Official Language:
Papiamento
Secondary Language:
English
|
Currency:
Aruban Florin & U.S. Dollar
|
Population:
Approximately 80,000 people call Aruba home.
|
Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Aruba: Sunny and warm with an average rainfall of less than 20 inches a year! Every day is a sunny day in Aruba!
The average daytime temperature is 82°F/28°C degrees. Aruba is completely outside the hurricane belt! Constant cooling is brought on by the trade winds. Year round Aruba is picture perfect.
|
|
|
|
The first Arubans came from Venezuela by boat about 4,500 years ago. Living in small nomadic groups, they fished, hunted small animals, and collected fruit. They also fashioned crude tools from shells and stones and buried their dead in well-organized family groups. About 3,500 years later, the Caiquetios arrived, also from Venezuela and also by boat. Cultivating maize and manioc, this peaceful, more advanced group established villages near freshwater gullies.
In 1499, Alonso de Ojeda, a cohort of Christopher Columbus, became the first European to set foot on the island. Finding nothing of immediate value, the Spanish ignored Aruba until 1515, when they forcibly moved the entire Caiquetio population to Santo Domingo (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic) to work as slaves. Amerindians returned to Aruba in 1526, when Spain set up ranches on the island.
The Spanish left in 1636, when the Dutch gained control, but the first Dutch settlers arrived more than 100 years later, in 1754. For brief stints in the early 19th century, the English occupied the land, but Dutch sovereignty prevailed. Aruba remained a largely ranch economy with Amerindians and Dutch landowners herding horses and goats and cultivating millet, coconut, mango, and aloe. Aruba came to the claim of the Dutch, who had recently been expelled by the Spanish from their base in St. Maarten, and set out to look for another place to establish a colonial presence. They soon captured not only Aruba, but Curacao, and Bonaire as well. The Spanish put up very little resistance. Curacao became the administrative capital for the Dutch West India Company in the Netherlands Antilles, with Aruba operating as one of its chief satellites. Except for a short period from 1805 to 1815 when the island fell to the British during the Napoleonic Wars, Aruba has remained under Dutch control ever since.
In 1824 gold was discovered on the north coast, and a small gold rush ensued. Huge amounts of the metal were never mined, though, and the industry petered out as the first shots of World War I rang out. Production of phosphate waned at about the same time. The island entered the modern era in 1924 when Standard Oil of New Jersey built an oil refinery at San Nicolas. To supplement Aruba's labor force, thousands of workers arrived from North America, Europe, and other islands of the Caribbean, bringing the first people of African descent to the island. In 1942, U.S. troops landed to protect the refinery. The complex closed in 1985, temporarily devastating the economy but prodding Aruba to develop its now successful tourism industry. (The refinery has since reopened.) Although the island gained independence from the Netherlands Antilles in 1986, it remains an autonomous unit of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Today, Aruba's multicultural population boasts more than 60 nationalities.
Cruise ships dock at the port located directly adjacent to the capital city of Oranjestad. There are several transportation options, listed below, to get you on your way in your exploration of this wonderful Caribbean island. In Oranjestad, great shopping, dining and bar-hopping are within walking distance of the dock. Taxis are readily available on the dock or you can take a five-minute walk to downtown. Taxis do not have meters, but the government of Aruba fixes the rates. From downtown to Palm Beach is around $8. If you want a two-hour island tour plan to pay $35 per car per hour for four people in a car.
There are 11 car rental companies waiting at the port. Rates for a 4x4 range start at $55 to $75 per day, and rates for a normal car start at $25 to $45 per day, You can arrange for a guided tour of the island for approx. $30 an hour. If you can't find a taxi at your particular location, a dispatcher can assist you (tel. 8-22116). In addition, the island of Aruba has a efficient bus system, with daily service from 6am to midnight. You can get a round-trip bus fare from the most popular beaches to downtown Oranjestad for a mere $2. Or, take advantage of Aruba's level terrain and rent a moped or motorcycle. Nelson Motorcycle Rental (Tel. 8-66801)
|
|
Attractions |
 |
 |
Fort Zoutman and King Willem III Tower:
Today housing the Aruba Historical museum. The museum opens Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The Governor's offices are very close by too.
