We are in Aruba! Dave and I are going to enjoy this beautiful sunny island for 10 days starting December 12th, while it is pretty cold at home in DC. Aruba is an island with a steady temperature of 82-86 degrees of Fahrenheit (°F) this time of the year with sunny days and delightful breezes every day. Aruba is the southernmost island located just 15 miles from Venezuela surrounded by breathtaking beaches. I am not exaggerating, the beaches there are the best in the Caribbean, only Megan’s Bay in St. Thomas can compete with them, in my opinion. Part of the island is mostly desert where Arikock National park is situated. Here is one of the two most photographed fofoti trees on the Eagle Beach in Aruba.
Considering that Christmas is only 2 weeks away, the Christmas trees are decorated all over the country. This beautiful poinsettia Christmas tree was photographed in the Charlotte International airport on our way to Aruba.
The very first sight of the island through the windows of our rental car while driving to our rental condo from the Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad.
Usually, we book a hotel during our vacation. This time, however, we decided to rent a condo and a car instead. We were hoping to have more flexibility and deal with less crowds this way. I am glad we did, it was the right decision! The condo was specious with the separate kitchen and all necessities. It was situated near Eagle Beach and a big supermarket, close to the main road, but in a quiet secluded place, even though it is not a big island. Our rental condo grounds are in the picture below.
Although we mostly dined in restaurants, it was nice to have breakfast, snacks and fresh fruit at home. Aruba is an expansive island. Most food prices are higher than in the U.S. They take US dollars everywhere, but the change is returned in local currency: Aruban guilder/florin.
These cacti grow on the side of the local road to our condo. Aren’t they beautiful?
On our first day we decided to visit Arashi Beach and the California Lighthouse, which are not far from each other. Later that day, we planned to visit Eagle Beach. Of course, we couldn’t pass this cute “I Love Aruba” sign without taking pictures, while driving on the main road along the beach.
There are many beautiful divi-divi trees on a side of the road.
I really like this natural composition of the divi-divi trees and cacti.
There are more cacti on the side of the road.
People were sunbathing on some smaller beaches along the road.
We have arrived at Arashi beach. Although Arashi Beach is located on the northernmost part of the island, getting there isn’t troublesome. There is plenty of parking, and the bus makes a stop right in front of the beach. Arashi Beach is a somewhat secluded spot, ideal for those looking to swim and snorkel due to its soft sandy bottom and generally calm surf.
Arashi Beach is known as the final resting spot of the WWII German freighter, Antilla. The ship has settled close to shore and is even visible above the surface at times. Another treasure found underwater here is elkhorn coral, as well as brain corals and sponges. The rocks and corals are usually littered with starfish, and eels hide in the crevasses.
The beach is absolutely gorgeous with tuorquose clear water and fine white sand. There is good bodysurfing, some shade and just a few rocks right offshore.
The California Lighthouse is seen from Arashi Beach. It was named after the steamship California which was wrecked nearby in 1891.
Standing more than 90 feet high, the lighthouse is an impressive landmark in the barren almost lunar-like landscape surrounding it. Its location allows commanding views of the north coast, the sand dunes area, and also towards the high-rise hotel area. The lighthouse building inside is not open to the public, but it is free to visit any time of day from outside.
Here is the Sign of History monument near the California Lighthouse. There are actually two signs, one in English and the other in Papiamento, the native language in Aruba. The signs are close to the La Trattoria El Faro Blanco Restaurant.
The splendid coastal and island views are worth the visit to the Lighthouse.
Here is the very beginning of the Arashi Beach on the right side of the picture.
The kayakers were moving near the shipwreck, passing the sailboat along the Beach.
Caribbean Sea water is so clear.
The Old Mill is a piece of Aruba’s Dutch heritage. The windmill was built in 1804 in the Netherlands, meticulously taken apart, shipped to Aruba and reconstructed in 1960. The Old Mill currently houses a restaurant. A very nice Dutch Pancake House named “Diana’s Pancakes Place” is located right next to the Old Mill.
We spent an evening on Eagle Beach enjoying a beautiful sunset. Fronting a stretch of the Low-Rise Resorts just northwest of Oranjestad, Eagle is a long stretch of white sand that regularly makes lists of the best in the world. “Travel + Leisure” magazine named this stretch of powdery soft white sand, one of the “10 Best Beaches in the World.” This public beach offers plenty of parking, shady picnic areas and palapa huts.
Eagle Beach is also home to two of the most photographed fofoti trees in Aruba. These trees have been starring in various Aruba advertising campaigns as unique and highly recognizable features. The trees are extremely popular to serve as a backdrop for wedding photo sessions and tourist snap shots of this pristine Aruba beach.
Eagle Beach is one of the best places to catch a spectacular Aruba sunset, while watching some waves break on the beach.
