World Country Guide

Sport & Activities

Watersports
Swimming is possible all year round, though the Atlantic side of the islands is often wild and treacherous. Swimmers are advised to ask their hotel about safety before swimming anywhere other than the main beaches, the best of which are on the southern coast, and include Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, Druif Beach, Baby Beach and Rodgers Bay. Every year in June, Aruba hosts the Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge windsurfing tournament. For details, contact the Aruba Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses section). Equipment hire and windsurfing lessons are widely available. Surfing is popular on the northern coast, particularly at Dos Playa and Andicouri beaches, which have the best waves, but surfers are warned to pay attention to the strong currents in the area. Aruba has over 40 dive sites with good visibility (often up to 30m/100ft) and a rich marine life (manta rays, barracuda and the green moray). Wall diving, coral reef diving and wreck diving are all available, with water temperatures averaging at around 28C (82F). Scuba-diving qualifications can be taken on the island; further details are available from the Aruba Tourism Authority, who also publish a brochure, Discover Scuba in Aruba. Some of the best snorkelling spots are off the beaches of Arashi, Boca Grandi and Baby Beach, though snorkelling is possible in many other places. Snorkelling gear can be hired from watersports centres at hotels, many of which organise combined sailing and snorkelling day trips. Water-skiing and jet-skiing are available, but restricted to certain areas. There is good deep-sea fishing in the area with a choice of half- or full-day trips. For information, enquire at hotels or at the waterfront in Oranjestad. Moonlight, sunset, dinner or dancing cruises are also available. There are a variety of underwater tours available in glass-bottomed boats or on the Atlantis Submarine (website: www.atlantisadventures.com).

Golf
Tierra del Sol’s par-71 championship 18-hole course was designed by the Robert Trent Jones II Group, renowned for protecting the natural ecology of their sites. The course is located on the northwestern tip of the island, near the California Lighthouse and affords magnificent views. A 9-hole course is located at the Aruba Golf Club.

Other
Horseriding is a popular pastime and riding trips are available in the Cunucu (countryside) or along the coast. Cycling tours are popular, and bicycle hire is available throughout the island. The island also has a bowling alley, the Eagle Bowling Palace, located in Oranjestad. This is a modern 12-lane facility which includes a cocktail lounge and snack bar.