Things to do in Aruba, Bonaire & Curaçao
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Washington-Slagbaai National Park
Covering the northwest portion of the island and comprising almost 20% of the land, Washington-Slagbaai National Park is a great place to explore. Roads are rough and all-but-impassable after a rain, but are well worth the effort. The terrain is mostly tropical desert, and there is a proliferation of cacti and birds. Entrance is about 5km (3mi) from Rincon.
Look for flamingos in the lowlands and parrots perched on shrubs near Pos di Mangel. Large bright green iguanas are just one of the many reptile species you might spot. You'll also see lingering evidence of the aloe plantation and goat ranch that used to be here - don't run over any wild descendants of the latter.
reviewed
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Christoffel National Park
This large park was pieced together in the 1970s from three former plantations. You can drive through much of it (choose between the coastal route or the mountain drive), but the best way to see the park is via its short trails passing through rogue stands of mahogany, limestone terraces and Amerindian petroglyphs.
Connoisseurs of Baroque architecture can admire the landhuisen (land houses) of the old plantations, one of which houses the Savonet Museum, with exhibits on the island's natural and human history. You can also hike to the top of Mt Christoffel, which has a view of Bonaire on clear days.
Entry to the park is steep, so it's worth getting up early and making a da…
reviewed
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Jewish Cultural Historical Museum
Since 1651 the oldest continuously operating Jewish congregation in the western hemisphere has attended the Mikvé Israel Emanuel Synagogue. You can visit the synagogue and its sand-covered floors as well as the adjacent Jewish Cultural Historical Museum. Items from the long history of the congregation are displayed; the building dates to 1732.
reviewed
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Natural Pool Jeep Adventure
4 hours 30 minutes (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
Spend a day exploring the countryside of Aruba on this Natural Pool Jeep Safari! You'll take the back roads of Aruba as you explore historic sights on the isla…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$99.99 -
Aruba Sunset Catamaran Cruise
2 hours (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
Experience Aruba's spectacular sunset aboard a luxury catamaran. Enjoy views of Palm Beach from the open water as you sip a cocktail and watch the stars come ou…
Not LP reviewed
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Bonaire Museum
A bit out from the center of Kralendijk, the Bonaire Museum is in an 1885 house filled with folklore displays including artifacts of the Caiquetio Indians, Bonaire's inhabitants when the Spanish arrived. Look for the detailed paintings of local mythology by Winifred Dania and Bonaire's impressive seashell collection.
reviewed
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Historic Gold Mills
Aruba's name is derived from the red gold (oro ruba) that was discovered in the centre of the island in the early 19th century. The subsequent gold rush saw the development of mines at Bushiribana on Aruba's northern coast and a gold mill in Balashi on the southwestern shore; both of which can still be visited today.
reviewed
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Museum Kura Hulanda
One of the best museums in the Caribbean, Museum Kura Hulanda is part of the sensational hotel of the same name and is inside 19th-century slave quarters. Thoroughly engaging exhibits document the slave trade from West Africa to the Americas, along with sections on voodoo, Mesopotamia and the origin of mankind.
reviewed
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Island Tour of Aruba
4 hours (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
Aruba is defined by clear, deep blue skies and the heat of consistent trade winds. It is an island destination that attracts everyone from sport enthusiasts to …
Not LP reviewed
from USD$45.00 -
De Palm Island Passport to Paradise, Aruba
8 hours (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
Enjoy Aruba from your own private island! Board an air-conditioned motorcoach to De Palm Island, where you can snorkel in an underwater paradise, rich in specta…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$120.99 Advertisement
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Aruba Atlantis Submarine Expedition
110 minutes (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
Experience Aruba's most unique underwater attraction aboard an Atlantis Submarine! Suitable for all ages, your trip aboard the world's first and most technologi…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$98.99 -
California Lighthouse
This lighthouse is named after the nearby off-shore wreck, the California, the ship infamous for not responding to an SOS from the Titanic. The grounds around it offer beautiful views of Aruba's western coastline and the beach and ocean below are good for dune and sea surfing.
reviewed
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Aruba Lunch and Snorkel Half-Day Cruise
4 hours (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
Journey in style aboard this luxury catamaran as you sail to the best snorkel spots in Aruba. Discover one of the Caribbean's largest wrecks and get close to th…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$69.99 -
Flamingo Sanctuary
Although the flamingo sanctuary is off-limits to tourists, lucky visitors with a strong pair of binoculars can witness the comings and goings of Bonaire's most beloved guests. For other flamingo-viewing spots, head to the Willemstoren lighthouse at the southern tip of the island.
reviewed
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Aruba Palm Pleasure Snorkel Adventure
4 hours (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
Take in all the pleasures of the sea by enjoying a half-day sail and snorkel experience on Aruba's newest catamaran. Lulled by the rhythm of the sea, lie on the…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$78.99 -
Catalina Bay and Antilla Ship Wreck Snorkel Cruise
3 hours (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
Head out to the most famous snorkel spot in Aruba on this 3-hour Catalina Bay and Antilla Ship Wreck Snorkel Cruise! Discover the famous snorkel spot, Antilla S…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$50.99 -
Aruba Numismatic Museum
The Aruba Numismatic Museum doesn't just have displays of Aruba's unusual currency past and present (at one time a coin shortage forced locals to cut up coins like pies), but it also has over 40,000 items used as money worldwide from the 3rd century BC to the present.
reviewed
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Baby Beach Jeep Adventure
4 hours 30 minutes (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
Hop into a jeep for a fun-filled four-wheeling adventure to some of the most beautiful sites in Aruba! Visit Arikok National Park, see one of Aruba's hidden tre…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$100.99 -
The Butterfly Farm
For an ethereal experience, spend a morning flitting with drunken butterflies. Adults and children alike will walk away feeling like veritable butterfly-ologists on expertly guided tours that cover biology, conservation and fun facts.
reviewed
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Happy Hour Snorkel Sail in Aruba
3 hours (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
Experience Aruba's magical marine life! You will have the opportunity to snorkel two spectacular locations including the largest and most famous shipwreck in th…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$66.99 Advertisement
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Discover Aruba Half-Day Tour
4 hours 30 minutes (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
Discover everything Aruba has to offer on a morning or afternoon tour! The tour covers a little bit of everything – from a guided tour of the island to snorkeli…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$59.99 -
Palm Pleasure Sunset Sail
2 hours (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
As you sail along Aruba's scenic coastline, enjoy a storybook sunset that sets the scene for romance and fun.
Relax on board the luxury catamaran as you glide ov…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$59.99 -
Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine
105 minutes (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
Now for something completely different! This vessel remains above sea level at all times, while its hull - at 5 feet below the surface - provides spectacular vi…
Not LP reviewed
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Aruba Shore Excursion: Island Tour of Aruba
4 hours (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
Aruba is an island defined by clear blue skies and the warmth of consistent trade winds – lucky you to be in port there. It attracts everyone from sport enthusi…Not LP reviewed
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Introductory Diving in Aruba
3 - 4 hours (Departs Oranjestad, Aruba)
by Viator
Learn to dive in just one day! This course is perfect for the adventurer who wants to try scuba diving for the first time. It's also ideal for those who would l…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$91.99
