Travel

About Aruba

Aruba is an island country in the southern Caribbean Sea, located about 1,600 kilometres (990 mi) west of the Lesser Antilles and 29 kilometers (18 mi) north of the coast of Venezuela. It measures 32 kilometers (20 mi) long from its northwestern to its southeastern end and 10 kilometers (6 mi) across at its widest point. Together with Bonaire and Curaçao, Aruba forms a group referred to as the ABC islands. Collectively, Aruba and the other Dutch islands in the Caribbean are often called the Netherlands Antilles or the "Dutch Caribbean".

Aruba is one of the four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with the Netherlands, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The citizens of these countries all share a single nationality: Dutch. Aruba has no administrative subdivisions, but, for census purposes, is divided into eight regions. Its capital is Oranjestad.

Unlike much of the Caribbean region, Aruba has a dry climate and an arid, cactus-strewn landscape. This climate has helped tourism as visitors to the island can reliably expect warm, sunny weather. It has a land area of 179 km2 (69.1 sq mi) and is densely populated, with a total of 102,484 inhabitants at the 2010 Census. It lies outside Hurricane Alley.

Best spots on Aruba

Aruba is known as one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. The island has several beautiful spots with amazing sceneries to enjoy. We hereby recommend you the following spots:

1. The California Lighthouse

Why visit? The lighthouse was built between 1914 and 1916 according to a French design. Standing more than 90 feet high, the lighthouse is an impressive landmark in the barren almost lunar-like landscape surrounding it. Its location allows commanding views of the north coast, the sand dunes area, and also towards the high-rise hotel area.

2. The Natural Pool

Why visit? The Natural Pool is protected from the rough sea by surrounding rocks and is located in National Park Arikok. This unique formation of rocks creates a peaceful place and is also known as Aruba's hidden pool. The place is excellent for swimming, snorkeling, diving of the rocks or just to relax. It is not recommended to swim in the pool when the waves are too high as it can be dangerous. To get to the natural pool a 4x4 vehicle is needed.

3. Baby Beach

Why visit? Excellent and a great spot for snorkeling. Outside the large shallow lagoon caution is required due to strong currents. Very shallow water - white powder sand - recently updated with some facilities like beach Palapas, bathrooms, etc.

4. Boca Catalina

Why visit? Boca Catalina is a small bay in the Malmok Beach area. The white sandy beach is accessible by steps and ample parking space is available alongside the main road. The crystal clear and calm waters make this the perfect location for a private swim and snorkeling in Aruba. Boca Catalina is a popular beach and attracts a fun mix of local families and tourists, especially during weekends.

5. The tunnel of love

Why visit? The Huliba Cave is also known as the Tunnel of Love because of the heart shaped opening at its entrance. You will need flashlights to explore the 300-foot-long passageway. This cave is located within the Arikok National Park.

Top Drive Roadside Assistance

At Top Drive we know that driving in a foreign country can sometimes be unpredictable. Therefore, we provide you with a free 24 hour road service assistance. This service includes:

Unlocking car doors
Jumpstart: when jumpstart required for more than once during a period of two weeks due to discharging battery, customer will be charged a reduced rate of AWG 35.
Refueling: AWG 10 fuel charges payable by customer upon delivery.
Towing services: two (2) per policy year. For more than two yearly, reduced prices are charged. AWG 45 from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM and AWG 80 from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM and AWG 100 from 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM.
Changing flat tire: customer should have a fully functional spare available for tire change assistance. All costs for non-functional spare taken to repair shop and back are for customer’s account. For special bolts etc., customer must apply the necessary tools.

Exceptions

Free services not available in off-road areas as, for example, behind California Lighthouse, Arikok National Park, Grapefield or on the beach.

Note: Customers accepting service rendered by any other road/towing service than Jean’s towing will not be eligible for any reimbursement whatsoever neither by Top Drive nor Jean’s towing.

Traffic rules in Aruba

Getting around Aruba is quick and easy. Driving in Aruba occurs on the right-hand side of the road, just as in America. Those with a valid U.S. license and who are 21 years of age may legally drive in Aruba without taking any further steps such as getting a temporary license. Local laws require drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and children under 5 years to be secured in a child safety seat; if children are older and no longer required to sit in car seats, they should sit in the back seat. The only significant difference from the most common U.S. driving laws is that right turns on red lights are always prohibited.

Aruba 's main thoroughfare, L.G. Smith Boulevard, is well-lit, and most hotels and tourist attractions are easily located. Speed limits in Aruba are not consistently enforced, so drivers should be alert at all times for speeding cars, which have been known to cause fatal accidents. In the interior areas of the island, drivers should be alert for herds of livestock that may cross the roads unexpectedly.