Nowhere showcases Aruba’s Dutch roots quite like Oranjestad. With its gable-topped houses and colonial clock towers, the island’s capital is like a little slice of Amsterdam. It’s got some typically Caribbean credentials, too – expect cushiony sands that stretch on for miles, and underwater spots that are great for snorkelling. Plus, all along the coast, you’ll find ramshackle beach bars serving up fresh seafood and rum cocktails.
Check out the Casibari Rock, a natural formation that’s a result of strong trade winds. Climb to the top and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the island.
Head to De Palm Island to explore the underwater depths. Set just off the Aruban coastline, this private reef is home to a huge variety of exotic sea life.
Pay a visit to the iconic California Lighthouse, which stands guard over the northwestern tip of the island. It dates back to 1910, and offers up sea views that are second-to-none.
Explore the castle-like ruins of the Bushiribana Gold Mill. This place was at the centre of Aruba’s 19th-century gold rush, and is well worth a chunk of your time for its Medieval looks alone. |
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Aruba is a Caribbean island 15 miles north of the coast of Venezuela, an autonomous dependency of the Kingdom of theNetherlands. It is 30 km (19.6 miles) long and 9 km (6 miles) across at its widest point giving it an area of approximately 70 mi² (184 km²). This flat island with no rivers is renowned for its white sand beaches and tropical climate moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean. The temperature is almost constant at about 27°C (81°F) and the yearly rainfall usually does not exceed 20 inches. Aruba lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt.
Aruba is divided into the north east and south west coasts. The south west has the white sand beaches, turquoise seas, and warm waters. The north east coast, exposed to the Atlantic, has a few white sand beaches, cacti, rough seas with treacherous currents, and a rocky coastline. The time in Aruba is Atlantic standard time; it is the same as Eastern Daylight Savings time all year round.
The bus system is called "Arubus". This bus is great to see the island and to travel from Oranjestad to the tourist hotels all for $2.30 round-trip. You can take the bus to the far end of the island, have lunch at St Nicholas, see how the 90,000 islanders live. The bus stops at 9 PM. You can find city/island buses at a main station right downtown. During other than "rush hours", friendly drivers and some riders will help you choose routes and provide commentary on stops and sights. Fares are quite modest. An economical way to get to the resort beaches.
There is a new - modern and green - trolley in downtown Oranjestad. These double-deckers run from the harbor (Cruise ship port) to East of downtown along shops, small hotels and restaurants. The tram's batteries are augmented by hydrogen fuel cells, which in turn are powered by Aruba's wind turbines. The ride is quiet and free. |
