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About Aruba
The island is 77 miles square in size. It's 19.6 miles long and 6 miles wide at it's widest point.
Aruba's highest elevation is Mount Yamanota at 617 ft. (and the Hooiberg, translated Haystack
mountain, is not a volcano). Aruba is located at 12° 30' north latitude and 70° west longitude,
15 miles north of Venezuela.
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History
Perhaps the best way to discover the considerable charms of Aruba is to start at the beginning.
Aruba's first inhabitants were the Caquetios Indians from the Arawak tribe. Fragments of the earliest
known Indian settlements date back to about 1000 A.D., as do the ancient painted symbols still visible
on our limestone caves. (Ayo Rock formation)
Some centuries later, the first European landed on Aruban shores. Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda is
thought to have arrived about 1499. The Spanish promptly exported the Indians to Santo Domingo, where
they were put to work in the copper mines.
During the years that followed, ownership of the island changed hands several times. In 1636, near the
culmination of the Eighty Years' War between Spain and Holland, the Dutch took possession and remained
in control for nearly two centuries. In 1805, during the Napoleonic Wars, the English briefly took
control over the island, but it was returned to Dutch control in 1816.
Politically, Aruba has made quiet and peaceful change. On January l, l986, the nation left the
Netherlands Antilles to become a separate entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Now Aruba has
its own governor, appointed by the queen. Local government is democratic, with an elected 2l-member
Parliament and Council of Ministers.
Technically, Aruban tourism began in l957 when the first cruise ship, the Tradewind, came to call,
and in l959 when the first hotel/casino, the Aruba Caribbean (recently restored to its former
prominence by Radisson Resorts), opened its doors. However, the world truly began to discover the
island in the mid-l960s. Hotels, casinos, restaurants, shops and amusements have been popping up ever
since.
Today, tourism is Aruba's leading industry and the island has undergone a major development program
designed to expand and enhance its tourism product and facilities. That program is coupled with a
careful plan to preserve its beautiful beaches and waters and to protect the island from
over-development.
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Flora & Fauna
No large land mammals roam Aruba, but you'll find a variety of small lizards and geckoes, as well as
dozens of species of birds that inhabit the island full-time temporarily as they migrate between North
and South America. A small swampy area near the Palm Beach area, has been set aside as the Bubali
Bird Sanctuary. It's visited by more than 100 species of land and sea birds, including terns, herons,
trupials (they look like Baltimore orioles), and various egrets. Offshore, note the brown pelicans
that dive, straight down like a dropping stone, into the ocean to catch fish. Other seabirds include
several types of gulls, cormorants, and egrets. Under the sea, life is abundant and colorful.
Snorkelers and divers may encounter grouper, tang, parrotfish, angelfish, grunt, and even
slithering moray eels, mantas, and lobsters.
The Arikok National Park is the habitat of several animal species found only in Aruba: the Kododo
blauw (Aruban whiptail lizard), the Shoco (Aruban burrowing owl) and the Prikichi (Aruban parakeet)
and also two snake species; the Cascadel (Aruba island rattle snake) and the Santanero (Aruba cat eyed
snake).
The Prikichi you'll find all over the island (around The Boardwalk area as well)!
While Aruba is not the stereotypical tropical island of lush, steamy forests and constant rains, it
does host fascinating animal and plant life, some of which is found nowhere else but on the island.
The divi-divi tree, called watapana in the Arawak language, is perhaps the most recognizable Aruban
icon. It's an endemic bush in the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao), and you'll see images
of it on tourist T-shirts, mugs, hats, and on several place-names around the island.
The divi-divi, usually never more than 15 feet tall, is permanently bent, at nearly a right angle,
with its Medusa-like branches seemingly swept back by the wind. All divi-divi trees point to the west,
in the direction of the trade winds that come from the northeast.
As you explore the island, you can't help but notice the dozens of species of cactus that have
adapted well to the islands dry conditions. The towering kadushi cactus, tall with hundreds of
needles, is used to make soup. The yatu cactus is also tall but has fewer needles, and is often used
to make fences. The priclily pear cactus and many others, some as small as a golf ball, are prevalent
all over the island.
The bringa mosa bush has lots of needles and beautiful white flowers. The common seida bush has small
green leaves that look like lips. Aloe vera, another plant common to semiarid conditions, still grows
in abundance on the island, but not in the quantities it did in the early part of the 20th century
when it was harvested for use in medicine and cosmetics.
