Aruba
Aruba, the third of the "ABC" Dutch Islands, is only 20 miles from tip to tip. Unlike much of the Caribbean region, Aruba has a dry climate and an arid, cactus-strewn landscape. The windward coast is rugged and rocky, and the leeward side has the white sand beaches, turquoise seas, and warm waters. The Dutch influence, with its waterfront backed by gingerbread houses, is prominent in the harbor of the capital city of Oranjestad, where our ship docked.
Casibari Rock Formation was our first stop. Huge tonalite boulders rise up from the desert soil and create an unusual setting. The Government of Aruba has created walking trails and steps through the boulders, allowing hikers to reach the top for a great view of the island. The rock formation is surrounded by a cacti garden and our guide, Grace, pointed out various species.
Next we stopped at the Natural Bridge. The original Natural Bridge, now collapsed, was formed naturally over the centuries by the pounding sea. It spanned over 100 feet and was over 25 feet high. A smaller "Baby Bridge" is nearby.
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This area showcased the rugged terrain and windswept landscape of the eastern side of the island.
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The highlight of the day was our ride on the Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine. The vessel, originally used for research on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, remained above sea level at all times, while its hull, which sits 5 feet below the surface, provided spectacular viewing of the coral reef, abundant sea life and the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean, the World War II German freighter Antilla.
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Our last stop on the tour, on the island's northwestern tip, was the California Lighthouse, named after the S.S. California, which sunk previous to its construction in 1910. Perched on a high seaside elevation, the lighthouse is one of Aruba's scenic trademarks.
Lunch was at Iguana Joe's, overlooking the harbor and the handcrafts vendors, which we visited before heading back to the ship.
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Click here to visit St. Maarten.