| The stillness of
untouched environs is accentuated by the vastness of the
protected area of Arikok National Park, the boundries of which
encompose 18% of the island's land mass. The slow rise of
biking, walking and hiking trails reveal a landscape full of
surprises with cacti-studded views opening up to reveal the
stretch of rock-hewn coastline, rolling white sand dunes and
impressive cave and rock formations. |
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Also housed within the park are significant historical and
cultural sites, including examples of the homes of early
settlers as well as rock drawings left behind by the island's
very first inhabitants.
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Back in 1840 the
Aloe Vera wonder plant was introduced in Aruba,
influencing everything from art and architecture to
health and healing. Soon, two- third of Aruba's surface
was covered with Aloe Vera plants and we called our
island the 'Island of Aloe', being the world's largest
exporter of Aloe.
In 1890, the first Aloe Vera plants were planted on 150
acres of land at Hato that are still used today to grow
the Aloe for all Aruba Aloe products. |
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The
fierce southern Caribbean sun and Aruba's desert
environment intensifies the plant's natural healing
qualities and produces the earths most potent aloe gel
to revitalize skin and help repair skin damage. It has
grown into an entire line of skin care products known
around the world for its moisturizing benefits. Aruba
Aloe is making great strides in global research studies
with Aloe and is leading the way with a line of
moisturizing products that can be found in homes all
over the world. Try Island Remedy, Aruba Aloe's latest
upscale line of products made with 100% pure Aruba Aloe
Vera Gel and enriched with the finest natural extracts
from a wide range of known remedial plants.
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Take a tour
through the state of the art Aruba Aloe factory and see
the production process first hand from Aloe Vera leaf to
finished Aruba Aloe lotions! The tour guides will
explain you all about the Aloe plant and its uses and
you will have the opportunity to learn all about the
160-year old Aloe history of Aruba in the museum. All
Aruba Aloe body, sun and hair care products can be
purchased at the factory store.
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Aruba Aloe Balm N.V., Pitastraat 115, Hato
Tel: (+297) 588-3222
E-mail: sgroot@arubaaloe.com
Website: www.ArubaAloe.com
Tour hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM,
Saturdays 9:00 – 1:00 PM.
Entrance fee: Adults $ 8.00 Children $ 4.00 (See our
special offer at this website for a buy one get one free
entrance ticket.) |
| Migratory birds,
looking for lush vegetation in which to nest, find an
oasis within the Bubali Bird Sanctuary. The nearby water
treatment facility empties into two inter-connected
man-made lakes, known as the large and small Bubali Bird
Ponds. The area has become a resting and breeding area
for more than 80 species of migratory birds. |
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Birds that inhabit the sanctuary
include herons, egrets, gulls, skimmers, coots,
cormorants, numerous species of ducks and more.
An observation tower has been erected to allow
birdwatchers to get a true birds' eye view. |
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A
visit to Aruba's Butterfly Farm is an unforgettable
encounter with nature in all its beauty and diversity.
Step into a tropical garden teeming with butterflies
from around the globe and prepare to meet some of the
world's most colorful and unusual creatures. Observe
the life cycle of these fascinating animals from egg
to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.
Tour guides will entertain you with commentary on
butterfly habits and the miracle of metamorphosis.
Arrive early and witness new butterflies emerging from
their chrysalis and taking their first flight. The
butterfly farm is a rare opportunity for photography
and a sure delight for visitors of all ages.
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Special offer
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a free pass for the rest of your vacation, so
come early and visit us often.The Butterfly
Farm is located at Palm Beach across from the
Aruba Phoenix and Aruba Resort Hotels. Open
all year from 9:00 to 4:30 |
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The distinctive
call of the donkey rings out in a welcome salute as
visitors approach Aruba's Donkey Sanctuary. Warm muzzles
close in to inspect new arrivals and to offer an
additional greeting. The herd of donkeys, in their
patchwork of coats, from grey to deep chocolate brown,
floppy ears and inquisitive personalities, often enchant
visitors.
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Once the major mode of transportation for island
residents, donkeys were left adrift in modern times,
with cars now trundling down the same cactus lined
pathways where they once traveled, carrying passengers
and pulling carts. Previous to the establishment of the
“Save Our Donkeys” foundation, a large number of
donkeys were left wandering free, having to search out
their own food and water and sometimes susceptible to
abuse.
The idea for a sanctuary, where these beloved animals
can live out their lives in a protected environment,
became a reality in 1997. Approximately 40 donkeys now
live at the sanctuary in Santa Lucia, with an additional
15 donkeys housed in Bringamosa.
