Spotlight on Aruba

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Located off the coast of Venezuela is the tiny Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba. Popular enough to make it into a Beach Boys song and a top destination for island travelers seeking paradise, Aruba is one of those gorgeous places that has no bad time to visit. The weather is consistently warm all year long with an average daily temp of just over 80°. Here are just a few of the things you can do while visiting this tropical utopia:

Take a dip in the “Natural Pool” – Located within the Arikok National Park you will find a unique rock formation that features a small depression on the coastline that has created a pool known as “conchi” or “Cura di Tortuga.” This conchi is most popularly referred to as the Natural Pool. Getting there is an adventure in and of itself. The easiest way to get to this area is on a 4X4 although you can reach the site by foot or horseback too. Just beware of visiting during high tide and rough winds as the water can get a little rough and only jump in if you’re a strong swimmer.

Go spelunking in the Quadirikiri and Fontein Caves –  Located just outside the Arikok National Park boundaries are the Quadirikiri and Fontein caves. Be ready to take a lot of photos and be sure to wear comfy tennis shoes. Because these two caves are located just outside the park it is free to explore them, but there are tours available if you don’t want to go it alone.

Water sports galore! – Like most island destinations water sports are available all along the coast. Weather you enjoy wind surfing, kite surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling or jet skiing- there will be plenty of vendors renting out any equipment you may need to get your fill of water sports.

Trek to the California Lighthouse – The California Lighthouse is located on the northwest corner of the island close to Arashi Beach. Named for the S.S. California, which sunk prior to the construction of the lighthouse, this landmark offers a picturesque view of the island’s western coastline and of the Tierra del Sol golf course.

TravelMakersMD

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