Along the southern coast, where resorts and hotels have made their home, you'll find imported
tropical flora such as frangipani, poinsettia, hibiscus, bougainvillea, flamboyant, oleander,
allamanda, manila palm, coconut palm, and much more, as well as coconut, papaya, mango, lemon,
almond, and other fruit-bearing trees.
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Getting Around
* By car
There are lots of car rental companies on the island- from larger companies like Budget and
Hertz to smaller family owned businesses.
We recommend 'VALUE CAR RENTAL'; they have a well-maintained fleet of cars and jeeps and they offer
fast and friendly service. They provide a free pick up at your hotel, free roadmaps and they have
the most competitive rates on the island. Rates include third-party insurance, additional insurance
is available at additional costs. Minimum age is 25 years, a valid drivers license and credit card
are required.
It is best to make arrangements at least a day in advance. For rates and reservations please check
with us at the front desk.
* By bus
"Arubus" service operates daily, from 6 am. till midnight. On weekdays, the bus runs 3 times an
hour: 5 min. past the hour, 20 min. past the hour and 40 min. past the hour from the Marriott into
town. On Sundays and holidays they run once an hour on the hour. The fare is $1.15 one way or $2.00
round trip. There's a bus stop on the intersection in front of the Marriott Resort. The bus driver
only stops if there are people at the bus stop. So be sure to wave if you see the bus approach to
make sure the driver sees you and doesn't drive right past you! To go downtown take the bus all the
way to the main bus terminal in town next to the Royal Plaza Mall (big pink building) on the
boulevard.
* By taxi
Taxis run 24 hours a day and are very comfortable. For service you may ask us to call one for you,
or call directly at 875900. There are always taxis at the Marriott lobby entrance as well. All
taxi rates are officially published and there are no meters. Your driver has a list of all rates
to all locations. It's best to establish the fare before you take the ride.
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Safety
Although labeled as a Caribbean island, Aruba is not typically Caribbean, nor typically anything other
than just simply and uniquely Aruba. It is part of The Kingdom of the Netherlands, and is still
considered one of the safest destinations in the world. Therefore, going out at any time, anywhere
on the island, can be considered a safe affair. We do however recommend you to lock your casita,
lock your car etc. just to be on the safe side. We have a security guard on the premises to guard
the property at night time. His name is Ramos and he can also assist you if there's anything that
need attention after our office has closed.
Sunbathing
We advise you to avoid sunbathing between 11 am and 1:30 pm. Please remember to slap the sunscreen on
every hour or so; even if it happens to be slightly overcast. The refreshing wind may fool you into
believing it's not so hot, but the sun is still very strong.
Topless sunbathing and swimming is tolerated on some beaches in the resort areas, but not on the
resort grounds.
Public nudity of any kind is officially illegal and Arubans do not like to see it. There are many
very secluded small beaches along the north-coast --some requiring a 4 wheel drive vehicle to reach
-- where you may be alone and do so as you wish, subject to interruption at any time by 4-WD or
horseback tours. There are no facilities of any kind nearby, the surf is rough and some of these
beaches have strong currents at times.
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Language
The official language is Dutch, the native language Papiamento. Arubans speak English and Spanish as
well. Locals who have settled on the island more recently, from Venezuela and other South American
countries, often don't yet speak English (and Dutch). Classes are taught in Dutch and English and
Spanish are mandatory in school (from 5th grade elementary school and on), French is mandatory for 2
years in HAVO and VWO (Dutch equivalent to high school).
Papiamento is the local language, and is spoken on the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. It is a
language - not a dialect -, and evolved from several older languages (Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese and
English) as all others have done throughout the history of the spoken word. It's a very melodic
language with a rhythm of it's own.
Here's a list of some useful words and expressions in Papiamento;
| Bonbini! Welcome! |
Bon dia Good morning |
| Bon tardi Good afternoon |
Bon nochi Good evening/night |
| Pasa bon dia Have a good day |
Mi nomber ta My name is |
| Kon llamabo? What is your name? |
Mi no sa I don't know |
| Hopi bon Very good |
Poco poco slowly,quietly |
| Bunita Beautiful |
Kon ta bai? How are you? |
| Mi ta bon I'm doing fine |
Ayo Bye bye |
| Na bo ordo You're welcome |
Te aworo See you later |
| Mi gustabo! I like you! |
Mi ta stimabo I love you |
| Dushi Sweet |
Mi dushi My Sweetheart |
| Masha danki Thank you very much |
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Holidays
In addition to Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Easter Sunday, Aruba also celebrates other
international and local holidays during which stores and public offices are closed. March 18th
Aruban Flag and National Anthem Day, the Monday after the Grand Carnival Parade (which is held
the Sunday before Ash Wednesday), Good Friday and Easter Monday, April 30th Queen's Birthday
(Netherlands), May 1st Labor Day, Ascension Day and December 26th Boxing Day.
