Aruba : Profile

Facts

• Aruba is the westernmost of the ABC islands; autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The island has the same status as the Netherlands Antilles.

• Aruba lies just 18 miles off the coast of Venezuela. The island is 20 miles at its longest and 6 miles at its widest. The southern, leeward side of the island has long stretches of white sand beaches, while the northern coast has a more rugged and dramatic landscape.

• The official language is Dutch, but English and Spanish as well as a local dialect called Papiamento are spoken.

• The island is a convenient last stop for yachts heading for Panama.

• A new marina has improved previous poor yachting facilities.

Weather

Aruba lies outside the hurricane belt and has a dry climate. Temperatures are higher from August to October, although there is not a great difference to the cooler months, which are from December to February.

Main Ports

Oranjestad *

*Indicates a port of entry.

Related Reports

Caribbean: Reported Crime Incidents Against Yachts, 2005-2008 (26 Aug 2008)

Grenada to the Virgin Islands, A Cruising Guide to the Lesser Antilles: Book Review (23 May 2008)

Aruba (13 Jun 2001)

Related News

Caribbean Marine Association Lobbies for the Interim Suspension of the Advanced Passenger Information System for Yachts (01 Nov 2007)

Noonsite Book of The Month -: The ABC Islands (11 May 2006)

Caribbean Marine Association Formally Launched (27 Feb 2006)

Ecuador’s Puerto Lucia Provides A Perfect Base En Route to the South Seas (05 Sep 2003)