ARUBA

APPLE Vacations to Aruba.  The Beaches curve like an Aruban smile along the western shores, soft and white and fringed with palm-trees, sloping gently toward the calm, transparent turquoise of the Caribbean. 

The waves of the windward coast crash like incessant thunder against the northern cliffs, carving high, arched coral bridges and deep, dark, secret limestone grottoes.

Between the two extremes, in a desert landscape where the cacti grow to the height of a man, great building-sized rumbles of boulders stand like the legacy of some ancient, angry god.

This is not the Caribbean as usual.  

This is Aruba.

And, if it's true that opposites attract, then this could well be the most attractive island of them all.  
From the Aruba Tourism Authority

Windmills, lighthouses, twisted Divi Divi trees. Aruba's unique charm stems from its Dutch influence. Only 15 miles north of Venezuela, Aruba is one of the southernmost islands of the Caribbean. Cooling tradewinds generally keep the temperature a perfect 82º under beautiful sunny skies year-round. When the sun goes down, a whole different side of Aruba comes to life. Glitzy casinos offer the best of classic American and European gaming.

Aruba Travel Information

Climate

Aruba has dry arid trade winds and enjoys a dry, sunny climate, which is kept pleasant and temperate year-round. The land is flat with no mountains, and is completely outside the hurricane belt. On the south and west coasts are miles of pristine white sand beaches that rank among the most beautiful in the world, rimmed by calm blue seas with a visibility in some areas to a depth of a hundred feet. The northeast coast, along the windward shore, is rugged and wild. The interior of the island is desert-like, with a variety of cacti and dramatic rock formations. The island's most famous trees are the waterpana, or divi divi trees, all permanently sculpted into the graceful, southwest-bending shores by the constant trade winds. The island is 19.6 miles long, and six miles wide at its widest point, with a total area of 70 square miles.

Traveling with Minors

Minors traveling with only one parent or adults other than their parents must have a notarized letter from the absent parent(s) authorizing them to be taken out of the country. If the parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate will be required.

Gambling

There are 11 casinos from which to chose, from casual to overwhelmingly glamorous. In addition to blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, baccarat, and slots, Aruba's casinos offer Caribbean Stud Poker.

Location

The westernmost of the Caribbean islands, Aruba lies just 18 miles off the coast of Venezuela, 42 miles west of Curacao, and about 2.5 hours flying time from Miami, Florida.

Proof of Citizenship

U.S. citizens: a valid U.S. passport or a state-issued birth certificate with raised seal and photo I.D. back-up. All other travelers must bring a valid passport and a visa.

Golf

Aruba offers a choice of two golf courses, The Aruba Golf Club and Tierra del Sol.

The Aruba Golf Club presents the challenge of the Caribbean's most unusual course, with oiled sand greens, ever-present trade winds, and an occasional goat as a live hazard. Located at the opposite end of the island near San Nicolas, the club features a 9-hole course with 20 sand traps and 5 water traps. The clubhouse is complete with bar, storage rooms, workshop and separate men's and ladies' rooms with showers and lockers.

Tierra del Sol is Aruba's first world-championship, 18-hole Par 71 course. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the Tierra del Sol is just a few minutes from all of the major resorts, set into the rocky, cactus-studded terrain of the island's northwest corner. This is one of only two golf courses in the world to be bordered by both desert and ocean. Just beyond the 12th hole, stark desert dunes roll away toward the windward coast. Wild egrets live in the marsh nestled into the 5th fairway, and rare burrowing owls still inhabit the ancient coral caves not far from the 6th green. Tierra del Sol includes a full-length practice range, putting greens, chipping areas, and a magnificent clubhouse with golf shop, restaurant and swimming pool.

Dress

Dress is casual informal summer wear, but bathing suits are not permitted in the shopping and business districts. Ladies may want to bring along a shawl to throw over their shoulders at night. Dress-up clothes are recommended for a night out in one of the island's elegant restaurants, nightclubs or casinos, and most casinos require jackets for gentlemen. Please keep in mind that Aruba is a windy island.

Handicap Information

Limited facilities for the physically disabled are available. Specific hotels have rooms that can be adjusted completely, while other hotels have ground floor rooms and doors wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Most properties have wheelchairs and canes available. The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino, the Holiday Inn Beach Resort and Casino and the Aruba Palm Beach Resort and Casino have rooms that are fully equipped for disabled visitors. In addition, Red Sail Sports has a dive master who can instruct disabled visitors. The Queen Beatrix International Airport is also making adjustments to accommodate those who need more assistance.

Car Rental

Arubans drive on the right-hand side of the road, and in order to rent a car in Aruba one must have held a driver's license for at least two years. The minimum age to rent is between 21 and 25, while the maximum age is between 65 and 70 (depending on the rental agency). A deposit of $500 US or an open signed credit card is normally required, and there is a large variety of rental agencies to choose from, including many multi-national companies such as Hertz, Avis or Budget.

Time Zone

Atlantic Standard Time (1 hour ahead of EST)

Tipping

There is an 11% service charge on room rates. There is also a 6% government tax. The service charge of food and beverages is 10% to 15% in lieu of gratuities at the hotels.

Weddings

Civil marriage is only allowed if one of the parties is a resident of Aruba (to be a resident one must live in Aruba for at least six months). Wedding ceremonies may only be performed if the couple has already been legally married in their home country.

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