More Water Activities in Aruba

Semi-submarine, clear kayaks, paddleboarding, parasailing, jet skis and Sea Trek

Besides snorkelling, diving and sailing, Aruba's calm west coast is ideal for many other water activities. Here is an overview of the most popular options.

Seaworld Explorer semi-submarine

The Seaworld Explorer is a semi-submarine: you sit below the waterline and look out through large windows while the boat sails over the Arashi reef and the Antilla wreck. A trip takes about 1.5 hours and departs from the De Palm Pier on Palm Beach. A good option for children and anyone who does not want to get wet.

Clear-bottom kayaks and paddleboarding

On a clear-bottom kayak tour you can look straight down at the fish and coral. Tours run for example in the calm water near Savaneta and in the mangroves, and there are even night tours with LED lights at Arashi Beach. Stand-up paddleboards can be rented on Palm Beach and other calm beaches.

Parasailing

Several watersport operators on Palm Beach offer parasailing, alone or together with one or two others. Minimum age and weight limits differ per operator.

Jet skis

Jet skis can be rented on Palm Beach. The driver must be at least 18 and have a valid driving licence, life jackets are mandatory, and you may only ride in the designated areas. Rentals are cancelled when the sea is rough.

Sea Trek helmet diving

At De Palm Island you can walk on the sea floor wearing a special helmet that supplies air, without any diving experience. Sea Trek costs about $55 for adults and $45 for children aged 8 to 12, and is only available as an add-on to a De Palm Island ticket.

More on the water

• Snorkeling
• Sailing & catamaran cruises
• Atlantis Submarine – a real submarine that dives to the reef
• De Palm Tours – De Palm Island and the Seaworld Explorer

Good to know

• Where: mostly Palm Beach and the calm west and south coasts
• Jet skis: driver 18+ with a driving licence
• Tip: book ahead in high season and check the weather

Prices, schedules and conditions change regularly, so check with the operator or venue before you go.

See also: all watersports in Aruba.

Last updated: September 2026.

Aruba with Kids

Family-friendly activities and tips

Aruba is a great destination for families. The sea on the west and south coasts is calm, the island is safe and distances are short. Here are the best activities for children.

Beaches for children

• Baby Beach – a shallow lagoon, ideal for young children
• Beaches in Aruba – most beaches on the west coast have calm water
• Snorkeling – calm spots such as Boca Catalina and Arashi Beach

Animals

• The Butterfly Farm – about $19 for adults and $10 for children, with a free return visit
• Donkey Sanctuary – free entrance, donations welcome
• Philip's Animal Garden – about $10 for adults and $5 for children, including animal feed
• Aruba Ostrich Farm
• Wildlife in Aruba – turtles, iguanas and more

Fun on and under the water

• Atlantis Submarine
• More water activities – including the Seaworld Explorer semi-submarine
• De Palm Tours – De Palm Island with water park and snorkelling

Exploring

• California Lighthouse
• Arikok National Park – free for visitors under 18
• Caves of Aruba

Tips for families

• The sun is very strong: use reef-safe sunscreen, hats and rash guards, and plan outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon.
• Children love the iguanas, but do not let them feed or chase the animals.
• Many beaches have little shade, so bring an umbrella or reserve a palapa.

Good to know

• Calmest water: west and south coasts
• Avoid swimming: on the wild north and east coasts

Prices, schedules and conditions change regularly, so check with the operator or venue before you go.

See also: more things to do in Aruba.

Last updated: September 2026.

Contact

Get in touch with In-Aruba.com

Do you have a question about this website, found a mistake or outdated information, or would you like to use one of our texts or photos? Send us an e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please note

• In-Aruba.com is an independent travel guide. We have no business relationship with the hotels, restaurants or other businesses mentioned on this website.
• We cannot make bookings or reservations, and we cannot answer questions on behalf of hotels, restaurants or tour operators. Please contact them directly.
• For questions about entry requirements, contact the official authorities of Aruba.

See also: Privacy Policy and Terms of Use & Disclaimer.

Last updated: September 2026.

Aruba Art Fair

Street art, music and culture in San Nicolas

Every September the Aruba Art Fair turns the streets of San Nicolas into an open-air gallery. Local and international artists paint new murals on the walls of the town, and there is live music, food, performances and workshops for visitors of all ages.

The fair has helped make San Nicolas one of the best places in the Caribbean for street art. Many murals from earlier editions can be seen all year round.

Aruba Art Fair 2026

The 9th edition took place from 11 to 13 September 2026 with the theme "Nature x Mankind". Dates for the next edition are announced on the official website.

Tips for visitors

• Walk around San Nicolas during the day to see the murals, and come back in the evening for music and food.
• San Nicolas is about 25 minutes by car from Oranjestad; Arubus buses also run to the town.
• Bring water, sunscreen and a hat: most of the fair is outdoors.

Nearby

• San Nicolas: Aruba's Sunrise City
• Culture of Aruba

Good to know

• When: every year in September
• Where: the streets of San Nicolas
• Admission: check the official website for the programme and any ticketed events
• Official website: arubaartfair.com

Programme and dates change every year, so check the official website before you go.

See also: all events in Aruba.

Last updated: September 2026.