- Turks and Caicos
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- Trinidad and Tobago
- US Virgin Islands
- Venezuela
Aruba
Aruba - Introduction
Flat, cactus-dotted landscapes and brilliant blue waters make Aruba a land of exciting visual contrast. Just off the coast of Venezuela, it's known for friendly Dutch hospitality, long white beaches, hotels with every facility, excellent watersports, colorful cabarets and spectacular casinos. Its residents are devoted, gracious, energetic tourism hosts with eyes for detail.
Aruba - Country profile & Map
Situated in the southern Caribbean, 1230 north of the equator & 70 west longitude, Aruba is only 15 mls off the coast of Venezuela, 19.6 mls long & six mls wide & encompassing 70 sq mls. Because of its dry climate, the vegetation includes a wide variety of cacti set among interesting rock formations & the trade wind sculptured Watapana (divi divi) trees.
History of Aruba
Archaeologists have discovered that there were two waves of Amerindian migration to Aruba. The first came from present day Venezuela about 4,000 years ago. They were semi-nomadic, living in family groups of 10-15 people and lived on what they could gather from the sea: fish, conch, turtle eggs and turtle meat.
Government & Economy of Aruba
Gold was discovered in 1825, but the mine ceased to be economic in 1916. In 1929, black gold brought real prosperity to Aruba when Lago Oil and Transport Co, a subsidiary of Exxon, built a refinery at San Nicolas at the east end of the island. At that time it was the largest refinery in the world, employing over 8,000 people.
Festivals in Aruba
The most important festival of the year is Carnival, held from the Sunday two weeks preceding Lent, starting with Children’s Carnival. There are colourful parades and competitions for best musician, best dancer, best costume etc.
Aruba - Useful information
To call Aruba
To call Aruba from North America, dial 011-297 + the six-digit local number. To call from Europe or most other countries, dial 00 + 297 and the six-digit number. On Aruba itself, dial only the six digit local number.
Tourist Offices
Aruba Tourism Authority
LG Smith Blvd. 172
Eagle, Aruba
Dutch Caribbean
Phone 582 3777
Fax 583 4702
Aruba - Money / business guide
Travelers in Aruba who carry ATM cards bearing the CIRRUS or MasterCard network logos can withdraw cash in Aruban Florins. Home bank accounts will be debited in dollars at a favorable exchange rate. ATM machines may be found in the following locations: Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital in Eagle; Main Street in San Nicolaas; Marinierskazerne in Savaneta . . .
Aruba: How to get there
US and Canadian residents may submit any of the following: A valid passport; or an original birth certificate with a raised seal plus a photo ID; or a certificate of naturalization plus a photo ID for citizens born outside the US or Canada; or a re entry permit or an Alien Registration Card (Green Card) for non US citizens residing in the US.
What to see and do in Aruba
Aruba offers luxury goods such as high quality leather goods, jewelry, perfumes, designer clothing at 20-30% off of prices in the US. Locally produced items Pottery and Aloe based products.
Skydive Aruba
Sky diving is now available in Aruba with Sky Dive Aruba. Beginners can do a tandem jump from 10,000 ft to a drop zone near the Fisherman’s Huts on the salt pans on the northwest coast. Soaring from 10,000 feet, you will see the Paraguaná Peninsula, Falcón State, and Venezuela just 17 miles to the south. Together with Bonaire and Curaçao just a short distance away.
AquaXotic Sports Aruba
Specialize in Parasailing Rides, Snorkel Trips, Boat Rides, Fishing trips(tours), Jet Boat Rental, Jet Skies Rentals (sitdown wave runners), Tubes and Banana Boat Rides, Waverunner (Jetskies), Water Skiing, Wake Board, bottom fishing trips and others. Established in 1980. aquaXotic Sports is the second water sport operator on the island of Aruba.
Sailboard Vacations, Aruba
Sailboard Vacations have helped thousands of travelers enjoy there windsurfing vacations since 1986 by providing lodging and equipment at the Caribbean sailing destinations like Aruba, Bonaire, Barbados and Margarita. Let them take care of the hassles while you walk out your front door into some of the finest windsurfing in the world.
Aruba Watersport Center (AWC)
Aruba Watersport Center (AWC ) is a company of WindwardLeeward NV, Sabana Liber 76, Noord, Aruba. AWC offer a variety of watersports, for the real dare devils, till those who love to be surrounded by marine life.
Watapana Tours, Aruba
Watapana Tours for those who wish to experience the insald's sights and beautiful landscape. Whether you would like to explore the island with one our professional tour guides, or take and adventurous ride driving you own 4x4, ATV, Bus, Jeeps, Dune Buggy, Motorcycle, Party Bus on the wild coast of Aruba.
