About Aruba

This section contains information about Aruba which might be useful to you. The information is divided in:

- Things to do
- Things you should know

Things to do:

This is an overview of several things you can do in Aruba.

Windsurfing & Kiteboarding |

Sunset Beach Studios operates its own windsurf school by the name of Aruba Boardsailing. Aruba Boardsailing is strategically located on a natural point at the famous Fisherman’s Huts, the best place for windsurfing on the island and very close to our resort. We can make special deals for our guests.

Snorkeling |

Sunset Beach Studios is directly located at several nice snorkeling sites like Arashi, Boca Catalina, Antilla Wreck and Malmok Beach Wreck. Snorkeling equipment is available in our office.

Mountain biking |

Since Sunset Beach Studios is located at the northern end of the island, mountain biking is an excellent pass time. This is an exciting way to see Aruba while exercising at the same time.

Golf |

Tierra del Sol, at the island’s northwest tip, is Aruba’s first world-class golf course. The 18-hole, par-71 course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II to take full advantage of its rugged natural surroundings. The course manages to pair peerless course design with a celebration of Aruba’s wildlife.

Horseback riding |

Ride horseback through Aruba’s natural wonders and enjoy breathtaking sights on the way to the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel or the Malmok Beach Stretch. You’ll view with excitement the lava rock formations, cacti dating back hundreds of years or the ever changing north coastline with waves crashing wildly onto the rocky shore. Also daily private & semi-private trail rides to the breathtaking Natural Pool are available.

More activities |

There are a lot more things you can do while you’re in Aruba, for example:

On water

  • Sailing
  • Parasailing
  • Water skiing
  • Wakeboarding
  • Banana boats
  • Tube Ride
  • Deep sea fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Sunset Cruises
  • Party Dinner Cruises
  • Seaworld Explorer

On land

  • Tennis
  • Landsailing
  • Bowling
  • Miniature Golf
  • Skydiving
  • Jeep safari
  • Quad biking
  • Casino
  • Latin Show

Things you should know:

This is a general knowledge about Aruba.

Weather |

With an average rainfall of less than 20 inches a year, an average and practically constant temperature of 82°F (27°C), a location outside the hurricane belt, and the constant cooling influence of the (Eastern) trade winds, Aruba is one of the most temperate islands in the Caribbean. And just as comfortable in July it is in January. The rainfall occurs mainly in short showers during November and December.

Sun |

Trade winds cool the island, making lying in the sun on one of the many beaches much more tolerable although care should be taken since this is deceptive – the sun is potent, in particular between 11am and 2:30pm and the use of sunscreens (SPF 30 and up) is strongly recommended especially for fairer-skinned people.

Beaches |

All beaches on Aruba are owned by the government and are public. Therefore, anyone can go on any beach, including the hotel beaches.

Sea |

For the most part, the blue-green Caribbean sea is calm and clear on the island’s popular beaches, with visibility in some area reaching depths of over hundred feet. Exception to this is the sea that beats against the rugged northeast coast and tends to be wild with high, thundering waves resulting in jagged rock formations and shapes such as the Natural Bridge (the Caribbean’s highest) carved out of coral cliffs.

Time |

The time is Atlantic Standard Time. It is the same as Eastern Daylight Savings time all year round.

Language |

The official language on Aruba is Papiamento. It is a language evolved from several older languages like Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and English. In Aruba, the people also speak, write and read English, Spanish and Dutch fluently.

Money |

Aruba’s currency is the florin, denoted by the letters ‘Awg.’ but also widely known as ‘Afl.’ The official rate at which banks accept U.S. dollar banknotes is Awg. 1,77 and checks at Awg. 1,78. The rate of exchange granted by shops and hotels ranges from Awg. 1,75 to Awg. 1,80 per U.S. dollar. U.S. Dollars are widely accepted in Aruba, and banks may exchange other foreign currency.

Credit cards |

Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments. Cash may be obtained with MasterCard, Visa and American Express cards at credit card offices, banks, in some casinos and via Western Union.

ATM cards and credit cards are accepted by ATMs of Aruba Bank, RBTT Bank and Caribbean Mercantile Bank. The card must have either a Cirrus or Visa Plus logo. ATM instructions are normally given in Dutch, English, Spanish and Papiamento.

Travelers cheques |

Travelers cheques are widely accepted and there is no charge for using them in hotels, restaurants and stores. Also at Sunset Beach Studios you can use them.

Calling to/from Aruba |

Aruba’s international dialing code is 297. Area codes do not exist in Aruba. Calling from Aruba, you have to dial 00 to dial out of the country and then the international dialing code for the place you are calling to.

Drinking water |

The water on Aruba comes from a desalinization plant and is pure and drinkable.

Electricity |

The island has decided to adopt the North American voltage standard of 110 A.C. (60 cycles), the same as in the United States and Canada.

Medical |

Aruba has a very modern fully equipped hospital. We hope you don’t need their services, but the telephone number is 5874300. Everyone speaks English. An important note – the hospital does not take insurance cards – only cash or credit cards – so plan accordingly. It is about 3 miles from Sunset Beach Studios towards Oranjestad on the main road past the high rise hotels. When you see the sign, make a right.

Postal rates |

Rates to U.S. & Canada: Afls 1.40 or US$ 0.80 for the first 10 grams, postcards Afls. 0.60 or US$ 0.35. To Europe: Afls 1.50 or US$ 0.90 for the first 10 grams, postcards Afls. 0.70 or US$ 0.40.

Service charge |

When included, the service charge on food and beverage is normally around 10 to 15 percent. At one’s own discretion an extra amount can be added for good service.