ARUBA TRAVEL GUIDE
Information for the traveler of the Island of Aruba

Getting Around | Rental Cars | Taxis | Beaches | Weather in Aruba | Shopping | Oranjestad | Palm Beach Plaza | Supermarkets | Aruba History, Development and Government | Aruba Photo Gallery | Buy Airfare & Hotel | Purchase Aruba Photos | LukeTravels.com Home Page

Getting Around

Island of Aruba is not large, so it's very easy to get around. Most of you will arrive at
Queen Beatrix International Airport via charter and scheduled flights. Cruise ships often dock
at our island and use it as a starting point for Caribbean cruising.

While you may opt to get around to restaurants and nightclubs by taxi, many have discovered
that Aruba's bus system is efficient, easy to use and quite affordable. The bus runs frequently
between the main bus station in downtown Oranjestad and the entire hotel strip.

If you'd like to explore the whole island, you can rent a scooter, or a motorcycle. Car rentals
are available, but most people prefer to rent a 4-wheel drive jeep because Aruba's terrain can
be rugged in remote areas. Luxurious motorcoach tours are also available that will pick you up
at your hotel.
Driving is on the right side of the road, foreign and international driving licenses accepted.
Free parking throughout the island; no right turns on red lights.

Rental Cars

If you are adventurous and want to explore all Aruba has to offer, it's a good idea to rent a
four-wheel drive vehicle. The roads to many great sights are often rugged and not suitable for
a car. Make sure that your spare tire is full of air before heading out into the rough terrain.
4-wheel drive vehicles are numerous but they are often hard to get because they are used for
"Jeep Safari," popular sightseeing day trips.

Taxis

The taxi dispatch office, which can also arrange taxi tours, is located at Pos Abou z/n in
Oranjestad, behind the Eagle Bowling Palace on the Sasaki road. Taxis do not have meters; rates
are fixed and should be checked in advance. Most taxi drivers have participated in the
government's Tourism Awareness Program.

Beaches

Fringing turquoise Caribbean waters, kissed by the sun and cooled by constant trade winds,
Aruba’s beaches include wide shaded expanses, quiet retreats, and busy sunbathing and water
sports meccas. Much of the seven-mile strip along the west coast is lined with resorts and
packed with activity. Beachgoers relax on their comfortable lounges, lost in their favorite
book or enjoying people-watching. Swimming, snorkeling, kitesurfing, waterskiing, tubing,
parasailing, banana-boating, and all kinds of wet ‘n wild adventures are just steps away.

In contrast, the beaches along the windward coast are in more secluded and undeveloped areas.
Here magical coves carved out of limestone and inlets formed by the relentless pounding of
waves are overlooked by craggy desert terrain. Because of strong undertow and crashing waves,
swimming here is not recommended. But the beaches on Aruba’s wild coast do afford tranquility,
privacy and unique natural phenomena. Both coasts afford spectacular, glittering Caribbean
views that will surely take your breath away. All beaches are open to the public.

BookingBuddy.com

Palm Beach

The renowned two-mile-long strip known as Palm Beach is home to glamorous high-rise hotels and
dotted by water sports concessions, piers, beach bars, restaurants and shops. Calm waters make
this a comfortable haven for swimmers and snorkelers. A walk along the coast at dawn or sunset
is perfect for exercise and quiet reflection. Taking in the magnificent tangerine sunset or
enjoying candle-lit, barefoot dining on the beach can be the perfect finale to a lazy or
exciting day of sun and sea.

Baby Beach

Baby Beach is located in Seroe Colorado at the southeastern end of the island. This area was
once known as “The Colony” because executives and their families lived in a gated community
during the bustling half-century operation of the Lago Refinery. Baby Beach is a sandy half-
moon sandy expanse in a calm lagoon, with a refreshment stand and huts. The waters are shallow;
swimmers can wade out for a long distance and still touch the sea bottom. Where the bay opens
out to the sea, snorkelers will behold a colorful kaleidoscope of coral and tropical fish, but
watch out for strong currents here. Rodgers Beach is a narrow powdery white strip close-by,
where fishermen anchor their boats, protected by the calm waters of the bay.

