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Aruba Attractions:
Beaches
The southern, leeward coast is lined with beautiful, sparkling white sand and is commonly known as the Turquoise Coast for the colorful tint of the water. There are many secluded sections of private beach or more popular strips by the hotels. Baby Beach down at the eastern tip is a natural wading pool that is perfect for families with small children. The northern coast is more rugged and windswept and can be dangerous for swimming.
Scuba-Diving & Snorkeling
The offshore waters offer great visibility of up to 100 feet and the 42 major dive sites provide an amazing variety of underwater activity: numerous shipwrecks from 25 to 400 feet deep are waiting to be explored, and the waters are teeming with sea life including manta rays, barracuda, and the rare green moray. All levels of diving from beginning to advanced are available, and instruction and equipment can be arranged for at any of the major hotels. For the less adventurous, glass-bottomed boats and submarines make trips out to view many of the aquatic sites.
Deep-Sea Fishing
Boats can be chartered to fish for sailfish, marlin, tuna, bonito and wahoo or just to go out watching for dolphins off the coast of Savaneta. The international White Marlin Competition is held in Aruba each October.
Shopping
Most of the best shopping is to be found in the downtown area of Oranjestad, the capital, but many of the shops have satellite branches in a few of the larger hotels. Quality merchandise from all over the world, particularly Latin America and Europe, attract many shoppers looking for bargains. Store hours are typically 8 am to 6 pm with a two-hour break for lunch between noon and 2 pm.
Tennis
Between the hotels and the racquet clubs, there are top quality tennis courts throughout the island. The Aruba Raquet Club is ATP sanctioned deigned by Stan Smith Design International and features eight courts, and a healthclub.
Golf
There are two golf courses on the island, the professional calibre 18-hole Tierra del Sol designed by Robert Trent Jones II and the 9-hole Aruba Golf Course. For children, there is the Joe Mendez Mini-Golf, which includes bumper boat and paddle boat rides and a variety of other games.
Horseback Riding
There are several stables on the island that rent horses for romantic rides along the beach, or to explore the rugged outback.
Bowling
Surprisingly, bowling is a very popular sport in Aruba, and local teams go on to compete in world championships. A state-of-the-art bowling center is located on the Eagle Strip.
Movies
The Drive-In movie theater is still very popular with local people. Most of the films are American, with occasional releases from Europe and Latin America. A new multiplex cinema has just been completed at Seaport Village.
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