|
 |
Weather |
It is always summer in Aruba.
Year
round, the
average daytime air temperature is 85 degrees.
Water temperature
averages 78 degrees.
Every day has 12 hours of sunshine.
|
 |
Location |
Located 12 degrees north of
the equator, Aruba is one of
the most southerly islands in the Caribbean in a group known as the Netherland
Antilles.
Aruba is only 20 miles off the northern coast of South America.
Aruba
is 19.6 miles long and 6.0 miles across at its
widest point with a total land area of 70 square miles.
|
 |
Beaches |
Aruba’s
are considered to be some of the most beautiful
beaches in the world.
LaQuinta is located overlooking Eagle Beach.
Baby
Beach, at the eastern tip of the island is a natural wading pool that is perfect
for families with small children
|
|
Language
The
official language of Aruba is Dutch but you will mostly hear Arubans speaking English, Spanish,
and the local dialect, Papiamento, a melodic, lilting eclectic
mixture of Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, English, and some African and Indian
dialects.
Papiamento is prized as a
symbol of cultural identity. The Aruban parliament now conducts its
debates in Papiamento; poetry, plays and novels have been published in
it. |
 |
Currency |
The
Aruba currency is the florin (Afl). The Antilles also use the Antillian
guilder. They both are linked to the U.S. Dollar,
with the official exchange rate being USD $1.00 equals 1.78 guilder/florin.
On Aruba, prices are often quoted
in U.S. dollars and virtually all shops accept dollars. Often you
will receive change in Aruban coin, though. Use these coins for
tipping so you don't end up with a pocketful when you get home.
|
|
