Even with the desert like landscape, Aruba is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations every year. This little Dutch inspired island is the host of some of the friendliest people and attractions the Caribbean has to offer. Besides the posh resorts and luxury accommodations, the island has much to offer.
Take advantage of the De Palm Safari Tours, for an on and off road tour of the Aruba landscape. This is a dusty and bumpy adventure off road, but is worth the dirty clothing, to witness what lies at each stop, including some areas otherwise unreachable by car or bus. You will climb aboard your jeep and set out. Although, at times it may be a little difficult to hear the tour guide, the majority is riddled with facts and anecdotes about the island and it’s residents. Technically, not a true safari, as the most wild animal you will see is a lizard, but the stops at: Our Lady of Alto Vista Chapel, the California Lighthouse, Bushiribana Gold Mill ruins, and a
natural bridge, mak this trip worth all the while. You can swim in the natural pool or snorkel at Baby Beach during the tour.
Follow up with a trip to the Numismatic Museum of Aruba. This museum is home to a massive collection of coins and paper money from all over the world. Take a short afternoon trip to the Aloe museum and factory. You will get a first hand glance of the manufacturing and the history of aloe. This is the perfect destination for the rare rainy day in this Caribbean destination.
If you are up for a little exploring, hit the Guadiriki Caves. During the day you can visit special chambers, and be bathed with sunlight, or venture through the one hundred foot tunnel to the dark active bat cave. The word Aruba means red gold and during the mini gold rush of the early nineteenth century, this was evident. There are now seaside ruins of this time that you can visit still today. Besides the gold mine ruins, the famed Natural Bridge, which collapsed into the sea i
n 2005, can be visited as well.
Aruba is home to a fascinating Archaeological Museum. This museum houses Aruba’s oldest cultural heritage. Some of the antiquities housed here date back to the first visit to the island forty five hundred years ago. There is a vast collection of stone tools and artifacts. Of course, the beaches in Aruba, are unsurpassed. Even though they are not lined with the classic palm trees, you will find beautiful white sands and clear turquoise waters. Each is lined with resorts, nightclubs and shopping. The pirate ship adventure, jet skiing and other water sports are all based along these lavish beaches. Boca Catalina is a family friendly beach, which hosts a closed in reef, perfect for snorkeling, and palapas (shady huts) strewn along the sand.
Aruba is definitely one of the best Caribbean destinations for everyone to see.
