Aruba Flag
"One Happy Island"
Why visit Aruba?
Desert landscape paradise ideal for beach barbecues, casino gambling, cave explorations, excellent restaurants, golf, horseback riding, natural wonders, nightlife, relaxation, shopping, walking, waterskiing, white sand beaches, windsurfing and water sports.
Natural Bridge Aruba, Aruba. Photo Credit: Dave Drury/Unsplash
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Aloe Vera products, art, blue pottery, cheeses, chocolate, and jewelry.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Bolita di Keshi (fried cheese balls). Bolo Preto (fruit cake). Cocada (coconut candy). Cala (bean fritters). Funchi (cornmeal porridge). Pan Bati (bread). Pastechi (snack).
- Local Drink to Try: Balashi (beer). Da’ Killer Blue Whale (cocktail). Golden Shell (cocktail).
Palmera (rum). Pelican-Rita (cocktail).
Photo Credit: Mali Ancor/Pixabay
History
- In 1636, claimed by the Dutch.
- During 1920, oil dominated their economy. Leading supplier to Exxon, known to fuel U.S. Naval Ships during World War II.
- In 1960, travel tourism began.
- During 1980, Exxon closed their facility.
- In 1986, separated from the Netherlands Antilles.
- In 2004, Valero Energy Corporation took over Exxon facilities.
- In 2012, Valero Aruba Refinery closed.
Photo Credit: gregorykirkjohnson/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- During World War 11, a German cargo ship anchored near Aruba was suspicious to supplying German boats. Rather, then surrender upon request, the captain sank the cargo ship.
- Five industries drive their economy: aloe export, gold mining, petroleum refining, phosphate mining and tourism.
- Home to one of rarest species in the world.
Photo Credit: vivianaveloso/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Aruba International Bike Week, Betico Croes Memorial 10K Run & 5K Fun Walk, Bon Bini Aruba Festival, Carubbian Festival, Carnival, (February) Aruba International Half Marathon (21K), (April) International Boulevard Race (10K), (May) Aruba Hi-Winds, One Cool Summer, Soul Beach Music Festival, (June) KLM Aruba Marathon, Windsurfing Festival (August) International Pro-Am Golf Tournament, International Regatta, (September) Aruba Reef Care Project (October) Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, (November) International Beach Tennis Tournament, and (December) Dande Festival.
- Holidays: New Years Day, GF Betico Croes Day, National Anthem & Flag Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, King's Day, Ascension Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Photo Credit: Helmut Mueller/Pixabay
Good to Know
- Daylight savings time not observed.
- Rougher seas on the eastern and northern coast.
- Apply sunblock regularly as the trade winds will make the sun feel less than it actually is.
- A popular honeymoon destination.
- Lizard Hunting is illegal.
- The endangered Rattlesnake does not rattle a warning before striking!
- Topless sunbathing is only permitted on private nude beaches.
- Tourism industry is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.
- Local law is based on Dutch Law.
- Posting bond for release is not practiced upon detainment.
- Quality medical care is limited.
- Has no decompression chamber.
- Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika Virus.
- Children are required to ride in the back seat of vehciles.
- Children under 5 years of age are required to be in a child safety seat.
- Taxis do not have meters.
- Buses tend to run every 15 minutes between 5:45AM - 6PM and every 40 minutes between 6PM - 11:30PM.
Photo Credit: Vlad Man/Pixabay
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination required from select countries.
Hurricane Season is from June - November.
Situated outside of the Hurricane Belt it's rare to be directly impacted, if so likely to occur between August - October.
- Coolest Season: December
- Humid & Hottest: September
- Peak Season: January - March
- Shoulder Season: April - August
Photo Credit: gregorykirkjohnson/Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
- Historical Sites: Blackstone Beach, Boca Keto, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins & California Lighthouse.
- Museums: Aruba Aloe Museum, Aruba Archeology Museum, Aruba Historical Museum, Community Museum, Fort Zoutman Historical Museum, Haystack Museum, Horse Bay, Model Trains Museum, Museo di Antiguedad Aruba, Museum of Industry & Numismatic Museum.
- Popular Attractions: Alhambra Casino, Alto Vista Chapel, Antilla Shipwreck, Arikok National Park, Aruba Ostrich Farm, Aruba Waterpark, Ayo, Beth Israel Synagogue, Blue Parrotfish Water Park, Bubali Bird Sanctuary, Bushiribana Ruins, Casibari, Casibari Rock Formations, Crystal Casino, Divi Tree, Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, Eagle Beach, Etnia Nativa, Excelsior Casino, Fontein Cave, Harbourtown Market, Haystack Hill, Hoolberg, Mount Jamanota, Museo Historico Aruba, Natural Bridge, Oranjestad, Palm Beach, Philip's Animal Garden, Quadirikiri Cave, San Nichols, Schooner Harbour, Seaport Casino, Seven Mile Beach, Splash Park Aruba, St Anna Church, The Blue Parrotfish Water Park, The Butterfly Farm, Wilhelmina Park & Yamanota Hill.
Photo Credit: jkindred75/Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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