Highlights:
Galloping on horseback across dazzling white sand dunes after riding out to a natural pool by the ocean was a memorable experience. Touring the dry, rugged terrain of Arikok National Park, marked by arroyos, odd rock formations, and caves was another highlight.
Everywhere we went, the wind kept us company, blowing strongly from the east. I went out one day on a sailboat, going the length of the coast and back. The boat heeled over sharply to the side in the wind – exhilarating.
The white sand beaches along the western coast are justifiably famous, though the entire strip is built up solidly with hotels, so don’t expect to have the beach to yourself. The best times for some peace and quiet are early in the morning and in the evening, when glorious sunsets make postponing dinner worthwhile.
The elemental nature of the landscape away from the developed areas was striking. Small cunucu (homesteads) in earth tones of orange and yellow are set higgledy-piggledy in the cactus- and acacia-covered terrain.
Getting up early to watch birds from our balcony was a favorite ritual. Aruba is blessed with numerous types of exotic birds, many of which I’d never seen before.
Quick Tips:
Quick Tips/Suggestions:
Make sure your sunscreen works. My Coppertone SPF 45 fell woefully short of the mark; my back was burned after only an hour or so of snorkeling at midday.
It’s quite hot and humid in Aruba, and the sun is extremely intense. The afternoon temperature averaged around 91ºF (33ºC), with 60 or 70% humidity (mid-May), far from the “dry heat” that is often advertised. Carry plenty of water!
On the other hand, Aruba is out of the “hurricane zone” and is thus one of the best bets in the Caribbean for late summer/early fall travel.
All the shops will gladly take dollars, though I’m not sure that at times it isn’t more economical to deal in florins.
For you can purchase an Aruba Advantage Card for selected discounts, useful if you plan to do many activities or dine out much.
Some of the snorkeling tours go to places that are easily accessible from the shore. Before signing up with a tour, check out where they’re going. Getting away from the shore is your only real hope of seeing coral that is halfway alive. The reefs near the shore are badly damaged/diseased. Don’t expect great things.
Best Way To Get Around:
Best Way to Get Around:
Lots of folks simply park their carcasses at the resorts and never budge. Hey, no problem. Aruba’s a great place to veg out. If you’re only mildly curious about life beyond the resorts, there are guided jeep/bus tours to show you around the island fairly cheaply. But if you’re the independent sort, you’ll want a car. Even though there are plenty of taxis and some public buses, you’ll be able to go wherever you want and won’t have to stand around waiting in the hot sun.
Aruba is a fairly easy place to drive. Arubans are mostly polite and easy-going drivers. Mind you, it can be hard to navigate at times. The locals know where they’re going and apparently don’t see the necessity of marking the roads. Still, how lost can you get on an island that’s only 19 miles long and 6 miles wide? Not very.
We rented a tiny Suzuki Alto, which was fine for our needs, though we wished at times we’d sprung for a 4WD, especially in the National Park, which has some rough roads. Many people rent open jeeps, but personally we were thankful for the shade and air-conditioning our car provided.