Malmok Beach

Malmok Beach is a narrow sandy stretch that is home to sprawling homes and a variety of modest
windsurfing residences; its shallow clear waters make it a popular snorkeling spot. Here
catamarans and sailboats stop for a daytime snorkeling stop just off the shoreline. Reefs and
sunken wrecks nearby afford excellent diving. Boca Catalina is a small, secluded bay accessible
by steps, perfect for a private swim.

Arashi Beach

Arashi Beach is located north of Malmok Beach, at the edge of a lovely residential area. It
skirts a barren lunar landscape and the winding road that leads up to the majestic California
Lighthouse. This is a quiet narrow stretch of beach with makeshift huts and a large parking
area. A favorite with locals, Arashi Beach boasts gentle currents and abundant underwater life,
making it a perfect spot for snorkeling.

Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is a popular public area fringing the main road, affording clear, sparkling seas,
ample parking, shaded picnic areas, some huts, and a variety of motorized water sports. Several
hotels are nearby and just across the road; some provide cabanas and lounges for their guests.
During Easter week, tents dot the coastline as local families enjoy the tradition of camping
out.

Druif Beach

Druif Beach, a long, narrow oval-shaped stretch of ivory sand, is home to the casual low-rise
resorts. Here, rooms are just steps away from the relatively calm Caribbean waters. Though not
too far from bustling downtown Oranjestad, Druif Beach is a quiet and relaxing spot for sunning
and socializing.

Manchebo Beach

Just past the low-rise resorts is Manchebo Beach, a very private, undisturbed area named after
an Arawak chief. This very wide stretch of flat beach is dotted with swaying palms and the
occasional beach lounge. Jutting out at the island’s most western point, this location is aptly
named Punta Brabo for some angry surf resulting from converging currents.

Hadicurari Beach

Hadicurari Beach (Fisherman’s Huts) is a rocky strip out past the Marriott Aruba Resort, where
windsurfers slice the water and the aeronautics of colorful kite-surf crescents punctuate the
horizon. Once home to the island’s fishermen, it is a popular spot for surfing enthusiasts and
the venue for sporting events and tournaments throughout the year.

Mangel Halto

Mangel Halto is located in Pos Chiquito on the southeast coast just south of the Spanish
Lagoon. It is a perfect sunning and snorkeling spot with calm, shallow waters rich in sea life
supported by an intriguing network of mangroves. It is a secluded beach area perfect for
picnics with white powdery sand and huts for shade. An excellent shore diving site, it is
possible to walk out to the edge of the reef to behold such fish as parrotfish, yellowtail
snapper, sergeant majors and blue tangs as well as deep water gorgonians, sponges and anemones.
The reef plunges to depths of 110’ where octopi, morays and barracuda abound.

Weather in Aruba

Aruba’s residents and visitors are blessed with clear skies, bright sunshine and cooling trade
winds practically every day of the year. Except for a few scattered weather events annually and
perhaps some limited showers on some days (very welcomed by our tropical plants!), the sun does
indeed always shine here! Wonderful weather is one of the many reasons for Aruba’s highest
return-visitor rate in the Caribbean.

On average, Aruba receives yearly only 408.9 mm (16 inches) of rain, where the greatest
likelihood of precipitation from October through January.

The average air temperature is 27.8 C (82 F). The hottest months are from May through October
and the coolest months are from December through March.

Aruba's tradewinds blow from the Northeast and the Southeast 95% of the time. The wind speed
average is 17 miles/hour (27 km/hr). The minimum wind speed is observed in November and the
strongest wind is observed in May through June.

