It seems that going green has caught the attention of the entire world, and that would include a tiny island in the Caribbean called Aruba. More and more hotels are becoming aware of the practices of going green and some are even referring to themselves as being “green washed”. So what does it mean to be green in a place that is already so isolated and beautiful as Aruba? Let’s take a look.
If you would like to choose a hotel in Aruba that bills itself as a green resort, there are some things to look for. Does the resort help with the native environment? Some resorts offer their support to programs that protect native animals and might even be located on land preserves. Do they use renewable resources? That would include harnessing the sun for power, which makes sense in Aruba, and don’t forget about the wind! Aruba is known worldwide for its nonstop trade winds and some hotels are capturing this free power. It only makes sense that since the island attracts the best windsurfers from around the world to harness that wind for their sport, that hotels would do the same.
Another thing to look for when choosing a green hotel in Aruba is transportation. Does the hotel use alternative methods like electric powered vehicles? Is the resort close to public transportation? Small things like this can make a big difference when it comes to going green. Another way that resorts in Aruba might take advantage of the climate is how the hotel is constructed. With weather as beautiful as it is on the island, and a year-round temperature of eighty-two degrees, it’s only natural that hotels built with open areas to take advantage of the nice cool breeze would be a winner for both tourists and the environment alike.
Green technology is yet another method for reducing the amount of energy that a hotel or resort uses. Some hotels in Aruba may even be using in-room sensors that tell the power source whether or not anyone is in the room or not. This system can turn off lights and air conditioning even if the visitors might have forgotten to do so. Aruba is a fantastic island with beautiful beaches and crystal clear water. And, by going green, there is an even better chance that it will stay that way. So, pack your bags for a vacation to Aruba, and you just might be helping the environment at the same time!
The island of Aruba is known for many beautiful and adventurous sites from white sandy beaches to clear blue waters filled with tropical fish and ancient shipwrecks. One of the biggest tourist attractions though are the caves that dot this tiny island. Aruba is only nineteen miles long and six miles wide, but is filled with caves from tip to tip. One of the most famous is the Baranca Sunu Cave which locals call the Tunnel of Love. It is three hundred feet long and is found on the northern part of Aruba. In English, the name means ‘Naked Rock’. With five chambers deep inside, including one that resembles the Virgin Mary, the Tunnel of Love has become a big tourist attraction.
Don’t let the name fool you though, as the cave offers much more than just a chance for romance. Entering into the cave, you’ll find very steep and narrow stairs leading down into the dark and can be quite a challenge getting in and out. Currently, this famous cave is closed for preservation reasons while the island tries to reestablish its bat population. The two bats which are called Long Tongue Fruit Bats, and Insect Eater Bats, are very important to the island’s ecosystem as they help control pests that could bother tourists.
Another popular cave in Aruba is the Fontein Cave, which has drawings of an Indian tribe called Arawak. A tour of this cave can give visitors a real sense of the history of the island. It’s believed that in this cave, with the red drawings across the ceilings and on the walls, that Indians held ceremonies and rituals there during the days that they inhabited Aruba. The Fontein Cave is definitely one that you should put on your list if you are planning a vacation to Aruba.
The third cave that attracts many visitors is the Guadirikiri Cave, which is actually found at the base of a very steep cliff. With two chambers that are at times brightly lit by sunlight coming in through the holes in the top of the cave, this cave is also home to hundreds of bats. Like the Tunnel of Love cave, it is periodically closed so that the bats can reproduce in private. As you can see, along with the natural beauty of sand, sea, and waterfalls that Aruba has to offer, the caves are a great way to spend a day whether you are looking for a lesson in history about the island, or a time of romance.
Want to discover Aruba? You have come to the right place. Here at In-Aruba.Com we help thousands of people like you discover what is known as one happy island. On our website you’ll find the best places to go, places you simply can’t miss, sites that have to be seen, restaurants that must be visited and beaches that will take your breath away. So if you’re ready to start planning a trip you will never forget, take a few notes and let’s plan together.
