Aruba (Oranjestad)

Aruba (Oranjestad)

Overview

Oranjestad's palm-lined streets and pastel-painted, Dutch architecture can be seen as the cruise ship glides into port. This charming little town is best explored by foot but wheels are necessary to see Palm Beach's powdery white sand or the island's wild and windy landscapes.

The roads are not always great around the rocky desert, where goats sometimes think they have the right of way, but the rewards are giant cacti clusters, secluded coves and drop dead vistas where the sea thunders against the rocks. Cruise passengers find snorkelling, hiking, diving, fine dining and chilling out to be this Caribbean island's biggest assets.

Sightseeing

With visibility of over 27m (90ft), diving and snorkelling around the reefs, abundant underwater life and shipwrecks are excellent activities. Relax on one of the island's beautiful beaches like Eagle, Baby or Palm Beach. Hike or bike around the island or explore old gold mine ruins, a natural bridge and beautiful rock formations on a jeep tour.

Highlights

• Alto Vista Chapel
• Arikok National Wildlife Park
• Aruba Ostrich Farm
• Numismatic Museum
• Nightlife
• Casinos

Tourist Information

Aruba Tourism Authority
LG Smith Blvd, 172, Eagle Beach, Aruba
Tel: +297 582 3777.
Website: www.aruba.com

Shopping

There are no duty-free shops, except in the airport. There are plenty of other places where cruise passengers can unload cash. Aruba does offer fine Delft porcelains, embroidered linens, handicrafts, Dutch cheese, aloe vera products and fine artwork. Caya G F Betico Croes is the main shopping street but there are shopping arcades in the Palm Beach hotel zone.

Eating Out

Aruba has fine cuisine as well as specialities like keshi yena (a combo of Gouda cheese, spices, meat or seafood), sopi di pisca (fish chowder) and pan bati (sweet, pancake-like bread).

When To Go

Anytime. Though the mean temperature is 28°C (82°F), it is usually sunny and blessed with trade winds. Aruba is below the hurricane belt.

Key Facts

Region

Aruba

Time Zone

GMT - 4.

Currency

Aruba Florin or Guilder (AWG; symbol ƒ) = 100 cents.

Language

Dutch, English and Papiamento.

Location

One of the Windward Islands in the south Caribbean Sea, just north of Venezuela.

Population

101,541.

Government

Member country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with full autonomy in internal affairs.

Religion

Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, other (includes Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, Jewish) 10%.

Social Conventions

Much of the social activity takes place in hotels where the atmosphere will be informal. Bathing suits are strictly for beach or poolside and shorts are for tourists, except in the evening.

Tipping: Restaurants may add 10-15% service to the bill; if not, 10 to 15% is normal. Bellmen receive about US$1 per bag and the maid receives US$2 or more per night if service is good.

Travel Partners

Click Here NEW BROCHURE!

A collection of innovative travel ideas covering all four corners of the worldClick Here

Find Cheap flights Cheap Flights

Compare cheap flights and travel deals to destinations worldwide

Become inspired by Las Vegas Become inspired by Las Vegas

the 'Entertainment Capital of the World'!

AVIS RENT A CAR AVIS RENT A CAR

SAVE 10% on USA car hire with Avis! USA from only £17 a day

Karibu Kenya: Discover the Magic of Africa Discover the Magic of Africa

Home to soaring plains & exotic colonial hideaways