With breezy white-sand beaches, year-round balmy temps, and a uniquely cosmopolitan culture, the Dutch-Caribbean isle of Aruba has long been a favorite of sun-seeking Caribbean travelers. But, in case you need more reasons to visit this tiny territory, check out our pick of five Fun Things to Do in Aruba.
By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
Feel The Beat Jazz lovers have just enough time to plan a trip to the breezy isle for the 10th annual Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, which features not just jazz but also Latin, funk and soul musicians. Groove to acts including headliners Kool & The Gang; Unity with Jon Secada; Ben Leibrand; and Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk performing on three Oranjestad stages September 23 and 24.
Screaming Eagle was named Best Restaurant in the Caribbean by CJ last year.
Eat In Bed Crumbs on the sheets are no big deal at Screaming Eagle, a French fusion restaurant on Eagle Beach where you can dine decadently on spacious lounge beds. The perfect accompaniment: Sips from their cellar of more than 300 wines, many of which come from the (unaffiliated) Napa Valley boutique winery, Screaming Eagle.
Meet Mother Nature With 7,907 acres of rugged landscape, Arikok National Park, which covers about 20 percent of the island, has something for everyone. Several outfitters offer tours to hike, bike or ride horses through its trails and cacti-studded desert terrain. But we’re happy just to take a dip at Conchi, the natural pool in its midst.
Push Your Pace What better way to see the island than by running around it? On March 26, 2017, competitors from all over the world will toe the start line in San Nicholas and make their way 13.1 miles to Oranjestad during the Aruba International Half Marathon, the country’s longest road race. Registration for the 32nd annual event opens in November; go to aruba.com for details.
Pet Your Donkey Get your daily dose of cute at The Donkey Sanctuary in Bringamosa. First brought to the island by the Spanish 500 years ago to be used for transportation, there are now only a few donkeys on island, about 200 of which are sheltered at this non-profit. Visit to feed and pet the docile animals, adopt one, or just observe them from the Sanctuary’s porch. Either way, don’t leave this free diversion without making a donation to the donkeys’ worthy cause.