Exploring in Aruba - Things to Do . . .
With Dry Feet Aruba is full of fun things to see and do! Here are just a few. . . 
Things to Do . . . With Dry Feet:
Horseback riding - It may be hard to choose one from among the many stunning trails. You can trot your way along the crashing surf, or ride off into the sunset amongst the cool cacti and unique divi divi trees. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for the interesting variety of iguanas, cotton tails and wild goats roaming the island.
Birding - If you like to observe our fine feathered friends, here are a few places you will not want to miss. First up there is the Bubali Bird Sanctuary in the High - Rise area next to Wyndham and The Mill Resort. Here you may be fortunate enough to see some of the 80 plus species that gather in its wetlands and nutrient rich ponds, among them you may catch site of herons, egrets, and brown pelicans.
At the Radisson, Renaissance, Wyndham, and Hyatt you can get up close and personal with cockatoos, toucans, and macaws.
Last but not least on this list is a trip to Arikok National Park. Here you might see here are tropical mockingbirds, Caribbean parakeets, Aruban burrowing owls, yellow warblers, and hummingbirds.
Hiking – Grab your sneakers, water bottle, hat and sun block when you go exploring on foot. Arikok National Park will sooth the hikers soul. There are clearly marked trails, on which you’ll see abandoned gold mines, caves, cacti, iguanas, goats and donkeys. Keep an eye out for the Aruban rattlesnake, Aruban whiptail lizard, and the Aruban cat-eyed snake. For your best chance at seeing the animals get there early in the morning when they are most active.
Another breathtaking spot to consider is the hike up Hooiberg. It took some time and effort to climb those hundreds of stairs before reaching the 162m (531 ft.) summit, but it was worth it! The views of the island are amazing, and on a really clear day you might just catch site of Venezuela. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the iguanas scurrying through the cacti and underbrush on your way up, we saw the most colorful lizard of our entire vacation while making the climb. We could also see the port in front of Oranjestad, and there was a cruise ship docked that was so huge it dwarfed every building on the island to an extreme degree. This is a great vantage point from which to get your bearings, and an a good dose of perspective.
Driving - Rent a Jeep and get lost - if you don't you'll be sorry because some of the roads you'll want to explore are not passable in a car. You can’t really get lost because the island is so small, but if you have limited time, be sure to get a map. Aruba is just so beautiful, from the colonial architecture in Oranjestad, to the stunning California lighthouse. The sunlight just seems to melt on its smooth white sides, which is such a contrast to the calm brilliant blue waters surrounding the point on that end of the island. A distinctive line is drawn on the northwest side of the building that used to be the lighthouse keepers house, and is now a restaurant with an amazing view. The cause of this line is very amusing, the goats that roam the island like to lean into the building as they pass, each one in turn, leaving behind a wide scuff mark. It really is cute when you see them in action. See pictures in the photo gallery.
As you cruise the island you may catch sight of the Ayo Rock Formations and the Casibari Rock Formations. These bizarre boulders look like they were dropped from nowhere.
So even though you can’t really get lost - just the feeling of heading out not knowing where you’re going, and then happening upon one of the most beautiful spots you have ever seen in your life - is an experience you shouldn't miss.
Exploring places of interest
A few places to might want to check out are:
The Butterfly Farm
There are 40 species bread here, and you’ll be mystified as they flutter around you.The Ostrich Farm
Where you can meet, greet, and feed the ostriches. There is also a hatchery, where you can test the strength of the massive ostrich egg.The Donkey Sanctuary
The donkey sanctuary is home to dozens of these gentle animals.Shopping – There is plenty of shopping to do in Oranjestad. Whether you’re looking for something for yourself, or a unique gift for someone at home, you won't be disappointed. If you’ve been dreaming about diversifying your jewelry collection, this is the place! Jewelry stores are certainly the theme here - you've probably never seen so many in such a small radius. Have Fun! You may also want to stop at the little market set up on the left hand side of the road heading to Oranjestad from the major hotel area. Its a great place to pick up mementos for friends and family.