Numismatic Museum:
A collection of coin and paper currency with over 30,000 pieces from 100 countries. Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Archaeological Museum:
With artifacts and pottery retrieved from digs around the island which clearly define the lifestyles of our earliest Indian settlers. Open Monday through Friday from 8 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm.
Plaza Daniel Leo:
surrounded by unique Dutch Colonial Buildings.
The Protestant Church:
Built in 1846, this is an architectural gem nestled up against the newer bigger edifice which serves the community and visitors to the island. On the premises is a Bible Museum which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.
Santa Anna Church:
Built in the 1770's and well known for its oaken wood carved altar, a prime example of neo-gothic design which won the exhibition award in Rome in 1870.
Bubali Bird Sanctuary:
Two connected man-made lakes provide sanctuary for more than eighty species of migratory birds including egrets, herons and cormorants, coots, gulls, skimmers, terns, and ducks.
The Old Mill :
Currently housing a restaurant, this re-constructed Dutch Windmill built in 1804 and brought to Aruba in 1962, faces the entrance of the Bubali Bird Sanctuary.
The "Antilla" World War II wreck:
A popular dive site.
California Point lighthouse:
Where the Caribbean Sea crashes into the rocks and splashes onto dunes and beaches full of driftwood.
Chapel Of Alto Vista:
On the north shore, which was built by Spanish missionary Domingo Antonio Silvestre and is often referred to as the Pilgrim's Church. This restored chapel dates back to 1750.The winding road with crosses marking the stations of the cross reaches the site high above the sea; a special place for peace and contemplation.
Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations:
The huge granite boulders found in abundance at Ayo
Bushiribana Ruins:
In 1872 the Aruba Island Goldmining Company Ltd. built a large smelting works at Bushiribana on the North coast, for the gold that was being mined at Seroe Plat and in its surroundings. The smelting works was in use for only ten years, but its construction was so solid, that ruins thereof at the North coast are still quite impressive.
Natural Bridge:
The Caribbean's highest and most dramatic coral structure and the largest of eight on the island, which was carved over the centuries by the pounding sea and forms an arch measuring over 100 feet long standing 23 feet above sea level. Natural bridge. Formed from stone and connecting the land and sea. One of those much-hyped but still-fascinating attractions is Aruba's Natural Bridge, located on the windward side of the island. The terrain is as rocky and bleak as the moon, and the bridge itself was carved out of rock by the wind. There's a funky little cafe nearby.
Natural Pool:
Reached by an adventurous ride through the lunar-like landscape.
Andicouri:
deep sandy cove and black stone beach.Daimari - coconut plantation nearby the site of the first gold discoveryFrenchman's Pass - a narrow canyon in the rocks with hundreds of chattering parakeets and egrets in residence.
Grapefield:
A popular surfing site
Caves at Guadirikiri, Tunnel Of Love and Fontein:
Where there are ancient Indian wall drawings. Find out more about the many caves that exist in Aruba with the Speleological Expedition Team.
Arikok National Park:
Covering nearly 20 percent of Aruba, the park is a desert ecological preserve, featuring wonderful hiking trails, migratory birds nests, Indian art and artifacts, and wild goats and donkeys. A true Desert in the Caribbean, Arikok is a great place to spend the day in Aruba.(tel. 8-28001).
The Butterfly Farm:
The Butterfly Farm is the island's newest and most unusual attraction. Step into a magical garden teeming with hundreds of tropical butterflies from around the globe. Entertaining guided tours show these fascinating and beatiful creatures as they develop from the egg to the caterpillar to the chrysalis and finally to the butterfly. The best time to visit is in the morning when you can see the new butterflies emerging from their chrysalis. An unforgettable encounter with nature. Located between the Aruba Phoenix & Wyndham Hotels. Open seven days a week from 9:00 to 4:30. Tel. 586 3656.
The Spaans Lagoen (Spanish Lagoon):
Located at the southernmost tip of Aruba, the Spaans Lagoen was a popular hiding place for pirates and thieves, who made their living robbing passing ships of their cargo.
