Aruba

After a short drive to the Holiday Inn Pier, you’ll board a transfer boat and head out to the Seaworld Explorer.

Step aboard the state-of-the-art Seaworld Explorer semi-submarine, developed in Australia for use on the Great Barrier Reef. The vessel does not submerge; you descend into the hull to sit in air-conditioned comfort 5 feet below the water’s surface.

You’ll glide over the Antilla, a 400 feet German freighter, destroyed during World War II. Delight in the surroundings as your skilful captain manoeuvres the semi-sub over the Caribbean’s largest shipwreck.

Returning to shore, your mode of transport changes to bus. Stop to admire the magnificent view of the Palm Beach area at the lighthouse, on the northernmost tip of Aruba. You’ll visit the Casibari Rock Formations, before arriving at the Baby Natural Bridge carved by the surf from solid coral and limestone. You’ll also see the original Natural Bridge, which collapsed in 2005.

Finally, you’ll drive past the Gold Mill Ruins and back to Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba.

Your adventure begins from the harbour, where you’ll board Atlantis’ modern, jet-driven passenger shuttle for a quick boat ride to the dive site. You’ll then transfer to the Atlantis VI Submarine just off the south east coast of Aruba, where your thrilling dive begins.

You’ll have the opportunity to get a fantastic close up view of the exotic marine life while diving to depths of up to 120 feet. Be amazed by colourful schools of tropical fish, huge sponge gardens and the mystical beauties of the coral fields. The educational and entertaining narration of the experienced and professional crew will highlight this unique experience. All of this is in air-conditioned comfort without getting wet! See the myriad of colours and wonderful blue of the ocean through your window onto this world of water.

At the end of your once-in-a-lifetime voyage, you will receive an official dive certificate as proof that you have participated in the incredible experience that has thrilled over 6 million passengers.

Enjoy a scenic drive along Eagle Beach, past the resort hotels to the oldest lighthouse on the island – the California Lighthouse. From here you can admire great views of the island. See the Alto Vista Chapel, where Spanish missionaries are said to have converted the island’s Indians into Christians in 1560.

The route then takes you along the north coast to the Baby Natural Bridge, situated next to the former Natural Bridge, which was Aruba’s premier attraction until its collapse in 2005. This spot demonstrates the powerful forces of the sea, which over the years has carved through coral and limestone.

Your return journey takes you to the Casibari Rock formation, a group of large diorite and granite boulders. Head to the south coast to see the world’s largest water desalination plant before returning to Oranjestad.

Enjoy a short drive to the De Palm Beach pier to join the Discovery Glass-bottom Boat. Once on board, you’ll explore the silent world of Aruba’s marine life and phenomenal coral formations. Gaze down into the crystal clear waters and see the complex and fascinating corals, abundant and colourful tropical fish in a world few visitors ever see. Cooled by the trade winds, listen to the crew as they reveal the secrets of the deep.

This informative tour is designed for all age groups, especially those who wish to view the underwater wonderland without getting wet.

Enjoy a brief scenic drive to the south of Aruba in true Caribbean style aboard colourful open-air Chiva buses.

You’ll stop at Boca Catalina, said to be one of the best snorkelling sites. Relax on the coral beach or take to the water with your snorkel gear to discover the tropical marine life below the surface. During your time at the Boca Catalina, you’ll be offered a refreshing soft drink or bottle of water.

Your next stop will be at the popular and colourful Palm Beach, located on the front of the resort area. Here the time is yours to do as you please: sit back, relax and enjoy the sea and sun.

A short drive from the port will take you to Aruba’s Butterfly Farm, one of the island’s top ecological attractions. As you step into the tropical greenhouse garden look out for the many colourful butterfly varieties. You’ll also learn the interesting facts about the species and its life cycle.

Afterwards, your journey will take you to the Ayo Rock Formations, once considered a sacred site by the island’s original inhabitants. Enjoy a walk around the 2 towering boulders, unusual in design.

Your drive will continue along the north coast and on to the Baby Natural Bridge situated next to the former Natural Bridge, which was Aruba’s premier attraction until its collapse in 2005. See how the powerful forces of the sea have over the years carved through coral and limestone. Take time to view this unique spot before the return drive to Oranjestad.

Enjoy a refreshing soft drink as you pass by the beautiful white sand beaches and resorts en route to your snorkelling destination – Malmok Reef. The crew will offer instruction and point out the various marine life as you snorkel over this perfect shallow coral reef.

Your next snorkel site is the famous Antilla shipwreck, a fascinating site that attracts schools of fish to its coral and sponge-encrusted decks.

After your watery encounter, you can relax on deck and bask in the sunshine during your return to Oranjestad. Enjoy some refreshments of rum or fruit punch and seasonal snacks on board.

After a short bus and ferry ride, you’ll arrive at tiny De Palm Island. Here, you’ll receive a brief orientation of the facilities.

The time on the island is yours to do as you please. Enjoy a refreshing swim, take a leisurely stroll or simply relax on the beach. For those who want to discover Aruba’s tropical marine life and corals, immerse yourself in the amazingly clear waters and enjoy some snorkelling. At De Palm Island you’ll also find several small water slides and other fun activities to enjoy.

During your visit to the island, a generous buffet lunch and an open bar will be on offer.

Your adventure will begin with a brief transfer and a ferry boat ride over to De Palm Island.

After receiving your instructions and safety briefing, it’s time for your Seatrek experience. You’ll make your way down a 20 step ladder that will lead you into the underwater world. Enjoy the sensation of walking on the ocean floor while your face and head remain completely dry. Admire the colourful fish, and see the plane wreck with its many marine inhabitants. Stroll at depths of 20 feet whilst breathing normally - you can even wear your glasses.

Afterwards, you’ll have time to unwind and enjoy De Palm Island at leisure. Enjoy a refreshing swim or simply relax on the beach. At De Palm Island you’ll also find several small water slides and other fun activities to enjoy.

During your visit to the island, a generous buffet lunch and an open bar will be on offer.

Embark on a scenic drive, passing the resort hotels to Aruba’s oldest lighthouse - the California Lighthouse. From here you can admire great views of the island.

The route then takes you along the north coast to the Baby Natural Bridge, situated next to the former Natural Bridge, which was Aruba’s premier attraction until its collapse in 2005. This spot demonstrates the powerful forces of the sea, which over the years has carved through coral and limestone. Your journey then takes you to the Casibari Rock formation, where the landscape is shaped by a group of large diorite and granite boulders.

To round off your tour, enjoy a visit to one of Aruba’s popular beaches. Here you’ll have around 1 hour to spend at leisure, before the return drive to Oranjestad.

During your tour, a bottle of water will be provided.

Arikok National Park encompasses almost 20 percent of Aruba’s land mass. In amongst the parks desert vegetation are Divi Divi trees, exotic Cacti and some of the island’s native animal species such as the Kododo lizard.

Embark on a scenic drive from the port to Arikok, where upon arrival you’ll be met by your hiking ranger. As you set off along a hiking trail, your ranger will provide interesting information on the flora and fauna and geographical formation of Aruba. During your hike, you’ll also encounter early native settlement sites and learn of the island’s rich history.

At the end of your hike, you’ll take a short drive to a local beach to enjoy around 1 hour of leisure time, before returning to Oranjestad.

A bottle of water will be provided during your tour.