Of the three Netherlands Antilles – Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao – Aruba draws the more visitors. The beaches are simply perfect.

Located off the coast of Venezuela, it has not a lot in common with most South American neighbors; Dutch is the official language and the island is clean, organized and (despite unfortunate recent events that draw international attention) in general it is very safe.

Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, receiving few storms and little rain. Unlike most Caribbean locations, the landscape is barren with almost no vegetation or native animal species. Constant trade winds sweep the island from east to west: the exposed coast is harsh as ocean pounds fiercely; thecoast facing continental South America is delightfully quiet with white sandy beaches, clear and warm waters, and a constant breeze that keeps you cool and keeps away any insects that could live there.

Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba, a duty free port with many jewelries and expensive imported clothing shops. It has the typical Dutch architecture though painted in bright colors. Cruise ships stop for a day twice or 3 times a week, and there are thousands of added tourists shopping and dining in the city. Very few venture far from the ship, so in the rest of the island tranquility is not affected.

We invite you to look at our Aruba pictures and see for yourself what a beautiful island this is.