Aruba Information

Aruba is an island of contrasts. Just look around and you'll notice the contrast of the glorious blue Caribbean waters, the deep blue sky and the brilliant greens and oranges of the local birds. As you travel the island, you begin to notice the extremes between the desert landscape of the island's interior and the soft, white beaches that curve the western shores.

The island has a rich cultural heritage. You'll find a blend of Spanish, Dutch, English and Indian nationalities. This blended ancestry is noticeable in everything from the artwork and architecture to the welcoming faces of the Aruban people.

In the heart of the southern Caribbean, Aruba is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across at its widest point. Whether you choose to explore, shop or relax, Aruba has something to offer you. Try a little windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, deep-sea fishing or water skiing. If you love to shop or sightsee, visit Oranjestad, the old Dutch capital city. Here you can shop for luxury items or browse the marketplace for Aruban art and local handicrafts. Visit the oldest building on the island, Fort Zoutman, where a weekly Bonbini Festival is held to showcase local food, crafts, dancing and shows. Of course, if all you want to do is relax, just stretch out on a strip of pure white, un-crowded beach and indulge in the luxury of listening to the waves wash across the shore.

Time Zone: Aruba operates on Atlantic Standard Time, which is the same as Eastern Daylight Savings Time except that it is effective year-round.

Currency: The official currency is the Aruban florin, which is divided into 100 cents. The U.S. dollar is widely accepted in Aruba.

Language: Dutch is the official language. Most Arubans are fluent in several languages including English and Spanish. You'll also hear the local Papiamento which is a blend of Spanish, Dutch and Portuguese with a sprinkling of Indian, English and French.

Proof of Citizenship: Acceptable forms of citizenship for U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and our International destinations are a valid passport, OR a certified, state issued birth certificate with raised seal AND a valid government photo ID (i.e. a driver's license). It is the traveler's responsibility to provide proper documentation. Married women traveling with any documentation in their maiden name must supply a marriage license (a copy is acceptable).

How do I get around?: Buses, taxis and motorcycles are available to get around the island. All driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

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Tours

You may wish to arrange for tours during your stay. Once you arrive at your destination, local  representatives are available to assist you in planning and booking these tours.

Island Sightseeing Tour
Enjoy this half day tour visiting the St. Anna Church, Natural Bridge and more.

Jeep Adventure
This complete tour of Aruba by Jeep includes snorkeling and lunch at De Palm Island.

Aruba Safari
Visit all of the popular sights by mini-bus and go by Baby Beach to De Palm Island for lunch and snorkeling. On bus beverages are included.

"Fun Factory" Tours
Sail aboard Aruba's newest catamaran. Choose from the Snorkel Adventure tour where you sail to the best snorkel sites, the Sunset Sail which takes you along the scenic coastline viewing a breathtaking sunset or the Moonlight Sail where you sail beneath the moon and stars.

Aruba Nightlife Tour
Enjoy a Hot, Hot, Hot night of dining and visiting Aruba's most popular nightlife spots.

"Sea Star" Fun Cruise
Cruise aboard the 51 foot "Sea Star" to a private island for the ultimate fun and snorkel experience. Lunch, equipment and instruction is included.

Glass Bottom Cruise
Admire the exotic coral formations and colorful marine life as well as a view of the "Antillis" German Freighter wreck.

Horseback Riding
Explore the Aruban countryside on horseback. Tours varying from sunset rides to trips to the Arikok national park. Also private tours available.

Deep Sea Fishing - Bottom Fishing
Charter a boat for a half day or full day to bring in the "Catch of the Day." Soda, tackle, belt and knowledgeable Captain and crew included.

Aruba Kayak Adventure
Explore Aruba in a Kayak adventure. Fully guided tour includes lunch and snorkeling at De Palm Island.

"Balla" Snorkel Salt
Enjoy this luxury snorkel sail aboard a 53 foot catamaran. Continental breakfast, open bar and equipment included with 2 to 3 snorkel stops.

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Events

Winter

• Carnival (held the week before Lent)
• Official Holiday in Memory of G.G. "Betico" Croes

Spring

• Aruba International Half-Marathon
• National Drag Races
• National Anthem and Flag Day
• Aruba Bartender's Contest
• Aruba Royal National Drag Races
• International Bowling Tournament
• International 10 kilometer Boulevard Race
• National Horse Fair
• Queen's Day
• Summer Jam

Summer

• One Cool Summer
• Annual Aruba Travel Exposition
• Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge
• Windsurfing Festival
• Aruba International Triathlon
• St. John's Day
• Youth International Bowling Tournament
• Various Concerts

Fall

• Aruba Caribbean Corporate Games
• International Theater Festival
• ATP Aruba Open
• Aruba International Dance Festival
• Deep-Sea Fishing Tournament
• Catamaran Regatta
• Saint Nicolaas Day

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Activities

Attractions

• Coves of Andicuri and Dos Playa
• The "Conchi," or natural pool
• Frenchman's Pass
• Chapel of Alto Vista
• Fort Zoutman
• Santa Anna's neo-Gothic altar
• The old California lighthouse
• The Natural Bridge
• The grotto of Guadirikiri
• The rock formations of Ayo and Casibari
• Arikok National Park
• The panoramic view from the Tierra del Sol golf course

Recreation

Nightlife

Aruba's nightlife entertainment includes casinos, night club shows, dancing and various local entertainment. The evenings in Aruba are Hot, Hot, Hot!