CLIMATE
Aruba enjoys a very healthy climate, making it a year-round paradise for residents and visitors alike. The average temperature is 82ºF (28ºC), with cooling trade winds and the rarity of tropical storms and hurricanes. Aruba lies outside the hurricane belt therefore the rainfall is very moderate, averaging about 16.1" (408.9 mm) per year.
How many people actually live on Aruba?
Aruba has population of 110,000 inhabitants, consisting of almost 45 different nationalities living together. In addition to the Aruban culture, you will also find other types of music, food and cultures, making it an island with lots to see and experience. (Source Census 2000)
How many languages are spoken on Aruba?
The official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, the native language. English and Spanish are also widely spoken. Some hotels even have German speaking employees.
What is the political structure of Aruba?
Since 1986, the island became an independent entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The “Status Aparte” allowed Aruba to have its own constitution based on western democratic principles with its own royally appointed governor and a 21-member elected parliament.
What religions are present in Aruba?
Although the predominant religion on the island is Roman Catholic (about 82%), many other religions (Protestant 8%, Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, Jewish) are also practiced and have their own places of worship and relative services.
Do I need electrical adaptors for my hairdryer/radio etc.?
Electricity is 110 volts, 60 cycles AC, the same as standard in the United States. Visitors from countries with other types of electrical systems will need adaptors. (Many hotels will supply hairdryers, check with your hotel for details.)
What’s the inflation rate on the island?
According to the Department of Statistical Data, the island’s inflation rate for the last two years has been a constant 2.5%.
Is the island safe for children?
Yes, Aruba is considered a safe destination and therefore you and your children will feel at home. Many of the hotels do have special kids program to keep them busy during your stay or you can ask about the One Cool Family program to learn more about the benefits that you can enjoy when booking this. The beaches also offer safe and fun entertainment the whole family can enjoy. The Eagle Beach stretches 7 miles with white sands that slope into the sea, making it safe for everyone to enjoy!
Is the water safe to drink? Yes, Aruba has pure, refreshing water, distilled in the world's second largest saltwater purification plant (Desalination plant). The water is completely safe; you can drink it right from the tap. It’s so good; it’s called “Balashi Special.”
What is the legal drinking/gambling age?
The legal age for both drinking and gambling is 18 years. You might be asked for your ID and it’s advisable to always have it with you.
Can I bring my pet to Aruba?
Pet cats and dogs from most countries are allowed if accompanied by valid rabies and health certificates from a veterinarian. Pets from South and Central America are not allowed. However, most hotels DO NOT allow pets. Please check with your hotel in advance.
What are the clothing requirements in Aruba?
Since the climate is considered warm on the island, try to take light and comfortable clothes and shoes with you. It’s always good to have one set of elegant clothing in case you decide to dine in one of the many upscale restaurants on the island where no shorts and t-shirts are permitted. For the ladies, a blazer or light sweater is always nice in case it gets a little chilly due to the air conditioning. Other than that, you can enjoy your vacation wearing casual and comfortable clothing while on the island. Bathing suites are allowed, but not in stores and/or on the street.
Which are the most important holidays in Aruba?
Christmas, New Year day Easter Sunday, Aruba Flag Day, March 18, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Dutch Queen's Birthday, 30th of April, International Labor Day, 1st of May and Ascension Day. Stores, Public offices and banks are closed on official holidays.
Are there newspapers in different languages available?
Yes, Aruba has a variety of newspapers in different languages, ranging from Papiamento (Diario, Awe Mainta, Bon Dia Aruba, La Prensa) English (The News and A.M. Digital online) to Dutch (Amigoe). Spanish news sections are available in a few of them.
Does Aruba have cable and what TV channels are available?
Yes, Aruba has a cable provider; Cable TV Aruba which provides several well known channels, such as: CNN, FOX Network, Hallmark Channel, ESPN Network, Cartoon Network, BBC, Cinemax and A&E just to name a few.
There's plenty of things to do in Aruba on land, on water, above the water and below it. Read on for a listing of the activities you can experience while on our island. Windsurfing
Flat seas and dependable trade winds guarantee ideal conditions for sailing and windsurfing. Winds typically blow at a steady 20 to 25 knots year-round, which makes Aruba the natural location for annual events such as the Hi-Winds Windsurfing Competition (June) and the Aruba Catamaran Regatta (November). More about windsurfing in Aruba Sailing
One of Aruba’s most popular adventures is the cruise to nowhere. This is a terrific way to see the leeward side of the island from the water while relaxing with a cool drink aboard a yacht or catamaran. Some tours include snorkeling, lunch or dinner, entertainment, open bar or a combination package. If you want the ultimate trip, charter your own boat and plan your own itinerary. Sailing Tours
Kite Boarding is one of the newest watersports that is quickly gaining popularity anywhere in the world where there is water. With the help of very large inflatable kites, about 90 ft of flying lines and boards not unlike small surfboards with footstraps proficient kite boarders are able to skim across the water surface at 30+ miles an hour and get launched 10, 20, 30, even 40 to 50 ft up in the air. This is a sport like no other. With some perseverance you will be amazed at how steep the learning curve is too. Aruba is one of the premier locations for this exciting new sport. Kayaking
Kayaking is a relatively new adventure on Aruba, and visitors are taking to it with enthusiasm. Because the waters on the leeward side of the island are so calm, kayaking is relaxing and peaceful way to explore Aruba’s coast. No experience is necessary. A well-informed local guide leads you through the basics and handles all the details from pick-up to drop-off at your hotel. Normally the four-hour package costs $80 per person. Parasailing
Enjoy Aruba from a different angle. Parasailing is a unique and exciting way to look at Aruba's beautiful beaches and scenery. It is an ultimate feeling of freedom. Get a bird's-eye view, while you are towed along by a speedboat. The ride takes about 20 to 25 minutes and ascends and descents directly from the boat. The airtime of your ride is 8 to 10 minutes.
