Aruba is known the world over for its postcard-perfect beaches and excellent diving locations, but our Caribbean island has plenty of other points of interest that many tourists are not exactly aware of. If you’re planning to spend a few days or weeks in Aruba, perhaps knowing more about the place can help you plan a more immersive holiday and enjoy your island getaway more. Our team at VacationAruba is excited to tell you about some of the interesting things about our One Happy Island that not a lot of people are privy to:
Aruba Has a Semi-Arid Climate
While the Caribbean is generally associated with tropical climes, Aruba is actually semi-arid. This means that its inhabitants and visitors get to enjoy generally sunny and dry days throughout the year, with very little rainfall. So while Aruba is not exactly a tropical paradise, it nonetheless offers perfect beach weather year-round. The climate also makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the island’s rugged terrain without worrying about getting rained out.
The Trade Winds Keep Aruba Cool
Aruba’s steady trade winds are another natural feature that impacts the visitor experience. Even though the island is sunny and warm, the winds provide a natural cooling effect, making it more comfortable to enjoy outdoor activities. These winds are especially useful for water sports enthusiasts, as they create the perfect conditions for windsurfing and kite surfing, both of which are popular activities on the island.
The Island Lies Outside the Hurricane Belt
Also, unlike many other Caribbean destinations, Aruba is located outside the hurricane belt. This location makes the island a safer option for travel during the Atlantic hurricane season. The rarity with which weather disruptions take place in the vicinity of the island is an important consideration for tourists who want to enjoy a greater degree of peace of mind and comfort during their holidays. They find Aruba an appealing destination knowing that they are less likely to encounter a hurricane that can disrupt their plans, even in the storm-prone summer months.
Aruba Is a Melting Pot of Cultures
Image source: https://www.lavishlytravel.com/blog/the-culture-of-aruba
With a history influenced by the Dutch, Latin American, African, and Arawak peoples, Aruba is a cultural melting pot. Visitors will experience this diversity through the island’s food, festivals, and even language, with many locals speaking Papiamento, a Portuguese-based creole language, as well as Dutch, English, and Spanish. This blend of cultures provides visitors with a unique experience of the Caribbean, one that is enriched with a variety of flavors, music, and customs that reflect Aruba’s multicultural history.
The Island Has a Vast Network of Vacation Rentals
While resorts and hotels are plentiful on the island, Aruba also has a wide selection of vacation rentals. Our team at VacationAruba, for one, presents a wide selection of locally owned and operated vacation rentals, ranging from beachfront villas and condos to cozy apartments and townhouses. These Aruba accommodations are located along popular tourist areas like Eagle Beach as well as quieter and more upscale communities like Gold Coast and Tierra del Sol.
Choosing to stay at a rental presents you the chance to experience the island more like a local, with more privacy and often more affordable prices. At the same time, booking one of our Aruban-owned holiday rentals gives you easy access to personalized services and insider knowledge on how to enjoy the attractions on the island. For instance, if you want to know where to shop so you can try cooking up local dishes in your rental kitchen, our team members can point you in the right direction.
It Is Home to Endemic Animals
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Aruba may be small, but it’s also home to several species of animals that can’t be found anywhere else. These include the Aruban whiptail lizard, which is one of the most common lizard species on the island, and the Aruban burrowing owl, an endangered long-legged owl that has become Aruba’s symbol. Visitors interested in wildlife can explore the island’s national parks, such as Arikok National Park, to spot these unique species. The abundance of fauna adds an extra layer of mystique to the island’s natural beauty and ecological importance while offering a richer experience for those interested in nature and wildlife.
Saltwater Desalination Is Used to Produce Aruba’s Drinking Water
Since Aruba is an island, it has a limited supply of freshwater. As such, it relies heavily on desalination to provide its community with fresh drinking water. The Balashi Water Plant is one of the largest in the world, and it produces clean, safe water directly from the ocean. Visitors to Aruba might be surprised at the quality of the tap water, which is perfectly safe to drink and often touted as some of the best in the Caribbean. This eliminates the need to buy bottled water, making it convenient for tourists who want to stay hydrated while on the go.
Aruba Has an Active Aloe Industry
Aruba has been cultivating aloe vera since the late 1800s, and today, the island remains one of the world’s largest exporters of aloe products. During your stay, you can opt to tour aloe farms and learn about the production of aloe-based products like lotions and skin care items, which are popular souvenirs. The presence of the aloe industry also contributes to the island’s eco-friendly reputation, as aloe farming thrives in Aruba’s dry climate and supports local agriculture.
The Island Hosts Spectacular Carnival Celebrations
Image source: https://www.visitaruba.com/blog/about-aruba/a-look-back-at-arubas-66th-carnival/
If you’re visiting Aruba in the months leading up to Lent, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the island’s vibrant Carnival celebrations. Known for its parades, colorful costumes, and lively music, Aruba’s Carnival is a must-see for those interested in local culture and festivities. The celebrations provide a unique glimpse into Aruba’s cultural heritage and are an unforgettable experience for visitors lucky enough to witness them.
Plan Your Aruba Holiday with Personalized Assistance from VacationAruba
There’s more to Aruba than meets the eye. Plan your visit today and perhaps get acquainted with the many things that keep tourists coming back to our Caribbean island. Find your home away from home on VacationAruba today. Book your holiday rental directly on our website and check out Aruba accommodations with discounted rates. Better yet, give us a call today so we can help you put together a memorable holiday.