Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the southern Caribbean Sea, located about 1,600 kilometres (990 mi) west of the main part of the Lesser Antilles and 29 kilometres (18 mi north of the coast of Venezuela.
Aruba is one of the four countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with the Netherlands, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The citizens of these countries all share a single nationality: Dutch. Aruba has no administrative subdivisions, but, for census purposes, is divided into eight regions. Its capital is Oranjestad.
Aruba, a tiny Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, has dry, sunny weather, blond beaches and gentle surf. Constant trade winds keep things cool and cause the divi-divi trees to slope southwesterly. European influence shows in both its architecture, in which Dutch gables mingle with tropical pastels, and language, with English, Dutch and Spanish spoken alongside the local tongue, Papiamento.
Population: 102,911 (2013)
Area: 69.08 mi²
Capital: Oranjestad
Languages: Dutch, Papiamento
Currency
Aruba has its own currency called the Aruban florin, but dollars are also widely accepted on the island. The exchange rate for the US dollar range from Awg 1.75 to Awg 1.80 for one US dollar.
Climate
Aruba has a tropical semi-arid climate.[12] Mean monthly temperature in Oranjestad varies little from 26.7 °C (80.1 °F) to 29.2 °C (84.6 °F), moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean, which comes from north-east. Yearly precipitation barely exceeds 470 mm (18.5 in) in Oranjestad.
Safety
Aruba is generally a very safe place at any time of day or night. However, it would probably be wise to stay away from the area surrounding the Valero refinery on the southeast part of the island at night (in the words of a Valero employee, "you will get some undesirables down there at night"). There is generally no reason for a tourist to go there at all anyway, so this likely will not be an issue.
While rarely enforced, all drug abuse - including cannabis - is illegal.
Also be aware tourists have been targeted, and there have been many stolen cars recently.
The running water in Aruba is absolutely safe to drink. It is referred to as "Sweet Water" because it is very good.
Shopping
Most stores are open from Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm. While most stores in the resorts and in the malls stay open later.
The large grocery stores are open from Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm and on Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm. Opening hours of the smaller grocery stores vary.
Transport
There are several direct flights from the US, Canada, South America and the Netherlands to Aruba.
Cabs are available at the airport and at hotels.
The bus system is called "Arubus". This bus is great to see the island and to travel from Oranjestad to the hotels. The bus stops at 9 PM. You can find city/island buses at a main station right downtown. During other than "rush hours", friendly drivers and some riders will help you choose routes and provide commentary on stops and sights. Fares are quite modest. An economical way to get to the resort beaches.
You can also rent a car or jeep at the Queen Beatrix airport or through the hotel concierge. Because Aruba is small, consider the possibility of not renting a car until you know what you want to do. Many activities are central to the resort area of the island and are within walking distance.
popular car rentals: Thrifty, Amigo, Jay’s Car Rental, Budget.
International road signs are used in Aruba. Foreign driver's licenses and International Driver Permits issued by a member country of the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic are generally valid. If your driver's license is already written in English from such a country, an IDP is not necessary. Car speedometers and road signs are in kilometres. The speed limit in urban areas is 40km/h; out of town it's 80km/h, unless a higher or lower speed is specifically indicated. Much of Oranjestad's traffic is one-way and at intersections, where there are no road signs, traffic from your right has the right of way. Aruba follows the European approach to intersection signage, where stop signs are used only when absolutely necessary and the yield sign is the predominant traffic control device.
Emergency numbers
Fire department & ambulance: 911
Police: 100
Hospital in Oranjestad: +297 527 4000
Medical Center in San Nicolas: +297 524 8833
Urgent Care Aruba is a walk-in Clinic for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries and is located in Noord. The clinic is privately operated by a number of physicians and is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day
Top Beaches
Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach has been rated as one of the best beaches in the world and belongs to the top 3 best beaches in the Caribbean. This pristine long stretch of beach with soft white sands and aqua blue waters features a variety of water sports and some palapas. Eagle Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists and is located in front of the low-rise hotels. The beach is the host of Aruba's most photographed fofoti (divi) tree and is known to be a favorite nestling sport for sea turtles.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is a two-mile strip known for its white sands and turquoise waters. This beach is a popular hangout for tourists as it is concentrated in front of the high-rise resorts in Aruba. There is a paved sidewalk that will lead you along all the high-rise resort, a great place for a walk and to sneak peek into the garden of these resorts. This lively beach with calm and clear waters is great for swimming, sun-tanning, relaxing and partying. Both young and old will find everything they need as the beach features several bars, restaurants, hotels and water sports companies.
