Aruba Travel Guide

Unlike the typical lush and tropical Caribbean island, Aruba has a dry, arid climate. Located off the coast of Venezuela, this island offers a number of contrasts, from rocky shores and crashing white waves on one side of the island, to piercing blue water with incredible clarity and beautiful fine sand beaches. Due to the constant presence of tradewinds, Aruba is a must stop for any serious windsurfer; Aruba is host to the annual Hi-Winds Amateur World windsurfing tournament, an event attended by some of the top competitors in the Caribbean. In the interior, the landscape changes again, towards dry desert like conditions filled with giant cactus and aloe trees. While inland, be sure to stop at Hooiberge – a small mountain that is readily accessible, from which you will be able to see Venezuela on a clear day. Nearby, Casibari and Ayo features strange geological boulders that geologists are still puzzling about. Throughout the land, you can see photographic divi divi trees – wind sculpted bent and gnarly-looking trees. For more cultural activities, Oranjestad, the country’s capital, features Dutch colonial architecture. A walk through the city showcases fishmongers with their day’s catch, as well as a wealth of shopping options downtown. Fort Zoutman and Willem III Tower, is the oldest tower on the island. From beachcombing to luxury resorts, outdoor excursions to inland treks, there is a lot to discover in Aruba!