How do you plan a perfect itinerary for one week in Aruba?

Seven days in Aruba is ideal. You have enough time to see the major beaches, take a boat tour, explore the national park and still have a couple of genuinely relaxing days doing very little besides swimming and eating. The key is allocating roughly 60 percent of your time to water activities and 40 percent to land excursions.

Day one is arrival day. Check into your hotel, grab a local meal at one of the Palm Beach restaurants and take an evening stroll along the boardwalk. Keep it easy. Day two is when the adventure begins: book a morning snorkel cruise to the SS Antilla shipwreck and spend the afternoon at Eagle Beach, rated one of the best beaches in the world by TripAdvisor.

On day three, rent a car or join a jeep tour and drive through Arikok National Park to visit the Natural Pool, the Fontein Caves and the stunning north coast. This is the wild, rugged side of Aruba that most beach-only visitors never see. Budget a full day because the roads are rough and the landscapes are endlessly photogenic.

Day four is a great time for the Afternoon Pirate Party cruise: open bar, rope swing, music and two reef snorkel stops make this the most social day of the trip. Day five can be your quietest, perhaps trying paddleboard yoga at Arashi Beach or visiting the California Lighthouse at dawn before the crowds arrive.

Day six is perfect for San Nicolas street art, local lunch at a traditional cunucu restaurant and shopping in downtown Oranjestad. End with the Sunset and Stars Cruise for a fitting finale to a week well spent. Day seven is a gentle morning at Manchebo or Druif Beach before heading to the airport refreshed and already planning a return trip.

Budget roughly 150 to 250 US dollars per person per day including accommodation, meals, transport and activities. Book your boat tours two to four weeks in advance during peak season (December through April) as spaces fill quickly. Off-peak travelers can usually book a day or two ahead.