General information
Aruba is an island in the Caribbean Sea. Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Aruba is located 23 kilometers from the peninsula Paraguaná of the Venezuelan state of Falcón and belongs to the ABC islands and is the westernmost island. The curved west coast of Aruba is characterized by the tropical, white sandy beaches. The east coast, on the other hand, is characterized by hill country and limestone plateaus and from heavily weathered quartz diorite. The middle of the island consists of rocks of volcanic origin. The highest peak on the island is the 189 meter high Jamanota.
Aruba is a small island. It has an area of 180 km2. The island is generally fairly dry but has a lush tropical vegetation that is characteristic of the Caribbean. Aruba has a tropical climate with temperatures averaging 29 Celsius degrees in December to 32 Celsius degrees in July and August. Due to the trade winds that provide the necessary cooling, the heat is fine.
Aruba has a ‘moderate’ rainy season that runs from October to December. During this season the rain falls mainly in the night and in the mornings. But during the day you can also be surprised by a short but intense tropical shower. Aruba is not located in the hurricane area, but in the hurricane season it may be that a hurricane is moving along the island, causing us to be struck by a foothill that causes strong winds and heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Because Aruba is so close to the equator, it is dark between 7 and 8 in the evening. The sun comes up around half past seven in the morning.
Aruba has a ‘moderate’ rainy season that runs from October to December. During this season the rain falls mainly in the night and in the mornings. But during the day you can also be surprised by a short but intense tropical shower. Aruba is not located in the hurricane area, but in the hurricane season it may be that a hurricane is moving along the island, causing us to be struck by a foothill that causes strong winds and heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Because Aruba is so close to the equator, it is dark between 7 and 8 in the evening. The sun comes up around half past seven in the morning.
Aruba had 103,065 inhabitants in 2009. At the moment, there are about 40 nationalities living on Aruba. The population of Aruba is descended from original Indian residents. The original inhabitants belong to the South American tribe of the Arawaks. One suspects that they have crossed over from the mainland in the past. Archaeological remains of bones and utensils found on Aruba indicate a strong kinship between the Arawaks of South America and the inhabitants of Aruba.
The archaeological museum officially opened by Princess Margriet in July 2009 is unique to the Caribbean and certainly worth a visit. The museum is located in the Schelpstraat in Oranjestad.
The archaeological museum officially opened by Princess Margriet in July 2009 is unique to the Caribbean and certainly worth a visit. The museum is located in the Schelpstraat in Oranjestad.
Because of the drought on Aruba there is only a modest flora and fauna. The fauna consists mainly of cacti, shrubs and Divi Divi trees. Aruba has many species of birds and a very spectacular underwater life. Lovers of the diving sport are certainly advised to take a dive. This is possible at a number of renowned diving schools, we will gladly advise you which diving school suits you best.
You do not need special vaccinations for Aruba. Health care in Aruba is well organized. Most doctors have been trained in the Netherlands or in Belgium. The hospital of Aruba is easily accessible from Caya Luna Apartments. This also applies to the dentists in Aruba. If you unexpectedly need the help of a general practitioner or a dentist, we will of course help you with that.
In Aruba you pay with the Aruban florin (guilder) or with the American dollar. The dollar has a fixed price of Awg 1,75 florin. You can’t pay with the Euro. We advise you to bring little cash. In many places you will find pin machines, where you can pin florins or dollars. In addition, you can go to (almost) all stores with your debit card or with your credit card. Most credit cards are accepted here. You should keep in mind that American Express is less popular and that there are often additional costs involved.
You can exchange cash with the banks, but take into account the commission that the bank requests. The exchange of money is limited to a maximum amount.
You can exchange cash with the banks, but take into account the commission that the bank requests. The exchange of money is limited to a maximum amount.
The grid voltage in Aruba is 110 volts (60 hertz). If you have 220 volt equipment that also works at 110 volts then an adapter or adapter plug is required. Reducer plugs are present in the apartment. With this you can, for example, charge your mobile phone or electric toothbrush.
Aruba has two official languages: Papiamento and Dutch. Furthermore, English and Spanish are spoken on the island.
Because of the nice weather in Aruba, it makes sense to leave your coat at home. A (short) pants for the daytime or a summer dress is the most suitable. If you go out to eat then it is advisable for the women to bring a vest. In most restaurants the air conditioning is very cold. Clothing advice is casual in many restaurants. However, if you go to one of the more upscale restaurants, smart casual is recommended.
Almost every hotel has a casino, there are also two in Oranjestad. There is no clothing advice for the casinos. For all areas, except for the beach and the beach bar, swimwear or bare-chested is not allowed.
Topless sunbathing is permitted on some beaches, especially where many Dutch (interns) come, but it is officially forbidden.
Almost every hotel has a casino, there are also two in Oranjestad. There is no clothing advice for the casinos. For all areas, except for the beach and the beach bar, swimwear or bare-chested is not allowed.
Topless sunbathing is permitted on some beaches, especially where many Dutch (interns) come, but it is officially forbidden.
The Caya Luna Apartments have wifi. You can always keep in touch with the home front via what’s app / mail or skype. You can call a local telephone number at local rates if you do not choose the country code for it.