Top 10 Exciting Summer Activities in Aruba

Living here in paradise, my weekends are filled with lounging and relaxing on the beach, trying to recharge for the week. However, at the start of the year, I made a resolution to create more memorable experiences, and to create my own list of the most exciting things to do in Aruba!

Thinking about the many ways I can shake up this summer, I figured adrenaline equals unforgettable. And yes, this little paradise island is packed with thrill-seeking activities! Check out my list of the top 10 most adrenaline-pumping experiences right here on the One Happy Island!  

10. Tubing and Parasailing

What’s the easiest way to get your blood pumping during your vacation? My best bet would be to go for a fun and exciting tube ride. Imagine holding on to the tube, while the speedboat races across the shores of Palm Beach. It’s going to be a bumpy ride! Hold on very hard when the captain makes a sharp turn because you are guaranteed to go in the air! Falling off might be scary, but my friends agree it’s the best part! And if you’re not afraid of heights, try parasailing! Feet dangling high up in the air, the blue ocean underneath you, I’d say it’s the perfect combination of adventure and scenery!

9. Mountain Biking

Did you know that Aruba has over 350 kilometers of bike trails? Put your helmet on, and enjoy the dramatic scenery of Aruba’s rugged terrain while you get your blood pumping. With stops covering the scenic views of the island, unique flora and fauna, and the waves crashing on the rocks of the north coast, it is definitely a unique way to see the island. There are trails for all levels, so no matter what your experience level may be, this is one of Aruba’s most adventurous activities that’s not to be missed!

8.  Wreck Diving

Every time I go diving, my heartbeat increases as I am about to jump into the water. All geared up with wetsuit, fins, and oxygen tank,  that feeling knowing I will descent into this entire different world is sure to get me really excited each and every time. Aruba has many great wreck dives, such as the Pedernales for beginners at 20 feet, the challenging Jane C. wreck dive, or my personal favorite, the magnificent Antilla wreck! Check out this video featuring our beautiful aquatic life. 

^{Antilla Shipwreck}

7. Go Karting

I’m the kind of person who loves a good challenge. So when my friends proposed to go for a race at the Go-Kart track, I was all in! Think about it: you and your friends, sunny day, high speed and sharp turns, to forever settle the important question in life: who is the best driver? Count me in. Get your adrenaline kick and make sure to reserve for a few extra laps.

6. Cliff Jumping

Cruising Aruba, you will see many great sights. Especially when driving down the north coast, there will lots of volcanic rocks, with huge waves crashing against them. There are many beach coves along the coast, including “Boca Keto” which stands for quiet cove. It is here that you can challenge yourself and jump into the beautiful blue water. What works for me? Count to three, run, and just jump! Check out this very very funny video of my sister Stephanie jumping of the cliffs at Boca Keto:

5. Bodyboarding

Growing up here, we are taught to swim from a young age. So when it’s family day over at Andicuri beach, all the kids would run into the water with body boards attached to their arms to catch the best waves. The kick never goes away, and every time there’s a big wave coming towards you, you either dive under it, or claim it to ride it! And, once you find the perfect wave, it’s the adrenaline that gets you paddling hard, and not looking back! Aruba has many great bodyboarding spots, from Arashi Beach, to Dos Playa.

4. ATV Off-road to Conchi

Going to the Natural Pool, or “Conchi” as we Arubans call it, tops the list of many locals’s favorite adventurous activities in Aruba. Getting there is a real off-road experience in itself, and you can choose to hike it, go by horseback, or get there with a 4x4 jeep. Better yet, steep hills combined with rocky roads calls for an ATV adventure! Either share the ride with someone else, or go solo, I can vouch both ways will get your adrenaline going. The best part? When you reach the top of the hill and see the natural pool in the distance, with the waves crashing against the natural barriers, you know you have made it! 

3. Kitesurfing

Now that we’ve arrived in the top 3, let’s take the adrenaline level up a notch! Kitesurfing is one of the best extreme sports and most exciting things to do in the entire Caribbean Sea, and Aruba is the perfect place to do it. Aruba is a breezy island, so when the trade winds pick up, and you’re holding on to a kite with a board attached to your feet, prepare to be swept up in the sky! Aruba has some great kite-surfing spots; for the more experienced, head east to Boca Grandi for the best winds! My extra local tip to you: The Aruba Hi-Winds event featuring international windsurf and kite surf competitions will be held from 8 until 18 July 2016 at the Fisherman’s Huts.

2. Jetlev

Hovering over 30 feet above water by means of a water-propelled jetpack? Sign me up! I thought that I’d have to be in a Hollywood superhero production to experience such an awesome machine. But look no further than the Palm Beach and you can experience it for yourself. I know for sure that I will try this out, and make this summer an unforgettable one!

1. Skydiving

No questions asked, no doubt about it, skydiving is THE ultimate adrenaline rush in Aruba. Just imagine the thought of jumping out of an airplane, freefalling, and then slowly floating your way to the ground. My heartbeat would start racing from the moment I step into the airplane. It’s definitely on my bucket list, and honestly, there’s no better place to do it than Aruba. Just the amazing view of the island surrounded by the Caribbean Sea is what I would do it for. I am sure that it would be an unforgettable Aruban summer.

Aruba, as an island of contradictions, is the place where pristine turquoise waters collide against the desert-like terrain of the north shore; where peace and relaxation coexist with wild and rugged adventures. There is always an activity that will float your boat, no matter the level of adrenaline you are seeking.

Book your active Aruba Vacation now!