An abundance of daytime sports and adventure tours include windsurfing, diving, sailing, deep-sea fishing, hiking, horseback riding, SNUBA, 4x4 safaris, snorkeling tours and even a submarine ride. After a day of adventure, meet new friends at one of the many nightspots and cafes where you can enjoy live music, exotic drinks, exciting shows and a welcoming atmosphere.

The slow rise of the trail reveals a landscape full of surprises with cacti-studded views opening up to reveal the stretch of rock-hewn coastline and the jump of salt spray with the incoming tide. Accompanying the scene are the reliable sounds of a horse’s hoof beat, the hum of an ATV or even the steady rhythm of your own breath as your group travels along bike and hiking trails lined with the silent sentry of ancient rock formations.

On other days, the satisfying splat of a paintball hitting its target, the thud of a ball making contact with the tennis racket or the crack of wood before a golf ball sails serenely into the distance help mark a vacation filled with memorable moments and challenges. A variety of sports captures the interests of the entire family.

In the evening, the excitement does not slow down with Happy Hours at poolside bars or restaurant venues setting the mood to total enjoyment followed by the joyous participation out on the dance floor at any one of the island’s famous hotspots. The party really moves on trips by party bus or party boat taking fun seekers through various games in the pursuit of an exceptionally good time.

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Water Sports and Sailing

The incredibly blue waters of Aruba are alive with neon-yellow fish, flame-bright coral reefs and the billowing rainbow-colored sails of windsurfers. Aruba is the perfect location of all types of watersports. Go windsurfing, kitesurfing, snorkeling, snuba or scuba diving. Rent a sailboat. Go deep-sea fishing. Do some water or jet skiing. If you're less adventurous, see the underwater sights by submarine or glass-bottom boats, go for a lazy swim in a warm, relaxing sea or sample any of our other water activities.

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Golf

Tierra del Sol, at the island's northwest tip, is Aruba's first world-class golf course. The 18-hole, par-71 course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II to take full advantage of its rugged natural surroundings. The course manages to pair peerless course design with a celebration of Aruba's wildlife.

From the wild, green parakeets on the organ-pipe cactus to the lizards and salamanders that bask on rock formations, the wildlife of Tierra del Sol has become an attraction in its own right. A saltwater salina (pond) on the 4th hole is home to several exotic bird species. Wild burros graze alongside the par-5 fifth hole, and Aruba's endangered burrowing owls perch atop the small coral caves near the par-3 sixth hole.

Afterward, golfers can relax at the clubhouse and swimming pool. The complex includes a pro shop, locker rooms, and restaurant with a panoramic view. Reservations are necessary and can be made through your hotel.

The Aruba Golf Club presents the challenge of the Caribbean's most unusual nine-hole golf course, with oiled sand greens, the ever-present trade winds, and an occasional goat as a live hazard.

Adventure Golf, a miniature golf course surrounded by water, is located on L.G. Smith Blvd., behind La Cabana All-Suite Beach Resort & Casino. There are also paddle boats and other amenities.

The Links at Divi Aruba is a tropically landscaped 9 hole golf course surrounding luxury vacation villas at the Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort in Aruba. Designed by golf course architects, Litten/Viola J.V. of Boynton Beach, Florida, this challenging course features 2 par 5 holes, 2 par 3 holes, and 5 par 4 holes. Deluxe amenities include a clubhouse with two restaurants and a golf training facility with video swing analysis. The course is open to the public with preferred tee times for Divi Resort guests and members, and offers professional golf instruction for both individuals and groups.

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Horseback Riding

Aruba's topography offers a variety of exotic locations for adventurous visitors. From the challenging sand dunes to the desert-like plains that will make you feel like the star of your own western motion picture. Along the way capture spectacular views atop the Arikok Hills with your camera. Riding experience is not required. Several ranches offer horseback tours and adventures.

Tours & Excursions

Aruba Safari
We'll pick you up at your hotel in an air-conditioned bus for a full day of exploring the island of Aruba. Your professional guide will give you an in-depth look into the heritage, tradition, culture and lifestyle of the natives of the past and present. Stops include Santa Anna Church, the Natural Bridge, Gold Mill ruins, Ayo Rock Formations, Guadirikiri Caves and more. We will also take you by Baby Beach and the town of San Nicolas. Trip includes refreshments en route and a delicious lunch buffet and snorkeling (equipment provided) at our beautiful De Palm Island. Travel from the California Lighthouse on the island's northwest point to Baby Beach on the Southern tip, taking in all the sights between on a half-day morning or afternoon guided tour. A dip in the cool, tranquil waters of Baby Beach for swimming or snorkeling provides the perfect respite between visits to a variety of different historical and natural attractions including the island's caves, The Natural Bridge, Santa Anna Church and Arashi Beach. Snorkeling equipment provided.

Cycle Tours
Aruba is just small enough to allow for cycling enthusiasts to enjoy this desert island's exotic terrain. Because some of the roads throughout the island are sandy, a mountain bike is the way to go. The terrain is mainly flat so you won't get exhausted peddling up steep hills. Cyclists will appreciate Aruba's cooling trade winds. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to take along plenty of sunscreen and water.

Bicycles can be rented at facilities such as touring companies and rental agencies in Oranjestad. Check with your hotel for touring companies that have group excursions.

Half-day Off-Road Adventure
For those who like to explore Aruba's outback, what better way than to go "off-roading", 4X4 style! This guided half-day safari will take you through the island's unique and rugged landscape allowing you to drive your own topless off-road vehicle on this "Shake & Bake" adventure. While working effortlesly on your golden tan, you will see such wonderful sights as the romantic view at the California Lighthouse, the quaint Alto Vista Chapel, the historic Bushiribana Gold Mill ruins, and the amazing ocean-carved Natural Bridge. What are you waiting for, sign up and let the adventure begin.

Off Road Adventure
Take the road less traveled and discover an Aruba full of surprises. This full-day guided "adventure caravan" includes such diverse sights as the famous landmark, the California Lighthouse, the picturesque Alto Vista Chapel, a place of worship, the historical gold mill ruins of Bushiribana, the amazing Natural Bridge (now collapsed), carved solely by the pounding waves of the rugged Northern seaside for the last 200 years, and the mysterious Ayo Rock Formation with its authentic Indian drawings. After having explored the dusty Northern Trail, its time for a well deserved mouth watering lunch at one of Aruba's most spectacular snorkel sites ... De Palm Island. This privately owned coral reef island is home to an incredible breed of Blue Parrot Fish. Even first-time snorkelers will soon agree that this will be an unforgettable experience. A must-do, can't leave Aruba without doing it adventure.

Town and Country Bus Tour
Your full morning excursion often begins with pick up at your hotel in a deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach. The guide will take you on a narrated, scenic and historic tour to the most interesting and popular spots on the island. You'll visit the Santa Anna Church with its hand-carved altar, Casibari Rock Formation, the Natural Bridge and the Gold Mill Ruins. On the way back to your hotel, our guide can drop you off downtown for shopping.

Links & Sources: Frommers Aruba.com Aruba Tourism