White sandy beaches, warm turquoise waters, bright yellow sunshine and candy-colored architecture, Aruba has all the ingredients for a picturesque island get-away.
Aruba is located in the southern part of the Caribbean, close to the coast of Venezuela and out of the hurricane alleyway, making it a year-round island destination. This windswept and relatively arid island is part of the Netherlands Antilles set of islands, it is the “A” of the “ABC” island trio (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao). While perfect for long days lounging at a beach resort, the island’s beauty calls for visitors to slip on their flip-flops, grab a camera and experience its color and natural allure.
ORANJESTAD
Aruba’s Dutch influence combined with a Caribbean flair and a touch of Venezuelan spice make for a colorful cultural experience. All visitors to the island arrive in Oranjestad, a town filled with confectionary-inspired buildings, shops, and a few museums. Meander along the port, grab the streetcar for a city tour or stop by a gelato shop to enjoy a sweet treat that matches the pink, orange, blue and green hues of the city.
Oranjestad is a big cruise ship port and can be over-run by visitors when several of the large ships are in dock. The Port Authority provides a cruise ship schedule which allows you to time your visit accordingly.
EAGLE BEACH
Anyone who dreams of endless white, soft as powdered sugar, sand beaches will find Eagle Beach the perfect answer to their desires. Located just outside of Oranjestad, this expansive and clean public beach is continuously rated one of the best in the world. Grab a towel, beach chair, and some sunscreen and plan to spend a day frolicking in the turquoise surf. There are plenty of vendors to will provide you with cool drinks and snacks or offer up water sports activities if you are needing a little adrenaline rush to break up your sunbathing routine.
BABY BEACH
Aptly named for its gentle waters and lagoon-like setting, Baby Beach is nature’s answer to an island kiddie-pool. Located on the south-east shore of the island, this man-made beach allows even the smallest of swimmers the opportunity to enjoy the white sand and famous turquoise waters of Aruba. There is a restaurant onsite for kid-friendly meals and adult beverages.
Baby Beach becomes very crowded with locals and visitors, so if your party leans more toward adult, you can still experience its turquoise splendor by visiting the north end of the beach, where you will find the same white sand and gentle turquoise waters without the crowds. Additionally, you will have the added bonus of shoreline trees perfect for stringing a hammock to swing away the afternoon.
Above: Fishing boats at Rodger’s Beach (near Baby Beach).
BOCA GRANDI
On the drive from Baby Beach back to Oranjestad, if the wind is right, you might see flashes of red, yellow and green against the bright blue sky. Kitesurfing at Boca Grandi beach nearby is a popular and thrilling water sport and the seasonal trade winds make Aruba a perfect location to marry both wind and wave.
ARIKOK NATIONAL PARK
Located on Aruba’s wild and windswept east coast, Arikok National Park is a must-do for anyone who loves nature, open spaces and dramatic seashores. Covering almost 20% of the island this National Park provides a glimpse of the island before the arrival of resorts and cruise ships. The nearly 8000 acres of rugged reddish-brown terrain is filled with vibrant green cacti and native trees. Most visitors arrive as part of a 4-wheel tour, but you can also easily rent a car and follow the well-marked roads. After paying a small fee, visitors must either hike or drive a rugged, twisty dirt path to reach the coastline. At the end of the path, visitors can admire the dramatic views of the coastline or descent the steep stairway on the beach.
At the beach, you will find the Natural Pool or Conchi. Formed into a natural bowl within the volcanic rock, the Natural Pool fills with sea water spraying in with the tides. On calm days visitors are treated to a refreshing swim in the pool. During the windy season, it is common for the pool to be closed for swimming due to the dangerous rough waters. Even if the wind and rough water close the Natural Pool to swimming, it still maintains, if not accentuates the dramatic beauty.
An easy hiking trail to the left takes you just beyond the Natural Pool and most of the crowds. There you will find Dos Playa, two pristine white sand beaches nestled among the volcanic rock cliffs. This is a perfect spot for a bit of surfing or to enjoy a beach picnic.
SUNSET ON PALM BEACH
Island-time revolves around the glorious Caribbean sunshine. What better way to wind-down the day than to enjoy a cool drink in the warm evening air as the island is bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. Palm Beach features several restaurants that allow you to keep the sand between your toes while you sipping something frosty in the evening light.
You might even capture the perfect sailboat silhouette against the giant orange orb as it sinks into the sparkling blue sea. A perfect farewell to your Aruba holiday and a reason to plan your next Caribbean getaway.
Above: another popular beach… Arashi Beach, at the northern tip of the island.
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