Aruba
Staff Report
The country's two noteworthy tracks take full advantage of the oceanside
terrain and wonderful weather. Aside from the two below, the other course
of sorts worth noting is Adventure Golf, perhaps the world's largest miniature
golf course.
Golf Courses at a Glance
FAQ
1. What and where is Aruba?
Aruba is a Dutch colony located in the south Caribbean
Sea, only 15 miles north of Venezuela. It is 19.6 miles long and only
six miles across at its widest point. The island's southern coast is populated
with white beaches and blue seas, and also home to the capital city, Oranjestad.
Conversely, the northern coast is best known for his rugged and wild characteristics,
bordering up to the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Do I need any special documents once I get there?
Citizens of the United States and Canada are permitted to stay
in Aruba for a maximum length of three months without a visa, provided
that they have proof of sufficient funds and have purchased a return
ticket. Travelers from these two countries must present either a
valid passport or a birth certificate to gain entry into the country.
3. Will I suffer from any jet lag?
That of course depends on where you are coming from, but the Virgin
Islands are in the Atlantic Standard Time zone, one hour ahead of
Eastern Standard Time during daylight savings time.
4. What type of weather should I expect?
The average temperature in Aruba is 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Average
annual rainfall is only about 20 inches, and it is located outside
the hurricane belt.
 5.
What is the official language and currency?
Aruba is a Dutch colony, thus the official language is Dutch. However,
English, Spanish and Papiamento are also spoken fluently throughout
the region. The official currency is the Aruban florin, which can
be obtained via exchange or from local ATMs.
6. What taxes will I have to pay during my stay?
The exit tax from Aruba is $34.25, but it is usually incorporated
into the cost of your plane ticket.
7. Besides golf, what are some worthwhile activities?
The most popular outdoor activities include deep sea fishing, cycle
tours, horseback riding and the usual assortment of water sports.
And for the very occasionally rainy day, there are several historical
and archaeological museums. By night, there are a multitude of clubs
and restaurants that have live music throughout the week, several
sunset cruises and a few casinos. Also, many enjoy a midnight dip
in the warm Atlantic Ocean.
Transportation Information
Aruba is about a two and a half hour plane ride from Miami
International Airport, and American Airlines makes that flight twice
daily. But it is not the only departure point around the United
States. Delta and American makes scheduled flights from New
York, Atlanta
and San Juan, while United flies from Washington D.C. and several
charter plans make flights regularly from other popular cities.
The easiest departure points from Canada
are Toronto
and Montreal, just be prepared to make a stop in the U.S. first.
Since the island of Aruba is so small, renting a car is not a necessity,
especially given the abundance of taxis and easily accessibly bus
system. Renting a scooter or motorcycle is another popular option.
But if you are going to explore the entire island, renting a 4-wheel
drive jeep is the best way to go, as it will allow you to explore
the rugged terrain on the northern coast.
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