Aruba is one happy island which is reflected by its residents who exude a unique charm that is almost magnetic. The Caribbean island beckons one and all to experience a great vacation with its intriguing combination of white sandy beaches and sparkling blue water. Around 20% of the island is covered by the Arikok National Park which has plenty of trails for visitors to explore.
Aruba transportation options
Getting around Aruba is easy since the island has an excellent infrastructure. Transport in Aruba includes a range of taxis, buses, rent-a-cars, motorcycle and scooter rentals, all terrain vehicles, and air-conditioned motor coaches. Taxis have fixed rates and are always available at most vantage points and the shopping areas. Aruba transportation includes bus services are inexpensive. Buses are available to and from downtown Oranjestad and resort areas.
Aruba transportation ground rules
Visitors are required to possess a valid foreign or international driving license. Driving around the island is on the right side of the road. Free parking is available throughout the island. Much of the island can be explored by car, however, some areas such as the Natural Pool require a 4x4 vehicle. When driving a normal car, it is recommended not to traverse areas with huge rock or hill formations. These areas are better explored by jeep or an all-terrain vehicle with high clearance.
Public Buses and Taxis
Public transport in Aruba consists mainly of taxis and buses. The main bus station is in downtown Oranjestad from where buses ply between hotels and the downtown area. The bus station is ideally located across from the waterfront shops and restaurants. A round-trip fare between most hotels and downtown is around US$ 2.50. Many tourists use public buses because of their efficiency and low cost. Line services operated by a government enterprise, Arubus, ply between San Nicolas, Oranjestad, and the hotel region. During peak hours, over 14 buses operate along the route.
Mini Buses
Smaller, privately owned mini buses with 12 seats operate between San Nicolas and Oranjestad. These buses are part of the regular transport and are available throughout the day.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals
Aruba’s awesome weather entices visitors to remain outdoors. An integral part of Aruba transportation is scooters and motorcycles that can be rented through several agencies. Tourists can even opt to rent Harleys and enjoy a trip around the island. Scooter and motorcycle rentals are available at many places around the island. All you need is a regular driver’s license while helmets are supplied by the rental agency.
Car and Jeep Rentals
If you are the adventurous kind and willing to explore Aruba with your family and friends on your own, it is a good idea to rent a car, jeep, or all terrain vehicles. If you want to stick to the paved roads, then renting a normal air conditioned car is a good choice. However, for rough terrain you will need to rent a jeep or all terrain vehicles from any of the rental agencies which includes Avis, Hertz Aruba Rent a Car, Thrifty, Amigo, and more.
The tiny Caribbean island of Aruba is undoubtedly a vacationer’s paradise. The island’s sunny and warm weather welcomes tourists throughout the year to its sandy beaches. Most tourists take advantage of the consistency in the island’s weather, which is typical of the Caribbean, to spend time tanning at the beach. It would be prudent to learn a few facts about Aruba before visiting the island that plays host to over 1.5 million visitors every year.
Romantic Vacation
Couples seeking a romantic vacation have the perfect place in Aruba to enjoy some quiet moments together. Palm Beach, Malmok Beach, Eagle Beach, are among the best places to enjoy a romantic holiday with a variety of hotels and resorts close by.
All-year-round tourist destination
Any time is a great time to head for a vacation to Aruba. Temperatures hardly vary during day and night time and throughout the year as well. Moderate rainfall occurs during November and December, making it the perfect place to enjoy a holiday any time of the year. An average daytime temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and maximum humidity levels of 75 percent presents tourists with the perfect opportunity to enjoy a comfortable vacation.
Aruban culture
Aruba presents an eclectic mix of English, Dutch, Spanish, African, and Portuguese cultures. You need to visit the island to experience this incredible potpourri of customs and traditions. The Arubans are proud of their culture and are known to be fun-loving and friendly. Aruba facts indicate that there are ninety-two nationalities have made the island their home.
Festive season
Among the facts of Aruba that is no secret is the Aruban penchant for festivities. Arubans have a great festive season that begins with the dande for New Year and then on to the month long carnival celebrations leading up to the season of Lent. They celebrate the Dutch Queen’s birthday through the Sinterklaas in early December, leading up to Christmas.
Aruban way of life
True to Caribbean culture, life on the island is laid back and casual. However, life can be one big party for visitors who are not only welcome but also well respected by residents of the island. In return, politeness and acceptance of the Aruban way of life are all it takes to enjoy a vacation on the island.
Aruba facts about nudism
Nudism is not prohibited in Aruba. Topless sunbathing and swimming are permitted although not practiced by many. Most resorts do not permit any form of nudity on their premises.
