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INTERVAL INTERNATIONAL
IntervalWorld.com
Aruba Tourism Authority (Carnival); Greg Lord/Aruba Tourism Authority (golf)
hy Go?
For the quintessential do-it-all, or do-nothing, Caribbean experience. Aruba’s beaches are sunny and sugar-
soft, and the locals are laid-back and friendly. There’s plenty of shopping and assorted outdoor activities, as well as
cultural attractions, regional food specialties, and seasonal festivals. In other words, no matter what your ideal vision of
an island escape may be — and whether you want a romantic retreat, family trip, or just a break from the real world —
this gem 15 miles (24 kilometers) north of the South American coast will fulfill your expectations.
w
Caribbean, Southern Islands and Margarita
14 – 26
Some of Aruba’s most fascinating spectacles are
found underwater. There are plenty of great
snorkeling
spots accessible right from shore at
locations such as Malmok Beach and Boca
Catalina, but be sure to book a boat trip to the
Antilla
shipwreck, too. For scuba divers, the
Antilla
is just the beginning. Look for the green moray eels
at the Tugboat Wreck and swim through the
ghostly Airplane Wrecks site. Or, stay completely
dry while surveying a reef from inside an Atlantis
submarine.
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Accounting for nearly 20 percent of the island’s
total landmass, Arikok National Park provides
recreation and sightseeing options that extend
way beyond the beach. Miles of hiking trails tra-
verse the area and allow visitors the opportunity
to see mixed geological features, a range of local
plant life, and an abundance of resident animals,
including the indigenous parakeet and burrowing
owl. If you’d rather attempt to score birdies than
look at them, play 18 holes at the
Tierra del Sol
golf course
.
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This is
Carnival
season on Aruba. January and
February typically are chockablock with celebra-
tions ranging from the famous jump-up parties
and fun youth activities to the Grand Parade and
Burning of King Momo closing ceremonies. Live
music, elaborate costumes, and street food are
staples at nearly all of the events. For a day of
quiet amid the revelry, journey to the Natural Pool,
a secluded, hard-to-get-to stretch of coastline in
Arikok National Park where the rocks form an irre-
sistible swimming hole.
27 – 39
The year-round average daily temperature is
about 82°F (28°C). Still, this is normally the
warmest seasonal stretch, due in large part to the
disappearing trade winds in September. When the
sun does get to be too much, head to the National
Archaeological Museum, which houses some
10,000 Amerindian artifacts, as well as various
multimedia and interactive exhibits. Of course, sea-
side activities, ranging from banana boat rides and
stand-up paddleboarding to simply taking a dip or
relaxing on the
beach
, also make it easy to beat
the heat.
1.
CARUBBIAN FESTIVAL:
Every Thursday evening experience a night of Carnival-like carousing in San Nicolas.
2.
ORANJESTAD:
Explore the potpourri of colonial architecture, restaurants, and countless shops and boutiques.
3.
CARIBBEAN SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL:
Delight in the food, art, and music during this annual October celebration.
4.
FONTEIN CAVE:
Marvel at the ceiling’s Arawak Indian artwork. Explore the Guadirikiri, and Huliba chambers, too.
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Greatest
Demand
Greatest
Availability
Market
Average
2017
2016
2016 – 2017