Exploring Aruba
After a day or two at the resort you’ll be ready to explore Aruba. Whether you decide
to go beach hopping, visit the island capital Oranjestad, spend a morning at Arikok
National Park or take a guided tour around the island, you’ll discover its Dutch
Caribbean heritage and rugged natural beauty. The staff at the De Palm tour desk
in the lobby will help you plan a fun sightseeing itinerary and be sure to ask your
Concierge for some local recommendations.
Oranjestad
Nestled on the shores of Paardenbaai (bay of the horses), island capital Oranjestad
sprang up at the end of the 18th century. The island’s oldest monument is Fort Zoutman,
built to guard the young town in 1796. The Willem III Tower was added in 1868 to
function as a lighthouse, it was named after the Dutch ruler of that time.
Many of the city’s founders were merchants from Curaçao and they continued the tradition
of commerce in their new home. Today Oranjestad is a peaceful and picturesque town,
its streets lined with Dutch colonial gabled houses and modern buildings such as
shops, malls, banks and offices that echo the architectural style of yesteryear.
Spend your time in Oranjestad browsing through the many stores, malls and markets,
dining or visiting several small museums and galleries. Cava G.F. Croes, Havenstraat,
Zoutmanstraat, Wilheminastraat and the waterfront boulevard are the principal streets.
The port hums with activity when cruise ships dock and an impromptu floating market
springs up at the wharf every morning when island fishermen and farmers gather to
sell their wares.
Located in Fort Zoutman, the History Museum has informative displays on the island’s
past and local traditions. The Archaeological Museum on Zoutmanstraat is an introduction
to the ancient inhabitants of Aruba and their legacy. Artifacts on display include
pottery, art, stone tools and burial urns recovered at archeological sites throughout
the island. Visit the Kunsthuis art gallery, café and cultural center where the
entertainment program includes concerts, theater, movies and exhibitions.
Planning your Trip
Aruba’s leading tour operator, De Palm offers water sports, cruises and day trips.
The staff at the tour desk in the lobby will help you plan a fun-filled vacation
schedule. Call ext. 648.
Beach Hopping
Eagle Beach is so beautiful that it would be hard to tire of it, however if you
like beach hopping, the island has some of the finest pearly white strands in the
Caribbean, each one with its own charm.
Located on the northwestern tip of the island, Arashi Beach and Boca Catalina are
sheltered, making them popular snorkeling and swimming spots. Palm Beach is the
island’s most famous and busiest beach and the location for many of its most popular
waterfront restaurants and bars.
Traveling south from Eagle Beach, Manchebo, Punta Brabo and Druif are all picturesque
spots. Mangel Haito is a secluded cove that is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
The coral reef is so close to the coast that shore diving is possible.
The shallow and sheltered bays of Rogers and Baby beach are popular with visitors
and locals alike and boast shade huts and food stands.
On the windward shore, the surf is stronger and the coastline opens up to offer
dramatic vistas of wide beaches such as Boca Grandi and Wariruri. There are also
extensive dunes, rock platforms and natural limestone arches, basins and sea caves
created over the centuries by wind and waves.
De Palm Island
For a family day out, ask about trips to De Palm Island for hours of fun at the
Blue Parrot Water Park, snorkeling and more.
Spanish Lagoon Wetlands
Legend has it that the Spanish Lagoon was once a hideaway for pirates, whether this
is true or not, the quiet waterway and the surrounding mangroves are a haven for
wildlife, including herons, osprey, owls and parrots. The lagoon is located between
Pos Chiquito Bay and the ruins of the Balashi Gold Mine. Follow the nature trail
from the lagoon through the wetlands to Balashi and the Cunucu di Aloe plantation.
Butterfly Farm
See some of the world’s most beautiful and colorful insects at the Butterfly Farm.
On the guided tour through the tropical gardens you’ll learn about their life cycle
and their importance as environmental indicators. They are extremely sensitive to
climate change, pollution and deforestation and a large butterfly population with
diverse species denotes a healthy ecosystem. Open daily: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Palm
Beach
Arikok National Park
Protecting one third of the island’s surface, Arikok National Park is a patchwork
of rolling hills covered in cacti and bent divi trees, strange rock formations (lava,
quartz diorite and limestone), caves and a stretch of coastline with beaches, dunes
and rock platforms.
The arid landscape is home to a surprising variety of birds including the endemic
shoko or Aruba burrowing owl and prikichi or parakeet, orioles and hummingbirds,
snakes, lizards, iguanas, wild donkeys and goats.
Despite its inhospitable appearance, Arikok has been inhabited for thousands of
years. Rock paintings in Fontein Cave and on huge boulders and the vestiges of ancient
villages are testimony to the earliest Amerindian inhabitants. The park is also
dotted with stone dwellings or cunucu which date from the Colonial period and housed
the poorest settlers and their estate workers.
A network of trails traverses the park and guided tours are available.
California Lighthouse
Located near the island’s northwestern tip, the 270-foot-high lighthouse is the
perfect spot for sunset watching and panoramic views of the shoreline.
Alto Vista Chapel
Overlooking the sea, this isolated chapel was built in the early 18th century by
a Spanish missionary.
Aloe Vera Plantation
Introduced to Aruba in 1840 from Africa, the aloe vera plant prospered in the arid
conditions and by 1890 it was being grown for the export market. At one point aloe
plantations covered two thirds of the island’s surface and Aruba became the world’s
biggest exporter of this miracle plant, prized for its healing properties. A plant
even appears on the national coat of arms.
Nowadays, Aruba aloe vera is used to make skincare, after-sun and hair products
and you can find out more about the production process by visiting the Aruba Aloe
Vera Factory and Museum and find out more about this miracle plant.
Explore Further
Other sites of interest on the island include San Nicolas, the second largest town
which grew up around the oil refinery and attracted workers from many of the British
Caribbean islands. They kept their own customs, including calypso, carnival, steel
bands and cuisine and the community has a unique ambiance.
Visitors can go into the bush to explore the ruins of the 19th century gold smelters
at Bushiribana and Balashi or the rock formations at Casibari and Ayo.
The Donkey Sanctuary in Santa Lucia was founded in 1997 to provide a home for stray
animals and for a glimpse of Africa you can also call in at the Ostrich Farm.
Explore on your Own
Rent a car and explore the island at your own pace. The Car Rental desk is located
in the lobby, ext. 645.