Just 17 miles north of Venezuela in the Lesser Antilles, Aruba is a low-lying, riverless island with a semi-arid climate ensuring pleasantly warm sunshine year-round. The island’s landscape is dotted with cacti, sand dunes, and rocky areas where iguanas and wild goats roam. The rugged windward side remains largely untouched, save for fierce ocean currents and battering waves. Driving along the pristine northern coast, you’ll come upon natural sculptures of limestone rock, some forming natural “bridges” above the raging surf that relentlessly pounds this part of the island.

By contrast, the southern and western coasts are rimmed by soft, white sandy beaches and blue-green water, irresistible for diving or just relaxing. Water sports are excellent and varied, including wind- and kite-surfing, parasailing, boating, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Coral reefs inhabited by exotic sea life and sunken shipwrecks make diving an unforgettable experience. For those wanting to venture underwater without getting wet, the submersible Atlantis VI dives to a depth of 150 feet.



Legend has it that Aruba, once the scene of a frenetic 1800s gold rush, was originally named “Oro Ruba,” meaning “red gold.” Its gentle hills first yielded gold in 1824, leading to a booming industry that produced more than three-million pounds of the precious metal. You can see ruins of the once-humming Balashi Gold Mill in a picturesque setting at the tip of Spanish Lagoon.

Nature lovers won’t want to miss bird watching at Bubalie Bird Sanctuary and a menagerie of butterflies from around the world at Butterfly Farm. Aruba’s Ostrich Farm brings you face to face with the world’s largest birds and their wingless Emu relatives.

Shopping is duty-free in the airport departure lounge only, but many shops on the island offer discounts of up to 25 percent on many items, such as crystal, jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, and leather goods.

At day’s end, a breathtaking sunset ushers in a nightlife of fun in Aruba’s clubs, discos, and casinos.

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