Aruban nightlife
There is no dearth of hotels and resorts well equipped with modern amenities. Aruba’s shores are also lined with restaurants offering gastronomic delights set amidst a romantic and idyllic ambiance. Nightlife is also very much a part of the island’s lifestyle with a choice of entertainment for visitors including 24-hour casinos.
Best time to visit
While visitors can enjoy a vacation at any time of the year, the best time to avail of super discounts is during mid-April to mid-December, which is the low tourist season.
Drinking water
Aruba has the purest and safest drinking water that comes from its saltwater desalination plant, which is the second largest in the world. Although bottled water is available, it is discouraged due to environmental reasons.
Water sports
Aruba is a sportsman’s paradise with great opportunities for surfing and windsurfing. The beaches are always warm enough to swim or snorkel in. Eagle Beach is one of the top internationally known beaches that attract tourists from young socialites to well-known celebrities and families.
Pristine beaches and diving spots aren’t the only Aruba tourist spots on the beautiful Caribbean island. There is a wealth of things to do in Aruba with many natural wonders and other outdoor activities. From horseback riding to mountain biking and sightseeing, there are many places in Aruba that make it the perfect place for a vacation.
Natural Bridge
The 25-feet high Natural Bridge is made of coral and extends 100 feet across. The bridge was carved over the years by the pounding waves and is one of the most dramatic coral formations in the Caribbean. Even though the original bridge collapsed, the baby bridge offers spectacular views of the island.
Arikok National Park
Among the things to do in Aruba is a visit to the Arikok National Park. The park is blessed with an abundance of flora and fauna. Visitors have the chance to explore some rare wildlife on the biggest reserve on the island. Arikok is a great place for biking and trekking.
California Lighthouse
Among the famous Aruba tourist spots is the California Lighthouse located on the northwest tip of the island in an area known as Hudishibana. Although no one is permitted to reach the top, the lighthouse is one of Aruba’s scenic spots with picture-perfect views of the island’s sandy beaches, coral shorelines, and rolling sand dunes. It is also one of the best places in Aruba to watch the most spectacular sunsets amidst peace and tranquility.
Butterfly Farm
Located on the northwest section on J. E. Irausquin Blvd. is Butterfly Farm, which is home to over 40 species of butterflies from around the world. Visitors come here to enjoy the tropical gardens, Japanese ponds, and waterfalls, which make up the perfect environment for the butterflies that roam freely under a large mesh cover. The farm offers guided tours where visitors can experience a close encounter with nature. Kids will love the opportunity to enjoy a new experience observing new butterflies take their first flight out of their pupa. The farm also houses a gift shop.
Aruba Snorkeling
Undoubtedly, Aruba’s breathtaking beaches and warm waters offer visitors plenty of opportunities for water sports including snorkeling. The crystal clear waters along the reefs are a haven for snorkelers with a variety of species of fish to be found. Arashi Beach at the northern tip of the island, Baby Beach, Boca Catalina, Palm Beach, and Eagle Beach are some of the popular spots for snorkeling. Resorts around the beaches arrange snorkeling and scuba diving tours for visitors.
Archaeological Museum of Aruba
The tiny Caribbean island of Aruba has a rich cultural history well preserved at the Archaeological Museum of Aruba. The museum exhibits tools made from stone from 2000 BC and pottery and burial artifacts from 500 AD. Located behind Saint Fransiscus Church in Oranjestad, the museum is open only on weekdays.
Aruba Ostrich Farm
Kids would love a trip to the Aruba Ostrich Farm on the north east side of the island. Located close to Arikok National Park the farm offers a three-hour guided tour for a close encounter with ostriches and emus. As the birds romp around in their local habitat visitors are allowed to hand feed the always hungry birds. The farm has a restaurant and an art shop. Tours commence every half hour between 9 am to 4 pm all through the week.
Aruba Atlantis Submarine
Among the other popular tourist adventures is the Atlantis Submarine where tourists can experience underwater life on a two hour journey to depths of 130 feet. The submarine tour starts from downtown Oranjestad with up to 48 people on board the air conditioned submarine.
Casibari Rock Formations
Among the most popular Aruba tourist spots are the Casibari Rock formations located at the center of the island. Casibari and Ayo are the two boulder formations that represent the island’s version of Stonehenge. The area is accessible from Highway 4a to Ayo via Route 6a, located north of Hooiberg. There are walking trails and steps that lead to the top of the formation where visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of the island.
Cura di Tortuga
The large natural pool of Cura di Tortuga or conchi is located on a deserted stretch along the coast line. The area is accessible by foot, horseback, or 4 wheel drive. The pool is made by large rock formations that create a natural barrier that traps the ocean waves around it.
