Lizards of all species are abundant in Aruba and many of these reptiles cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re an animal enthusiast, an amateur photographer, a nature lover, or simply a traveler in search of an interesting vacation activity, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Aruba.
One place to begin your search is Arikok National Park. This ecological preserve covers nearly 20 percent of the island and is home to various animal species that are exclusive to Aruba. The park contains a variety of lizards including the Aruban Whiptail lizard, or Kododo blauw. The Aruban Whiptail is among the most common, and important, reptiles in Aruba. The males are known for their beautiful turquoise blue color. These omnivorous reptiles are indigenous to Aruba and survive on a diet of fruits, insects, and occasionally eggs and mice. The Aruban Whiptail and a variety of other reptiles, birds, and animals can be seen in part of the park called Cunucu Arikok. Cunucu Arikok is a partially-restored farm that serves as a 45 minute nature hike and gives up-close views of wildlife and vegetation.
Residing largely outside of the national park, Iguanas are also one of the most popular lizards in Aruba. Iguanas range from a bright, neon green when they are young, to a more subdued grey-green as adults. Male iguanas can grow up to more than 6 feet in length. These reptiles can often be found relaxing in the sun, or in trees in search of a snack. Iguanas are known to be quite fast, and much like chameleons, iguanas are known for their ability to blend into their surroundings, especially when they sense danger. The ability to camouflage themselves was once a valuable tool for iguanas because they were widely considered a delicacy in Aruba, and were made into a variety of soups and stews. It is now illegal to hunt iguanas and any restaurant caught serving them can be fined and possibly shut down.
Aruban Whiptails, Iguanas, and a variety of other species of reptiles can be found in most areas of the island. If lizards don’t seem to be your cup of tea, don’t worry. These local reptiles keep to themselves. Unless you try to feed them, they will do their own thing and allow you to do yours. These island natives add to the Aruban atmosphere and provide plenty of photo opportunities.
Are you ready for a little time in heaven on earth? An Aruba vacation is just what you need to relax from your busy lifestyle and let your hair down! Take advantage of the gorgeous and never-ending sunshine by making sunscreen and your favorite bathing suit your two most important accessories. You will undoubtedly be spending a lot of time in the water during your tropical vacation in paradise, participating in exciting activities like kite surfing, wave running, snorkeling, sailing and water skiing. Every water sport you can imagine and hobby that is accomplished in the ocean—from deep sea fishing to surfing—can be found in Aruba.
Apart from the water activities, there are many things to do on dry land as well. The overall terrain of Aruba is a sight to see by itself. Rugged cliffs, fascinating natural rock formations, rough hiking trails and bike paths lined with prickly cactus abound on this island. Feel free to explore everywhere on foot, riding horseback or driving an ATV. Claim the wilderness on the island as your own playground to explore and discover natural sights you have never seen before. This will be a much-welcomed alternative to sitting in an office chair all day staring at a computer screen.
The next important part of an Aruba vacation is the opportunity you have to visit old mills, museums, ancient churches and go on other tours around the island. You may also want to take the time to play some land sports like golf, tennis, beach volleyball or biking. Feel the tension and stress leave your body as you practice your putt to the sound of lapping ocean waves or play volleyball along the shore. When your feet start to tire out, take a break at one of the local beach bars and order yourself a refreshing cocktail. Enjoy new flavors and appreciate unique company. Vacations are all about relaxing, enjoying yourself and meeting new people along the way.
After a satisfying but tiring day, treat yourself to a spa service in the evening. Your Aruba vacation is the perfect time to pamper and spoil yourself in a way you never would at home. Everything from pedicures and massages to facials and haircuts can be had at one of the many island spas. Returning home from your Aruba vacation should leave you looking and feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rigors of your everyday life once more. Learn more about how to enjoy this experience at http://www.in-aruba.com.
Your vacation to Aruba is one you will remember for a lifetime! Great memories are made by thousands of visiting families and couples every year. If you are planning a vacation to Aruba, you must come to understand the proceedings in the airport, both coming and going. Once your relaxing vacation has sadly come to a conclusion, you will need to prepare yourself for the departing flight. Arrive at the airport three hours early to prevent stress as you stand in the many lines that are built into departing flights from Aruba. Baggage check-in, passport and boarding pass review, security screening and US customs are just a few of the lines you must pass through.
