Going to Aruba in May. Any suggestions?

Travel Info
We are going on the 5th of May. We are wondering what we shouldn't miss out on and if we should plan and pay for these things ahead of time, or wait until we get there?Thanks!

Travel Tips

Sailing Cruises & Watersports

The incredibly blue waters of the Caribbean are alive with neon-yellow fish, flame-bright coral reefs and the billowing rainbow-colored sails of windsurfers.

Aruba is the perfect location of all types of watersports. Go Windsurfing or snorkeling or scuba diving. Or rent a sailboat. Go deep-sea fishing. Do some water or jet skiing. If you're less adventurous, see the underwater sights by Submarine or glass-bottom boats, go for a lazy swim in a warm, relaxing sea or sample any of the other water activities.

Atlantis Submarines
Atlantis VI, Aruba's only real submarine adventure offers you multiple dive sites through the living world of the Barcadera Reefs, the mysteriously sunken airplane or the graceful lady of the deep, the retired Mi Dushi, a 70 year old Danish fishing trawler. All the dive sites have very intriguing stories which will keep you fascinated during the hour-long narration of the co-pilot, and all too soon the thrilling dive comes to an end and it is time to get back to reality.

Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine
Explore spectacular coral reefs and shipwrecks on the Seaworld Explorer, a state-of-the-art semi-submarine. Visit the Arashi Reef and the largest wreck in the Caribbean on this vessel that does not submerge!

The Screamer - Are you ready for an unforgettable Adventure? Then you're ready for the Screamer! This is 60 non-stop minutes of twin engine, 1200 hp turbocharged excitement.

Sailing

As pleasant as it is to stare at the horizon from Aruba's coast, the view of the island itself is an amazing spectacle from the sea. The smooth ocean and the steady trade winds are just perfect for a great sailing trip. You may choose from one of the many sailing adventures that they have available either during the day or night. And don't forget to bring your sun block if you choose to sail during the day.

Jolly Pirates

Something magical happens when the island tradewinds snap your sails to life. While you are stretched out on the spacious teak sunbathing deck you will soon discover that a pirate's life isn't as rough as it used to be. Open bar and rope swing.. Special Online Price 10% OFF Regular Prices.

MiDushi Sailing Cruises

Built in 1925, this 78ft. Windward vessel offers barefoot'n adventures guaranteed to be the highlight of your vacation! Choose from the Taste of Arubaah, Sundown Safari or the Jolly Roger Sunset Cruise.

Pelican Adventures

Sail along the gorgeous beaches, enjoy the sunset view, and have fun while gliding over the clear blue sea. or relax for 2 1/2 hours on a romantic & unforgettable evening under the moon and stars.

Red Sail Sports

Enjoy the stunning Aruban sunset aboard their sunset cocktail cruise, relax on a romantic moonlight cruise or dine on their luncheon and dinner sails.

Tattoo

Dance and enjoy dinner under star filled skies while Tattoo's talented crew entertains you! Take the plunge off their wild & wicked Rope Swing! Don't leave Aruba without getting TATTOO'D!

Windsurfing

The constant 15-knot trade winds, along with the variety of flat-water locations and challenging wave conditions, have made Aruba one of the most popular spots on earth for windsurfers. Whether you're a beginner, an expert or anywhere in between, you can find a suitable location for your skill level.

Novices can take advantage of the gentler winds and abundance of equipment and instructors along the island's southern shore, and advanced students and experts have a choice of any number of prime locations along the northern and southeastern coasts.

Every year in June, Aruba hosts the Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge windsurfing tournament. This ten-day competition attracts the most competitive professional windsurfers and hundreds of amateurs to the island of Aruba. See The Aruba Hi-Winds Website for details.

For board and rig rental, and guidance by expert instructors, please check with your hotel.

Windsurf Shops

Aruba Board Sailing (297) 5863940
Pelican Watersports (297) 5872302
Sailboard Vacations (297) 5862527

Scuba Diving

The waters of Aruba offer some of the best diving in the world. Go wall diving or reef diving. The offshore waters offer visibility up to 100 feet and 42 major dive sites provide an amazing variety of underwater activity. Explore wrecks sunk during World War II from 25 to 400 feet deep. Or stay closer to the surface and still enjoy the beauty of the coral formations and the adventure of the wreck sites. The water averages around 78 degrees (F) year round and teems with sea life including manta rays, barracuda, and the rare green moray.

If you're a novice, you can take a Resort Certification scuba diving course, either before your trip or after arriving on the island. If you already have your Open Water Certification, Aruba is ready and waiting.

Snorkel

Everyone can snorkel. However there are a few basic safety rules. The most important rule to remember is: Never touch coral!

Good snorkeling spots include Arashi beach, Boca Grandi, Baby Beach and many more. Gear can be rented at watersports centers along the hotel area. There are several tours that combine sailing and snorkeling.

On the island, diving and snorkeling excursions can be arranged through the following operators:

Water Sports Operators:
Scuba and Snorkel
Dive Aruba (297) 5827337
Atlantis Adventures (297) 5886881
Pelican Watersports (297) 5872302
Red Sail Sports (297) 5861603

Rhino Rider Water Safari

Brace yourself for an exhilarating adventure along the northwest coast of Aruba on your very own Rhino Rider. The Rhino Rider is a two person, 10 foot inflatable motorboat which you command as you zip along on this fun-filled, guided adventure.

Swimming

The beaches on the southern, leeward coast have soft, sparkling white sand. The clear, calm, turquoise waters of Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, Druif Beach, Baby Beach and Rodgers Beach are safe to swim in any time of day, any day of the year. There are also several hidden little bays around the island, as well as the Conchi, or natural pool, near Arikok. In general, however, the Atlantic side of the island is wild and often treacherous. Please ask your hotel about safety before planning to swim anywhere other than the main beach areas.

Jet Skis (WaveRunners)

The smooth seas of the south and west coasts are perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers. Jet skis are restricted to certain areas. Please ask your hotel for details.

More Watersports

Other watersports include water scooters, banana boat rides, hobie cats, sunfish, paddle boats, parasailing, kayaks, sun searcher floats, tube rides and speedboat rides. For the less adventurous, glass-bottomed boats and submarines make trips out to view many of the aquatic sites. Please ask your hotel for more information.

Deep Sea and Bottom Fishing

In the temperate waters around Aruba, a variety of Atlantic game fish can be caught year-round. Sailfish, white and blue marlin, wahoo, shark, barracuda, amberjack, kingfish, bonito, and blackfin and yellowfin tuna are abundant.

You can sail for either a full day or a half-day on many fishing boats. Excursions can be arranged through your hotel activity desk or directly with the captain of the boat of your choice. Most charter fishing boats operate from Seaport Marina, across from the Sonesta Hotel in Oranjestad.

Marina

Seaport Marina, located in the harbor at downtown Oranjestad, is a planned facility offering the yachtsman a calm port, out of the hurricane belt, with access to Aruba's finest marine services. The marina features a wide variety of watersports, including daily deepsea fishing charters, sailing, diving and snorkeling.

Enjoy!

=) Source(s): http://www.tripadvisor.com
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