The official Atlantic hurricane season generally extends from June 1 through November 30, with
peaks from mid-August till mid-October. Aruba lies on the southern fringes of the hurricane
belt and the likelihood of a direct hit is extremely small.

Shopping

Aruba offers a bountiful selection of newly constructed shopping/entertainment centers in the
high-rise resort area and downtown store-lined streets and upscale malls, as well as a
potpourri of unique boutiques and emporiums. Gleaming shops are brimming with diamonds, gold
and silver jewelry, timepieces, perfumes and cosmetics, state-of-the-art electronics, beach and
resort wear, designer apparel and accessories, lingerie, fine linens and china, collectables,
handicrafts and souvenirs. Friendly, knowledgeable and multilingual salespeople will assist you
wherever you go.

With a modern bus station, sparkling new shops, prestigious international brands, and restored
historic buildings, downtown Oranjestad has a fresh face. A few miles away, the high-rise hotel
area has recently added three new and exciting shopping centers complemented by restaurants,
movie theatres and nightly entertainment to the jumping, bustling strip.

Downtown stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 6 pm; if a cruise ship is in
port, some open on Sunday. Shopping hours vary in and around the hotels; some stores remain
open to 9 pm. Though personal checks are not accepted, major credit cards, travelers’ checks,
and US currency are welcome.
Duty Free Shopping

Aruba isn't actually a duty free port, however the duty is low enough that it's possible to
find some excellent buys here, especially on items such as jewelry, perfume, fashions and
electronic equipment.

Citizens of the U.S. who have been out of the country for a minimum of 48 hours and who have
not used their respective duty free allowance within 30 days are entitled to a $600.00 duty-
free tax exemption. Families traveling together can pool their exemptions, meaning a couple
with two children can bring back $2,400.00 worth of articles.

Canadian citizens who have been outside Canada for a minimum of 7 days are permitted a duty-
free exemption of $500.00 Canadian dollars. Citizens are also permitted a duty-free exemption
of $200.00 each time they are out of the country for more than 48 hours. Exemptions cannot be
pooled with spouse and/or children.

BookingBuddy.com

Downtown Oranjestad

Oranjestad remains a haven for shoppers who will find a world-class selection of merchandise
within scores of stores located in several malls and along Caya Betico Croes, the original Main
Street at the heart of town. Impeccably merchandised stores of gleaming stainless-steel
fixtures brimming with prestigious designer labels hobnob with one-of-a-kind retailers and
small department stores. Small malls with Dutch Caribbean façades are located along Havenstraat
(behind the Main Street); other shops are found along a labyrinth of narrow downtown side
streets. Parking is available in the free lot behind the bus station; taxi and bus service will
also get you downtown in minutes. Regular shopping hours are from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday –
Saturday, but there are sometimes extended hours when cruise ships are in port. Check with your
hotel concierge or front desk for holiday closings.

Royal Plaza

Royal Plaza is the three-storied shopping center opposite the harbor markets. With Dutch
Caribbean touches and pink and white paint, it resembles a rich wedding cake. Retailers here
specialize in jewelry, apparel, accessories, linens, perfumes, cigars and souvenirs. Stop here
for a bite or a cocktail; the harbor view is awesome and there’s even an after-hours club. The
mall has an escalator and elevator.

Renaissance Mall

Renaissance Mall is home to an exclusive international group of luxury retailers of simply
fabulous jewelry, ready-to-wear, perfumes, shoes, accessories, beachwear and more. Enjoy
Belgian chocolates, gelato, cappuccino, rice and noodles, or a light snack while shopping. The
Crystal Casino and Crystal Theatre are just up the escalator.

Renaissance Marketplace

Renaissance Marketplace nestled between the yacht-lined boardwalk and Queen Wilhelmina Park
boasts an eclectic array of retailers, special holiday activities and live entertainment. A
recent facelift has given the marketplace a sophisticated new allure; several new eateries have
recently opened their doors. The Seaport Casino and Seaport Convention Center are located here
as well.

