Aruba: Overview
This island belong to the Lesser Antilles and it is located to the northwest of Venezuela and to the south of the Caribbean Sea; it is one of the ABCs islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). It is also an ideal place to escape from the bustle of the cities and to relax on its paradisiac beaches bathed by turquoise waters and eternal sunbeams. Enjoying the luxurious hotels in not the only thing to do, it is also possible to explore the wilde interior and the northern coast, where hotel industry and tourism have not yet arrived, leaving it to goats and to crooked dividivi trees.
Climate
The average temperature of the ABCs is of perfect 28 ºC throughout the whole year. Howevwer, after noon it can raise a little, but during night cool breezes blow; anyway, temperature does not variate too much. The rainy season goes from September to December, although they are not heavy in the ABCs, and, luckyly, hurricanes hardly ever visit Aruba.
The high tourist season goes from mid- September to mid-April, mostly due to North America and Europe’s climates. The cruises season is between October and April. So, if you are looking forward to enjoy some peace and lower prices, it is better to avoid visiting the island during this time.
Passport and currency
Since January 2007, most tourists, included Americans, need a passport and an onward ticket to visit Aruba.
The used currency is the florin, but American dollars are also broadly accepted, even in taxis. If needed you can change money at the main hotels. Bills generally include a 10-15% tip. You can also add some money for good service.
Where to go
Oranjestad, Aruba’s colourful capital city, is located in the south coast of the island, southeast of the main hotel area. Due to its fake colonial architecture it has a Dutch flavour. Here you can visit some interesting museums and enjoy its shopping possibilities.
Daimari Ranch, located in the most arid area of the countryside, is a green oasis full with coconut plantations, where you can rent horses or buggiess to go to the beautiful natural pool in Boca Ketu.
Palm Beach is located in the center of Aruba’s tourist industry, so many of the most important hotels in the island are near this beach. The best thing to do here is to enjoy the sun on the white sanded beaches where palms and palapas provide shade during the most hot hours.
The white sands of Eagle Beach extend for miles to the west of Aruba, bathed by calm waters and small waves. This easyly reachable beach has several hotels right across the street.
Festivals
Carnival takes place during several weeks previous to Lent, generally in February. At this party you can enjoy children's parades, masquearades, music competitions and a lot of dances. A good place to spend carnival time is Oranjestad. In New Year fireworks are lounched at midnight to keep away evil spirits, while wandering minstrels give serenades outside hotels and houses. At the end of April the summer jam takes place with the presentation of many jazz bands. In June, on Eagle Beach the Hi-Winds Pro-Am windsurf competition, is carried out. At the end of June the Dera Gai, a harvest festival is celebrated. This festival used to involve the burrial of a rooster, but nowadays the rooster has been replaced by a gourd. In November the Heineken catamaran regatta, the most important catamaran competition in the Caribbean, is carried out. Ther you can see three or four dozens teams competing.
