WatersportsSwimming is possible all year round, though the Atlantic side of the islands is often wild and treacherous. Swimmers are advised to ask their hotel about safety before swimming anywhere other than the main beaches, the best of which are on the southern coast, and include
Palm Beach,
Eagle Beach,
Druif Beach,
Baby Beach and
Rodgers Bay. Every year in June, Aruba hosts the
Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge windsurfing tournament. For details, contact the Aruba Tourism Authority (see
General Info section). Equipment hire and windsurfing
lessons are widely available. Surfing is popular on the northern coast, particularly at
Dos Playa and
Andicouri beaches, which have the best waves, but surfers are warned to pay attention to the strong currents in the area. There is good parasailing to be had on
Palm Beach. Aruba has over 40 dive sites with good visibility (often up to 30m/100ft) and a rich marine life (manta rays, barracuda and the green moray). Wall diving, coral reef diving and wreck diving are all available, with water temperatures averaging at around 28ºC (82ºF). Scuba diving qualifications can be taken on the island; further details are available from the Aruba Tourism Authority, who also publish a brochure,
Discover Scuba in Aruba. Some of the best snorkeling spots are off the beaches of
Arashi,
Boca Grandi,
Baby Beach and - most recommended of all -
Hadikurari, though snorkeling is possible in many other places. Snorkeling gear can be hired from watersports centers at hotels, many of which organize combined sailing and snorkeling day trips. There is also scope for scuba diving. Water-skiing and jet-skiing are available, but restricted to certain areas. There is good deep-sea fishing in the area with a choice of half- or full-day trips. For information, enquire at hotels or at the waterfront in Oranjestad. Moonlight, sunset, dinner or dancing cruises are also available. There are a variety of underwater tours available in glass-bottomed boats or on the Atlantis Submarine (website:
www.atlantisadventures.com). For those in search of more sedate marine-related activities, Aruba will provide a visitor with some wonderful fishing: these waters contain such gems as sailfish, white and blue marlin wahoo, shark, barracuda, amberjack and yellowfin tuna.
GolfTierra del Sol’s par-71 championship 18-hole course was designed by the Robert Trent Jones II Group, renowned for protecting the natural ecology of their sites. The course is located on the northwestern tip of the island, near the California Lighthouse and affords magnificent views. A 9-hole course is located at the
Aruba Golf Club.
OtherHorse riding is a popular pastime and riding trips are available in the
Cunucu (countryside) or along the coast. Cycling tours are popular, and bicycle hire is available throughout the island. The island also has a bowling alley, the
Eagle Bowling Palace, located in Oranjestad. This is a modern 12-lane facility which includes a cocktail lounge and snack bar. A visit to Aruba's Butterfly Farm is one that will ensconce you in a tropical garden teeming with some of the most colorful and curious species of butterfly. An admission ticket permits repeated visits. And for those who feel the need for a little bit of pampering, there are five spas on the island where you can indulge such needs.
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