{"id":49043,"date":"2016-10-05T16:46:15","date_gmt":"2016-10-05T21:46:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/?p=49043"},"modified":"2017-10-05T13:00:54","modified_gmt":"2017-10-05T18:00:54","slug":"aruba-youre-bored-beach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/aruba-youre-bored-beach\/","title":{"rendered":"Aruba (after you’re bored of the beach)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aruba takes great pride in being called the world\u2019s happiest island. Located just a stone’s throw from mainland Venezuela, it’s known for its fab, turquoise beaches and white sands, plus maritime activities like snorkeling, kayaking, diving and paddle boarding. But Aruba<\/a> is much more than just a tropical water world. Adventure seekers, foodies and nightlife lovers\u00a0take note: Sunny Aruba will not disappoint.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> Puerto Rico vs. San Juan (infographic)<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Aruba

Arikok Rocks | Photo courtesy of Aruba Tourism Authority<\/p><\/div>\n

Arikok National Park<\/strong> takes up nearly 20% of Aruba\u2019s landmass\u00a0and provides\u00a0backdrop for 20 miles of rugged and wild, desert-like terrain waiting to be explored on an ATV, UTV, Jeep Safari, horseback or on foot.\u00a0Arikok not only has hidden beaches, but also cacti, natural bridges, pools, historic cave paintings, indigenous flora and fauna, rattlesnakes, owls and blue whiptail lizards.<\/p>\n

While exploring, don’t miss buzzed about\u00a0Guadirikiri Cave<\/strong>\u00a0with its two chambers. Thecave extends about 100 feet with sunlight streaming through its top. In the deeper parts there\u2019s a surprise\u2014hundreds of bats. Although harmless, they are likely to give your heart a start nonetheless. Meanwhile,\u00a0Fontein Cave<\/strong> is where you\u2019ll find ceiling etchings by Arawak Indians that bring\u00a0to life Aruba\u2019s history. You\u2019ll need a flashlight to check out the 300-foot-long passageway in\u00a0Huliba Cave<\/strong>, dubbed the Tunnel of Love because of its heart-shaped opening.<\/p>\n

Once\u00a0you’ve had your fill of bats, deep dark places and the desert, look upward for your next thrill. Tandem skydiving in Aruba will get your adrenaline pumping. It offers one of the most scenic drop zones in the world. Soaring from 10,000 feet up, be exhilarated by the free-fall at 120 mph while harnessed to an experienced instructor. If you dare open your eyes, enjoy the view of the southern Caribbean, including the neighboring islands of Bonaire<\/a> and Curacao<\/a>, plus Venezuela\u2019s Paraguana Peninsula a mere 17 miles to the south.<\/p>\n

Bird watchers are in\u00a0luck. The island\u2019s semi-arid climate, diversity of flora and fauna, beaches, reefs, mangroves, marshes, countryside and manicured resorts are a breeding ground for 236 species of winged creatures, not to mention those en route to North or South America. Do check out the Bubali Plas Bird Sanctuary<\/strong>, with it bird-watching tower that overlooks marsh areas. It\u2019s across from the Mill Resort & Suites<\/a> in Palm Beach.<\/p>\n

ALSO:<\/strong> If your idea of paradise is big savings, sign up for Orbitz Rewards!<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Downtown

Downtown Oranjestad | Photo courtesy of Aruba Tourism Authority<\/p><\/div>\n

All that action is likely to stir your appetite. The options in Aruba are plentiful. Cuba\u2019s Cookin\u2019<\/strong> is a throwback to Havana in the late ’50s. It serves authentic Cuba cuisine and its chefs, waitstaff, musicians and dancers are mostly from Cuba. Black beans, rice, fried plantains, an array of pork, fish, steak\u2014it\u2019s all good.<\/p>\n

Another favorite is Pinchos<\/strong>, a chic bar and grillon the pier at the Aruba Surfside Marina where there\u2019s not a bad seat in the house. Talk about a stress buster: The calm waters and sunset views are as serene as they come. Pinchos is known for its dark rum-infused blue cheese tenderloin and pan seared Caribbean Grouper. Meanwhile, the Yemanja Woodfire Grill<\/strong> wows with its stuffed pork tenderloin and herb-crusted New Zealand rack of lamb, as well as gluten free and vegan fare.<\/p>\n

After dinner,\u00a0the party keeps going. Aruba has a busy nightlife, and not just at the casinos which include the Alhambra Casino<\/strong>, Seaport Casino<\/strong> and also at many resorts (see below). Favorite nightclubs include Gusto<\/strong> and Se\u00f1or Frog\u2019s<\/strong>. Don\u2019t be surprised if someone whispers to you about the after party. Going back to the hotel before 4 or 5 am is frowned upon. Don\u2019t be the wimpy American among Aruba’s\u00a0international crowd. Don\u2019t feellike dancing? Not to worry\u2014there\u2019s a thriving lounge scene for those in a quieter mood. Try Soprano’s Piano Bar<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re just ready to crash, the Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort & Casino<\/a> and the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino<\/a> are among the\u00a0many solid options. As you call it a day, it will surely be remembered as one that put a smile on your face. Its then you\u2019ll know why they call Aruba one happy island.<\/p>\n

\"Orbitz,<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There’s much more to the island than sand and surf.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":136,"featured_media":49070,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[2660,304],"class_list":["post-49043","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-caribbean","tag-adventure","tag-beach"],"acf":{"api_active":null,"api_title":null,"api_excerpt":null,"api_featured_image":null,"api_lob":null},"posts_api_cpm_point":[{"name":"","description":"","thumbnail":"","address":"Arikok National Park, San Fuego 70, Santa Cruz, Aruba","latitude":"12.4988945","longitude":"-69.94641539999998","icon":"\/images\/icons\/marker.png"}],"yoast_head":"\nAruba (after you're bored of the beach) | Orbitz<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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