If you’re going to Aruba, you must be a water-lover because the water is clear and aqua-tinted…you’ll really be amazed. Aruba marches to the beat of a different drummer than most of the Caribbean islands. At the southern edge of the sea, where the climate and landscapes are markedly different, this is a unique spot renowned not just for its beaches. Aruba also boasts a diverse topography, a rugged terrain and numerous options for outdoor adventure.
That’s not to say the historically Dutch island is without its turquoise lagoons and coconut-palm-fringed coastline. And for those who do love the beach, it’s important to know that Aruba enjoys more days of sunshine than just about any other Caribbean destination.
We’re trekking through some of the island’s best resorts and hotels so planning your trip there will be that much easier. Dive in to this Travel To Aruba guide.
Quick Tips About Aruba Before You Go:
– Located about 12 degrees north of the equator, approximately 29km (18 miles) off the Paraguana peninsula of Venezuela. The island, one of the Lesser Antilles islands, is about 30 km (19 miles) long and about 8 km (5 miles) wide with an area of 193 sq km (75 sq miles) and a population of some 101,000. (CBS: 2010 Census)
– Aruba offers you a very large and varied choice of hotels, both low-rise and high-rise, apartments and guest houses. There are also numerous timeshare (Aruba is a red time location all year round) and real estate opportunities.
– Aruba is a great place for young kids and also older ones. There are a number of children’s playgrounds and all sorts of activities that will ensure that kids won’t want to leave!.
– There is no need to buy bottled water in Aruba, the island’s tap water is pure and refreshing, distilled in the world’s second largest saltwater desalination plant. Oil is refined on the island’s southwest coast and a by-product of this process is abundant pure drinking water and electricity. The plant is called the WEB, and there are many requests to tour the plant that is located in Balashi.
– Aruba’s low season falls between April 15th and December 14th and High Season is between December 15th and April 14th. Some hotel & resort accommodation packages differ from these dates by perhaps a week or so.
– Most stores open from 9 AM to noon or 1 PM and from 2 PM to 6:30 PM, although some remain open between noon and 2 PM. Shops are open from Monday to Saturday. Hotel stores have varying open hours so check at your hotel for these. Mall store hours are 10 AM until 6 PM.
– The time in Aruba is Atlantic Standard Time. It is the same as Eastern Daylight Savings time all year round.
For even more information about Aruba, visit Visit Aruba.
