If you have ever considered going sailing in Aruba, you might want to start getting serious about the prospect. Thousands of people each year flock to Aruba for the amazing sailing opportunities it provides. As one of the premier, and sometimes overlooked, islands of the Caribbean, Aruba boasts an array of activities for a vacation in paradise. For the avid sailor, Aruba will satisfy all your needs and provide an experience unlike sailing anywhere else in the world. But sailing in Aruba is also a perfect way to spend a day for someone entirely new to the hobby. Essentially, Aruba is the perfect place to spend a day in the sun, with wind on your face basking on the deck of a beautiful sail boat.
Since many people don't have their own sail boats, even many very passionate sailors, there are scores of sailing charter companies that will provide a sail boat, sailing lessons and captain as well as other features. Even for those who have a sail boat, it's sometimes not possible to sail the boat all the way to Aruba and back. That's another reason why there are many charter companies in Aruba that can provide all the equipment necessary to enjoy a day or two on the water just like you would if it were your own boat.
Sailing in Aruba can take place over the span of a day or even a week or longer. Charters provide boats in either case, but the cost goes up with the more time it is being rented. Depending on your skill level, a charter company might require you to take a skipper with you. Charters will often require skippers even in the case of experienced sailors who have not sailed in the Caribbean before.
The best time of year to be sailing in Aruba is January through March. The weather is best for sailing this time of year, unlike the summer months of rain and hurricanes. However, the first part of the year is the peak of tourist activity on Aruba. This means the waters will be filled with many more sail boats and prices will be substantially higher. Sailing in the off season is an option, however. That's because when the weather turns and hurricanes are a risk, Aruba doesn't experience as bad an effect since it is located outside the Caribbean hurricane belt. On your next trip to Aruba, consider sailing.
If you are traveling to Aruba in the near future, there are undoubtedly some pressing questions you need answered. Before you board the plane, take these questions and their corresponding answers into consideration. The first is can your cell phone be used on the island? In most cases, the answer to this important question is yes. Across the island there is generally a strong cell phone reception. However, keep in mind that before your travel, you may need to contact your cell phone carrier to enable your phone for international use. Using your cell phone out of the country can become very expensive, so talk to your carrier about that aspect as well.
How easy is it to get around Aruba? While this depends on where you want to get to, coastal travel is very straightforward. The taxi service is dependable and the drivers tend to be courteous and maintain clean vehicles. A bus operates in the popular hotel areas to and from the California Lighthouse and Oranjestad. Costs are all realistic and the service is prompt. The inner island is a tropical forest, part of which is Arikok, Aruba’s vast national park, but much of which is highly un-traversable. As long as you have a guide with you when you travel the mountain roads, you will safely enjoy yourself.
What is the crime rate in Aruba? While several other Caribbean islands have a difficult time monitoring their crime, it is minimal in Aruba. The reason is partly due to the efforts of the government to provide safe travel to tourists. However, you should still maintain an air of caution, especially when traveling at night or alone. As is the norm wherever you go, never leave valuables unattended or your hotel room unlocked. No out-of-the-ordinary precautions need to be taken to be safe as you travel around Aruba.
What are the customs processes on Aruba? Getting in and out of Aruba is generally a simple process. The exceptions are seen on the few busiest travel days of the year. The Aruba Airport was recently expanded, now equipped with resources to keep delays as minimal as possible. There is a form you are required to fill out upon your arrival to the island before you can officially enter the country. You will be asked to hold on to a portion of the form to display on your return flight. After these necessary procedures, you will be admitted to the country to enjoy the most of your planned time there.
The history of Aruba is richly textured. It has been under Spanish and Dutch rule in various eras, which have shaped the culture as it is today. Visit some of the local museums to see how the country came to be a hub of tourism and seamless blend of cultures. Each has its own historical focal point. The Archaeological Museum traces history from the Pre-Ceramic period beginning about 2500 BC to the Ceramic period beginning 900 AD to the Historic period that takes us to 1880 AD. There are audio/video presentations and artifacts that depict many aspects of the ancient inhabitants' lives.
They touch on religious practices, their daily lives, as well as the way the cultures of other islands affected their society. Fort Zoutman plays a pivotal role in the history of Aruba. It is the oldest building on the island and was originally built as protection against local pirates. In 1868 after modifications, it began service as a lighthouse and public clock tower. As times and circumstances changed, it became the primary location for government offices, was transformed into a library, and for a time served as the post office. Today it is a symbol the island’s colorful past.
