Aruba
Just 14 miles north of Venezuela, Aruba is the smallest and most Western island of the Dutch Antilles, which, known locally as the ABCs, also include Bonaire and Curaçao. With its miles of white, sandy beaches, turquoise-blue waters and guaranteed sun, Aruba is a great destination for sun-worshippers and a popular stop for cruise ship passengers. Over a million visitors arrive on this tiny island each year enticed by its luxury resorts, first-class restaurants, 24-hour casinos and excellent watersports facilities.
The weather is wonderful --warm, sunny, dry, and breezy. Anytime of the year is great.
Riu Palace Aruba
The Riu Palace is located on Palm Beach, six miles from Aruba’s airport, this resort features a spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. The wide expanse of soft, golden sand, virtually at its front door, invites guests to enjoy the warm breeze. Choose from five restaurants with international, gourmet, and fusion cuisine.
Scuba Diving
Aruba's underwater realm draws scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts intent on exploring its famed
spectacular shipwrecks and fascinating coral formations. The island's dive sites include the largest wreck in the Caribbean, the renowned Antilla. The waters abound in exotic marine life. Most divers base themselves at hotels on Palm Beach to access the best dive sites, which lie along the western and southern coasts. There are more than 40 sites serviced by numerous operators on the island. A shallow sand plateau stretches out to the offshore reefs, which are best reached by boat. Coral formations are in relatively shallow water and visibility and weather conditions are usually excellent. Beginners will find top-rated scuba schools on offer.
Deep Sea Fishing
A visit to the waterfront in Oranjestad is all it takes for deep-sea fishing enthusiasts to hire themselves a private boat with captain and crew, for a day or a few hours, to set out to sea in search of game. The island's temperate offshore waters boast a wide variety of Atlantic game fish, including white and blue marlin, Barracuda, Shark, Blackfin, Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna. In high season charters may be difficult to come by, so it may be wise to book ahead through your hotel.
