Tourist Information

Aruba is one of the islands located at the very heart of the Caribbean, 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela. The island itself is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across at its widest point, with an area of approximately 70 square miles. The island has a population of about 100,000 people, and is made up of an international cross section of people, from African to Asian backgrounds.

The capital city of Oranjestd is located on Aruba’s picturesque southern coast, and is a thriving city with excellent shopping and entertainment facilities. The city also offers beautiful architecture from tall, multicoloured houses to traditional Dutch style buildings, and the many carnivals in the city provide a beautiful array of sights and sounds.

Currency

The official currency of the island is the Aruban florin, which is decimalised.

Banking hours are Monday to Friday, and usually 8am to 12 noon, and 1.30pm to 4pm. There are many ATM machines on the island, so it is easy to gain access to your money when you need it.

Medical Facilities

Aruba is well equipped to handle virtually every medical problem. The Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital is a fantastic hospital with 280 beds and all modern equipment to help if an accident occurs whilst you are on holiday.

Many of the hotels offer facilities for those travelling with disabilities, as well as scooters and crutches available for hire. Please contact your hotel before your leave for more details.

Water & Elecctricity

There is no need to buy bottled water in Aruba, with water being distilled in one of the world's largest saltwater desalination plants. The process of oil refinery that occurs on the islands south west coast. Oil is refined on the island's southwest coast, providing distilled water and electricity as a byproduct creating a more environmentally efficient system.

The island uses the North American voltage standard of 110 A.C., and enjoys a reliable and abundant energy system.

Time

The island uses Atlantic Standard Time one hour ahead of New York, except during Daylight Savings when the time is the same, because unlike the U.S. and Europe it does not adjust the clocks.

Diving in Aruba

There is plenty of diving around Aruba and much of the countries income is generated through diving. The island is host to a large number of outstanding site offering similar experiences to the more popular Bonaire, but without the large dive groups. Most of the sites are located along the islands sheltered southwest coast, providing excellent dive opportunities for all abilities of diver.

Aruba has recently implemented increasing numbers of legislation protect its marine environment, and the sites are now teeming with tropical fish species and exotic flora and fauna species. The reefs themselves are now stunning due to reef clean up operations and the protected underwater park is one of the best locations for diving in the Caribbean.