Aruba

Aruba is an island in the southern Caribbean Sea and is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The island itself is 32 kilometres long and is located 27 kilometres north of the Paraguana Peninsula of Venezuela. The island’s climate is dry and arid with cactus plants over the landscape. The warm and sunny climate combined with white sandy beaches brings many visitors from the European Union, Canada, and the United States.

The island is generally flat and its renowned white stand beaches are located n the western and southern coasts of the island. The north and east coasts get battered by the sea. Once inland the island has rolling hills and the highest point is Mount Jamanota a 617 feet above sea level. Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba and nearby is Queen Beatrix International Airport.

Carnival is an important holiday in Aruba as it is in many of the Caribbean and Latin American countries. Carnival usually goes from the beginning of January until the end of February and features a large parade on the final Sunday of the festivities.

Aside from the sun, sandy beaches, and the many water sports that can be found in Aruba, there are several places of interest one may wish to visit while on holiday here. There is the Alto Visa Chapel, Arikok National Park, Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations, California Lighthouse, Frenchman’s Pass, Hooiberg, Lourdes Grotto, Natural Pool, Palm and Eagle Beaches, Baby Beach, and the Butterfly Farm.

The island has an array of hotels, which cater to the affluent travellers as well as those looking for a more moderately priced holiday. Aruba offers many adventures including cycle tours, parasailing, scuba diving, snorkelling, wind & kite surfing, and underwater tours. At night there are eleven casinos, party cruises, and a host of bars & clubs where you can find everything from nightclubs (disco) to local musicians performing at theme night. Audience participation is invited on theme nights,

Getting to Aruba

Queen Beatrix International Airport has flights from cities across the eastern United States and Canada. From Europe, KLM provides non-stop service from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.

Important Note Affecting US Citizens: Effective December 31, 2006, The United States government will require its citizens to use passports for travel to Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean, Bermuda, and The Bahamas. It is advised all US citizens travelling outside of the United States obtain a passport.