Aruba
Aruba has a drier climate than most tropical destinations and is known for reliable sunny weather. The year-round average high is typically in the 80s and lower 90s while the average low is typically in the upper 60s and 70s. Anyone can enjoy the sandy beaches on the western and southern coasts of the island, but Aruba calls to tourists wanting to lose themselves in nature and historians seeking to touch the past.
The drier climate provides nature explorers with native cacti, shrubs, and evergreens. Arikok National Park takes up about 18% of the island and is filled with formations of lava, quartz diorite, and limestone. Hiking trails carry you over hills, forgotten gold mines, and through plantation ruins. See the nesting turtles at Boca Prins. The island hosts numerous conchi, natural pools that are protected from the seas by rock formations. Walking trails take you around the Ayo Rock formations where the earliest settlers left their mark on the island in the form of petroglyphs. If you’d like to take in a guided tour, you can visit the Fontein Cave and view pre-Columbian cave drawings. No trip would be complete without viewing Hooiberg, a nearly omnipresent volcanic formation in the center of the island. You can’t miss it…literally.
History buffs have even more options in Aruba. You can walk amongst the ruins of two gold mines, one from the 1800s and another from the 1900s. See the California Lighthouse, named after the steamship California, that wrecked off the coast in the 1900s. You can explore Frenchman’s Pass to see the gorgeous land. There’s also a legend associated with French pirates and paranormal activity. Will you believe the legend, or is it just another tall tale from the high seas? Military history buffs have a special treat in Aruba. You can take a dive to explore the Pedernalis, a tanker that was torpedoed by the Germans in WWII. It’s generally considered a beginner’s dive.
The official languages of Aruba are Dutch and Papiamento, but English is widely spoken. To help you time your trip, you need to know two more things. Carnival starts in January and runs until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and the bulk of American tourism typically occurs between Halloween and Thanksgiving.
From large and loud festivals to quiet personal experiences, there’s something for everyone in Aruba. Book your vacation today, and check out our Vacation Planning Resource Center for information to guide you on your next trip!
