Top 10 Activities

#1. Snorkeling
Jump aboard a charter yacht and take a short cruise out to some of the very best snorkeling the Caribbean has to offer. The water is warm and the magnificent coral is teeming with schools of fish. If you opt for a sunset cruise, then Aruba will treat you to one of the finest sunsets you've ever seen.

#2. Learn to Salsa
Aruba is the home of many styles of Latin dance, so take a Salsa class and learn the right way to get your body moving. Even people who don't like to dance end up loving this fun Latin dance. You can also learn Meringue and Bachata styles too if you're keen.

#3. Natural Pool
Hire a jeep and head out to the Natural Pool. You'll find that your journey there is half the fun, as the trails are often difficult to follow. Many people even start wondering if they've taken the wrong track. If you don't feel comfortable heading out there on your own, you can take a tour. Once you arrive, it's almost a relief to see the waves crashing into the rocks on one side and the tranquil, warm waters of the Natural Pool on the other. The waters in the pool are peaceful and calm. Don't forget to take a snorkel as there are some great fish in the pool too.

#4. Ride Horseback on the Beach
Rancho Daimari offers an excellent opportunity to ride a horse along the gorgeous sands on the beach. Even if you're a complete novice, you'll be riding the trail like a pro in no time.

#5. Water Sports
If you're into water sports, then you can't go past Arashi Beach. This secluded beach is ideal for snorkeling, but it's even better for wind-surfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and much more. The crystal clear, warm blue waters are the perfect place to enjoy the ocean.

#6. Butterfly Farm
If you feel like some time away from the sand and surf, then the Butterfly Farm is a lovely, tranquil way to spend an afternoon. Once you've paid your entry fee, be sure to keep your stub. It will allow you to return to the peaceful Butterfly Farm as many times as you want during your trip.

#7. Dive Down to The Antilla
The Antilla is the wreck of a German freighter ship that was sunk during World War II. These days, it's the home to so many varied fish and marine life that diving down to the wreck is a delight you'll remember for years to come.

#8. Kukoo Kunuku
If you're in Aruba, be sure to book a spot on the Kukoo Kunuku tour. This tour takes you out for champagne on the beach before driving you out to a prominent venue for dinner. Then you're taken on a club-cruise, where your tour drops you off at several hot night spots. The great party atmosphere is enhanced by the fact that you're on a bus tour with so many other party-seekers, so it's a great night all round.

#9. Tattoo Party Boat
Jump aboard the Tattoo Party Boat for a great, fun-filled night. As the name implies, the Tattoo Party Boat is all about making sure you eat a good dinner before letting loose with the entertainment and the cocktails. The boat is three stories tall and there's something happening on every level. Don't forget to wear a swimsuit as there is a giant water slide that spans all three stories of the boat.

#10. Morgan's Island
When you're surrounded by glorious beaches and warm, blue waters, what better way to enjoy a day than hanging out at the Morgan's Island Water Park? Morgan's Island is the largest water park in the Caribbean. Enjoy the water slides and wave pools and much more.

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Best Time To Visit

It's never a bad time to travel to Aruba as their beautiful weather means it's summer most of the year. Even though Aruba doesn't get hurricanes, it may often receive some rain during January and February if one happens to have passed close by.

Keep in mind that peak season sees higher prices and more people, so if you still want to experience the great beach-going weather and avoid some of the crowds, then you can't go wrong if you visit from the end of September through to mid December. April and May are also ideal times to visit Aruba.

When you're searching for the best Aruba travel deals, be sure to consider how the weather will affect your plans.

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Travel Shopping

The Aruban Florin is the standard currency of Aruba, but you should find that US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere you go.

You can find plenty of great bargains in porcelain, jewelry, perfumes and even locally made clothing along the main shopping strip in Seaport Village in Oranjestad. Local handicrafts, like paintings, pottery, woodcraft and leather goods are also available.

There are some great malls and boutique stores available, along with some excellent restaurants and cafes in the Renaissance Mall and Marketplace.

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Festival Events

Bonbini Festival:
Every Tuesday night in Fort Zoutman, Oranjestad the Bonbini Festival is celebrated, offering local arts and crafts, great local cuisine, music, entertainment and dancing.

Caribbean Festival:
Held every Thursday night in downtown San Nicolas is a weekly celebration highlighting the Caribbean cultural heritage of San Nicolas. Join in the fun street fair and enjoy the folkloric dance performances, local arts and crafts and local cuisine.

Watapana Food and Art Festival:
Held every Wednesday night on the festival grounds, the Watapana Food and Art Festival offers excellent live entertainment, music, dancing, local art, traditional food and drinks and much more.

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Basic Papiamento Phrases

Bon dia - Good morning

Bon nochi - Good night

Danki - Thank you

Ayo - Goodbye

Cuantor tin? - What time is it?

Very good - Hopi bon

Cuanto esaki ta costa? - How much does this cost?

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Explore Aruba

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