ARUBA
The Dutch island of Aruba lies only 15 miles off the northern coast of Venezuela. This warm and friendly island has everything you could expect from a tropical Caribbean island. Flights arrive daily at the international airport from Europe, the United States, and other South American countries. With unlimited activities on the island as well as in and under the water, Aruba invites single tourists, couples, and families to this tropical paradise.
Aruba is lined by white sand beaches, but the most popular area seems to be on the western coast with Palm Beach and Eagle Beach being the center of attraction. This area is only a short 10 minute drive from the main city of Oranjestad and consists of Eagle Beach which is lined with mainly low-rise hotels and Palm Beach which is lined with mainly high-rise hotels and condos. A large variety of hotels, condos, villas, and private homes meet the taste and budget of any tourist. Watersports abound in this area including diving, snorkeling, fishing, parasailing, jet skiing, boating, and sailing. The waters just offshore are teeming with an abundance of tropical fish and coral formations. Some shipwrecks just offshore provide unique places to dive and snorkel and the always warm and crystal clear waters make Aruba very inviting.
Aruba's countryside is basically dry, flat, and scrubby but don't let this keep you from exploring its natural resources. On the northern coast a 100 foot long natural bridge has been carved out of the coral rock by the rough surf on this side of the island and is one of the best known landmarks in Aruba. Adventurous travellers can climb to the top of Aruba's highest mountain, Hooiberg, with the reward being an outstanding panoramic view once you reach the top. Visitors expecting lush tropical rainforests will be quite surprised to find the large areas of cactus and sand dunes on many parts of this island.
Aruba's capital city, Oranjestad, looks like a city that should be set in Disney's Magic Kingdom. Most of the buildings are extremely ornate and colorful with stores, restaurants, bistros, boutiques, and cafes line most of the main streets. Duty-free shopping is plentiful here with great bargains on perfumes, jewelry, watches, liquor, crystal, and linens. The city has a beautiful casino which looks remarkably like the one in Monte Carlo, especially at night.
Aruba has become one of the gastronmic centers of the Caribbean and as you head out for dinner you can enjoy the culinary delights of over 200 restaurants, bistros, and pubs. Nightlife includes gaming at the casino as well as fiery sunsets enjoyed with after dinner drinks and island music. Party and dance all night at a long list of clubs including world famous Carlos 'N Charlies.
With so much to do and see here, Aruba brings out the active side in most visitors, but your vacation here can be as strenuous or as laid-back as you like. There is something on Aruba for everyone and many visitors find themselves returning year after year. Aruba is safe and clean and warm year round. English is widely spoken and the U.S. dollar and major credit cards are accepted everywhere. Now that you're out of excuses, check your passport, pack your bags, and come on down to this warm and friendly island in the Caribbean.
