"Aruba "One Happy Island"" Aruba by annk

Aruba Travel Guide: 1,205 reviews and 2,142 photos

ARUBA is located off the coast of Venezuela and is part of the Netherlands Antilles, the ABC islands. The B & C are Bonnaire and Curacao.

The island is small, just 77 square miles, 19.6 miles long, 6 miles across. The average temperature does not fluctuate much during the year and stays around 81 F/27 C. Due to northeastly trade winds that seemed to blow almost constantly, the temperature was pleasant and I did not see the presence of flying insects at all.

Aruba is not tropical but has desert terrain, brown rolling hills with tall cactus. The hotel areas are tropically landscaped with coconut palms, plumeria & other lush vegetation.

The people of Aruba have to be some of the friendliest I have ever met. They all seem very happy and extremely helpful. Our taxi driver that drove us from the airport to the hotel practically gave us a guided tour. It seemed like everywhere we were greeted with a genuine smile and a hello.

The people are also champion linguists, many speaking 4 languages. The official language is Dutch, native language is Papiamento, & English and Spanish are widely spoken.

Pros and Cons

Pros:the people, desert scenery, gorgeous beaches
Cons:always windy

Last visit to Aruba: Mar 2001
Intro Written Sep 14, 2002
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Reviews (32)

The rugged north shore Things to Do (20)

If you click on photo to enlarge you can see how people have 'stacked' stones and rocks. There were some small sandy... more travel advice

North Shore Things to Do (20)

Scenery from the North Shore. more travel advice

Natural Bridge Things to Do (20)

This is the largest Natural Bridge and a popular tourist attraction on the island. Same as the introduction photo, but... more travel advice

Dutch Windmill Things to Do (20)

Photo taken from the bird sanctuary across the road. more travel advice

Restaurants (2)
See All Food is expensive
Transportation (1)
Transportation
Hotels (4)
See All The fitness center at Bucuti
Favorites (1)
Typical Aruban home

Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Comments (163)

andersonclan Apr 24, 2008 at 9:38 PM Report Abuse

Just wanted to tell you that I have enjoyed reading your Aruba page. My husband & I are going there this summer so thanks so much for sharing all of your comments & photos! :)
LoriPori Oct 4, 2006 at 4:27 AM Report Abuse

Hello Ann. Just read through your Aruba pages. Hans and I are going there in three weeks. Looks like a wonderful island paradise.
JessH Jul 9, 2006 at 2:10 AM Report Abuse

Hello Ann. I really enjoyed your page on Aruba. Lovely tips & gorgeous photos. Thanks for sharing :-) Jess
Jim_Eliason Jun 29, 2006 at 4:45 AM Report Abuse

great tips!
tiger9090a Nov 8, 2005 at 9:48 AM Report Abuse

Hi Ann! Thanks for bringing back some memories. Especially liked your Natural Bridge tip since I missed that one on my last trip to the 'One Happy Island'. Greetings from Europe!
RickinDutch Oct 3, 2005 at 11:49 AM Report Abuse

Ann - don't know how I missed your pages in my months of wandering VT - Great Job! So many fascinating destinations - I'll be back!
starship Sep 11, 2005 at 12:55 PM Report Abuse

Ann, really nice page with some great tips! I would have enjoyed it even more but for some reason, none of the pictures would show up --probably something with my computer!
quartinb Mar 25, 2005 at 9:17 AM Report Abuse

,,,just wish i could go to bucuti beach, 1 day!
amapola66 Feb 10, 2005 at 4:05 AM Report Abuse

Wow - What Great Pic of the Natural Bridge, must try to see that on my coming visit.
Paul2001 Nov 13, 2004 at 2:37 PM Report Abuse

Interesting opinions and helpful tips.