Aruba Deals
Aruba All Inclusive Vacations
Looking for your next amazing escape? All inclusive resorts in Aruba offer you the opportunity to submerge yourself in the culture, history, and beauty of the tropics. With over 80 nationalities in this kaleidoscope of culture, you will find a number of new experiences, all amidst the tropical hues of Oranjestad, the capital and surrounding areas. The succulent flavors of the islands are infused in the Euro-Caribbean foods and endless celebrations.
Aruba all inclusive vacations provide an opportunity to experience the natural wonders and unique geography of the island. Explore mountainous peaks, white-sand beaches, and a desert-like interior. Aruba is divided into three separate regions. This includes Oranjestad, featuring all the sounds, sights and colors of the island. It offers a mix of the old and new Aruba and is a cultural melting pot that visitors will not want to miss. The second area is Western Aruba, where most visitors spend the majority of their time. Here you will find the posh attractions of a larger city, Aruba all inclusive resorts, a number of restaurants and casinos, a vibrant nightlife and various shopping centers, all with the beach just a few steps away. The third area is Eastern Aruba, which is the perfect destination for any adventure lover. This portion of the island is much less populated, but home of Arikok National Park where visitors can partake in jeep tours to witness the beautiful landscape firsthand. Be sure to check with the concierge desk at your Aruba all inclusive resort to help arrange excursions and transportation so you can experience the best of this beautiful country.
A trip to Aruba at an all inclusive resort, takes you on a journey to an entirely new world, where you can truly experience a different way of life and discover first-hand why Aruba is known as One Happy Island. The islands are calling – are you going to answer?
Getting There
Entry Requirements
All travelers between the U.S. and the Caribbean are required to carry passports beginning January 1, 2007 as mandated by the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. We encourage you to begin the passport application process early to avoid unexpected delays. Travelers should allow a minimum of six weeks between their application submission and receipt of passport. Visas are not required for stays less than three months by US Passport holders. Passports can be expedited for an additional processing fee. Please visit travel.state.gov for more information.
Foreign residents of the United States and all other foreign visitors not holding a US Passport must contact the appropriate government authorities to determine the entry and visa requirements.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not required unless arriving from, or traveling through, a country with a formally declared health epidemic. Please consult www.cdc.gov for current information.
Departure Tax
The departure tax in Aruba is $36.75 (U.S.) and is often included in the price of the airline ticket. (Subject to change)
What to Wear
Light, informal clothing is the rule for Aruba’s year round summer climate. Some of the elegant all inclusive Aruba resorts, nightclubs and casinos may require dressier clothing and evening wear.
Currency and Banks
Aruba’s offical currency is the Aruba florin. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those with ATM cards bearing the CIRRUS or Plus system emblem can withdraw cash in florins or U.S. dollars through the many ATM’s throughout the island.
Driving
Arubans drive on the right side of the road as in the United States.
Communications
Aruba is fully equipped with cable telephone lines, cellular service and Internet capabilities.
Electricity
Aruba’s electrical voltage is 110 AC/60 cycles, just like the U.S.
Water
With the world’s second largest saltwater purification plant, Aruba’s water is safe to drink straight from the tap.
Airports
Queen Beatrix International Airport is Aruba’s primary commercial airport for connections around the world.
Pets
Valid rabies and health certificates from a recognized veterinarian are required before bringing dogs or cats into Aruba. No pets from South or Central America are allowed.
Geography
Aruba is a wild island filled with arid plains, lush cacti and miles of Caribbean kissed shores. Dramatic rock formations and unique vegetation span the interior and level into the white sands that mark Aruba’s beaches. The Arikok Park comprises nearly 20% of the island and boasts 48 types of native trees and a myriad of animal species. The unique geography is a bustling land that forms the collage known as Aruba.
Climate
Aruba boasts a year-round summer temperature of approximately 82° Fahrenheit and an average rainfall of less than 20 inches a year.
Government
As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba is a hereditary constitutional monarchy and is based on Western democratic principles. The Queen of the Kingdom appoints a governor for a term of six years and acts as the island’s sovereign representative.
History
Beginning with the Arawak Indians in 1000 A.D., the beauty of Aruba has been a source of conflict and International war. In 1499 Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda arrived and exported the Arawaks to the Dominican Republic to work in the copper mines. The Dutch took possession of the island as a result of the Eighty Years’ War and have remained as a country under the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This far-reaching history can be seen in the ancient artifacts, churches and abandoned plantations found throughout the island.
Cultural Experience
The culture of Aruba is a diverse mixture of people from South America, Europe, Asia and other islands in the Caribbean. The result is a jubilant people whose carnivals, festivals and native foods are a welcomed comfort for everyone who comes here. Colorful dresses flow with bright colors and the signature sound of island music. It’s the people who have won Aruba the well-appointed description of “One Happy Island.”
Time Zone
Aruba is on Local Standard Time which is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Destination information is subject to change without prior notice.
Attractions
Beaches
Aruba’s beaches are a beautiful tapestry of white sands, green palms and clear blue waters. Welcoming shores are cooled by gentle trade winds and stretch for miles into the surrounding Caribbean Sea. Wonderfully clear waters open the marine world to snorkelers, while slowly descending beaches create a safe haven for children and other aqua endeavors.
Dining
Savory tastes from the Caribbean Sea are a specialty in Aruba. Freshly caught conch, tuna, wahoo and grouper are commonly mixed with native spices and presented in charming seaside venues throughout the island. Increased tourism has also brought flavors from around world and made Aruba a culinary retreat for fine International dining.
Excursions
The rugged landscape and enigmatic history of Aruba have primed the island for exciting and scenic excursions. Experience the diverse flora and fauna of Arikok Park. Approximately 18 percent of the entire island was reserved for this teeming reserve of exotic wildlife, striking cacti and the signature bend of the divi-divi tree. For a taste of history, visit the California Lighthouse or walk through the gold mines of the early Spanish and Dutch periods. The endless blend of Aruba’s natural and historic settings promises something for every avid explorer.
Sports and Recreations
Aruba is an exciting island with adventure for the active or languid traveler. Tee off on the championship fairways of the Tierra del Sol golf course or explore the sunken vessels of Aruba’s reefs. Every conceivable sport, from kite surfing to horseback riding, is found over the seascapes and landscapes of this rewarding island.
Nightlife
When the sun finally sets, fabulous resort areas and playful cities unveil a totally different Aruba. Eleven casinos and countless bars spread throughout the island and offer great gaming, tropical concoctions and the warm embrace of Aruban hospitality. Many all inclusive resorts in Aruba draw from the local talent for nightly shows and beachfront theme parties. Hop on a sunset party boat or take an intimate walk on the luminous sands of Aruba’s beaches. The tenor of every evening is harmonized on Aruba.
Destination information is subject to change without prior notice.