Palm Beach Resorts
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The two-mile-long stretch of beach known as Palm Beach on the northern end of the island is the center of activity in Aruba. This is where you will find most of the all-inclusive resorts, the casinos and nightclubs. For all of its bustling activity, though, it is also remarkably laid-back and relaxing. Step onto the beach and you can rent a catamaran or sailboard, as well as explore the tranquil sea just a stone's throw from your hotel.
Bubali Bird Sanctuary is an oasis on the northwest edge of Palm Beach. More than 80 species of birds call Bubali home.
Scuba Diving
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Wherever you choose to go on Aruba, you won't be far away from some world-class scuba diving. There are dive sites suitable for every level of diver. Lessons are available for beginners, and you can rent your gear and get information or guides from any of the numerous dive shops on the island.
Scuba divers can explore the 100-year-old California wreck off the northeast tip of the island. This area is exposed to strong currents and heavy winds, so is for advanced divers only.
Just opposite the California wreck, on the protected northwest side of the island, is Arashi reef. This reef is perfect for beginners with a sense of adventure. Dive to 35 feet and you will find remnants of a Lockheed Lodestar, surrounded by brilliant coral and schools of angel and parrot fish.
In all, there are more than 30 scuba diving sites around Aruba. If you want to get away and explore the south coast beaches, you can find sites like Lago Reef. At 120 feet, Lago is the deepest dive on Aruba.
Windsurfing
Windsurfers consider Aruba to be one of the world's best windsurfing spots. The unique layout of the island leaves the northeastern side of the island exposed almost constant tradewinds, while the southwest side offers sheltered areas with long stretches of shallow water for beginners. Over the Christmas season, the winds are milder than they are in the summer but still average 20 knots on the windward side.
If you don't have a board or don't want to bring it with you, you can rent one from many places on the island. Malmok Beach, on the northeast side of the island, is the center of the windsurfing action on Aruba.
Mountain biking
Aruba is a relatively flat island, so you won't find too many challenging hills to climb, but you will find miles of bumpy dirt tracks through the rugged desert landscape on the north side of the island. A popular bike route begins at the California lighthouse, skirts the edge of the Tierra del Sol golf course and then takes you into a desert landscape strewn with cacti and tivi tivi trees. You may run across wild donkeys and an iguana or two on your ride. The deeper you go into the interior, the more you'll forget that just a few miles behind you stand some of the largest luxury resorts in the Caribbean.
You can rent good quality mountain bikes on Aruba, so there's no need to bring your own.
Christmas at San Nicolaas
Located on the southern side of the island, San Nicolaas is the second largest city in Aruba. Every year, beginning in early December, the locals lavishly decorate their homes on Sero Preto hill with Christmas lights. Visit anytime, but if you happen to be on the island on Jan. 6, there's a big celebration just before the lights are taken down for another year.
