Aruba Water Sports
Aruba
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The flag of Aruba is a shade of pale blue with two golden streaks running through it and a bright red star glowing above. There is probably no flag in the world that sums up a nation more perfectly. The pale blue ocean surrounds this southern Caribbean paradise, lapping against the golden sands of the beach. The fiery sun is ever present, casting wonderful warmth matched by the friendliness of the locals.
Aruba is an autonomous dependency of the Netherlands, and as such it has one of the most unique characters in all of the Caribbean. Dutch is the official language, and the capital Oranjestad has the architectural qualities of a pretty town ... (Read more...)
Aruba is an autonomous dependency of the Netherlands, and as such it has one of the most unique characters in all of the Caribbean. Dutch is the official language, and the capital Oranjestad has the architectural qualities of a pretty town ... (Read more...)
somewhere in the heart of the Netherlands.
The large towns are completely laid-back and relaxed, even Oranjestad itself, and this can be the perfect place if you are simply looking for a beautiful place to unwind. But the more adventurous will find that Aruba has a catalogue of secrets to set off the adrenaline of any thrill seeking traveller. The northern coast has the choppy seas for water sports, and in the centre, the Arikok National Park is home to all manner of scenic views.
Aruba is located just north of the Venezuelan coast. It is away from the Caribbean Hurricane Belt which can be a worry for visitors to other countries in the region. The climate is tropical, with hot sun tempered by Atlantic trade winds.
Loosely speaking, Aruba is divided into the south coast and the north coast. Most of the developed towns can be found along the southern edge of the country. Bathing gently in the calm Caribbean Sea, the south is a perfect mixture of cheerful people, stunning beaches and tranquil turquoise waves.
There aren’t very many towns found on the north coast, and the sea there is much stronger. This is due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, for fans of water sports, this can only be a good thing. The Arikok National Park is a beautiful mixture of lava formations, limestone cliffs, green pastures, and it covers more than 12 per cent of the island in the central-northern area.
The large towns are completely laid-back and relaxed, even Oranjestad itself, and this can be the perfect place if you are simply looking for a beautiful place to unwind. But the more adventurous will find that Aruba has a catalogue of secrets to set off the adrenaline of any thrill seeking traveller. The northern coast has the choppy seas for water sports, and in the centre, the Arikok National Park is home to all manner of scenic views.
Aruba is located just north of the Venezuelan coast. It is away from the Caribbean Hurricane Belt which can be a worry for visitors to other countries in the region. The climate is tropical, with hot sun tempered by Atlantic trade winds.
Loosely speaking, Aruba is divided into the south coast and the north coast. Most of the developed towns can be found along the southern edge of the country. Bathing gently in the calm Caribbean Sea, the south is a perfect mixture of cheerful people, stunning beaches and tranquil turquoise waves.
There aren’t very many towns found on the north coast, and the sea there is much stronger. This is due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, for fans of water sports, this can only be a good thing. The Arikok National Park is a beautiful mixture of lava formations, limestone cliffs, green pastures, and it covers more than 12 per cent of the island in the central-northern area.
Cycling
Tourism in Aruba is often sold on its status as a Caribbean luxury of sandy beaches and easy living. This is certainly true and visitors looking for relaxation won’t be disappointed. But it means that part of Aruba is often left forgotten. The beautiful scenic countryside is just waiting for exploration.
There is probably no better way to see the rural areas of Aruba than cycling. Cycling tours are available, either guided or alone, but either way you are guaranteed to get to see the island’s picturesque natural beauty: it’s impossible to miss!
Go off-road in the north west of Aruba and be treated to views of the rocky coastline. The terrain is fun but fairly flat, so it is ideal if you don’t do a lot of cycling but want to experience Aruba’s backcountry in all of its glory.
Kitesurfing
In Aruba kitesurfing has caught on in a big way. It is only a fairly recent addition to the repertoire of watersports, but it has become undeniably popular. Aruba boasts some of the most perfect conditions for kitesurfing in the world, and so even if you are brand new to the sport, it is a fantastic place to try it for the first time.
Because the island has so many great locations for kitesurfing, you’ll find a lot of ex-pat kitesurfers who have come to live out here who can provide lessons. Such schools aren’t hard to find and no matter if you’ve never stood on a board before, or you’re experienced and want to improve, this is the place to come.
Barcadera, near Oranjestad is a great place to start for its calm and predictable waves. On the other hand, Arashi on the northern coast is best kept until you have a little experience.
Windsurfing
The trade winds that breeze through Aruba are heavenly when the day is getting a little humid. Windsurfing in Aruba is fantastic all year round thanks to these winds, and it is no surprise that windsurfers of all levels flock to Aruba.
Fisherman’s Huts is a notoriously brilliant area for windsurfing. Only a short distance from the luxuries of the big towns it still feels remote and adventurous. The sea here provides the perfect mixture: calm close to the shore while rising a little higher as you go out further. Private lessons can be booked for those who want to improve their abilities, so even a novice can enjoy it.
Classic Itineraries
If you’re flying in you’ll be heading for Reina Beatrix International Airport, named after the Dutch Queen Beatrix who is the head of state in Aruba. Near to Oranjestad, it places you immediately close to the beach in this pretty town. Oranjestad is usually busy, but never frantic. The people move at a slower pace, and it is ideal for a relaxing holiday.
But of course you don’t have to come here to relax, so why not head a little way east for the Barcadera beach?
From here you can head to Arikok National Park and marvel at the wonderous vistas. Aruba is very proud of its natural beauty, and you can understand why. Hire a mountain bike and explore further…
If you’re feeling brave then it’s time to travel to the northern coast and take on the Atlantic Ocean. The beaches here are less pretty, but suit the adventure sports crowd.
Other Activities
The clear turquoise sea makes for fantastic scuba diving, the sort you won’t want to miss. Explore the wrecks and reefs which are scattered around, mostly on the northern side of the island. Snorkelling is also a lot of fun, especially if you’ve never dived before and want a simple introduction.
Leisurely pursuits such as golf and horseback riding are available. It’s a great way to break up the sunshine and beach resting - the Tierra del Sol golf course is particularly good.
And a wide range of water sports are available too. Rent a jet-ski, go surfing or simply book your place on a sailing trip: the view from the ocean is just as good!