Upon your initial arrival to the airport, check-in your baggage at the main terminal if you brought large enough luggage on your trip. Take your carry-on luggage with you. The next step is to pass through an Aruba customs checkpoint. As you continue to make your way through the airport, following signs to your gate, you will approach the first US customs checkpoint. The process that awaits you here is similar to what you experience in many US airports. Once through the line, you will retrieve your carry-on luggage and proceed through the line.
Once you pass through the first checkpoint, you return your luggage to another conveyer belt and pass through the second US customs checkpoint for security screening. This is the final checkpoint and once you are through here, you can pick up your luggage for the final time and proceed to your gate and await the departure of your plane. There is a bit of a mystery as to why there is a dual US customs procedure in addition to the one Aruba customs line, as all it really seems to accomplish is the necessity for an earlier arrival at the airport. This is something the hotel industry can take advantage of, as their guests must depart early enough to catch their flight, giving hotel workers all afternoon to prepare for arriving guests later in the day.
Whatever the reason for multiple US customs checkpoints when departing from Aruba, you must plan to arrive early enough to pass through these points without stress, rushing and possibly missing your flight. This will aid in bringing your fun-filled vacation to a successful conclusion and not put a damper on the great memories of your family trip. There is more information available at http://www.in-aruba.com.
When traveling to and from Queen Beatrix International Airport, Aruba Airport Authority, the owner of the international airport, gives you several transportation options. No matter your budget or preferences, you can acquire adequate transportation to and from your hotel as you arrive on the island and when the time comes to say good-bye at the end of your vacation.
Renting a car is a popular option, as you can keep it the entire duration of your stay in Aruba. With the renovations Aruba Airport Authority is constantly completing to improve the ability of the airport to deliver satisfaction to the travelers that go through it each year, ten great car rental options are now available throughout the arrival terminals. Both international and local brands are represented so you can use the services of whoever you feel the most comfortable with. No matter the style of car you hope to rent, the airport car rental options have you covered. If you want to cruise around town in your small coupe, or if you prefer a 4x4 to traverse the rougher terrain, your options are limitless.
If you think you will not be driving all that much during your stay, a taxi service could be perfect, provided conveniently by Aruba Airport Authority. Get a ride to your hotel and summon a taxi later to transport you to a nearby golf course, to town in order to go shopping, or any other place you want to visit. The best thing about taxis is the rates are set and you do not have to concern yourself with the issue of parking. Taxi fees are charged based on mileage, not number of people being transported, though the maximum number possible in a single cab is five.
Both these options may be a bit out of your price range, and if that is the case, Aruba Airport Authority has worked to hire public transportation to give you a ride to and from Queen Beatrix International Airport. Bus stops are present just beyond the airport property and they are serviced frequently so you never have to wait an extended period of time for a ride to wherever you are headed. Aruba Airport Authority promises you that your visit to the airport and the shores of Aruba will be an enjoyable experience as far as they are concerned. Your time there will make you want to return again soon! Find out more at http://www.in-aruba.com.
What questions to you have about the island of Aruba? If you are planning on traveling there in the near future, you should be sure to have all your pressing questions answered before you finalize any plans. Perhaps you are simply curious about how the island got its name or the opinion Aruba locals have of American tourists. Doing some fun research will help you enjoy your trip more when you travel there. Aruba is probably not the least expensive place you could choose to visit, and you will want to make the most out of your trip. A look at an Aruba forum can be perfect for satisfying your curiosity about this Caribbean island.
You may be interested in the origin of the island. Where did the name come from? How did the Netherlands come to have control of the island and in what year? You could rent a history book on Aruba from the library, or simply conduct a few internet searches. Or you could visit one knowledgeable location like an Aruba forum where people from all over the country and even the world come together to ask and answer questions about the history of Aruba.
For those of you who are not history buffs, this is certainly not the only topic addressed in an Aruba forum. As an American visitor to the island, you may be curious about the ideas the natives have about the United States. Tourists need to be aware of any animosity a particular country or region may have against their native homeland. Fortunately, American tourists can rest assured that natives of Aruba do not generally have hostile feelings against the country. This general consensus was reached on an Aruba forum where previous visitors to the island as well as experts on the topic provide answers to the questions of potential tourists.
No matter what question you have concerning the country of Aruba, it can almost undoubtedly be answered in an Aruba forum. Knowledgeable people operate the forum, keeping it up-to-date and relevant. You can always scan back through old entries to see what may still be valid for today. Many threads, like facts about the origins of the island, will be relevant forever while topics about Aruba’s opinion of America may change over time. This is why it is important to explore both new and older posts. See what is offered today at http://www.in-aruba.com/forums.php.