Oranjestad Cruises
Oranjestad is the capital of the Dutch island of Aruba, in the Caribbean Sea. The vividly coloured colonial buildings that mirror those in Amsterdam, clearly point to Oranjestad’s rich Dutch heritage. The city is one of the Caribbean’s true gems, combining European-style architecture with glorious white sand beaches, palm trees and flamingos.
Along the waterfront, L.G. Smith Boulevard is dotted with boutiques, shopping malls, restaurants and bars.[ReadMoreMob] The harbour, packed with fishing boats and yachts, has stalls selling fresh fruit and fish, and the open-air cafés are to perfect spot to enjoy the sights and sounds of this busy port.
The 18th century Fort Zoutman and the Willem III Tower, formerly a lighthouse, is now the Historical Museum, while The Archaeological Museum displays indigenous artefacts - ceramics, ancient tools, burial urns and other relics, dating back as far as 2500 BC. [ReadMore] The Numismatic Museum has almost 50,000 coins, collected by three generations of a single local family.
Queen Wilhelmina Park is a peaceful place to walk, with formal lawns and tropical plants, and other sights include the island’s Butterfly Farm and the Natural Bridge of Aruba. Of course, visitors can simply relax on the glorious beaches, where flamingos are occasionally spotted balancing on the pristine sands.
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Northern coast caves
Arikok National Park, on the north coast, is home to three spectacular caves: Huliba Cave, famous for its heart-shaped entrance; Guadirikiri Cave, which is home to hundreds of bats; and Fontein Cave, decorated with drawings by the Arawak Indians
Northern coast caves
Arikok National Park, on the north coast, is home to three spectacular caves: Huliba Cave, famous for its heart-shaped entrance; Guadirikiri Cave, which is home to hundreds of bats; and Fontein Cave, decorated with drawings by the Arawak Indians
Gold
Aruba was one of the islands searched for treasure by adventurers and came to be called 'Oro huba' ('there was gold'). Aruba's history has been shaped by gold prospectors and evidence remains to this day, including historic gold mines and gold mills.
Aloe
Aruba has a long history of aloe growth and production, thanks to its dry and arid climate. In fact, the Aruba Aloe company dates back to 1890 and is one of the oldest in the world. Today, there is a museum and factory dedicated to the medicinal plant.
Dutch Colonial Architecture
Fort Zoutman is the island's oldest structure, dating back to 1798, with the Willem III Tower added to the west side of the fort in 1868. The nearby Plaza Daniel Leo is another great example of colonial architecture with its pastel coloured buildings.
Cruises to Oranjestad
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