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Aruba
All Photo Credit and Copywrite: Aruba Tourism Authority
Because of it's proximity to the equator, Aruba is much different than other
Caribbean Island. The island is very arid, and unlike other islands that
are very mountainous and green, Aruba is very flat, dry and cactus lined
landscape. Because of the
island's diverse geography, it stands out among Caribbean Islands. Aruba is known
for it's beautiful beaches, ocean activities including snorkeling, diving and
swimming. In addition, Casinos are abundant and very popular on the island. In
general. Aruba is a nice place to relax on a beach or do a little shopping.
Below are some interesting facts for the island:
- 15 Miles from South America.
- 19.6 Miles long
- 6 miles wide (at it's widest point)
- Total Area of 70 Square miles.
- South and West Coasts of Aruba are known for their pristine white beaches.
- Northeast shore is very rugged and wild.
- The interior of the island has variety of cacti and dramatic rock
formations.
- The island has the famous divi-divi trees which are bending
southwest due to the constant trade winds.
- The climate is very consistent in Aruba - usually dry and sunny.
- The average air and water temperature is 82 degrees,
- Normal rainfall is about 20 inches - usually falling in short periods
during November and December.
- The sun is especially strong during between 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM so be
sure to bring a hat, sunglasses and use sun lotion liberally.
- Population 100,000 residents.
- Official language is Dutch but Papiamento (a combination of Spanish, Dutch
and Portuguese with a certain words of English, Indian and French origins) is
spoken.
- English and Spanish is also spoken by most residents.
- Currency is the Aruban florin.
A LITTLE HISTORY
- Aruba became a separate entity of the Netherlands on January 1, 1986.
- The Kingdom of the Netherlands is comprised of the Netherlands,
Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.
- The Kingdom of the Netherlands is responsible for security and
international affairs for Aruba.
- The Governor of Aruba is appointed by the Queen of the Netherlands.
- The island's Parliament consists of 21 member elected by residents.
- 600,000 tourist visit the island annually for one or more night stay.
WHEN TO VISIT
- Most popular time to visit the island is January thru March.
- Visitors like to visit the island just before the beginning of Carnival
(just prior to Lent), locals conduct parades, organize parties and
arrange festivities.
- Main Cruise Port located at Oranjestad,
- Height of the cruise season for Aruba is peak, October thru April.
ATTRACTIONS
- Arikok National Park
- Consumes 20% of the island.
- A way to appreciate the natural raw beauty of the island - Hills, Cacti,
desert and ocean.
- 20 miles of trails to explore - Most recommended is the Miralamar
trail (literally translated as the "Sea View")
- 48 Species of trees can be found on Aruba. Some species are only found
in the park.
- Wildlife includes the "shoco" a burrowing owl and the tiny "blenchi" (a
variety of hummingbird).
- Visit the Ostrich Farm - where you can get up-close and personal with
Ostriches of all ages.
- The Butterfly Farm where visitors can see 32 species of butterflies in
various stages from egg, to caterpillar, chrysalis to butterfly.
- Bubali Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary where visitor can examine a
number of bird species in their natural habitat.
- Donkey Sanctuary - Area to preserve the donkeys which were a main mode of
transportation on the island. Feed the Donkeys or perhaps go for a ride.
- Visit historical homes, art museums, the island's desalination plant,
California Lighthouse or Balashi Brewery Tour to see how the islands local
beer is made.
- Visit Fort Zoutman and Willem III Tower - The oldest historical structure
built in 1796 which is the home of the Aruba Historical Museum.
- Visit the Natural Bridge - a rock formation that forms a bridge with the
rough sea crashing nearby below.
- Atlantis Submarine Tour - 1 hour submarine ride past ship wrecks and coral
reefs.
- 9 Casinos
- There are many opportunities in Aruba to shop especially in the main port
Oranjestad. Most stores are closed on Sundays - although some open if cruise
ships are in port. It should be noted that most stores close between Noon and
2 PM for Lunch. Items for sale include perfume, jewelry, cameras and
electronics, watches and fine china. There is no sales tax in Aruba
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SPORTING ACTIVITIES
- Horseback Riding
- 3 Golf Courses - plus one miniature golf course.
- Tennis
- Deep Sea Fishing.
- Parasailing, Scuba Diving, snorkeling, kayaking, snuba, Jet Skiing, wind
surfing and waterskiing.
Information Source: Aruba Tourism Authority.
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