ARUBA, NETHERLANDS ANTILLES, TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE - CARIBBEAN

ARUBA TRAVEL GUIDE

Explore Aruba's Southern Coast by Kayak   by Justin Burch
How to Get Around In Aruba   by Jorge Jimenez

Explore Aruba's Southern Coast by Kayak   by Justin Burch

One of the most popular kayaking activities in Aruba is the four-hour guided tour offered by Aruba Kayak Adventure. Departing each morning at 9:30 am, these casual tours pass by some of the most celebrated pirate hideouts - including the popular Spanish Lagoon area. The guides are knowledgeable of everything from pirate mythology to the unique species found in the warm Caribbean waters. 

The price of the tour includes not only the guide and kayaking instruction, but also lunch and the use of snorkeling equipment. Most of the kayaking tours launch from the small fishing village of Savaneta and return to land at Barcadera, one of Aruba's primary ports. With a kayaking tour, you won't have to worry about any of the details - you even receive transportation to and from your resort..

In addition to the Spanish Lagoon, there are plenty of sites along Aruba's southern coast. East of the secluded lagoon is the Mangel Halto Reef - thought by many to be the healthiest reef in Aruba. With a small, secluded beach that allows snorkelers to walk right into the reef, Mangel Halto is a great dive spot for all skill levels. After checking out the reef and impressive underwater life, you can lay in the sun on the quiet adjoining beach. As you paddle along in your kayak, you can also admire miles of lush mangrove forests and numerous hidden coves tucked along the coast.

If you want to experience the Caribbean and Aruba's coastline on your own, all the best resorts offer kayak rentals. When you make your reservations with your resort, simply inquire about the availability of such equipment. You can include kayaking and snorkeling as part of a moneysaving activity package, helping you and your family experience all the best sites without breaking the bank. If you are unsure of where to visit while kayaking or want to find the best snorkeling sites, your concierge will be able to build an itinerary for your adventure.

One of the favorite destinations for kayakers - both on tours and paddling solo - is DePalm Island. Just a short paddle from the Spanish Lagoon, DePalm Island is a great place to snorkel and relax in the sun. Most of the kayaking tours visit this small island and offer tourists lunch at the charming restaurant. 

DePalm Island is also one of the best sites you will ever find for underwater photography. With shallow reefs and crystal clear water, you certainly don't want to forget your camera.

After you return to shore, there are plenty of other activities on the southern shore worth exploring. With calm winds and gentle surf, southern Aruba is also a favorite destination of windsurfers and kitesurfers. You can find several rental shops and tour guides in the area, with many services catering to novices and families. These calm waters are also a big draw for fishermen. Half-day and full-day tours can be arranged through fishing shops throughout Aruba or directly through your resort. After you catch some wahoo or yellowfin tuna, you can even take your catch to a number of local restaurants to be grilled and served.

As the most popular beaches and sites in Aruba are located on the western shore, a visit to the southern coast can provide a pleasant getaway. As word spreads about kayaking in southern Aruba, the sport will certainly continue gaining popularity. When in Aruba, ask your resort about kayaking and experience the unspoiled Caribbean beauty that everyone is talking about.

How to Get Around In Aruba   by Jorge Jimenez

Although Aruba isn't a very big island, you can't get everywhere by bus and that is why renting a car is the perfect solution. 

Comparing Aruba to other Caribbean islands, Aruba's roads are paved and well maintained, connecting attractions and sightseeing destinations easily. A jeep or a sport utility vehicle (SUV) is an ideal solution for those tourists who want to explore Aruba beyond its basic tourist sites. 

It is quite easy to rent a car in Aruba because most car rental companies have their headquarters near the local airport so tourists won't have to search real hard. Such companies provide maps for tourists and also many visitor related magazines include road maps.

Aruba's jeep rental companies offer 4-wheel drive cars for people who want to try something different, people with spirit of adventure that want to see hard-accessible places, places people only can get to by driving all terrain vehicles. Of course, tourists can't access this kind of places by buses or other means of transportation because these vehicles have a strict route from which they can't deviate thus renting a vehicle from Aruba's auto rental companies is ideal for people who want to benefit from Aruba's full potential. 

Another reason people should rent cars is because the comfort is superior to other means of transportation and also with a rented car, you have all the freedom in the world, you can go places where bus routes won't take you. Only with a car you can fully enjoy a trip because we all know how uncomfortable train or bus seats are, it is almost impossible to fall asleep in these vehicles, even if you do, you will wake up exhausted and in no mood to enjoy your vacation.

A difficult matter regarding Aruba's auto rental companies is that the variety is quite large so people should pay attention which company they choose because no one wants to pay extra money for no reason thus it is advisable to research first and choose after. 

There are a few conditions to be met in order to rent a car: the minimum age to rent one is 21 - 23 (depending on the car rental company) while the maximum one is 65 - 70, also depending on the company. Another condition that has to be met refers to the fact that the person who is planning to rent a car must have an international driver's license or any valid license held for at least two full years.

All in all, Aruba's auto rental companies are the ideal solution for tourists that want to take advantage of really getting around in the island, people who want to be independent, people that don't like respecting strict schedules and going on predefined routes with the local means of transportation.

Summary : Car rental companies offer the freedom every tourist's dreams of: no strict schedules, no predefined routes, and all the comfort in the world. That's why this business is rapidly developing.

About the Author - Jorge Jimenez owns www.smart-rent-a-car.com, a site in which you will find valuable information about auto rental in Aruba, prices and also what types of vehicles are available.

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