Many influences shape the island’s social atmosphere: the Dutch who own the island, the African heritage of its populace and the Latin touch from nearby South America. Aruba has committed itself to the tourist trade, with good results. Accommodations are varied and comfortable, service is good and the people are happy to help you enjoy yourself. You will see the Dutch influence in the architecture, which pleases the eye, and in the food; you can have Indonesian rijstafel one night and spicy local seafood the next. It also is a change of pace because Aruba is not totally English-speaking, but it's not hard to communicate if you’re patient. Aruba’s American fans like the features that make the island foreign and “different” although it is close to home.

Due to the Dutch influence, this is a slightly more reserved society than what visitors find on some other islands. Your hosts prefer that you observe some decorum, which mostly means to dress appropriately downtown and in nice restaurants which no doubt enhances the sense of excitement and glamour here. In return they extend a warm welcome and share their island with a charm and style all their own. Indeed, American visitors comment on the “clean” island, friendly people and the sense they are safe while here.

As you read about other Caribbean destinations at this Web site, you’ll realize that part of the charm of this region is that each island has its own personality. The islands differ in ambience and attitude, and even in climate and topography. Aruba appeals to a wider variety of people (and particularly to authentics) than some others because it offers a broader range of activities and is especially noted for its shopping opportunities. In addition, authentics always enjoy entertainment and gaming activities. Venturers are cooler in their assessment because of a more limited range of sports activities and some commercial development. Still, they can pursue water sports like diving, fishing and snorkeling and especially wind surfing with the constant, predictable wind patterns. And everyone will enjoy the distinctive mixed culture of Aruba which manifests itself in music, manners and food.

Take an off-road safari in a 4x4 vehicle; it is a guided trip, but you do the driving.

Rent a mountain bike for a self-guided sightseeing excursion (and carry lots of sun block). Alternatively, you can take this bike tour with a group. Ask at your hotel.

Scuba dive at stunning reefs or shipwrecks. If you are not a diver, take lessons here.

Try dune-sliding at the Boca Prins dunes. It’s a desert, remember? Wear jeans, tennis shoes and long sleeves.

Go windsurfing and kite surfing. If you are a novice, stick with the southern shore; if experienced, choices expand to the northern and southeastern coasts. In June, attend the 10-day Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge windsurfing tournament.

A good place for deep-sea fishing; then ask one of the island’s willing restaurants to cook your catch for dinner.

On Palm Beach, book a parasailing experience. The 15-minute ride will take you 600 feet in the air.

Take the Rhino Rider Water Safari. This refers to a 10-foot inflatable motorboat that accommodates two for an adventurous ride through the Barcadera Channel. The trip is described as a “Jeep tour on water,” and you are the driver.

Snork on De Palm Island, a five-minute ferry ride from the mainland. The island boasts abundant coral formations — plus the colorful blue parrot fish.

Jazz in June? Arubans like festivals, and this one in Oranjestad is great fun for music lovers. Jazz at this festival, tellingly named the Jazz and Latin Music Festival, has a special Aruba sizzle.

Experiment with the varied cuisine of Aruba. Classic French, Dutch and Indonesian specialties, Spanish paella and Aruban-style seafood are among your choices. You can sign on for a dine-around program. Don’t forget to dress up a little.

Take a sunset cruise that includes dinner. Several of the ships will drop anchor in a quiet cove for dancing and a moonlight dip, as well. There are plenty of other options for boat trips around the island.

Rent a Jeep or scooter and go sightseeing on your own. Or, participate in an organized Jeep tour with others in a kind of “wagon train” that will take you to all the key sights on Aruba, finishing off on a private island.

Several vendors make horses available for riding experiences and suggest trails to follow.

Go caving, and visit places that legend says were hiding places for pirates’ treasure. At Guadirikiri Cave, you’ll have good photo opportunities after walking the 100-foot gauntlet of harmless bats lining the tunnel. Fontein Cave is more popular because it is the only one with drawings made by the indigenous Arawak people.

Attend one of the Tuesday evening parties called the Bon Bini Festival at Fort Zoutman in Oranjestad. For a small admission fee, you can mix with other guests and locals, sample drinks and browse local crafts.

Oranjestad grew up around Fort Zoutman, which the Dutch built to protect its interests on Aruba. The fort is worth a tour, housing many exhibits of the island’s history.

Gambling and nightlife are a major part of this island’s package. Visit a couple of the upscale casinos and be sure to attend one of the extravagant shows.

Drive to San Nicolas, the second town on Aruba. It’s on the southern end of the island, so you’ll see some of the picturesque terrain. San Nicolas was once THE place to live on Aruba, but now is a quiet contrast to the developed tourist areas.

Play golf. Try the Tierra Del Sol or The Links course. Remember, these are desert courses and they use recycled water because of the low rainfall and flat terrain (no mountains to provide running streams).

Visit Aruba’s bird sanctuary where more than 80 species of migratory birds stop by at various times of the year, for rest or breeding. Birds include cormorants, egrets, gulls, herons and several species of duck. But don’t end it with the birds: Also, visit the local butterfly farm and the ostrich farm. Take your camera everywhere.

Travel aboard a 48-passenger Atlantis Submarine to 150 feet below the sea’s surface in order to get a good look at coral reefs, a wide array of colorful marine life and two shipwrecks.

For more information, consult the Aruba Tourism Authority at www.aruba.com


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