Aruba's Casinos:
Wherever your preference lies, be it in blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, baccarat, Aruba's casinos offer it all. Caribbean Stud Poker is an Aruban brainchild, invented here in 1988 and currently skyrocketing in popularity all over the world. In this game, as in blackjack, each player vies only with the dealer. Contrary to blackjack, however, Caribbean Stud Poker offers players the thrill of a progressive jackpot that can reach into hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars! Ringing slot machines abound too. In general, gaming in Aruba runs from noon to just before dawn, although there are a couple of casinos that are open twenty-four hours a day.
Shopping:
Plenty of duty free shopping is available. Specialties include jewelry, perfumes, dutch figurines, cheeses, and linens. The main shopping drag in Oranjestad is Caya G. F. Betico Croes. Several malls are located across from the cruise ship terminal; among them are Royal Plaza and Seaport Village Mall for unique jewelry and famous designer clothing stores (from Tommy Hilfiger to Guess). In the heart of Oranjestad are Benetton, Beach Bum Company, The Sting, Mango, Lucor Jewelers, Artistic Boutique and many others. Handicrafts at Vibes Aruba (Royal Plaza Mall) has a wide selection of locally made and uniquely Aruban collectors' gift items, such as handmade driftwood candles and paintings and artwork form local artist. Edible souvenirs from any local grocery store -- European soaps and hand creams, Dutch coffees and cheeses, British chocolates and cocoas, and European jams, jellies and preserves.
Beaches in Aruba:
Home to exceptionally clean beaches occupied by large resort hotels. Enjoy snorkeling at the famous Baby Beach. Best Beach for a Half-Day, snorkeling (for beginners) and beach bumming at Baby Beach, surrounded by baby fine powdery white sand and protected by a man-made breakwater, which makes it a perfect for children. You can snorkel in only 5 ft. of water to discover gorgeous coral reefs. Visit: Palm Beach, which is a 10 minute taxi ride, or Eagle Beach, which is a five-minute drive by taxi and is the longest stretch on the island of white sandy beach. Beach Bum: Eagle Beach, which is a tourist and local hangout, has beach, sand, surf and public picnic spots. For Active Types: Palm Beach has miles of towering palms and white sand -- plus it's got all sorts of amenities, from food to watersports, provided by bordering hotels and resorts. Naturists Beac: Punto Brabo (Manchebo Beach Hotel) is a popular "tops optional" spot. Rodger's Beach (very close to Baby's Beach) on the eastern tip of the island (you'll need to rent a jeep) is a picturesque spot known for its lovely shade palms and crystal clear reef-protected waters. Try to ignore the view of the refinery.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore the undersea world in a submarine? In Aruba, you can do just that! Atlantis Submarines (tel. 8-36090) located at the Seaport Village Marina, offers four departures that leave the marina every hour. A 30-minute catamaran ride whisks you to Barcadera Reef, where you then board a submarine and explore the beautiful coral reefs, tropical fish, and authentic shipwrecks. It is recommended that you make a reservation as early as possible, because this is naturally one of Aruba's most popular tourist activities.
For more adventurous snorkeling aficionados, Bachelor's Beach is a little rough for leisure swimming, but offers experienced snorkelers all kinds of underwater sights on its coral covered bottom. For both experienced, non-experienced and those who just want to get some sun, you can go on a catamaran snorkeling tour with either Pelican Adventures (011-297-872302) or Red Sail Sports (011-297-861603). They take you to about 4 to 5 different wreck dives. Reservations are highly recommended.
You can go horseback riding to either the California Lighthouse, the Malmok Beach stretch or the Alto Vista Chapel via Rancho Notorious (011-297-860508, from $45 per person).
Golfers should check out the Tierra del Sol, a Robert Trent Jones-designed 18 hole (par 71) course. Reserve tee-times in advance (011-297-860978). Closer to Oranjestad, many tourists love to visit and photograph the ships docked at the Schooner Harbor in town. This colorful harbor has a lovely Caribbean flair to it, with traditional Dutch influences. Stroll from the Schooner harbor to the local fish market, or take a side trip to the Wilhelmina Park featuring a fantastic tropical garden.
|
|
More Information |
|
|
|
Useful Links About Aruba:
Aruba Travel Information
Aruba: Comments
Aruba tourism
http://www.visitaruba.com/
Webcam from Aruba
|
|
