| Oranjestad, Aruba, Caribbean... |
This tiny island off the coast of Venezuela has an exceptionally dry
climate that is considered one of the most desirable in the
Carribean. Its desert landscape, with divi-divi trees, cactus, and
aloe vera set against the backdrop of azure skies and the blue-green
water of the sea provides the perfect setting for a holiday of
relaxation and renewal of energy. The beaches are carpeted with
silky white sand, The cooling trade winds, low humidity, and an
average year round temperature of 82° complete the picture of a
tropical paradise.
Sun, friendly and courteous service, modern and efficient amenities,
golf and tennis clubs, casinos, fabulous beaches, duty-free
shopping, and remarkably varied cuisine are all factors that help
fill Aruba's many hotel rooms. The island's distinctive beauty lies
in its countryside, with its rocky deserts, native trees, cactus
jungles filled with the chattering of wild parakeets, secluded
coves, and crashing waves.
Nearly every night there are theme parties, treasure hunts,
beachside barbecues, and fish fries with steel bands and limbo or
Carnival dancers. Divers and snorkelers love the warm, clear waters
whose visibility extends up to 100 ft. Although tourism has resulted
in the construction of many luxury resorts on the island, there are
still undeveloped areas on the northern coast, and much of the
interior is uninhabited except for a few herds of goats and donkeys.
With more than a dozen resort hotels populating its once uninhabited
beaches, Aruba is now one of the Caribbean's most popular
destinations. A recent moratorium on hotel construction, however,
has halted the building of newer resorts--so for now, Aruba remains
safe from the problems associated with over development. Arikok
National Park, encompassing approximately 18 percent of the island,
was first designated as being of significant national importance in
the early 1980s. It is an area of unique scenic beauty, flora and
fauna, geological formations and cultural resources. The highest
points in Aruba are located in the park and include Arikok and
Jamanota hilltops.
The Arikok National Park land area encompasses the three primary
geological formations that shape the island of Aruba: the Aruba lava
formation; a quartz diorite formation; and a limestone formation
extending inward from the coastline. The rock outcrops, boulders and
crevices between the various formations create micro- climactic
conditions that support unique examples of indigenous flora and
fauna. As a result, the park is the habitat of several animal
species found only in Aruba. Hiking trails allow visitors access to
its scenic beauty.
Fishing is popular along the shore in Savaneta or off the rocks at
Malmok. Visitors enjoy watching the fishing fleet returning at noon
or late in the afternoon when it arrives at the Bali pier. Small
wooden boats at Fisherman's Huts arrive heavy with their catch of
the day.
 Adults and children love to run and play on the clean white sands of
Aruba and to enjoy the balmy breezes and freedom from every day
responsibilities. Windsurfing lessons are available for children and
adults. Or you can fly a kite with the help of Aruba's tropical
breezes. They make kite flying successful from anywhere on the
island. A visit to the north shore will provide a glimpse of
wildlife such as wild donkeys, rabbits, goats, iguanas and lizards.
There will also be pelicans and parrots of all colors. Looking for
the way back to the hotel? Remember, all those bent over divi divi
trees were shaped by the winds to point toward the area of the
island where most of the hotels are.
The major industries of Aruba are tourism, transshipment facilities,
oil refining, offshore banking and phosphates. Aruba's major trading
partners are the USA, the EU, the Netherlands and Japan.
The climate, ambience, and beauty of Aruba attract vacationers from
all over the world. To visit Aruba once is to make it a permanent
part of your family's list of favorite holiday destinations. It is a
place to visit many times, and a place in which to find something
new and even more enjoyable with each return visit.
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