Sparkling azure waters and pillowy soft white-sand beaches make Aruba the quintessential island paradise. Throw in exciting water sports, inland adventures and world-class nightlife and you have a beach vacation that's almost impossible to beat.

When relaxation is your goal, the beach and cool ocean breezes accommodate. Duty-free shopping makes for another way to enjoy your carefree days, as is enjoying one of a host of inviting restaurants that provide delectable worldly cuisine.

When water sports top your itinerary, Aruba offers everything from snorkeling to scuba diving to windsurfing. Marlin, tuna, shark and sailfish reside in the Caribbean waters around Aruba, and can be snared on a half- or full-day deep sea fishing excursion.

Land-based adventures can be just as exhilarating and include golfing, casino gambling, ATV tours, and non-stop nightly entertainment.

Many Aruban resorts also understand the importance of a family friendly, on-site pool. From meandering lazy rivers to swim-up bars, the island's resort pools are almost destinations all their own.

Eat...

Pago Pago. This unique restaurant at the Wyndham Aruba offers creative, island-style cuisine to go with gorgeous sunset views.

L.G. Smiths. Steaks and seafood are the specialty at this hip, downtown Oranjestad restaurant, which serves up a decidedly South Beach vibe.

Play...

Get offroad. ATV tours allow you to explore Aruba's backcountry - and see sites most tourists never see, like the natural pool at Conchi.

Test your luck. Pick up a little extra spending money at the slots, or have a fun time trying. Among some of the more popular places to play include the Occidental Grand and the Royal Palm Club.

Make an underwater memory. The crystal clear waters off the Aruban coast are perfect for underwater photography. Several places allow you to rent the gear you need to snap a showpiece.

Beach hop 'til you drop. Some of the finest resorts list beautiful Palm Beach as their address for a reason. But there are many other beaches worth exploring, such as renowned Eagle Beach, surfer-haven Hadikurari Beach and ultra-shallow Baby Beach.

Explore...

Quadiriki Caves. See Arawak petroglyphs as you explore these caves' deep passages, carved inside of a limestone cliff.

See the natural bridges. The biggest and most famous natural bridge collapsed in 2005, but Aruba has many more worth seeing, including the one at Boca Andicuri.

Climb the "Haystack" (Hooiberg). Ascend the more than 1,000 steps to the top of this centrally located mountain and you just might spot the Venezuelan coastline.

Shop...

Oranjestad wharf. Purchase the catch of the day straight off the boats here in the capital city on Aruba's southern end - or stroll the malls nearby.

This is provided for informational purposes only. Endless Vacation Rentals does not endorse any of the resort activities, guides, vendors or service providers described. It is the individual’s responsibility to investigate the safety and suitability of any activity, and the credentials and fitness of any guide, vendor or service provider. Endless Vacation Rentals expressly denies any liability for engaging in any activity, and for using any guide, vendor or services provider, that may be mentioned or described in any Endless Vacation Rentals advertisement or publication. Additional fees and restrictions may apply to any activity or service.