7 places you must see in Aruba, including ancient caves, off-the-radar beaches, and real shipwrecks

• Aruba has a wealth of activities for as active, or as relaxed as you want to be.
• From underwater adventures to lounging on beautiful beaches, these are your must-do activities.

There's no shortage of things to do in Aruba, both on and off land. The hardest part will be making time for it all. In between sun sessions on the sand, use this list to plan out all of your island activities.

Try out water sports

Aquatic activities are legion in Aruba. You can take a submarine tour for an underwater adventure, or pop into one of the many standalone watersport huts on Palm Beach to choose from the multitude of fun sea-based options: tubing, parasailing, jet-packing over the water, and more.

If you want to become one with the waves, this island offers some of the best windsurfing and kiteboarding conditions and training in the world (fun fact: world champion windsurfers have trained at Hadicurari Beach).

Find the best beaches

Aruba's off-the-radar beaches have something different to offer. While Malmok Beach is great for snorkeling, Mangel Halto, with its lush mangrove forests, is ideal for clear-bottom kayaking. All beaches are public, so don't limit yourself to the most popular strips of sand. We also recommend visiting the private island of De Palm for a multitude of watersports.

Go beyond the beaches, too.

The "other side" of Aruba is a surreal cacti-studded desert landscape — a rugged expanse with its own dramatic beauty. Ancient caves, bizarre rock formations, primal wave-worn limestone sea cliffs, and rippled sand dunes are waiting to be explored. And the best way to discover them is by taking a guided tour. Animal lovers should also head to the Donkey Sanctuary, Philip's Animal Garden, and the Butterfly Farm.

Sail to see a shipwreck

Aruba is one the best wreck diving spots in the Caribbean, so you're in for a good time if you do decide to dive. Most of Aruba's snorkel and party sail adventures such as Jolly Pirates stop at the Antilla shipwreck, one of the largest in the Caribbean and easily visible from the shallows; diving is not required. The Monforte III cruise offers a similar but elevated experience aboard a luxury schooner.

Take an eco-friendly tour of Arikok

The vast nature preserve of Arikok National Park has a very fragile ecosystem. So instead of off-roading, take a guided hike with a park ranger to unearth its many mysteries and beauties, including the mangroves around Spanish Lagoon.

Aruba Nature Explorers offer an excellent exploration of the area. If you want to visit the famous Conchi natural pool, there's a horseback tour option with Rancho Loco. And if you want to take a Jeep safari tour, find out if the operator you come across is certified by EarthCheck.

Explore Oranjestad's exciting attractions

Take the free trolley to tour Oranjestad's best downtown attractions, including high-end shopping, eclectic dining, and historic sites. You can even take a walking tour for an insider's perspective of the island's capital. And don't miss out on visiting the reopened National Archaeological Museum, which has free entry. After dark, check out Oranjestad's vibrant nightlife venues such as Patio 15 and Bochincha Container Yard. Renaissance Marketplace is always hopping with nightly entertainment, as well.

Visit artistic San Nicolas

Discover incredible outdoor art in San Nicolas and learn about the creations with a guided walk through Aruba Mural Tours. We also recommend stopping by Kulture Café in the Nicolaas Store and finding the colorful Carnival Village kiosks to enjoy authentic street food. For even more merriment, swing by legendary 80-year-old Charlie's Bar for one of their famous "Boozer Coladas," then refresh at Rum Reef nearby for cool cocktails and an adults-only infinity pool overlooking beautiful Baby Beach.

View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Aruba.