Best Outdoor Activities in Aruba

Bubali Bird Sanctuary - a former wastewater treatment facility - is a vast wetland with rich ecosystems that nurture a great variety of resident and migratory bird species. Herons, egrets, cormorants, ducks and fish eagles are just a couple of celebrities to spot while visiting the (locally known as) Bubali Plas. Conveniently located near Aruba's high rise area in Noord, active and non-active birders can easily access this expansive habitat by vehicle or on foot. There's a small dirt road across from The Mill Resort leading to the main entrance and observation tower. And the best part: all this gorgeous plumage is free and available twenty-four-seven!

This 18-hole, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. -designed championship golf course offers a world-class golfing experience. Aruba's amazing natural beauty has been displayed to good effect. Exotic plants and rock formations are interwoven amongst the greens, and there is even a bird sanctuary on site. The par-71 course is 6811 yards long. The highest tee is 98 feet above sea level and boasts a dramatic ocean view. Greens fees include cart rental. Club rentals and locker rooms are also available. Other amenities include a golf shop with equipment and apparel, clubhouse facilities, the Ventanas Del Mar restaurant, the Lookout Bar and Grill, on course beverage carts and a swimming pool.

Bushiri Karting Speedway offers adrenaline rushes for all ages (from 8 years and up) with high-powered go karts, a slick terrain and a thrilling outdoor circuit full of sharp turns and wheel-to-wheel racing zones. Racing helmets, head socks, and instruction for first timers are all provided by the track attendants to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment. There is nothing standing in the way, so take a spin on the Bushiri Karting Speedway and master the karting basics or fine tune your racing skills. Ready? Gear up, start your engines and go! It's not Beach, not Bus Touring, but Beating-opponents-on-the-tracks Day.

This fisherman's family knows all about fish, and what the local waters have to offer. Enjoy a half, or a full day of exciting Aruban fishing with one of Driftwood's fishing charters, including all fishing equipment, bait, soft drinks, sandwiches, snacks and the crew's expert guidance. They are proud winners of many tournaments in Aruba and surrounding areas. From barracuda to wahoo and marlins or shark, the waters off this island are home to some of the Caribbean's best fishing grounds. Whether you're a first-time angler or a seasoned fisherman, one trip with Driftwood Charters and you'll be hooked forever.

Adrenaline junkies, this one's for you! AAV caters to active vacationers, not the ones who prefer to lounge on the beach all day. This purpose-built center may have started off as a windsurfing school back in 1992, but today it has become the premier venue for a new generation of adventure seekers. Apart from their renowned windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons, their kayaking, body boarding and SUP (Stand Up Paddle) activities, Aruba Active Vacations also offers landsailing and mountain biking tours. If there's something else you have in mind they are open to suggestions. Whether you'd like to try something new or enjoy an established favorite, this is the company to contact.

Aruba is a mecca for water sport enthusiasts from all over the world. It's not a coincidence that the island's been hosting the biggest wind and kite surf event of the Caribbean - Aruba Hi-Winds - for twenty eight years. Having sunny weather and strong, consistent trade winds year-round, makes this beloved beach destination ideal for surfers of all ages and skill levels. Never surfed before? Never seen a surf kite (only regular ones) up close? Drive or stroll past the Ritz Carlton Resort to the Fisherman's Huts and look for "Armando's Kite Shack", where Kite Surfing Aruba's team is ready to provide a complete package - from beginner's courses to the most challenging kite spots on the island and even lodging at The Kite House.

Built in the 1600's, Rancho Daimari is one of the oldest coconut plantations in the Caribbean. Named after the nearby Daimari Beach and Bay, this unique eco-resort and dude ranch is ideally located in Aruba's panoramic National Park Arikok. Not long ago, the ranch also offered four wheeling tours into the surrounding countryside plus paintball adventures around the property. Nowadays, guests seek refuge from the busy island life at Rancho Daimari by booking a short stay, a specialized horseback riding tour, or both. Private horseback riding trips like the "Honeymooners", the "Sunrise" and "Sunset" tour are also available. Tours last about two hours and round trip transportation is included in the price.

Take a look at Aruba from a different perspective! Starting at Pos Chikito, near Savaneta, these guided kayaking trips get you out on the ocean and in towards the southwest coast for a closer look at the impressive mangrove forests and the legendary Spanish Lagoon. Cross over to De Palm Island for a delicious lunch, and do a little snorkeling before returning to Barcadera Beach. Guides are knowledgeable and fun. Even if you've never kayaked before you will enjoy this trip, so don't worry. Basic instruction is part of the package, and so is transportation to and from all hotels.

This wildlife park encompasses roughly 20% of the entire island and is dedicated to the conservation of Aruba's natural environment, and cultural-historical heritage, educating both, citizens and guests alike, on the importance of ecological sustainability for the benefit of future generations. The visitor center at the entrance to the park provides many facilities, including a park exhibition, an information booth, restrooms, a coffee house, a souvenir shop and a media room. Many tour companies offer excursions through these wilds but, thanks to well-maintained walking paths, exploring on your own is also an option. Within the park you will see the ruins of a gold mining operation, caves, ancient indian drawings, and some remnants of an old colonial Dutch settlement. Mount Yamanota, Aruba's highest peak, is also part of Arikok park. As you walk the trails expect to see divi-divi and kwihi trees, cacti, indigenous aloe, and many tropical birds and lizards.

De Palm Tours, Aruba's largest tour company, has been operating on the island for over 40 years. Every possible activity can be arranged. Popular tours include the Palm Pleasure Snorkel Adventure; a half-day sailing and snorkeling expedition that offers lunch, an open bar, all snorkeling equipment, and the option to upgrade to a SNUBA dive experience (no dive certification required); the Sea Trek Underwater Helmet Walk at De Palm Island is another favorite underwater adventure for swimmers and snorkelers who want to plunge into the deep without needing scuba diving lessons and certificates. Not even the water-shy can escape a dive into the ocean, but they are able to stay dry with De Palm's Atlantis Submarine Expedition, or the Sea Explorer.