Located 15 miles off the Venezuelan coast, Aruba is a Caribbean destination with a high rate of repeat visitors. This tourist spot draws many visitors back to its island hotels because of the warm hospitality and friendliness of Arubans. The Aruba natives have always been proud for such qualities aside from the exquisite, natural beauty of the Aruba Island.
Island adventure is the most favorite activity of many tourists in Aruba since the island is endowed with astonishing, diverse landscapes, unique terrains, desert interiors, leeward coast of beaches and coastlines stressed with cliffs and inlets.
Near the road going to San Nicolas, the well-known Mangel Halto and Savaneta beaches are located. These beaches are famous for their mangrove-covered lagoons, canals and small bridges. The lagoons extend to the sea, making these places appealing for many snorkelers. Other Aruban landmarks passing through San Nicolas include the half-century Lago Refinery, the coral-colored anchor, the sandy, half-moon shaped Baby Beach and the powdery white Rodgers Beach.
Arikok National Park is another adventurous place for tourists. This park houses three geological attractions – lava, limestone and quartz diorite formations. The Arikok granite rocks in this park also exhibit markings of the earliest island inhabitants like the thousand-year old drawings of the Caquetio Indians. Thus, these rocks make Arikok a historical magnet for visitors.
Arikok encompasses Mount Jamanota, the highest peak in Aruba. This mountain has underground Indian caves that are always appealing to land explorers. Caribbean wildlife in this mountain like the cat-eyed snake, the burrowing owl, the Aruban parakeet, the whiptail lizard and iguanas, also fascinates many visitors. Many species are seen in the parks especially the iguanas, the migratory birds, donkeys and goats that graze on the hills. Akikok is also a sanctuary of desert vegetation including the rare and exotic types. Examples include the cacti, divi-divi trees, tropical flowers and aloe plants. Along the coast near Arikok lie limestone cliffs and sand dunes. These are darling places for photographers and earth lovers.
Other Aruban historical sites include the Cunucu Arikok, Miralamar Masiduri and Hofi Fontein. Cununu is a restored farm made of grass and mud adobe. It recreates early Aruban life. The Miralamar is a 20th century complex of trenches and gold mines, while the Masiduri is a 1950 experimental garden. The Hofi Fontein on the other hand, is the only area along Aruba’s north coast that has a freshwater spring. Vegetables were grown by many Chinese immigrants in the place, a reason why it has a Chinese name.
Swimming is never recommended in the island’s windward side due to the crashing waves and the strong undertow. However, many Aruban beaches in the wild coast provide such splendid experience. Island hotels are often located near coves made of limestone bluff since these places are either great for sunbathers and picnic-lovers like the Dos Playa or perfect for windsurfers like the Boca Grandi. Plus, tourists stay in these island hotels more than the other parts of Aruba because this natural pool is protected by big rocks from the rough sea and is adorned by native sea turtles.
Source by D. Serrano