The Taisteal Chronicles:
Aruba
Beautiful blue waters surround the island nation of Aruba.
(Photograph provided courtesy of Vlad Man through Pixabay.)
The Caribbean has a number of wonderful places to visit. Aruba is at the top of the list for many.
Travelers by yacht will likely enjoy the fact that, unlike many of the other islands in the Caribbean, Aruba does not typically face disaster because of hurricanes. Its climate is dry, with areas that looks remarkably similar to scenes from Arizona. Yet, without the overwhelming heat from the Sonoran Desert. Average temperatures typically are in the 80s year-round, with a range from the mid-80s to the low 90s. Rainfall can vary from year to year, but the average is less than 20 inches per year, but can be as much as double that in some years. On average, Aruba has 300 days each year without any rain. Just clear, blue sunny skies. Perfect for yachting.
Yachting is best in the calmer waters off the southern and western coasts of Aruba. From your yacht, you’ll be able to see white sandy beaches beckon you to stop for spell and enjoy the hospitality of the Aruban people.
If you’re more adventuresome, you may want to visit the waters near the northern and eastern coats of the island nation. Be warned, though, that the waters can be quite choppy due to the currents of the sea.
Visitors are welcome here in Aruba. Tourism is the major industry for this country. According to the Aruba government, American, Canadian, Caribbean, European, and most South American citizens don’t require visas to enter Aruba.
Alluring white sand beaches welcome visitors to Aruba.
(Photograph provided courtesy of Kardboard of Pixabay.)
You can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving near the shores of Aruba.
A wide variety of fish are seen while diving in the turquoise waters surrounding the island.
(Photograph provided courtesy of Helmut Mueller through Pixabay.)
Deep sea fishing is also one of the joys in the waters near Aruba. Reports indicate that Barracuda, Marlin, and Tuna are among the tropical fish in these waters.
If you’re looking to get off the yacht to get close to the water – but not actually in the water – consider an excursion by canoe or kayak. Both options are readily available here in Aruba. You’d be able to get up close and personal with the mangroves and watch some of the native animals in their own habitats.
If aiming for the sky – looking down on your mates on the yacht – is more your style, parasailing might be more your scene. The views are magnificent.
It may seem unlikely for a Caribbean island, but Aruba has dry, arid climate.
Cacti is common in several areas of the island. Great views of nature and natural surroundings
abound in the Arikok National Park. This park preserves almost one-fifth of the island. “Adventurers
rejoice as they explore the 20 miles of rugged and wild, desert-like terrain via ATV, UTV, Jeep Safari,
horseback or foot,” according to the Aruba Tourism Authority. “Tucked along the cactus speckled
northern shore, Arikok National Park is home to many hidden beaches, cacti, natural bridges and pools,
historical cave paintings and indigenous flora and fauna including the Aruba rattlesnakes,
burrowing owls and blue whiptail lizards.”
(Photograph provided courtesy of mdoornberg through Pixabay.)
Photography enthusiasts will enjoy taking photos of the butterflies in Aruba. There’s actually an entire farm
dedicated to these beautiful creatures – The Butterfly Farm, which “has hundreds of butterflies flying at any
given time 365 days a year,” according to a statement from the business. “We are blessed with temperatures
in the 80’s year round, so anytime is a great time to visit. Mornings are generally best when the butterflies are
most active and this is the best time to witness butterflies emerging from their chrysalis. The afternoons are
great for photography when the butterflies slow down a little.”
(Photograph provided courtesy of Paul Groenendijk through Pixabay.)
Aruba is known as a great place for shopping.
(Photograph provided courtesy of cgordon8527 through Pixabay.)
You won’t be mistaken if you get the sense that you might be in Europe when visiting Aruba. The citizens of Aruba are Dutch citizens and the country is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Both English and Spanish are spoken and well understood throughout Aruba. If you know a little Dutch, locals would welcome the added touch. Most citizens here, though, speak Papiamento. It’s a language common in several of the islands with Dutch heritage, but it’s actually based on the Portuguese language with influences from both the Spanish and Dutch languages. The language has some commonalities with Portuguese Creole languages in Cape Verde and west Africa.
Frommers currently rates seven restaurants as “Exceptional” with three stars – “the highest praise we give,” according to the travel firm. These restaurants include Elements as well as Screaming Eagle in Eagle Beach; Gasparito Restaurant & Art Gallery as well as Papiamento in Noord; 2 Fools and a Bull as well as Ruinas del Mar in Palm Beach; and Zeerovers in Savaneta.
Aruba uses the Aruban florin as its official currency, but many shops and restaurants accept U S dollars for purchases. Check with your server or store clerk for their policies.
When you’re ready to visit, remember that yachting is a great way to experience the joys of Aruba.
Do you have questions about yachting and the travel industry?
Your questions may be used in a future news column.
Contact Richard McDonough at TaistealChronicles@mail.com.
© 2020 Richard McDonough