Tropical waters surrounded by a desert landscape? No, it’s not a mirage, it’s Aruba. Offshore, Aruba is the quintessential Caribbean island with turquoise waters, lively reefs and abundant sunshine. On shore, the trade winds keep you cool as you explore the unique rocky landscape that sets Aruba apart from its Caribbean neighbors.

What to Do:
Aruba has endless activities to keep you moving all vacation long, as well as plenty of beaches beckoning you to just sit back and relax. Snorkel and dive Aruba’s thriving reefs, home to seahorses, turtles and colorful corals. Try your hand at windsurfing, one of the island’s most popular activities, or hold on tight as the trade winds carry you along on a kitesurf.

Adventurous travelers can venture inland and experience Aruba by way of ATV, mountain bike, horseback ride or island safari. Visit Arikok National Park, which covers 20 percent of the island, and leave with a camera full of images of speckled lizards, donkeys, cacti and limestone formations iconic to the area.

Where to Stay:
Aruba’s location outside of the hurricane belt makes it a perfect year-round destination. Aruba’s two main resort regions, Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, are close in distance yet feel worlds apart. Palm Beach has high-rise resorts and high-energy activities, while Eagle Beach is a more tranquil setting, with low-rise resorts and small boutique hotels that offer a perfect escape for couples looking for romance. Easily access all that Aruba has to offer from both regions, or visit Oranjestad, the cruise port and capital city.

Contact your Cruise Planners Travel Advisor to plan your getaway to Aruba and find out why this small island packs a ton of relaxation and fun!