How to Tour Aruba

The small island of Aruba offers visitors a chance to unwind and relax on sandy beaches that meet crystal blue water. However, a trip to Aruba means more than a frozen drink sipped by the sea. Aruba has a rich cultural history and is full of diverse wildlife and natural beauties. Tours of Aruba come in many forms with many different types of destinations.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Pick a tour. There are jeep tours, ATV tours, horseback riding tours and of course, bus tours for large and small groups (see Resource below. You also can plan your own tour if you want to prioritize the sites, or sign up for various daily excursions through your hotel.

2. Get your nature fix by visiting places like the Bubali Bird Ponds, the butterfly farm, an ostrich farm, the donkey sanctuary and Arikok National Park. The national park is home to several kinds of wildlife, offers great views of the island and provides some information about Aruba's history and culture.

3. Spend some time in Hudishibana. You'll see the famed California Lighthouse, constructed in 1912 and named after the "California," a US ship that sank just off the coast of Hudishibana in 1910. Here you can also snap photos of the beautiful rolling white sand dunes Aruba is noted for.

4. Muster up your courage and enter the darkened tunnels of Aruba's caves. The Guadirikiri Cave has two separate rooms, while the Fontein Cave is marked with the drawings of the Arawak Indians.

5. Swim in the natural pool. This protected gem of watery bliss must be earned to be enjoyed. The natural pool requires a hike excursion or an ATV trip on your part. It's impossible to reach by car. Also be sure to enjoy some of the natural archways carved out of the rocks by the pounding surf. You can find one at Blackstone Beach or Andicuri.

6. Visit the Lourdes Grotto, a place of worship carved into the side of a hill.

Resources

• Depalm has an array of excursions to choose from.
• Listing of different types of tours available