Aruba: the best things to do
Following on from the first part Aruba, Aruba, the restaurants, now anyway: Aruba, what to do.
First of all: the obvious. With your ass on the beach, eat as little as possible all day long. But if, if you still want to do something because you are there, say, for a week or two and perhaps don't want to spend part of the day eating, drinking, sleeping, reading a book, eating, drinking, sleeping, then Aruba also has great things to do. in store. This for example:
And whatever you do, you really have it in Aruba a rental car required.
Of course, you have to plan your visit well. In February there is a party for almost the entire month, but the preparations start well on time in Aruba every year (already in January). And that carnival things are a bit different than in the south of our own country.
To be present is to experience. You also immediately skip the cold weather in the Netherlands that month.
Ga Soups. You know, Stand Up Paddling. It's wonderful when it happens on a wonderfully calm sea and picking something off your board is a gift. Moreover, and all parties agree: it is fantastic for your body. Okay, you have to go regularly for that, but still – if you want to exercise on holiday, do this.
Sup Yoga is even a little sportier and more in the zen mode. A Sup Yoga Class from Vela Aruba you must have. Sounds like a challenge and it is. But a fun one and suitable for beginners. Fortunately, you don't have to go on a hard board, but on a soft inflatable board. Lovely instructors give the lessons and indoors no time you learned a new attitude.
Visit one of the Natural Pools. Ha! You didn't see that coming, did you? Aruba has a few beautiful natural 'swimming pools', hidden between the rocks, separated from the rough ocean. So beautiful. The one in Conchi, for example, but there is also one that has not been known on the island for very long. You will need a guide to get there, for the latter, that much is true, and then it is an experience, jumping off a rock into the clearer than clear sea water. You can't get more refreshing and beautiful than that. There are several options, but ABC Tours will take you there with love. Please note: if you book a group tour, there is a good chance that you will find a bunch of (hysterical) Americans in your jeep. And they enjoy taking a few extra laps on the roundabout while honking their horns and driving 'nice and rough', which the ABC Tours drivers gratefully comply with.
Where? At Antilla. There is a large shipwreck in the ocean there, the largest in the Caribbean. And yes, that is impressive on a whole other level.
Step back? Snorkeling is also fantastic here.
Sun in the background, mat on the ground and close your eyes. Inhale en exhale, completely zen. If you do it anyway, do it here. Nice and early in the morning or while the sun is just setting, the sound of the sea in the background, some seagulls above your head and an enthusiastic American who will drag you through the session with a bold accent. Wonderfully zen for some, a great nap for others.
Maria Pucci has chosen a very nice place for her yoga sessions, namely Tres Papi. Tip, yoga with Maria.
Where to eat in Aruba? You can read that here: Aruba, the restaurants
Aruba's national park is truly beautiful. There are walking routes, gigantic cacti, ancient wall drawings and more. You can also do this with your own rental car, but you can also visit the area with a guide. Actually, the latter is even more fun. You will learn a little more about the flora and fauna, the guides know where to find the best views and are good at estimating what is and is not feasible for walking with the temperatures.
Drive to the northernmost tip of the island where the lighthouse is. That.
Whatever you do, head to St Nicholas, the southern tip of the island. In any case, you will find the oldest bar in Aruba there, Charlies Bar, but also the historical museum (if you want to do some educational work) and - and that's the point - it is a large open-air museum. Colorful street art wherever you look, one work even larger and more impressive than the other. It's that when you think of Aruba you think of the beach and palm trees... But really, it's crazy and it's everywhere.
Be sure to like the Facebook book page Aruba Art Fair in the smiezen, it lists all the must-go's. And save The Artista Gallery not left, a modern concept store in an old garage where they can tell you everything about the local artists, where you can shop and take workshops, if you want.
You may not get more touristy than this, but it is must visit when at One Happy Island. Aruba is known for the production of aloe vera and you will learn everything about Royal Aruba Aloe. You can immediately stock up on all the products for when you accidentally get a little sunburn.
