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For those looking to explore natural wonders and connect with nature whilst also having a relaxing summer break, Aruba offers a fantastic getaway.
Whether it be spotting newly hatched turtles on award-winning* Eagle beach, admiring the Arawak Indian cave paintings or taking in the dramatic landscapes of Parke Nacional Arikok, that makes up nearly 20% of the island, there are many impressive natural sights to discover in Aruba.
The beaches of Aruba are nesting grounds for several turtle species including the Leatherback, Hawksbill, Green, and Loggerhead. Dos Playa beach is particularly significant as it hosts the nests of all four turtle species. Other popular turtle nesting spot include Eagle Beach and Boca Grandi**. Nesting season runs from March through to September, and hatching occurring between May and November***. A magical sight to behold and unforgettable circle of life moment to witness.
Fundashon Turtugaruba, established in 2003 and a member of the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network, is the local foundation that protects the four endangered species of sea turtles nesting on Aruba. These turtles invariably return to their natal beach to lay their eggs, and Turtugaruba volunteers know exactly where to patrol in order to spot, monitor, and protect them. Volunteers from Turtugaruba devote many hours to educating the community, as well as watching over and protecting the nests during the season.
Parke Nacional Arikok is a great place to spend the day enjoying the dramatic landscapes. The park is home to a long list of flora and fauna, including indigenous species such as the Aruba Leaf-toed Gecko, the Aruba Whiptail and Aruba Island Rattlesnake. It hosts a variety of unique attractions and cultural heritage sites, including spectacular caves, unusual land formations made from lava, quartz diorite and limestone and cave drawings. Visitors can go on guided nature walks through the dry riverbeds to secluded bays such as Moro, Boca Prins and Dos Playa. The caves are accessible to the public during the day between opening hours of the national park (8am – 4pm). On special occasions, including national holidays, the park hosts free ‘cinema in the park’ evenings, where visitors can watch a movie in open air under the stars.
There is a small conservation fee that goes towards the preservation of the park, educational programmes and the animals that roam freely throughout the 7,907 acres.
The iconic columnar cacti and aloe plants that are found across the National Park, are solely dependent on frugivore bats for their pollination and seed dispersal as they solely bloom at night. The bat species of Aruba are essential to the preservation of the biodiversity of the island and one place to spot these creatures is Fontein Cave. Here, visitors will find themselves walking down the small, winding paths that lead down the cave’s limestone walls. The Fontein Cave has historically been frequented by people too, with Aruba’s natives having left their marks on the walls thousands of years ago, which can still be seen today and reach from floor to ceiling.
With more than 200 registered species of birds, Aruba is one of the best places for some Caribbean bird watching! Of all the birds on island, Arubans are most proud of their local burrowing owl, called the Shoko. Bubali Bird Sanctuary, located within walking distance from the iconic Palm Beach gives visitors the chance to spot over 80 species of birds including Caribbean sea birds, herons, coots, and more. The island is also home to grebes, cuckoos, nightjars, hummingbirds, and sandpipers, that some of the more avid birdwatchers might be able to spot.
Travellers looking for a seven-night break immersed in the nature of the island can stay at the only carbon neutral hotel in the Caribbean, the Bucuti and Tara Beach resort, priced from £1931 per person. The adults-only hotel has a large pool area and cosy spa and is positioned on the award-winning Eagle Beach, the prime location on island for turtle spotting. The hotel has a monthly beach clean up, to helps keep’s Aruba’s beaches pristine and look after marine life such as the vulnerable Leatherback sea turtles. The resort organises members of TurtugAruba to come to educate guests and help them get involved with the conservation themselves. Price includes return flights & seven nights’ accommodation on a B&B basis with British Airways.
British Airways’ offers weekly return flights from London Gatwick to Aruba starting from £475 per person.
*Eagle Beach is world renowned and was recognised as one of the best beaches in the world at Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2024
**The ATA prohibits human interference with the turtles and urges travellers to keep distance from any nesting sea turtles. For more information on how to responsibly go turtle spotting during nesting season, refer to the first pinned post of @arubatourism
***Turtle nests in Parke Nacional Arikok are unmarked and travellers are advised by ATA to be mindful of their surroundings when walking.
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