All Other Destinations and Attractions in Aruba
|
|
Related Attractions
Aruba - Beaches
The north-west coast of Aruba, from Druif Beach to Eagle Beach, and Palm Beach to Molmok, offers 11km/7mi of uninterrupted white sand and relatively calm waters.On the east coast, Bachelor's Beach, Boca Grandi, Boca Prins, Dos Playa, Black Stone Beach and Boca Andicuri have stronger currents and larger waves. Although they are not recommended for swimming, more advanced windsurfers may enjoy the waves.The beaches in the south-east are less populated, and Baby Beach, with its shallow basin and calm waters, is good for inexperienced swimmers.
Boca Prins
Boca Prins are massive sand dunes, constantly changing because of the trade winds. 'Dune sliding' is a popular sport. The dunes lie behind a narrow stretch of beach along the coast.
Boca Mahos
Boca Mahos is a bay known for its strong winds and rough waters. 1km/0.6mi west of the bay is a ruined inn.
Malmok
Malmok is a small settlement with a pleasant beach. This is a favorite spot for swimming and snorkeling with calm waters much of the time. The wreck of the German freighter "Antilia," run aground at the beginning of WWII, lies just offshore.
Arikok National Park
The island's best preserved Indian carvings adorn the boulders at Cunuco Arikok near San Fuego. The park is an excellent hiking opportunity and has a small number of jeep routes. Wildlife includes parakeets, goats, butterflies, hares, iguanas, and wara-wara (read-beaked eagle).
Casibari Boulders
Diorite boulders weathered by trade winds are strewn throughout this area. At the Casibari Boulders visitors may walk the trails and steps winding through the rocks to reach a good view at the top.
Natural Bridge at Anicouri
The 30m/100ft natural bridge stands 7.3m/25ft above sea level. Wave erosion caused the formation of this structure. The area is good for a picnic, but swimming is not recommended.
Ayó
Large boulders adorned with Indian paintings make up this odd rock formation known as Ayó. There is a path for visitors to get around and see the rocks.
Bushiribana
The Bushiribana Ruins are the remains of a 19th C gold smelter. The old stone walls are picturesquely located along the ocean front.
North End of Aruba
The north end of Aruba is best for relaxation. Here is the seven mile stretch of white sandy beach, an 18 hole golf course and a concentration of hotels.
California Dunes and Lighthouse
At the northern tip of the island, is the California lighthouse, a common sight on postcards and brochures of Aruba. This area is rugged and beautiful with sand-dunes, cacti, and even some goats. The spot is a good place to compare the calm waters of the western shore with the rough waves of the east. The lighthouse is closed to the public.
Arashi Beach
Arashi Beach can be a good spot for swimming and snorkeling and is somewhat secluded. The beach is located at the northwestern end of the island near the California Lighthouse.
St Anna Church, Noord
The neo-gothic St Anna Church was opened in 1776. The carved oak altar, originally made for a church in Curaçao, was mistakenly sent to St Anna. The parish kept the altar, but needed to cut church's roof to accommodate it. The tombs in the neighboring cemetery have been painted pastel colors.
Rancho Daimari
Rancho Daimari offers horseback riding tours, ATV tours, and Paint Ball games. The ranch is located on the site of a former coconut plantation, originally established in the 17th Century. The scenery here is beautiful and visitors can explore the area either on horse or ATV.
Alto Vista Chapel
The small Alto Vista Chapel, sometimes called the Pilgrim's Church, was built in 1750 by the Spanish missionary Domingo Antonio Silvestre. The stations of the cross mark the road leading to the chapel.
South End of Aruba
The south end of Aruba is good for sporting activities. The windward side gives ample challenge to the expert windsurfer, while the leeside offers protected bays for beginners. There are also good hiking routes to historic sites.
Amerindian Caves
These Amerindian Caves were once the dwellings of the Arawak Indians and Caribs. Some caves contain pre-Columbian petroglyphs, stalagmites and stalactites. Nearby is a Chinese garden, as well as a small museum with native wildlife.
Hooiberg
Hooiberg is a cone shaped 'mountain' that stands alone in the center of the island and rises 165m/617ft above sea level. After climbing almost 600 steps to the peak, on clear days visitors are able to see the coast of Venezuela from the summit.
Savaneta
The fishing village of Savaneta was once a busy center because of production in the nearby saltpans. Today there are a number of hotels and the town attracts many international visitors
Seroe Colorado
At the east end of Aruba is Seroe, once occupied by oil refinery employees but now a ghost town. Today there is a lighthouse with views across the dry landscape, the beach, and the ocean beyond.
Balashi
This is the site of the 19th C gold mining industry. Nearby, at Frenchman's Pass, are the ruins of the old gold smelters.
St Nicolaas
St Nicolaas is the second largest city in Aruba. It has been home to the oil refinery since 1929.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, one of Aruba's larger towns, is located in the center of the island.
Aruba - Dive Sites
With its bays, reefs and lagoons, there are many sites in Aruba for scuba diving, or snorkeling. The wreck of the "Antilia," between Arashi and Malmok, and the wreck of the "Jane See" are popular spots.Arashi, the Spanish Lagoon, Commanders Bay, Little Lagoon, Bird Roof and the reefs off Bachelor Point are also good dive sites.
Natural Pool
The Natural Pool is just that, a protected area, fenced in by rocks but filled by ocean water. Visitors can swim and snorkel here although the area is really not that big. The challenge comes with getting to the natural pool which is accessed by four wheel drive vehicle down a rough road. Visitors can either do this on their own, although the road is not well marked, or hire a guide.
Aruba - Golf
Aruba has two golf courses. The Aruba Golf Club, at the south end of the island, has 9 holes. Tierra del Sol, at the north end of the island, has 18 holes and was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.Miniature Golf and Aruba Golf and Leisure offer practice opportunities.
Aruba Ostrich Farm
The Aruba Ostrich Farm is home to both ostriches and emus. Visitors can tour the farm and get up close and personal with the birds while learning about their habitat and behavior. There is also a gift shop with African art and restaurant on site.
Aruba - Carnival
In late January and early February, Carnival gears up with dances, parades, contests and parties. The Grand Parade happens on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday.
