lounges while swimming, snorkeling, kite surfing, waterskiing, tubing, parasailing, bananaboating, and all kinds of wet ‘n wild adventures are just steps away.
In contrast, the beaches along the windward coast are in more secluded and undeveloped areas. There are coves carved out of limestone, inlets formed by pounding waves, unique natural phenomena and craggy desert terrain. Because of strong undertow and crashing waves, swimming here is not recommended. Both coasts afford spectacular Caribbean views. All beaches are open to the public.
Festivals in Aruba take place all year long on the island. The Bon Bini Festival is a weekly folkloric music and dance affair, the perfect introduction to the warmth and hospitality of Aruba’s people. The action commences in downtown Oranjestad every Tuesday at 6:30 pm in the outdoor courtyard of Fort Zoutman, Aruba’s oldest building.
When I attended the event, the flavor of the island, its history, people, music and cuisine came through loud and clear, and I paid just $5 to attend. Gearing up for Memorial Day weekend, the Soul Beach Music Festival is a multi-night concert with beach parties, concerts and comedy shows. In June, there’s the Film Festival that brings the international film community to Aruba. And perhaps the most prestigious musical event in the Caribbean, the Aruba Piano Festival, takes place in September and has built up a world-wide reputation because of the renowned artists that perform.
Sports enthusiasts can go scuba-diving in any of the 42 different diving sites, engage the incredible island winds by windsurfing, rent water-skis or parasails, or charter a boat and go deep-sea fishing.
Atlantis Submarines, voted Aruba’s most outstanding attraction, on an unforgettable guided tour aboard the largest passenger submarine fleet in the world. Explore Aruba’s mysterious underwater realm, where you can witness the remains of two shipwrecks, spectacular coral reefs and an abundance of colorful sea life. The submarine is U.S. Coast Guard-approved, environmentally friendly, fully air-conditioned and has large view ports, which allow you to relax and enjoy the wonders of the deep.
The island offers three golf courses, one of which is professional caliber, an ATP sanctioned tennis center, racquetball courts, trails to go horseback riding, even several bowling alleys. The different hotels provide a whole range of activities for singles, honeymoon couples, and families with children. Whatever kind of vacation you are looking for, the odds are you will be able to find it in Aruba.
go to Aruba Official Website: http://www.aruba.com/