What to see and do in Oranjestad, Aruba

Aruba is a small island nation located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just north of Venezuela.

It is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is one of the four constituent countries of the Kingdom, along with the Netherlands, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. Aruba is known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and sunny weather, which make it a popular tourist destination. The island is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including iguanas, parrots, and several species of cacti.

We have been to Aruba twice (8/11/2011 and 4/20/2016).  The first time we visited, we were on a cruise and our excursion was a catamaran  and snorkeling tour.  The boat took us from the dock to the east side of the island where we went snorkeling  over a freighter that sank during  World War II.   There were lots of colorful fish around the wreck.  Afterwards, the boat pulled in to the beach where we were able to swim and have drinks.  Afterwards, we had time to visit the downtown area before returning to the ship.

Aruba's economy is heavily dependent on tourism, which accounts for a large portion of its gross domestic product. In addition to its natural beauty, the island is also home to several historic and cultural attractions, such as the Alto Vista Chapel and the Archaeological Museum of Aruba.

The official language of Aruba is Dutch, although the majority of the population speaks Papiamento, a creole language that incorporates elements of Portuguese, Spanish, and West African languages. English and Spanish are also widely spoken on the island.

Aruba is a relatively safe and politically stable country, and it is known for its friendly and welcoming people. Overall, it is an attractive destination for tourists, as well as for expatriates looking for a warm and sunny place to live or retire.

Looking for things to do.  Viator offers numerous tours in Aruba.  Click here for details.

Snorkeling on the reef in Aruba.

Freighter sunk off the coast of Aruba during World War II.

The California lighthouse at Arashi beach.

Downtown Oranjestad.