Sometimes the One Happy Island is feverishly caliente, and the weather just feels as hot as freshly fried funchi with melted Gouda cheese on top. So, I decided to share some refreshing ways that you can cool off with the family (or your amigos) in Aruba.
Check out the 10 family-friendly (and splash-tastic) suggestions below!
Island-hop to Aruba’s fun-filled escape: De Palm Island
*TripAdvisor Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Time for Fun in the Sun: 9AM – 5PM, Daily
Where’s the water? Off the coast of Aruba at De Palm Island
De Palm Island is an all-inclusive experience that includes an all-you-can-eat-buffet and open bar, as well as diverse family-friendly activities such as snorkeling, banana boat rides, and a water park, to name a few of their water-loving offerings.
View more De Palm Island details
*Please note that De Palm Island will be doing some 2019 renovations from August 23rd till December 23rd. This will mainly affect the operations of their water park, air jumper, and zip-line activities. However, during this renovation period they will be offering a $30 discount on tickets and special markdowns for their upgrades and private cabanas.
Enjoy a Private Aqua Donut Cruise with the Fam
*TripAdvisor Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Time for Fun in the Sun: 9AM – 5PM Monday – Saturday & 11AM – 5PM on Sundays
Where’s the water? Across from Pelican Pier in Palm Beach
You can check out our own Aqua Donut adventure, if you’re looking for more insights. Also, remember to ask the Octopus Aruba team to educate you on appropriate anchoring and proper behavior with regards to interacting with wild sea-life.
View more Octopus Aruba details
Visit Splash Park Aruba at Surfisde Beach
*TripAdvisor Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Time for Fun in the Sun: 9AM – 5PM, Daily
Where’s the water? Surfside Beach in Oranjestad
You can literally splash your day away at this floating water park.
View more Splash Park Aruba details
Spend the Day at Sea on a Sail & Snorkel Trip
Time for Fun in the Sun: Starting with morning cruises and ending with sunset sails
Where’s the water? Palm Beach area & some cruise operators are docked at Renaissance Marina in Oranjestad
Who doesn’t love a good snorkel sesh? Snorkeling gear and food are usually provided, and let’s not forget (for the more adult-aged fams) their open bars that are stocked with Aruba Ariba ingredients waiting to be prepped & enjoyed.
View Sail & Snorkel Cruise Operators
Go Tube Riding in Palm Beach
*TripAdvisor Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Time for Fun in the Sun: 8AM – 5PM, Daily
Where’s the water? Palm Beach in Noord
This was quite a popular activity to do with your friends while hanging out at the beach when I was growing up on our One Happy Island. The donut tubes are definitely the classics, but if you’re looking for more of a thrill, I’d recommend opting for the tubes that you ride on your knees.
View more info on Aruba Watersports Center
Hit up Aruba Waterpark by Hooiberg
*TripAdvisor Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Time for Fun in the Sun: 11AM – 6PM Tuesday – Friday & 10AM – 6PM Saturday – Sunday
Where’s the water? Hooiberg in Oranjestad
Not feeling the heat? You could always climb up Hooiberg to catch a gorgeous view of Aruba, and then check out this water park.
View more info on Aruba Waterpark
*Please note that Aruba Water Park will be closed for their 2019 renovations from August 19th till October 4th.
Get Natural Fish Pedis in Aruba at Fontein
*TripAdvisor Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Time for Fun in the Sun: 8AM – 3.30PM, Daily
Where’s the water? Fontein Cave in San Nicolas
Treat these fishies to your toes…I mean, the old skin cells that you don’t need any more…But, if you’re ticklish, beware! Hehe
Contact Arikok National Park for more info
Experience Paddleboarding in Aruba’s Iconic Spanish Lagoon
*TripAdvisor Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Time for Fun in the Sun: 9AM – 5PM, Daily
Where’s the water? Palm Beach (office location)
Do you dare to explore Aruba’s hidden gem, the Spaans Lagoen, aka Spanish Lagoon, while paddleboarding?
View more info on Aruba Surf & Paddle School
Get Super Splashy with Wakeboarding Sessions in Aruba
*TripAdvisor Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Time for Fun in the Sun: 9AM – 6PM Saturdays & Sundays
Where’s the water? Bucutiweg (docking area)
The family-owned, Aruba Wakeboard School, has shown numerous guests of all ages and wakeboarding skill levels a splashing good time.
View more info on Aruba Wakeboard School
Learn to Windsurf and Kite Surf at Fisherman’s Huts
*TripAdvisor Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Time for Fun in the Sun: 8AM – 5.30PM, Daily
Where’s the water? Fisherman’s Huts beach
Whether you’d like to learn to kite or windsurf, Aruba Active Vacations, has your back! Bonus: you can practice this ocean-loving sport where repeat world champion, Sarah-Quita, has also caressed the waters with her windsurf board.
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*Rating data as of 09/13/2019