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Fishing boat at sunset.

Our Top 4 Island Experiences

There’s a wealth of things to do in Aruba beyond the mandatory beach time. Here’s some of the best…

It might be a tiny island, but there’s a wealth of things to do in Aruba beyond the mandatory beach time. Here’s some of the best…

A Hike Through Arikok Park

Covering a phenomenal 7907 acres on the east coast of Aruba, Arikok National Park is the island’s most famous natural wonder. The landscape here is as diverse as it is striking, with unusual volcanic land formations interwoven with carpets of greenery and a rugged coastline that contours into white sandy beaches. Keep a lookout for lizards and parakeets before venturing into one of the limestone caves where you’ll find authentic Arawak Indian drawings. Finish your hike by scaling Jamanota Hill and enjoy breath-taking panoramic views from the highest point on the island.
 
Aerial shot of landscape in Arikok National Park.

 

Diving the Shipwrecks

Aruba truly deserves its title as wreck-diving capital of the Caribbean, its coastal waters awash with diver-friendly wrecks ranging from planes and tugboats to cargo ships and historic military vessels. Weightlessly glide through warm crystalline waters as dappled beams of Caribbean sunlight illuminate the ocean floor beneath you. You’ll see the shoals of parrotfish, damselfish and queen angelfish that inhabit the multi-colored reefs that have grown in and around these manmade machines, now forever bound to the seabed.
 

 

A visit to the California Lighthouse at Sunset

Named after the sunken ship ‘California’ that prompted its construction, this lighthouse rises a proud 55m off the shoreline, offering unparalleled 360-degree views over the glittering Caribbean Sea and surrounding landscape. The best time to visit, by far, is at sunset. Standing atop this old-timely watchtower you’ll be awe-struck by the warm red glow that descends upon the rocky coastline as the sun sinks below the horizon.
 

Kayak Tour at Mangel Halto

Kayaking at Mangel Halto is like slipping into nature’s secret passageway. The calm, shallow waters weave through lush green mangroves, where the air feels cooler and the sunlight dances between tangled roots. As you paddle, tiny fish dart beneath your kayak and coastal birds perch just overhead, keeping watch. It is peaceful yet alive with subtle movement, offering a chance to slow down and connect with one of Aruba’s most unique coastal ecosystems.

Mangroves are more than just pretty trees. Their intricate root systems protect shorelines from erosion, filter the water, and create safe nursery grounds for countless marine species. Without them, coastal habitats would lose vital protection and biodiversity. They are nature’s frontline defense and a quiet powerhouse for the ocean’s health.

 
This article has originally been published on the Black Tomato blog. 

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