There are so many ways to discover Aruba it’s hard to know where to even begin. Here are some of our favorites to get you off to a good start planning your getaway. So maybe slip your shoes off to get in the right frame of mind and let’s begin our journey. One of the most talked about places in Aruba is what is called Natural Pool. We’ll warn you right up front that it is not easy to get to so that might rule out some of you right off the bat, but for those a little more adventurous here we go. Natural Pool, like it sounds is a pool of crystal clear water filled with tropical fish and amazing rock formations. Be sure to bring your snorkel gear because that is at least half the fun of the trip. Getting there is not the fun part for most people as your tour guide (you can also rent a jeep and go on your own for the really adventurous) will drive you through windy roads and steep hillsides, a bumpy journey with a very worthwhile final destination.
We also really like something called The Antilla. This is a German freighter which was sunk during World War II and is the island’s most popular dive site. It is a great way to discover Aruba. You’ll see thousands of colorful fish swimming in and out of this ancient wreck and on a cloudy day it can even be a little spooky as well. (Don’t worry, cloudy days are rare). Many people who have snorkeled at locations all over the world call this very best and we would have to agree.
Are you ready to discover Aruba? In-Aruba.Com is here to help you make it there and to bring home more pictures and memories than you can count. This island has been putting smiles on people’s faces for a very long time and there is no stopping in sight.
A nickname says a lot about a place and perhaps no name says more than the one given to the island of Aruba, one happy island. Some tourists have commented that you have to try really hard not to smile once you arrive in Aruba, although we’re not sure why you would even try to fight it. This nineteen mile long, six mile wide paradise is 82 degrees year round with waters so clear and beaches so white that having a smile is all but impossible. At In-Aruba.Com we live and breathe Aruba. If you are looking for things to do or places to stay and much, much more, then you have come to the right place.
Let’s start with the beaches and the water, as good as any you will find anywhere in the world. There are many small beaches spread around this island, some more private than others but all with the same amazing view of clear, blue water. Just 15 miles from Venezuela, the temperature averages 82 degrees year round and the sandy white beaches are the perfect place to take this one happy island in.
Did you know that the people on this one happy island speak four languages? Yes they can spread their happiness in Dutch, Papiamento (the local native language), and Spanish and yes English. Communicating in so many different ways is just another part of the charm of Aruba. You will hear all of these languages and more during the many festivals held here. The Soul Beach Festival, the Caribbean Festival and the BonBini Festival bring even more crowds than normal. The annual Aruba Regatta is a sailing event not to be missed and of course there is always the biggest of all, Carnival.
One happy island is a nickname that fits this island to perfection. From the smiles on the people’s faces to the laughter of the tourists who come to escape for even a little while, there is a feel to Aruba that is hard to describe. Many a tourist arriving by cruise ship has described this as their favorite port of all. You will find tours to take you across the island if your time is short. They are a quick peek, so to speak, of all Aruba has to offer. Fun bars and restaurants, rocks to climb, waterfalls to see, and beaches to lie on all are a part of the experience. Yes happy is a great way to describe Aruba.
You gotta love any organization with a name like Arubakitten.org. The recipe is pretty simple. Take an incredible island with sunsets you will never forget, waters so clear and blue you can see straight to the bottom, and add in cute little kittens and cats in need of homes and you have this very cool group. After all there are plenty of people to take care of tourists. We can’t go ten feet without a valet driver for our car, a bellman offering to take our bags or any number of island employees waiting on us hand and foot. But the little furry friends of the island need a little TLC too and luckily there are dedicated volunteers to make this happen.
Arubakitten.org knows how to name its little ones. You’ll find Elmo, Fred, Wilma and Pebbles which admittedly sounds a lot like the Flintstone family! These cute cats and kittens have been saved from the streets and are taken in with tender, loving care. They get medical care, high quality food and probably what they need most, attention. They get lots and lots of that from the volunteers. So if you are planning a vacation to Aruba, how can you help? Believe it or not you can and it just might make for a very memorable trip. Why not take one home with you?
Arubakitten.org sends their furry friends home with tourists every day. You got it right, you can bring home one of these little guys or gals to the US. (You might not read this part to your kids unless you plan on brining one back home!) They have done this so many times they have an easy system for you to adopt. They will give you the certificate you need for customs and you can even have the cat or kitten ride on the plane back home with you under your seat. Of course they will need a ticket that can cost anywhere from $75 to $125 but it will be money well spent, especially when you have a constant reminder year after year of the great memories of your trip to Aruba.
So pack your bags for the trip of a lifetime and don’t forget the animals when you are there. Arubakitten.org would love to see you as they spread the word about adoptions and successfully controlling the animal population of the island. Aruba is ready for you and your newly adopted pet.