About Aruba
Here are the basics and some of the amazing reasons we chose Aruba for our special day.
The Weather
The weather in Aruba is amazing. The days are sunny and hot averaging about 30 degrees by midday and dropping to about 27 degrees overnight. There is a noticeable tradewind that blows from the east keeping the humidity and temperature feeling comfortable and relaxing. It is truly paradise!
The People
They call Aruba the Happy Island. People are genuinely awesome on this tiny island and you always feel welcome. All locals speak 4 languages:
- Papiamento – The local language comprised on Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English and some other languages.
- Dutch
- English
- Spanish
The Food
Aruba prides itself on having the best quality ingredients in the Caribbean and we could not agree more. Everywhere we went we were blown away by the freshness and unique preparations. You wont be disappointed!
The Water
Unlike other Caribbean islands, the water in Aruba is not only safe to drink, it tastes absolutely amazing. Aruba is a Dutch island and they have mastered desalinization which leaves the water clean, clear and refreshing.
Safety
Aruba is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. There is nowhere on the island that isn’t safe to travel. Obviously, you want to lock your room when away and keep your valuables out of sight. But no other special precautions are necessary.
The Activities
Casinos & Nightlife
Also after the sun goes down there are a variety of options to choose from to fill up your night in Aruba. Just to name a few: try your luck at one of the casinos that are located in almost all major resorts, hop on board a bar hopping tour to meet new people, enjoy an evening of family fun with live entertainment or dance the night away in one of the many bars and nightclubs.
Shopping
Aruba offers a wide selection of shops and is a real shopping paradise. From shopping malls with international brands to little stores selling souvenirs and local arts & crafts, Aruba has it all. Explore downtown Oranjestad for deals on jewelry, perfumes, sunglasses, apparel, shoes, gift & souvenirs and much more. Shops can also be found in larger hotels and in the shopping centers in the high rise hotel area.
Spas & Salons
There are various relaxing and rejuvenating spas in Aruba, each with their own style and treatment range, all eager to provide you with an extraordinary spa experience. All spas offer a wide variety of services like facials, massages, body treatments as well as manicure, pedicure and hair services. Escape from the daily hassle and treat yourself at a relaxing day at one of Aruba’s spas.
De Palm Island
De Palm Island is Aruba’s only all-inclusive destination at an affordable all-inclusive price. Whether you are a family looking for a day of fun and adventure together or a couple seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy hotel area for some relaxation and pampering, this island offers something for everyone! Your day pass includes an all you can eat breakfast and lunch buffet, a snack corner, open bar and many activities for young and the not so young.
Wind Surfing & Kite Surfing
Diving at Antilla
The Antilla is the largest wreck in the South Caribbean and is one of the most popular dive sites on Aruba, either for day or night dive site, where everything that lives under the sea can be seen. This German freighter was confiscated at the start of World War II. The German crew opened its valves and let it sink rather than be confiscated.
Tour operators: SE Fly n Dive, Unique Sports, Aruba Pro Dive
California Lighthouse
The lighthouse was built between 1914 and 1916 according to a French design. It was named after the steamship California which was wrecked nearby in 1891. Standing more than 90 feet high, the lighthouse is an impressive landmark in the barren almost lunar-like landscape surrounding it. Its location allows commanding views of the north coast, the sand dunes area, and also towards the high-rise hotel area. The lighthouse building itself is not open to the public.
Tour operators: Pelican Adventures, El Tours, Explore Aruba Adventures, Aruba Active Vacations, Segway Tours, De Palm Tours, Aruba Motorcycle Tours and Trikes Aruba.
Natural Pool
The Natural Pool is protected from the rough sea by surrounding rocks and is located in National Park Arikok. This unique formation of rocks creates a peaceful place and is also known as Aruba’s hidden pool. The place is excellent for swimming, snorkeling, diving of the rocks or just to relax. It is not recommended to swim in the pool when the waves are to high as it can be dangerous. To get to the natural pool a 4×4 vehicle is needed.
Tour operators: De Palm Tours.
Hooiberg
Hooiberg – which translates to Haystack – is a volcanic formation which rises 540 feet (165 meters) above sea level, and is located at the approximate center of Aruba. Although the Hooiberg seems like the highest point of the island it is in fact the second highest. Climbing the Hooiberg is an adventure that is definitely worth it. There are approximately 587 steps leading you to the top of the hill from which you will have a spectacular view of the island. On clear days you can even see Venezuela to the south.
Rent a car and climb the Hooiberg for a spectacular view of the island.
Boca Prins
Boca Prins is located along the northeast coast in National Park Arikok and is a quiet beach. It is a popular spot to take beautiful pictures of the white sandy beach, dunes, beach cliffs and rocky shore. A sign warns not to swim because of the strong and constant undertow which can be very dangerous.
Rent a car and visit this beautiful beach at the northeast coast in National Park Arikok.
Dos Playa
Dos playa means two beaches and is another beautiful beach to visit. Dos Playa is used for recreational purposes like surfing & body boarding, camping, picnics and photo shootings. It is not recommended to swim because of the strong and constant undertow which can be very dangerous
The Butterfly Farm
Step into a magical garden teeming with hundreds of tropical butterflies from around the globe. Informative and entertaining guided tours show these fascinating and beautiful creatures as they develop from the egg to the caterpillar to the chrysalis and finally to the butterfly. The butterfly farm is located only minutes away from the high rise hotels, right across from the Westin resort.
The Butterfly Farm is located minutes away from the high-rise hotels, so make sure and visit the Butterfly Farm.
Tour operators: De Palm Tours and Kukoo Kunuku Island Tours.