Aruba Things to Do Tips by LoriPori Top 5 Page for this destination

SEAWORLD EXPLORER

On your narrated tour of Aruba's undersea world aboard the SEAWORLD EXPLORER, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Arashi Reef and the largest wreck in the Caribbean, the Antilla, a 400 foot German freighter destroyed in World WarII. This semi-submarine is an underwater observatory, which was originally used for research on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The vessel remains above sea level at all times, while its hull, five feet below the surface, provides spectacular viewing.
Departs from Holiday Inn Pier.

Address: Departs from Holiday Inn Pier

ALTO VISTA CHAPEL

This picturesque little chapel ALTO VISTA CHAPELsits high on a hill overlooking the sea. The winding road leading to it is lined with white crosses, used for the stations of the cross.
Built in 1852, this chapel sits on the site of Aruba's first Catholic Church, which was erected in 1750 by Spanish missionarey Domingo Antonio Silvestre.
It is small, yet beautiful and peaceful, and I was touched by its simplicity. Inside is a little altar with the Virgin and Child. A few folks had come in to light a candle. There isn't a lot of seating inside but there is also extra seating outside for when they perform a mass.

Address: Located on the north shore, northwest of the town

SANTA LUCIA DONKEY SANCTUARY

Donkeys were first introduced on Aruba to transport goods and people. After the introduction of the automobile, many donkeys were set free. Because many of them lost their habitat, the Aruban wild donkey is today at the edge of extinction.
A group of animal lovers founded the Fundacion Salba nos Burico ( Save our Donkey Foundation ).
Often terribly abused ,injured or ill, these donkeys have found refuge at the Santa Lucia Donkey Sanctuary. Visitors and volunteers alike melt when they pet the donkeys, especially the newborn jacks and jennies.
Open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Open weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Directions: Take highway 6-A towards Ayo Rock Formations and follow the "green apple" signs.

Website: http://www.arubadonkey.org

OCTOPUS SAILING & SNORKLING TOURS

Captain Jethro has been hosting snorkeling and sunset cruises for over 28 years, 21 of which have been on the OCTOPUS, his 40 foot trimaran sailboat. All equipment is included and they limit booking to a maximum of 22 people.
Prices are all inslusive - Meals and Open bar:

Special Half Day Champagne Brunch
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Stops to explore two snorkeling destinations - the first is the "German Freighter" and the second is "Catalina Bay". A homemade breakfast of baked goods and sparkling Mimosas is provided. Lunch features a fresh meat board, crisp salad, crusty French bread and an array of fresh friuits.
$42.50 per person

Afternoon Delight Sailing-Snorkeling
Monday thru Friday 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon trips feature snorkeling at "Catalina Bay" and a light lunch is served.
$27.50 per person

Happy Hour Sunset Sails
Tuesday and Thursday
March - October 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m
October - March 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m
A fun and relaxing tour passing the coast line and watching the sunset. Accompanied by music and open bar.
$27.50 per person

Address: Located on the beach at Holiday Inn Pier

Phone: Call 993-3739 or 586-4281

Website: http://www.octopusaruba.com

DE PALM TOURS

In this tip, I will highlight some of the tours that DE PALM TOURS has to offer:
KUKOO KUNUKO
This original dinner and barhopping adventure takes you into the countryside and down city alleys for a true island adventure.
Come ride this wacky, wonderful, one-of-a-kind, hand-painted Parranda Bus. Shake your Maracas to Caribbean music, then it's off to dinner under the stars at a country locale. After dinner you are off to Aruba's best kept secret "watering holes".
GO KUKOOOOOOO!!!

NATURAL POOL JEEP ADVENTURE
Their half-day Safari will take you through Aruba's Cunucu ( Countryside in Papiamento ). Along the way you will see Aruba's exotic fauna and flora, Iguanas basking in the sun and Divi trees and some of the island's main historic sites. At the Natural Pool you can swim or snorkel in its pristine waters.

SCREAMER JET BOAT THRILLS RIDE
For the ultimate adrenalin rush, a ride on the Screamer is a must. The 42-foot long jet boat with 1.000 horsepower turbo twin engines takes you for 60 non-stop minutes of high speed runs up and down the North Coast.
Tours depart from the Pelican Pier located at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort. Visit you hotel activities desk for reservations or call 588-6881.
Look for a coupon that offers $5.00 off the regular price of $44.00 US per person.

Also offered are:
Happy Hour Snorkel Sail
Palm Pleasure Snorkel Adventure
Butterfly Farm
Aruba Aloe
Aruba Safari Off-road Adventure
Aruba Sight-seeing tour
De Palm Island
Snuba and Scuba Diving
Sunset and Dinner Cruises

For more information on these tours and others, visit De Palm Activities desk in your hotel or De Palm Pier on Palm Beach

Address: De Palm Pier on Palm Beach

Phone: 582-4400

Website: http://www.depalm.com

JOLLY PIRATES

Sail, Snorkel, Swim & Swing:
Offered daily 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. $50.00 per person.
The 85-foot teak schoonerJOLLY PIRATES will sail you to three great sites to swim or snorkel - Malmok Reefs and Boca Catalina offer waist-high snorkeling. At the wreck of the WWII Antilla the crew will take you on a magnificent tour of this sunken treasure.
BBQ Lunch, Open Bar, Gear and Rope Swing are all included.
Afternoon Snorkel:
Offered Sun, Tues. Wed. Thurs. and Sat. 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. $30.00 per person.
Shorter version of morning cruise with open bar, gear and rope swing.
Sunset Sail:
Offered on Mondays and Fridays 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. $26.00 per person.
Open bar included.
Jolly Pirates depart from the MooMba Beach between the Holiday Inn and the Marriott Resort.

Hans and I watched as the Jolly Pirates set out and everyone looked to be having a wonderful time. We saw it at the Malmok Reefs, a beautiful spot to snorkel.

Address: MooMba Beach between Holiday Inn & the Marriott

Phone: 586-8107 or 992-7858