The Santa Lucia-based sanctuary welcomes guests,
offering information and a tour of the grounds to
interested visitors. The guest-friendly sanctuary
provides a fun environment to interact with the donkeys
as well as represents a comfortable stop for a snack and
refreshment and an opportunity to buy original,
donkey-themed gifts and souvenirs. (All profits go to
support foundation efforts).
Throughout the year, Donkey Sanctuary Aruba volunteers
continue their work to protect the donkeys as well as
organize various fundraising events. More information
about the sanctuary and upcoming events is available
through the website: www.arubandonkey.org,
or by contacting Desiree Eldering at (297) 584-1063 or
(297)
593-2933
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| The old stone
California lighthouse stands as a silent sentry in the
area known as "Hudishibana," near the island's
northwestern tip. The lighthouse is named for the U.S
ship - the California - which sunk about two years
previous to its construction in 1910. The site offers
spectacular sunsets as the final shades of sunshine give
way to a brilliant azure canopy. Perched on a high
seaside elevation, the lighthouse has become one of
Aruba's scenic trademarks and offers a picture perfect
view of the island's western coastline of sandy beaches,
rolling sand dunes and rocky coral shorelines. |
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| In the deep
recesses of rock along the island's windward coast,
shallow cave formations intrigue visitors, who, in
seeking to penetrate its damp chambers, are rewarded
with mysterious views of rockdrawings, the sudden,
flapping wings of a nervous bat and nature's artwork
of stalagmites and stalactites. The Guadirikiri Cave
is famous for its two chambers, illuminated by the
sunlight streaming through holes in the roof of the
cave. |
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The cave extends for about 100 feet. In the darker
portions of the cave nest hundreds of harmless bats. |
The Fontein Cave is the most
popular of the caves as it is the only one
that has the drawings of Arawak Indians on the
ceilings, providing a real sense of island
history to this cave.
The Huliba Cave is also known as the Tunnel of
Love because of the heart shaped opening at
its entrance. You will need flashlights to
explore the 300-foot-long passageway. |
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| In the 1400's
and 1500's, adventurers traveled throughout the
Caribbean in search of wealth and treasures. According
to legend, one of these treasure islands was named
"Oro Ruba," which means "red
gold." Now known as Aruba, a colorful history of
gold prospectors has shaped the island's history.
Today, remnants of this history can still be
experienced. |
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Bushiribana Gold
Mill Ruins
On the northern coast, midway down the island,
sits the abandoned gold mill that once
processed ore from mines in the nearby hills
during Aruba's gold rush of the nineteenth
century. In 1824, gold was finally discovered
in Aruba, and eventually, the industry
produced more than 3 million pounds of gold.
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Balashi Gold Mill Ruins
The Balashi Gold Mill was built at the tip of the
Spanish Lagoon. Remnants of this once bustling mill
are still visible in the picturesque setting near the
the narrow canyon of rocks known as Frenchman's Pass.
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The
100-foot-long natural arch, which loomed 25 feet above
sea level, was an awesome spectacle that existed for
thousands of years, but disappeared in just one
evening, early in September 2005. The same wave
action, which carved out the limestone structure, was
the cause of its unfortunate demise.
Other natural archways along the island's windward
coast have since garnered greater attention. |
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| Aruba
Tourism Authority's favorite Natural Bridge
Photo |
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Although significantly smaller in size, a natural
archway still exists at the Andicuri site, standing
off to the side from the collapsed older and larger
twin. On either side of Andicuri, other natural
bridges are also worth a look, including natural
archways at the sites of Wariruri as well as at Black
Stone Beach. Other intriguing natural sculptures,
created by pounding seas against rough-hewn rock, can
be appreciated through a drive along the island's
pristine northern coast.
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| On a deserted
stretch of coastline, dramatic shows of water spraying
over the rock occurs on a regular basis as the tide
rushes to shore. In a unique formation of rock,
volcanic stone circles a small depression, creating a
tranquil pool known as "conchi" or "Cura
di Tortuga," or more familiarly by visitors as
the Natural Pool. |
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The location of the Pool is
surrounded by some of Aruba's most rugged
terrain, so a visitor truly gets the feeling
of having "discovered" something
when they reach the site, by either foot,
horseback or 4x4 vehicle. Because of the
nature of the environment in this secluded
area, the site in inaccessible by car.
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The
population of Aruba is predominantly Catholic, a
fact that can be seen by observing the number of
Catholic churches located in all of the districts of
the island. On a drive to the northeastern coast
from San Nicolas is a unique Roman Catholic shrine
built into the rocks. The grotto is located in Seroe
Preto (black hill).
The Lourdes Grotto, named in commemoration of the
famous French religious landmark, was created under
the guidance of a priest named ""Erkamp""
and parishioners in the year 1958. A statue of the
Virgin Mary, weighing 700 kilos, was hoisted into
place in the grotto. Every year, on February 11
(feast of Lady of Lourdes), a procession leaves from
the St. Theresita church in San Nicolas to the
grotto, where a mass is performed.
