Aruba: Things To Do

Go scuba diving For the ultimate underwater plunge, Red Sail Sports offers five-star PADI-certified scuba programs and dives along the calm waters near Palm Beach. Aruba; Red Sail Sports, L.G. Smith Boulevard 17; 877-733-7245; www.redsailaruba.com
adventure | scuba

Jeep tours Explore the rocky northwest coast via 4X4 and cover sights like the Old Dutch Windmill, California Lighthouse (built in 1916 and named in tribute to the California, a passenger ship that sank just offshore), Alto Vista Church, and Bushiribana Ruins (old gold mines thought to have produced 3 million pounds of gold in its 90 years of operation). Oranjestad; De Palm Tours, L.G. Smith Boulevard 142; 011-297-582-4400; www.depalm.com
tour | history | adventure

Quad racing Speed along Aruba's dusty frontier via ATV. Rancho Notorious runs three-hour tours to the Alto Vista Chapel and along the coast to Bushiribana, the Ayo Rock Formations, and the natural pool. Goggles and refreshments are included. Aruba; Rancho Notorious, Borancana Noord; 011-297-586-0508; www.ranchonotorious.com
tour | adventure

Tierra del Sol Golf Course For secluded opulence, reserve a private villa at this four-star refuge on 600 acres, complete with championship golf course, pools, and spa, on the island’s northern tip. Malmokweg; Tierra del Sol Aruba Resort & Country Club, Malmokweg z/n; 011-297-586-0978; www.tierradelsol.com
golf

Windsurfing and kitesurfing Thanks to constant winds of around 15 knots, windsurfing and kitesurfing are very popular here; beginners should stick to the southwest shores, but seasoned surfers can hit up the best locations along the northern and southeast shores, like Boca Grandi, one of the ultimate surf zones. Dare2Fly arranges both options. Palm Beach; Dare2Fly, on the beach at the Marriott Hotel, L.G. Smith Blvd., #101; 800-223-5443; www.dare2fly.com
adventure