“See” listings
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Sea Trek Underwater Helmet Walk
Even non-swimmers can walk along the bottom of the sea while breathing as naturally as you would on land—or like a fish in water— due to special, air helmets. Scads of colorful tropical fish surround you while professional photographers document your surreal underwater experience. (09/2011)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off De Palm Private Island
800-609- 7374
depalmtours.com -
Land Sailing
Imagine a cart attached to a billowing sail that's powered by Aruba’s steady trade winds, and you’ll understand why the Dutch call it “blokarting.” Once those wheels start turning, you move like the wind at speeds up to 35mph. Protective gear and instruction are included. (07/2011)
With Aruba Active Vacations Pick-up and drop-off from resorts
297-586-0989
aruba-activevacations.com -
Fantastic Gardens
Far more than a garden center, this 6-acre lush, quiet oasis features both foreign and indigenous tropical flora. Hidden among the plants are an espresso bar, a koi pond and a meditation garden. (05/2011)
14 Caya Cuida bo Cura, Bushiri
297-583-2650
fantasticgardensaruba.com -
Aruba Heli Tours
Take postcard-perfect aerial photographs from the seat of a Robinson R44 whirlybird while flying over the perfect, flour-soft beaches of the Aruba coast. If you're feeling fancy, they'll even fly you to dinner at the ritzy Ventanas del Mar restaurant. (03/2011)
Oranjestad Marina Helipad
297-731- 9999
arubahelitours.com -
Tivoli's Lighting Parade
February is Carnival month in Aruba, packed with two straight weeks of activities. Tivoli’s Lighting Parade (Feb. 26) lights up the night with a spectacle of flashy, illuminated costumes, roadpieces and floats. Other events include Mrs. Carnival and Carnival Queen elections (Feb. 18 and 23), Calypso and Roadmarch contests (Feb. 15-19) and childre (02/2011)
Oranjestad
visitaruba.com -
ARUBA KAYAK ADVENTURE
Aruba’s only kayak tour company offers six-hour tours of the gorgeous south coast, including the environmentally important mangrove forests and sea grass beds as well as a few hidden caves. Tours cross Spanish Lagoon to De Palm Island, where hungry kayakers can get lunch at Windjammer Restaurant. (01/2011)
Ponton 90, Oranjestad
297-582-5520
arubawavedancer.com -
ATV TOURS
Aruba’s scenic splendor is unlocked on an ATV tour of the rugged northeast coast. A quick lesson, and you’re ready to zip off on a dusty, adrenaline-charged excursion through cactus country that visits five of Aruba’s most popular sites, such as the lighthouse, the Chapel of Alto Vista and the gold mill ruins at Bushiribana. (12/2010)
Boroncana 8D, Noord
297-586-0508
ranchonotorious.com -
BOCA PRINS DUNES
These snowy white dunes stand in stark contrast to Aruba's rocky east coast in Arikok National Park. An easy hiking trail (just over a quarter-mile long) leads over the dunes to the coast, where it descends stairs to a secluded beach. The pounding Atlantic surf makes it too dangerous for swimming, but the shore is still a calm spot for enjoying the sunrise. (11/2010)
Arikok National Park, San Fuego 70
297-585-1234
arubanationalpark.org -
MOTORCYCLE TOURS OF ARUBA
This four-hour guided tour takes you to the far corners of the Brooklyn-sized island, exclusively following back roads to sites like the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, Savaneta, Baby Beach and Frenchman’s Pass. Back at the store, peruse original Harley-Davidson collectibles. A motorcycle license is required. (10/2010)
LG Smith Blvd 106, Oranjestad
297-582-8660
harleydavidson-aruba.com -
ARIKOK’S CAVES
Bring your flashlight and a sense of adventure to these limestone caves. Fontein Cave has centuries-old Arawak petroglyphs, while nearby Quadirikiri Cave has two large inner chambers that are lit by sunlight through holes in the ceiling, allowing spelunkers to study its limestone formations. (09/2010)
Arikok National Park, San Fuego
297-585-1234
arubanationalpark.org -
CALIFORNIA LIGHTHOUSE
This watchtower on the island’s rocky northwest coast is named after the US ship California, which sunk just offshore a quarter-century before its 1916 completion. The 98-foot-tall lookout is closed, but is located on an elevated piece of land that offers spectacular views. (08/2010)
Westpunt
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THE ANTILLA
One of the Caribbean’s largest shipwrecks, this 400-foot German cargo ship sank during World War II and is now home to a large variety of tropical fish and colorful corals. Scuba divers and snorkelers love the area. (07/2010)
Off Malmok Beach, Noord
no phone