If you are interested in currencies, take a trip to the Numismatic Museum. It is the home of more than 33,000 coins and types of currencies from round and square shaped to those made of wood or gold, dating back to 400 BC. The Museum of Antiquities contains 23 showrooms filled with items created throughout the history of Aruba and South America. In the mid-1800’s, aloe vera was introduced to Aruba. It flourished and spread quickly in the hot, dry climate. Plantations were started and soon Aruba was the largest exporter of aloe products. Visit the museum to see how it all began. Today, the factory houses state of the art equipment.
It produces face and body moisturizers that contain pure aloe vera gel enriched with natural extracts. These upscale products are shipped all over the world. The Bushirbana and Balashi Gold Mill Ruins detail the history of Aruba gold mining. From the 14th Century adventurers looking for treasure to the gold rush of 1824 over 3 Million pounds of gold was produced. No matter where you look, Aruba is filled with a varied and colorful history, from the adventurers looking for treasure to pirate’s raids and swiftly changing governments. Come experience Aruba from an entirely new perspective.
Just a short flight from Florida is the island of Aruba. The tropical climate, crystal clear waters and close proximity make it a very popular family vacation destination. All-inclusive resorts and hotels located in some of the popular areas of the island make it easy to find something for everyone during your visit. When traveling with children, it is as important that they enjoy their vacation as much as you do. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in activities created just for the kids, so that everyone has the chance to participate in something they enjoy.
There are family vacation accommodations for almost every budget. An-all inclusive resort may sound more expensive when you first get the rates, but you will find that they include at least one, often two meals a day in addition to access to all facilities and the kids club. Most offer a choice of several different dining options, from upscale restaurants that offer a wide array of cultural specialties, to cafes that serve variety of family friendly fare in a casual atmosphere. Whether you want a burger and fries, or Italian, there will be something for every palate. Kid’s clubs have become very popular and now offer a wide array of activities.
Created specifically to appeal to children under the age of 17, there are swimming and snorkeling classes available. For the younger group, there are scavenger hunts, face painting, basketball, bingo and movies. Parents are free to spend the day exploring the island on their own while their children are involved in activities that appeal to them, with others their age. For teenagers, there are age appropriate activities from contests and video games, to chaperoned swimming pool access and water sports. There are many family vacation activities located throughout the island that everyone will enjoy. One of the most popular attractions is the water park.
Fun for the entire family, there are over 20 different waterslides. For the small children there is the treasure-island kid’s castle. Here there are slides created specifically for those under the age of six. For teens and adults, there are high-speed sliders that twist, twirl and turn as well as tubing slides. The man made wave pools can be enjoyed by everyone. Nature tours, dinner cruises and submarine excursions complete the family vacation experience. Aruba’s friendly, casual atmosphere makes it a perfect choice for families with young children or those with many different interests.
Has work been unbearable lately? Do you need a vacation from your worries and cares of the world? If you enjoy warm tropical breezes and the sun on your shoulders, a tropical island getaway to Aruba is calling your name. While the Caribbean islands and several other places in the world might draw your attention, there are many reasons why Aruba should be your finalized choice. The first thing to consider if you have been to Aruba is that of all the Caribbean islands, this one has the highest proportion of repeat vacationers visiting its shores. What this means to you is that others who have traveled there could not get enough in one visit alone.
If world-class resorts, shopping, restaurants and dining are what you are seeking, you will not be disappointed by what is offered in Aruba. Add to these locations the stunning beaches and water activities and you have the makings of the perfect vacation. With your visit to anywhere exotic, you certainly have high expectations. In Aruba, you can expect to enjoy your time no matter who you choose to travel there with.
For romantic vacations, you can enjoy your privacy in one of many spas or by lounging on the secluded beach. For the adventuresome traveler, enjoy plant and animal life at Arikok National Park. The protected sanctuary is a great place to view the island’s finest ecology. Water activities undoubtedly make your list of things to do if you are traveling to a tropical location. There are 42 scuba diving sites on the island of Aruba. Other water sports include windsurfing, deep sea fishing, water skiing and much more. On land, there are many other sports you can participate in as well. Golfing, racquetball, tennis and horseback riding are all offered. If nightlife is part of what you are seeking from your tropical vacation, you have access to casinos, discos, parties and dance festivals.
All of these activities plus tours and other sightseeing are available on Aruba year-round. This is due to the temperate climate of the land, where the average annual temperature is 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Even on “hot” or “cold” days, the temperature rarely exceeds 95 degrees or drops below about 73 degrees, even at night. The months from October through February are the rainier times of the year, but the island only receives about 16 inches of rain annually. For the best tropical vacation, it is difficult to beat out Aruba.