Area Attractions

Area Attractions

Discover an island that energizes the senses. Where untamed desert beauty bounds a turquoise ocean. An isle of ancient caves, coral reefs, legendary lagoons, open-air markets and colorful boutiques. An exotic invitation to snorkel, scuba dive, parasail, windsurf. Play a round of golf, horseback ride, or fish the depths of blue-green sea. Relax, Daydream, Bask, Swim, Dine, Play at the casino. Indulge in the beachfront luxury of the Aruba Hyatt Resort and  Casino.

The island of Aruba is part of the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea, and lies approximately 29km (18 miles) off the Paraguaná Peninsula of Venezuela. One of the Lesser Antilles islands, Aruba is about 30 km (19 miles) long and about 8 km (5 miles) wide with an area of 193 sq km (75 sq miles). The island’s population is about 89,000. Aruba has highest standard of living in the West Indies. In just a few short years, Aruba has become one of the most popular vacation spots in the Caribbean, with visitor figures approaching a million annually. Aruba’s diverse cultural heritage makes it a fascinating place to visit and explore. The island was originally inhabited by a tribe of Arawak Indians who migrated here from Venezuela. Many sites on Aruba still bear the original Indian names, and many of today’s Arubans still reflect the faces of their native ancestors. Spanish explorers arrived in Aruba in the 15th century and eventually colonized the island. But in 1636 the Dutch took over, and Aruba has remained Dutch ever since.

Aruba lies below the Hurricane Belt and December is late in the season, so expect wonderful weather!

Outdoor Activities

In the Air

It is not surprising that many of Aruba’s popular pastimes involve its blue waters and beautiful beaches. The most famous is wind surfing and kite sailing, thanks to the consistent 20-knot trade winds. Equipment rentals and instructors are available. Give it a try!

In the Water

Less than a mile offshore, the sea abounds with sailfish, wahoo, yellow and black tuna and marlin. Sport-fishing trips are widely available for full or half days. The German freighter Antilia, scuttled at the start of WWII off the northwest coast, is a favorite destination of scuba divers. Shallow, gentle waters at Druif and Arashi Beaches, where you can see a reef of elkhorn on the sandy bottom, are a big draw for snorkelers. Or you may like a cruise on a glass bottom boat or catamaran which combines picnic and sightseeing.

On the Land

Be sure to explore Aruba by land, too. The countryside, is dotted with windswept divi-divi trees, cactus and pastel-colored houses. One of the island’s most famous landmarks is Hooiberg, or Haystack Hill, a volcanic formation over 541 feet high. Climb its steps for a view of Venezuela on a clear day! The huge rocks at Ayo and Casibari have remnants of Amerindian drawings and afford another chance for the energetic climber.

Birdwatching

Bubali Pond on the west coast is a bird sanctuary which attracts a great variety of birds – pelicans, cormorants, wood storks and long-legged egrets among them.

Horseback Riding

You can go horseback riding on highly trained paso fino horses from South America.

Golfing

Golf lovers can play at the Aruba Golf Club near San Nicolas and at the new Tierra del Sol course in Arashi in the northwest tip of the island, Aruba’s first world class golf course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II. 18 hole par 71 course.

Casino Hopping

Aruba has over six Vegas style casinos for nighttime entertainment as well as superb restaurants, shows and world class shopping with many bargains to be had in European porcelain, jewelry, perfumes, and clothing.