Exploring Aruba
The ideal Caribbean vacation used to mean hours of tanning on the beach, margarita in hand, with Jimmy Buffett crooning in the background. Today's traveler, however, seeks engaging and enriching activities as an alternative to simply lounging around the hotel. The trend towards active vacations can be seen in the growing awareness in ecotourism and interest in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and climbing.The island of Aruba is responding to this increasing demand for active vacations by proving that it has much more to offer than Caribbean sun and sand.
Aruba, about 20 miles long by 6 miles wide, is the right size for convenient exploration off the beaten path while the semi-arid topography and geological formations offer a wealth of activities distinct from other Caribbean isles. With an incredible marine life as well, Aruba's diversity provides adventure for water babies and landlubbers alike.
© Diane Keijzer
Oranjestad
Oranjestad, located on the southern coast, is the old Dutch capital city where the tall multicolored houses of Wilheminastraat combine carved wooden doors and traditional Dutch tiles with airy open galleries and sloping, Aruban-style roofs. Bordering the modern marina, merchants come to sell fresh fish and produce right off the boats every morning.With several large, modern shopping malls, Oranjestad is also the place to shop. Or to browse in the marketplace for Aruban art and local handicrafts. Depending on the time of year, you could also find yourself in the middle of Carnival, a summertime festival, the New Year's fireworks, or even a parade in honor of the Queen.
San Nicolas
The second largest city in Aruba, San Nicolas is a modern development that rose with the island's oil boom. It is home to Valero Oil & Refining as well as the World-famous "Charlie's Bar & Grill". The area has a typical British Caribbean heritage. San Nicolas has started to develop itself into an "alternative" tourist destination. New hotels are being developed to reflect the city's history when seamen from around the world took shore leave to enjoy the local hospitality.Cave Exploring
Most visitors don't expect to find underground caves on a tropical island. At the Guadirikiri cave, sunlight filters through two inner chambers, providing the perfect photo opportunity for cave explorers. The cave's 100-foot long tunnel is home to hundreds of harmless bats. Nearby, the Fontein cave is testimony to Aruba's native population. Still-visible drawings by the Arawak Indians decorate the cave's ceilings and are a powerful reminder of the island's indigenous history. Couples aren't the only ones who will want to visit the Tunnel of Love, so-called because of its heart-shaped entrance. A 300-foot long tunnel winds through eerie rock formations and narrow passages. Helmets and flashlights can be rented at the entrances to both the Guadirikiri and Tunnel of Love caves.
Arikok National Park
© Diane Keijzer
Natural Bridge
Aruba's famed Natural Bridge once rose 25 feet above the sea and spanned a hundred feet of rock-strewn waters carved out of solid coral by centuries of relentless pounding by the Atlantic surf. It was this relentless pounding that on September 2, 2005, caused Aruba's largest natural bridge to collapse. The snack and gift shop remain as a respite for those on their way to the natural pool or exploring the island. There is another smaller natural bridge nearby and several others throughout the island.
Natural Pool
The natural pool or "conchi" called "cura ditortuga" is a secret, hidden pool on the windward coast surrounded by rocks and a perfect getaway for a moment of total relaxation. Ask your hotel for directions.
California Lighhouse
The old stone California lighthouse within sight of the Tierra del Sol golf course is popularly named for the off-shore wreck of the ship "California", but not the California of Titanic fame. The isolated northwestern tip of the island is known as "Hudishibana" and features some of the island's most spectacular scenery and large rolling sand dunes.