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Money Matters
The local currency is called the Aruban Florin and is divided into 100 cents. The US Dollar is readily
accepted all over the island. The rate of exchange is US$1.00 = Afl. 1.80.
Certain other currencies may be exchanged at local banks.
| US$ |
Afl. |
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US$ |
Afl. |
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US$ |
Afl. |
5.00
10.00
15.00
20.00
25.00
30.00
35.00
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9.00
18.00
27.00
36.00
45.00
54.00
63.00
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40.00
45.00
50.00
55.00
60.00
65.00
70.00
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72.00
81.00
90.00
99.00
108.00
117.00
126.00
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75.00
80.00
85.00
90.00
95.00
100.00
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135.00
144.00
153.00
162.00
171.00
180.00
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Normal banking hours are from 9 am-4 pm; Monday to Friday. At the airport, the "Caribbean Mercantile
Bank" is open 7 days a week, Mon to Fri from 8 am-4 pm and Sat & Sun from 10 am to 6 pm. The banks
closest to The Boardwalk are the RBTT Bank, the Caribbean Mercantile Bank and the Aruba Bank, all
situated at Palm Beach (Noord).
The US dollar is readily accepted all over the island. So are traveler's checks; there is no fee for
using traveler's checks at hotels, restaurants and stores but the local banks will charge a fee for
cashing traveler's checks. Major credit-cards are accepted at most establishments, personal checks
are not accepted anywhere on the island. Cash may be obtained with MasterCard and
Visa cards at credit-card offices, in most casinos, at banks and at the Western Union office. ATM
cards are generally accepted on the island. The closest ATM machine is the Caribbean Mercantile
Banks' ATM located in the shopping gallery at the Playa Linda Hotel (2 hotels down from the Marriott)
The card must have either a Cirrus, Maestro or Visa logo.
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Museums & Arts
- Historical Museum at Fort Zoutman / Willem III Tower. Phone 826099.
Open 9-12 am and 1:30- 4 pm, from Monday to Friday.
- Archeological Museum at Zoutmanstraat #1. Phone 828979.
Open 8-12 and 1- 4 pm, from Monday to Friday.
- Numismatic Museum at Zuidstraat #27. Phone 828831.
Open 7:30-12 and 1-4pm, from Monday to Friday.
- The Bon Bin Festival is held every Tuesday 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm,
downtown in the courtyard of Aruba's Historical Museum at Fort Zoutman.
The Bon Bini Festival is a social-cultural event, "Bon-Bini" is Papiamento for
"Welcome", and that's exactly how you'll feel. Great local arts and crafts, local
homemade snacks, typical music, and colorful folkloric performances in an
ambience of historical significance give you a peek into Aruba's authentic
traditional past. Admission is $5.00.
- The Watapana Festival takes place every Wednesday evening (only from May
to October) from 6 pm to 8 pm along the paved area between the Allegro and Hyatt
resorts and is a must to try. They offer you an informal and relaxed evening
enjoying the talents of local musician, dancers and local craftsmen, sculptors,
photographers and artist display and sell their unique creations.
Several restaurants offer you a taste of their most popular dish on the menu.
Every year a great success. Don't miss it!
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Grocery Stores
We have a mini market at the front desk where you can get some supplies, such as cereals, fruits,
bread, cheese, eggs, milk, juices, soft drinks, beer, wine, charcoal etc.
For those who want to do more serious grocery shopping and plan on cooking; the closest grocery store
is "Le-Coh", a little Chinese store within walking distance from The Boardwalk.
They're open from 8 am. - 8:30 pm. Monday-Saturday, and from 8 am.-1 pm. on Sundays. To get there;
make a left out of the Boardwalk entrance, then take the first right, after that the first left and
then "Le-Coh" is at the 2nd. left on the corner.
The largest grocery stores are the Kong Hing, Ling & Sons and Certified Mega Mall, all located on the
boulevard towards town. At these stores you'll be able to find everything you are looking for, plus
lots more. The Kong Hing is the largest one of these stores and has a very good bakery, butcher's shop
and fish department. Their opening hours are from 8 am.-8 pm. Monday-Saturday, and 9 am.-1 pm. on
Sunday.