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Renaissance
Island
Palms rustle overhead as you laze on the white
sands of a private hideaway, enjoying unfettered views
of turquoise seas. Renaissance Island is set aside for
guests of the Renaissance
Hotel and the Renaissance Suites. Because these
hotels are located in the downtown harbor area of
Oranjestad, the Renaissance has purchased this private
island to offer their guests a sandy protected beach
just off shore. Scheduled ferries transport their
guests from the Renaissance hotel properties directly
to a small, secluded island that features a
restaurant, spa, watersports, volleyball, hammocks and
every other amenity that a sun worshipper will need to
spend an afternoon in paradise. |
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De Palm Island
Home to the colorful, twisting slides that make up
the Blue Parrotfish Water Park as well as the base for
excellent snorkeling, snuba and seatrek adventures,
this private island is just a 5-minute ferry ride from
the mainland. Hammocks, food and beverage facilities
and playground are all available.
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Although
Africa is the native land of the ostrich, this
intriguing bird finds a perfect home in Aruba's rugged
landscape. The Aruba Ostrich Farm welcomes you to come
and meet its 50-count flock of the largest living
species in the world.
Visitors are encouraged to partake in a guided tour of
the farm, inhabited by both ostriches and their
flightless Australian relatives, emus.
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The
tour provides the opportunity to learn about the
natural behavior and survival instincts of these
amazing creatures through detailed information and
personal encounters with the birds.
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Before or after the tour, we welcome guests
to peruse our African Art Shop, chock-full of
authentic goods from Zimbabwe. Or simply relax
in the shade of our sprawling Savanna Lodge
Bar & Restaurant and sample a delicious
ostrich meat dish. Enjoy the panoramic views
of the island's northern coast while sipping
on a fruity shake or frosty beer from the bar.
The Aruba Ostrich Farm is dedicated to
providing a memorable and unique experience
for all of our guests. Allow us to share our
farm with you!
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Contact us at
the Aruba Ostrich Farm, and we will be happy to book a
tour for you or answer your questions.
Phone: (297) 585-9630
Fax: (297) 585-9629
E-mail: info@arubaostrichfarm.com
Address:
Matividiri 5
Paradera, Aruba
PO Box 4174 |
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The ostrich farm is located along the road leading to
the Natural Bridge (Matividiri 57).
We also offer two hotel pick-up packages.
Option 1: Transfer and tour
Cost: $19 per adult and $12.50 per child (ages 3 –
12)
Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
Option 2: Transfer, tour, and lunch (choice of 1 of
our 5 bestsellers)
Cost: $35 per adult and $28 per child (ages 3 – 12)
Duration: approximately 3 hours
Please note that reservations must be made one day in
advance. Thank you.
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| Rolling, white
sand dunes accent a landscape typified by the
subtle textures and gentle shades of greens
and browns that compose Aruba's desert-like
environs, with its trademark images of cacti,
aloe and the acquiescing divi divi tree, which
gracefully bends in southwesterly arches to
the sea. The unexpected site of massive sand
dunes often intrigues visitors touring the
northeast coast. (It is not permitted to drive
on the sand dunes, but they can be explored on
foot.) |
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"California
Dunes" at Hudishibana
Popularly named for the offshore wreck of the
famous ship
""California,"" the
isolated northwestern tip of the island
features some of the most spectacular scenery,
with expansive sand dunes sitting in the view
of the old stone lighthouse and a spectacular
rock hewn coastline. |
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Aruba's rolling landscapes are robust
with cactus plants, aloe and distinctively-shaped divi
divi trees, around which exists a thriving community
of small wildlife. Aruba's semi-arid climate supports
unique flora typically classified as desert, with
cactus and brush plants standing in sharp contrast to
the shimmering turquoise seas.
Aruba's dry, desert-like rocky terrain is an ideal
home for many four-legged animals, including wild
donkeys and goats. They are usually found near the
rock formation of Ayo. Other intriguing creatures,
such as iguanas and a variety of lizards also call the
island home.
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For birdlovers, the four San Nicolas Bay
Keys located at the southeastern part of Aruba are
major nesting sites for different tern species: sooty
terns, black noddies, and brown noddies nest in or
under buttonwood trees.
At the Bubali ponds – a former saltpan now an
artificial freshwater wetland fed by the effluent of a
wastewater treatment plant – buttonwood and white
mangroves thrive. Buttonwood trees, growing along the
eastern shoreline of the larger pond, attract brown
pelicans and cormorants diving for food in the deep
waters of this lake. |
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