Arashi Beach
Arashi Beach is a nice beach with great waves, sand, huts and a large parking lot in front of it. You can also visit this beach by bus as Arashi Beach is the last stop of line 10a. The calm currents and the eco-rich underwater life makes this beach a perfect spot for snorkeling and a favorite with locals. Arashi Beach is the last stretch of beach on the northwestern side of Aruba and is located next to Boca Catalina. From the beach you can see the lighthouse behind you.
Manchebo Beach
Manchebo Beach is a wide stretch of beach on the most western point of the island, located in the low-rise hotel area in front of the Manchebo Beach Resort. The beach offers a combination of exciting waves, due to converging currents, and calm waters. The beach is not crowded and is perfect for relaxing and sunbathing.
Boca Catalina
Boca Catalina is a beautiful little beach that offers a great snorkeling experience with a diversity of aquatic life very close to the shore. This small inlet is located between Malmok and Arashi Beach, but is not visited as much as these beaches. A popular attraction in front of Boca Catalina is the sunken German ship wreck (the Antilla) that is sticking out of the water. However swimming to the Antilla from Boca Catalina is too fare. Although this attraction is visited a lot by many catamarans and sail boats, it's still very quiet and relaxing at this beach. The best time to visit this beach is in the morning when the wind and current are not as strong.
Malmok Beach
Malmok Beach can be found on the northern western shore with the main road leading to the California Lighthouse. This narrow rocky strip is a popular fishing and snorkeling spot. The shallow and calm waters make it the perfect snorkeling spot for many catamarans and sailboats.
Baby Beach
To get to Baby Beach you will need to travel across the island as this bay is located on the southeast end of Aruba near San Nicolas. Baby Beach is also accessible by bus as the last stop on line 900 departing from the San Nicolas Bus station. The water in this picturesque bay is warm, shallow and is sheltered from the rough seas by a man-made break-water. This beach is popular for sunbathing and snorkeling and the perfect hang-out for families as the water level is generally between knee and waist deep. Snorkeling at this location is great for children and travelers new to snorkeling as the water is calm and very clear. Towards the end of the bay the water gets significantly deeper and the current gets stronger.
Mangel Halto Beach
Mangel Halto is a small beach located in Pos Chiquito, which you will find on your way to San Nicolas. The beach is surrounded by mangroves and is a favorite among locals for a relaxing day on the beach. Mangel Halto is also known as a perfect snorkeling and shore diving spot due to the calm and shallow waters. One can walk out from the mangroves and swim toward the breaker where you will find a great reef structure with a diversity of fish.
De Palm Island
De Palm Island is an all-inclusive private island off the western coast of Aruba. This family gateway is known for snorkeling with the famous blue parrot-fish, which could only be found in this area. The island is a great escape for couples and families who are looking for fun, adventure, relaxation and/or pampering. Drive in the direction of San Nicolas and follow the signs right after the airport. Transportation packages are also available at De Palm Tours.
Druif Beach
Druif Beach is a mile long, narrow oval-shaped stretch of beach between Oranjestad and Manchebo Beach. This beach is home to the low-rise Divi Mega Resorts, with restaurants and hotel rooms just steps away from the white sand beach. This beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming and is accessible by car, taxi or bus.
Accommodation
 Booking |
 Hotels.com |
 Hotels Combined |
 Agoda |
Activities
 The Casino at The Ritz-Carlton |
 Dream Bowl |
 National Archaeological Museum Aruba |
 TERRAFUSE Art School |
 ABC Tours |
 Bob Snorkeling |
 Aruba Surf & Paddle School |
 The Gold Mine Ranch |