Electricity
The electrical current in Aruba is 110 volts, 60 cycles, corresponding to that of the USA. For European
guests we have adaptors available at the front desk. These adaptors will allow you to plug in your
220V appliances and can transfer the output to 220V, if there's no way to switch your appliance to use
110V.
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Drinking Water
Aruba's drinking water comes from one of the world's largest desalinization plants.
It's not only pure and safe to drink, it's delicious. The desalinization plant produces the islands
power as well, basically as a by-product of the desalinization process. If you're interested in the
desalinization process: they have a very interesting guided tour (only on appointment).
Shopping
Most stores are open from 9 am.- 6 pm., Monday -Saturday. Most stores in the hotels are open Sundays
as well. Some stores close for lunch between 12 noon -2 pm. When cruise ships are in port, a lot of
stores downtown near the harbor area will be open in the morning hours on Sundays and holidays.
Religious Services
Visitors to Aruba are welcome at all houses of worship. The following religions have services on the
island; Catholic, Protestant, Dutch Reform, Anglican, Evangelical, Methodist, Baptist, 7th-Day
Adventist, Church of Christ, Jewish, Baha'I Faith.
Times and languages of services can be checked through the front- office.
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Beaches
The beach in front of The Boardwalk is a public beach and nice for swimming and playing; no rocks,
it's shallow close to shore and a bit deeper outside. Going a bit north (150 meters going towards
the Fisherman's Huts) on the same beach it's shallow till very far outside (knee to waist deep)
all sand, no rocks or anything.
Going further north to Malmok there's Boca Catalina and Arashi beach. Both are nice for sunning,
snorkeling and swimming. For the snorkeling at Arashi you need to head out to the reefs & corals to
the right of the sandy bottom swimming area.
To the south the same beach extends for a few miles; on this beach the high rise hotels are located.
Regarding the beaches at the hotels: the hotel property line does not run into the water like it does
on some islands; here that line is always at least 30' from the waterline. And even then there is no
actual property line or fencing visible - just beautiful beach - with lounge chairs and nice palm huts
(palapa's) for shade. The lounge chairs and palapa huts on the beaches by the hotels are owned by the
hotels and for their guests' use. With most hotels it's possible to sign up for use of their
facilities on the beach, their pool, spa and gym, but there is a charge.
If you are on a windsurfing package with Vela you may use the lounge chairs and palapa huts in front
of the Vela center on the Marriott beach. If you're not on a windsurfing package you can still check
with the Vela center; if you are staying at the Boardwalk, Vela will let you use the chairs if they
have chairs available.
We also have small folding beach chairs which we provide free of charge; you can take these and enjoy
a different beach every day. Your casita also has a small cool box which you may use to take drinks
and snacks to the beach.
A bit farther south past the high-rise hotels there's Eagle Beach; this is also a beautiful beach and
it almost stretches all the way into town.
Going further south; past the airport, there are a few nice beaches as well; Mangel Halto and De Palm
Island offers beautiful snorkeling opportunities.
Then even further south; on the southern tip of the island there are some more nice beaches;
Baby Beach , Rodger's Beach and Coco Beach. These are also very calm as they are on the leeward
side of the point and protected by an outer reef. It's beautiful for snorkeling at Baby Beach outside
the reef. Good for swimming at Rodger's Beach and shallow Baby Beach - the name says it already- is
every kid's favorite beach.
The beaches that are mentioned as good snorkeling spots are sand bottom as well as rocks and coral
reef. The rocks and reef are what attracts the fish of course, so it's beautiful. The beaches that
aren't mentioned specifically to be good for snorkeling are pure white sand bottoms without any
rocks or coral at all.
On the island's north coast there are also several beautiful and empty(!) beaches; Boca Grandi, Dos
Playa, Daimari and Andicuri just to name a few. The north side is the windward side, so the coast
is rugged and the beaches are little coves or bays with waves rolling in. Some beaches are okay for
swimming and if you like waves, it's nice for body-boarding and surfing.
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1. Arashi Beach
2. Boca Catalina
3. Malmok Beach
4. Hadicurari / Fisherman's Huts
5. Palm Beach
6. Eagle Beach
7. Manchebo Beach
8. Druif Beach
9. Surfside Beach
10. Renaissance Island
11. Dos Playa
12. Mangel Halto
13. Rodgers Beach
14. Baby Beach
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