Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba, the smallest of the ABC-Islands and is closest to Venezuela. Oranjestad is a lively little town with many shopping arcades and restaurants. The new houses are a rather bold and colourful echo of the old colonial style, making it seem at times like one has landed in a Caribbean version of Disneyland. This is also where visitors can find the lovely schooner harbour, where there is a daily market. Zoutman Fort, the oldest building on the island, houses the Historical Museum. Every Tuesday a mini music festival is held in the courtyard, providing an insight into island culture. The Archaeological Museum, the Geological Museum and the Numismatics Museum are also worth a visit. Oranjestad is famous for its excellent shopping facilities and the shopping street of Caya Betico Croes offers the greatest choice. In terms of tourism, Aruba is the most developed of the islands. The shops entice passengers with duty free luxury articles; or visitors can choose to spend a day at the beach or get carried away by the nightlife in one of the island's many casinos. To the North-West of Oranjestad is where the main beach, measuring 12 kilometres in length, begins. It is a lovely sandy beach lined by palm trees and hotels ranging from up-market to pure luxury high-end. Anyone spending any length of time on Aruba should definitely take a trip inland to see the huge monoliths and the ancient rock paintings of the indigenous peoples in the caves at Fontain and Canashito and at the cliffs of Arikok and Ayo.
Tips for excursions
Kayak adventure in the Spanish lagoons
This terrific kayak expedition begins at the beautiful south coast of the Spanish lagoon. After a brief introduction, you will paddle off on placid waters through the lagoon and along the Bacaderra canal to enjoy spectacular views of the Aruba reef. On Manguel Halto beach you are surrounded by mangrove trees -- a cold water area rich in sea life and sheltered by the reef. The participants and their guide will travel out to the reef in order to be able to observe this natural wonder and its inhabitants more closely. After a relaxed round of swimming or snorkelling, a snack will be followed by the return by kayak to the Spanish lagoon. The participants will then return to the ship. This tour involves physical exertion.