Scuba-diving & snorkeling
The offshore waters offer great visibility of up to 100 feet and the 42 major dive sites provide an amazing variety of underwater activity: numerous shipwrecks from 25 to 400 feet deep are waiting to be explored, and the waters are teeming with sea life including manta rays, barracuda, and the rare green moray. All levels of diving from beginning to advanced are available, and instruction and equipment can be arranged for at any of the major hotels. More about diving in Aruba Golf
Jeep Tours
If you are adventurous and want to see the island in an unforgettable way, then go on a jeep tour. Jeep tours take you on the back-roads of Aruba along the rugged north coast, passing rock formations, cacti and the famous divi-divi trees.
Horseback Riding
Aruba’s outback lends itself to exploration on horseback. Choose early morning or sunset rides for the coolest breezes and most active wildlife. Several stables group rides along the wild east coast, along beaches, and over inland terrain and cannot be covered by car.
Flat terrain and deserted back roads make ideal conditions for bike enthusiasts. Traffic is too heavy in the tourist areas and on the main road along the western coast, and wind can be a deterrent for some. However, the paved roads and smoother dirt paths along the northern coast are scenic and enjoyable when the wind is calm.
Pablito’s Bike Rental Eagle Beach
Hiking
Arikok National Park has already laid 20 miles of trails and more are planned. Some of the rock-bordered dirt paths lead to formal presentations and learning centers; others branch out to the isolate undeveloped areas along the park’s north and south boundaries.
Oranjestad, the capital city, located on the southern coast near the western end of the island, is extremely picturesque with its Dutch colonial architecture in pastel colors. Along the wharf, merchants come to sell fresh fish and produce right off the boats every morning. The downtown area with shopping malls surrounding it is the primary shopping area on the island. More about Oranjestad California lighthouse was named after a vessel called the "California." She was a wooden ship sailing from England to Venezuela when she ran aground off Aruba Northwest corner on September 23, 1891. The California Lighthouse was completed in 1914. Perched on a high seaside elevation, the lighthouse has become one of Aruba’s scenic trademarks and offers a picture perfect view of the island's western coastline of sandy beaches.
Around the lighthouse are acres of stoned-filled flat land, and a area called California White Sand Dunes is very popular with kids who go dune surfing. Butterfly Farm is a 3000-square-foot mesh-enclosed garden with waterfalls and stocked fish ponds. Hundreds of majestic butterflies from all over the world flutter freely to new-age music and land weightlessly on visitors. The farm is open daily, 9am-4pm, with the last tour at 3:30pm. Located on Irausquin Blvd, across from the Divi Phoenix Hotel. Bushiribana Gold Mill. Gold was found to Aruba in 1824, supposedly by a boy playing in a dry creek bed, and for several years locals were allowed to collect the precious metal and sell it at a government-fixed price. Thirty years later, the Aruba Island Gold Mining Company was granted all rights to the cache and built the large smelting works at Bushiribana. Today, you can climb around the tumbling-down heap of rocks that one housed the mall. Arikok National Park is Aruba’s ecological treasure. Among the desert vegetation in the park, are divi-divi trees, rare exotic cacti, aloe plants, and colorful tropical flowers. The park is open daily from 8am to 4pm.
Follow the signs for "Parke Nacional Arikok" from the town of Santa Cruz to the entrance of the park located on the left a short distance beyond the paved road. More about Arikok National Park Natural bridge is one of Aruba's most popular attractions, and the area is likely to be filled with tour buses any given time of day. And you can see why. The bridge is a formation of coral limestone cut out by years of pounding surf, and is one of the largest of these types of spans in the world. It stands some 23 feet (7 meters) above sea level and spans more than 100 feet (30 meters). There is no admission fee or set hours for visiting. Natural pool. This small rock-enclosed seawater pool is difficult to enter and exit, and not worth the trouble, unless you just want to cool off. However, it is worthwhile to climb up onto boulder to watch the ocean surf break over the rocks and cascade into the basin. Forget about snorkeling, the water is too churned up. Visit the pool for the magnificent views. DePalm Island This private island off the coast of Aruba, owned by DePalm Tours of Aruba, offers a calm, relaxing afternoon after a day of sightseeing around the island.
Carol (HockeyFan) ... Give me a couple of days and I'll post Reports on what we've done in Aruba for the past several years. Aruba is great for those who enjoy the beach and water sports!
Carol (HockeyFan) ... Give me a couple of days and I'll post Reports on what we've done in Aruba for the past several years. Aruba is great for those who enjoy the beach and water sports!
Thanks LuLu - I'll look for them after the holiday!
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