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Aruban lifestyle may seem laid back and casual; however, the island comes to life at night. Every tourists needs to experience nightlife in Aruba which includes a variety of entertainment options. Aruba nightlife adds the perfect level of excitement to its otherwise quiet desert island persona.
The Happy Hours tradition
Aruba’s warm and friendly residents enjoy mingling with tourists at the beach and pier bars that line the island from downtown Oranjestad to the end of the high-rise strip. Happy hours are a tradition at the island’s bars and restaurants, which serve some of the most delicious cocktails and punches. Most popular are the cruises that depart from Palm Beach piers at sunset. If you are looking for a romantic interlude or a wild party, all you need to do is hop on board one of the cruises and enjoy Aruba nightlife to the fullest.
Aruba nightlife in downtown Oranjestad
The high-rise area competes with downtown Oranjestad when it comes to nightlife in Aruba. You can be sure to enjoy drinking and dancing at some of the trendiest venues that include karaoke bars, pubs, and upscale bistros. The island is home to some of the best Las Vegas-style casinos, complete with talented dancers dressed in brilliant costumes, where all the gaming action takes place with live bands in attendance. The strip comes alive at night with cafes, kiosks, restaurants, and bars entertaining visitors until the wee hours of the morning.
Aruba’s Bars & Clubs
As sunset approaches, nightlife in Aruba begins with Latin rhythms drifting down from terrace bars while other vibrant hotspots attract revelers with various genres of music. Partygoers have a choice of intimate taverns and rocking nightclubs to party the night away. Beach bars provide the ultimate atmosphere amidst the sea breeze and star-filled sky, an ambiance enough to give anyone a high. Bugaloe Beach Bar, located on De Palm Pier on the high-rise strip is a popular joint with great food, music, and drinks. Cafe The Pijp is much like an Irish pub at South Beach Mall. The bar offers an excellent entertainment atmosphere with plenty of karaoke, darts, and cable TV.
San Nicolas, Aruba’s second watering hole
Aruba’s second largest city, San Nicolas is home to Charlie’s Bar, a favorite hangout with scuba divers since the 1940s. The area’s hotels and resorts also compete for a share of nightlife in Aruba.
Aruba’s Casinos
The island’s casino scene adds to the already sizzling Aruba nightlife. Lively crowds throng to game tables for a shot at Caribbean stud poker and slot machines. Veteran gamblers and casual players have the opportunity to experience any array of options to pursue their luck with a roll of the dice or spin of the roulette wheel. Some casinos are open around the clock and are located at the large resorts. Others are open from 11 am through to early morning. Among the popular casinos is The Alhambra Casino with over 300 slot machines and an array of table games. Casablanca is another casino that opens at 10 am for slots. Table games are available from 4 pm to 4 am. To add to the excitement, Casablanca hosts a variety of live bands and big-screen plasma TVs. Bingo, Stud Poker, and Blackjack are popular games at the casino.
If you and your family are looking forward to setting out on the great vacation, then there are a few things to keep in mind. Planning and preparation to keep kids busy during a flight to a vacation destination will be important. There are a few steps that you can take that will help both you and your children to enjoy the travel time to your destination.
Take along games that do not contain a lot of parts that can get lost. It is also important that the games or toys are not noisy. Keeping children occupied and quiet during a flight will be greatly appreciated by the other passengers. Therefore, coloring books, travel size games that can be purchased at the airport, and puzzles that have magnetic backs will keep you children amused for most of the flight.
An MP3 or MP4 that contains a pre-recorded playlist will often keep children quiet during a flight. By recording soft music that will soothe the child, they will be more relaxed and comfortable. If you are considering taking a portable DVD player, it will be important to contact the airlines to find out their restrictions on these devices. Some airlines do not allow electronic devices on the plane.
Most airlines do not provide snacks or meals during a flight. To avoid the problems that often accompany children who are hungry, it is a good idea to prepare healthy snacks that do not contain processed sugar. Many people pack each child a small lunch box that they can carry with them that contains a sandwich, snacks and juice. It is important that whatever you bring your child to eat, that there will not be a potential spill or mess.
It is important that children remain seated on the plane and do not kick the backs of seats. While most parents become comfortable with the antics of their children, it is important be aware of your children when in a confined space. Many passengers who are also on their way to a vacation destination will not appreciate rowdy children. Therefore, it is important that you maintain control of your children at all times.
All of these tips are designed to allow a person the chance to have a wonderful trip without the distraction that is often associated with travelers who have children. In the end, it is important that all of the passengers on a plane, including children are comfortable and relaxed when they arrive at their destination.