10 Reasons to Visit Aruba (plus a Chance to Win a Holiday in the Caribbean!)

Aruba is a beautiful Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. It’s recently emerged as a wellness and happiness destination! Whether it’s exercise, relaxing in a natural pool, exploring the beauty of the island or protecting sea turtles – there are plenty of meaningful experiences to find in Aruba.

1. Climb the Casibari boulders of Aruba

Bouldering is one of my favourite hobbies, so I was super excited to discover the Casibari boulders in Aruba. One of two climbing sites on the island (the other being Ayo) these beautiful rock formations are just waiting to be explored. There are also thousand-year-old rock paintings on Casibari, which were drawn by the island’s original inhabitants.

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2. Chill at the beach

Eagle Beach, Dos Playa, Baby Beach, Tres Trapi Beach, Boca Keto Beach… there is no shortage of pristine whitesand beaches on Aruba. Aruba’s beaches aren’t yet world famous, which is just fine by us. While Ko Phi Phi is “closed for cleaning,” you’re still able to get a piece of white sand all to yourself on this lesser-known island destination.

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3. Dance the night away during the Carnival

Arubans don’t need an excuse to have a good time! The island explodes into colourful Carnivals and parades every year. You can check the Aruba carnival schedule here and plan your trip so that you don’t miss out. As well as the famous carnival, there are traditional folklore dances.

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4. Snorkel or dive and explore Aruba’s underwater world

Aruba is famous for wreck-diving and there are two relatively beginner-friendly sites that are well worth a visit. The Antilla is quite possibly the best wreck in the Caribbean. This German freighter sank in the Second World War and plunges from the surface down to 18 metres deep. The Pedernales is another victim of the Second World War. This oil tanker sits in shallow water and is accessible to beginners.

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5. Windsurfing, kitesurfing and water sports in Aruba

The conditions in Aruba are perfect for windsurfing and kite surfing, which draws watersports enthusiasts from all around the world. There’s a budding surf and bodyboard scene too, but be sure to check a surf forecast before you go. Kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding are also on the cards.    

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6. Hike Arikok National Park

For those more at home on solid ground, there are hiking trails to explore in Arikok National Park. This lush park is blessed with greenery and crisscrossed with accessible paths. There are decent cycling trails too!

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7. Protect baby sea turtles

When people ask me about my all-time favourite travel memory, watching the sea turtle arribada is the first thing that comes to mind. These beautiful creatures are fragile and endangered; in other words, they need our help. Four types of turtle come to Aruba’s shores to lay their eggs: Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead and the magnificent Leatherback. If you’d like to help the sea turtles of Aruba, you can get in touch with the Tutugaruba Foundation.

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8. Swim in natural pools

Swimming in natural pools is one of my favourite ways to relax. In Aruba, the rock formations have created calm natural pools that are sheltered from the rough water outside. These havens are a fantastic place for less confident swimmers, people learning to swim in the sea for the first time or for anyone seeking a tranquil place.

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9. See colonial architecture

Aruba was originally inhabited by Arawak Indians. It was colonised by the Spanish, Dutch, British, and once again by the Dutch before achieving independence. The colonists left behind colonial architecture such as the painted houses of Oranjestad, the California Lighthouse and the ruins of the Bushiribana gold mill.

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10. Om in the yoga scene in Aruba

Like everywhere with white-sand beaches and a chilled out vibe, Aruba is home to a thriving yoga scene. You can take classes, join a retreat, do stand-up paddle board yoga or even take a yoga teacher training course. Sunrise yoga followed by a healthy breakfast at a nourishing cafe — what could be better?

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Video: Yoga Teacher Shanti Talks About Her Experience in Aruba