Aruba: A Look Top Present & Past Land Sights to See & Explore

Photo Credit: Tropical Latitudes Travel

Photo Credit: Tropical Latitudes Travel; Aruba’s Natural Bridge before its collapse.

Located outside the hurricane belt, the Dutch-owned Aruba is a tranquil, tropical year-round destination. Travelers have the opportunity to visit this island via land or sea as it is a port of call for some cruise itineraries. The constant sea breeze and miles of white sand beaches against turquoise waters coupled with water sports and sightseeing opportunities, Aruba is a favorite for all types of travelers.

Plenty of official tour operators are available via the cruise ships or through the many hotels, but renting a jeep and exploring for the day is an adventurous way to experience Aruba.

However one chooses to see the sights, here’s a look at just a few non-swim related things to do when visiting this desert-like island:

California Lighthouse: Located in the most northwestern part of Aruba, a tall, white statuesque lighthouse appears. It is named for the for U.S. ship - the California - which sunk in 1910, about two years prior to the lighthouse’s construction. This spot provides magnificent seascape views and is a true trademark for Aruba showcasing its miles of beaches, sand dunes and rocky coral shorelines.

Rock Formations: Aruba is a relatively flat island so when traversing off-road and coming across the island’s rock formations are quite a surprise. On the way to the lighthouse, travelers will stumble across this unique area and will want to be sure to stop to build their own rock formation and take some photos. It is one of the most peaceful areas on the island.

Natural Bridge: Unfortunately, one of the most thought provoking sightseeing areas of Aruba, the Natural Bridge, is no more. In September 2005, the bridge just collapsed as a result of the wave action which created this 100 foot long structure. Aruba boasts other natural archways which have since received more visitors since the demise of the Natural Bridge.

Caves: Along Aruba’s windward coast, deep in its natural rock await caves for travelers to explore. Complete with stalagmites and stalactites, Aruba’s caves do not disappoint. The Guadirikiri Cave, which extends for about 100 feet, features two chambers, where sunlight sneaks in through the roof holes. 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, as noted on Aruba’s tourism site. There is another cave, the Huliba Cave (300 foot long passageway), also known as the Tunnel of Love, for its heart shaped opening at its entrance.