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Aruba: One Happy Island!

Aruba, the smallest of the ABC Islands (the other two are Bonaire and Curacao) has embraced the tourism industry with a zeal rarely felt on other Caribbean Islands. Located just 15 miles (as the pelican flies) from Venezuela, Aruba's unspoken motto seems to be, "sun, fun, and nightlife!" Gorgeous white sand beaches lure visitors by day, and full-service casinos sway them by night. Guests can tan in the morning and see a lavish stage show in the afternoon. Of course, being in the Caribbean, all of the usual watersports are available. A day's frolic can include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, horseback riding, wind surfing, golfing, and even recently discovered SNUBA diving. So on Aruba, bring your party hat and your sunscreen, and a good time will be had by all!

The capital city of Aruba is Oranjestad, which was named in honor of the Dutch ruling family, the House of Orange. The town is a mixture of old Dutch Caribbean and modern architectures. History lovers will want to frequent the Archaeological Museum, which displays Amerindian tools, pottery, and even a few 2,000 year-old skeletons unearthed from around the island. Another oddity is the Numismatic Museum, which houses a 30,000 historic coin collection from countries all over the world. Duty-free bargains can be found on Caya G.F. Betico Croes, Aruba's main shopping street. Boutiques sell handmade Dutch porcelain and figurines. Dutch cheese is also a hot commodity.

Aruban legend has it that there is a different beach on Aruba for every day of the year. While this may not entirely be accurate, the beaches are incredible, and draw visitors from around the globe. The most popular beach by far is Palm Beach. This wide stretch of white sand fronts some of the huge hotels in Aruba, and has equipment rentals for those wishing to practice their snorkeling, surf-fishing, or sailing skills. The beach is framed by flowering gardens that belong to the hotels, giving a surreal vibrancy to the rather arid geography. The beach at nearby Eagle Beach has a gentle sloping grade that makes this beach the ideal place for an afternoon swim. Equipment rental is available here as well. If you want to escape the crowds, head to the southeastern tip of Aruba in search of Baby Beach. This beach is adorned with golden sand and shallow, calm waters that make for excellent snorkeling and swimming adventures. Baby Beach opens into a vast lagoon that is shielded by coral rocks rising from the water.

If you can pull yourself away from the sand, there are some excellent hiking and horseback riding opportunities in Arikok National Wildlife Park. The trails are generally not strenuous, and the difficulty levels are clearly marked by flags lining the path. The park makes up 18 percent of the island, and trails lead to impossibly beautiful views of the interior of the island and the surrounding Caribbean.

Great snorkeling and scuba diving are limitless in Aruba. The coral reef that surrounds the island draws divers from all over the world. A local favorite is De Palm Island which is a quick 5-minute ferry ride from the mainland. The blue Parrot Fish and colorful coral formations thrill visitors of all skill levels. Scuba buffs will want to check out the German freighter Antilla, located near the northwest tip of Aruba close to Palm Beach, which was scuttled in the early part of WWII.

For a great day on the fairways, head to the northwest portion of the island and try your skills at the Tierra del Sol Golf Course. This 6,800 yard loop was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and is decorated by both the arid landscape of the interior of the island, and the scenic Caribbean that comes into play on a few holes. The course also has a great view of the California Lighthouse, so named for the shipwrecked California, at rest just off the coast. The lighthouse is one of the most famous landmarks in Aruba.

You may need oxygen after a day in Aruba. Sandy beaches, ruggededly handsome scenic parks, crystal clear waters hiding magnificent coral formations, glitzy casinos, and hidden nooks and crannies come together to make Aruba a vacation paradise. This is the fun-filled island you have imagined in all the brochures you have seen of the Caribbean. There is a gigantic party going on in Aruba, and you are invited!