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 The
small island of Aruba-only six miles across at its widest point-has
two distinct personalities. The battered northeast coast defies
development, and stands as an untouched and untamed island wilderness
beauty. But the calmer southwest coast is blessed with balmy sunshine,
spotless white beaches and clear tropical waters.
The climate approaches
perfection thanks to the constant trade winds that have bent Aruba's
indigenous dividivi tree to a surreal 45° angle-the trees serve
as herbaceous compasses pointing the way home to Aruba's tourist
Mecca. Between the two extremes, in a desert landscape where the
cacti grow to the height of a man, great building-sized tumbles
of boulders stand like the legacy of some ancient, angry god. Winding
roads lead to rocky passes and hidden coves, or sometimes to nowhere
at all. Green parakeets call to their mates, and troupials flash
brilliant orange against the deep blue of the Caribbean sky.
Diving Highlights: Aruba diving is famous for it's wreck
dives and interesting coral formations. Wrecks include the 400 foot
Antilla wreck, the largest wreck in the Caribbean. Visibility ranges
up to 80 feet. Aruba's marine life includes stingrays, moray eels,
manta rays, barracudas and yellow tail. The best dive sites run
between depths of 30 to 100 feet. There is little or no current
and typically calm surface conditions.
Weather: Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt. With its
cooling trade winds, low humidity, and average temperature of 82°F,
Aruba has the climate of a paradise. Brief showers in late October
through December.
Average Air Temp: Day: 82° F Night: 75° F
Water Temp: 80° - 84° F
The strip of hotels along the southwestern shore is akin to the
Las Vegas strip, with glitzy casinos, luxurious hotels, fine restaurants
and entertainment. Nearly every night is a party scene, from themes
to treasure hunts, barbecues to steel bands. Native Arubans are
known for their great cordiality, and visitors are made to feel
at home as they enjoy the sun, the beaches, the clubs, the duty-free
shopping, the varied cuisine...Aruba's smorgasbord of activities
seems never ending.
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 The
great beaches of Aruba provide ample opportunity for sunning, and
with a vehicle you can access good shore diving and snorkeling.
Diving in Aruba is an offering of reef diving and a large number
of wreck dives. Popular wreck dives include airplanes, freighters,
tankers, a variety of smaller boats and the World War II wreck-the
Antilla at 400 feet long, the largest wreck in the Caribbean. World-class
windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, and sailing are also favorites. Topside,
the choices are numerous. Listen to the song of wild parakeets nesting
in cactus jungles, find a secluded cove to enjoy the view, take
a horseback ride through the rocky desert terrain. Aruba is also
famous for its beautiful beaches. Lounge on Eagle Beach, designated
as one of the 10 best beaches in the world by Travel & Leisure
magazine. Marvel at the Natural Bridge, the stone ruins of the Bushiribana
Gold Smelter, or the massive boulders at Ayo and Casibari-geological
mysteries. Aruba's natural world is as impressive and varied as
her developed one.
Diving and Watersports
Diving in Aruba is famous for the spectacular wrecks of types and
sizes that dominate Aruba’s underwater realm. The constant
15-knot trade winds, along with the variety of flat-water locations
and challenging wave conditions, have made Aruba one of the most
popular spots on earth for windsurfers. The calm seas off of Aruba's
west coast are also perfect for snorkeling, sailing, water-skiing,
and deep-sea fishing.
Adventure and Sightseeing
Enjoy Aruba’s arid scenery by horseback, cycle, jeep or bus
tour and visit the Natural Bridge and other interesting geo-logical
and historic sites, play a round of golf at world-class Tierra del
Sol, or hike through Arikok National Park.
Shopping and Nightlife
Aruba is a “Shopper’s Paradise,” with a wide variety
of luxury items available at excellent prices. Many stores also
feature local handicrafts. In addition to a plethora of dining choices,
there are 11 casinos, many with Las Vegas style shows and you can
often find more than 30 theme nights are offered during the course
of a week.
The 'ABC' islands are Aruba,
Bonaire & Curaçao. Check out the other two also. See
Map of the area just below.
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