Alhambra Nighttime Shopping Bazaar

Adjacent to the Alhambra Casino, this small complex has ten unique shops, an internet café,
hairstylist, and fast food outlet. New shops are on the horizon.

Paseo Herencia

Paseo Herencia entertains shoppers with liquid fireworks, synchronized swimmers, Carnaval
shows, live music and six movie theatres while they explore the eclectic roster of fifty retail
stores and seven restaurants. The entire center is indeed a “walk through history” and is
dedicated to Juan Chabaya “Padu” Lampe, Aruba’s legendary composer and musician; the
amphitheatre is named after Edgar Connor, father of steel pan music. Throughout the year there
are themed events, fashion shows, talent shows and performances. Restaurants serve everything
from Belgian waffles and frites, ice cream, sushi and Caribbean seafood to burgers, fajitas and
ribs. Waltzing waters provide an ever-changing music and light show; the music of local bands
and jazz performers fills the air.

Palm Beach Plaza

Palm Beach Plaza is an impressive new multi-level shopping mall with ample ground level parking
located in the high-rise area, one block from the Holiday Inn Aruba. The largest mall in the
southern Caribbean, Palm Beach Plaza is an all-day family entertainment center with prestigious
retailers, an eight-screen movie theatre Mega Plex, post office, mini-market, restaurants and
food court. The children’s entertainment floor features a kiddie-train, rock climbing wall,
bowling alley, electronic game zone, thrilling cable slide, and indoor supervised playroom.

The Village

The Village, recently opened across from the Radisson Resort, boasts live entertainment as well
as various shops and unique restaurants serving fajitas, barbecue chicken and ribs, and French
Caribbean fare.

South Beach Mall

Relax at a giant sports bar, hard rock or Dutch café, al fresco bar or coffee house, or enjoy
some Oriental cuisine while exploring all the shops. The enormous parking area makes the
shopping experience hassle-free.

Arawak Garden

Arawak Garden is located right across from the Allegro Aruba Resort. A jumping spot, especially
at night, Arawak features a line-up of Italian, seafood, Dutch, steak and fast food
restaurants, as well as a popular piano bar. Kiosks and small shops with handicrafts, jewelry,
souvenirs, aloe and more border the complex. Parking lot behind restaurants.

Supermarkets

In addition to a host of small markets found along every road, Kong Hing, Ling & Sons,
Certified, and Super Food are mega-supermarkets with ample parking clustered outside of
downtown Oranjestad past the low-rise area; they are generally open until 8 am – 6 pm daily,
and 8 am - 1 pm on Sunday.

Certified Mega Mall is a complex of fifty shops that offer a broad range of services including
ATM machines, shoe repair, bakery and coffee shop, fast food outlets, café/restaurant, travel
agency, fitness center, photo finisher and dry cleaner.

At the island’s supermarkets, not only will you find everything you have at home, but also
international gourmet delights and unique local products. Dutch cheese, confections and exotic
condiments, international wines and liqueurs; local spirits, produce and hot sauces; Aruba aloe
products; and homemade baked goods and snacks such as the pastechi (a deep-fried half-moon
pastry with savory fillings) and pan bollo (Aruban bread pudding) are just a few of the
temptations that await you. Prices are in Aruban currency; to arrive at the dollar equivalent,
divide the price in half and add 10%.

Special thanks to the authors of Wikipedia for this content. This content is the property of its authors and is copyrighted.
This content is used strictly for personal and educational use for the visitors of this site.

Getting Around | Rental Cars | Taxis | Beaches | Weather in Aruba | Shopping | Oranjestad | Palm Beach Plaza | Supermarkets | Aruba History, Development and Government | Aruba Photo Gallery | Buy Airfare & Hotel | Purchase Aruba Photos | LukeTravels.com Home Page

 

 
 
BookingBuddy
BookingBuddy.com