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Aruba, an island where a desert landscapes meet picturesque beaches, is unique among the Caribbean. Located 15 miles north of Venezuela, Aruba doesn't fit the standard vision of tropical beauty. Aruba's unusual climate and landscape make this island a natural paradise, fit for escape and exploration. Unlike any other Caribbean island, Aruba makes an amazing destination. For more detailed information, visit
The Aruba Guide,
the official Aruba website or VisitAruba.com.
Getting ThereTravelers to Aruba come by sea and air, with the latter being the most popular. Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad is the island's only major international airport. This state-of-the-art facility serves 2.5 million commercial jet and charter plane passengers each year. The airport is large enough to accommodate a Boeing 747 jet and hosts various commercial airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, US Airways, Air Canada, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. All in all, Queen Beatrix provides a royal welcome for tourists. If flying isn't your preferred mode of travel, try the classic maritime option that sparked the tourism industry in Aruba: the cruise. Choose from a variety of cruise types (from value to luxury) and from a host of cruise lines, including Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. Or, if you're living the lifestyle of the rich and famous, take your own personal yacht to Aruba. If you don't have your own ship, boat rental options allow you to explore the island and its surrounding waters by yourself or with a captain and crew. Entry RequirementsFor U.S. and Canadian visitors, an original birth certificate and photo ID are sufficient for entry into Aruba; however, passports are, as always, preferred and recommended. Citizens of all other countries, including those of the Caribbean, are required to have a valid passport, and as usual, make sure you have on-going or return tickets. ClimateAruba's climate is unusual when compared to other Caribbean islands; dry and arid, the island gets little rainfall and enjoys steady and pleasant temperatures. January sees typical lows of about 76 and highs of around 85, where July sees lows of approximately 79 and highs of about 88 (degrees Fahrenheit), making the climate relatively uniform year-round. GeographyBecause rainfall is so sparse on Aruba (averaging only 16 inches per year), the island isn't as lush as other Caribbean islands. Aruba is flat and dry with a desert landscape, but the beaches are refreshing and beautiful. The sea around Aruba is mostly calm and clear, but the northeast coast is rugged with jagged rock formations and coral cliffs. Northern Aruba is also home to some of unique, indigenous vegetation such as the divi-divi tree, Caribbean cacti, and Aruban aloe. Arikok National Park comprises 18 percent of the island and is a major eco-tourism site. Health and SafetyTourists should have few health concerns while traveling in Aruba. Medical services are available and, if Aruba can't provide the needed medical services, airlifts to a nearby facilities in Cura�ao are also available. Further, the world's second-largest desalination plant is located on Aruba, so water is fit for consumption. The only medical requirement for entry into Aruba is a yellow fever vaccination for people aged six-months and older who are traveling from an infected location. The vaccination certificate doubles as legal proof of vaccination PeopleUnlike other Caribbean cultures, geography and tourism - not slavery and injustice - have shaped Aruban culture. Arubans are a happy people who embrace the island's slogan of"One Happy Island." Arubans have a fondness for music, especially merengue, soca, and the local mix known as socarengue. They also take pride in education, using 17 percent of the national budget for education costs. Arubans are well-versed in many languages, including Dutch, Spanish, English, and the native blend called Papiamento, which is a mixture of various other tongues. |
