Interline Adventures....

ACTIVE ARUBA:

MUCH MORE THAN SUN & SAND

The typical Caribbean interliner vacation used to mean a quick flight south and then hours of sunning on the sand. But, today, interliners are looking for more than just a day at the beach. Many Caribbean islands now offer an array of outdoors activities and Aruba is definitely one of the top spots for outdoors-oriented interliners.

Situated just 15 miles north of Venezuela and a 2 1/2-hour flight from Miami, Aruba is a natural when it comes to outdoors fun in the sun. The island, 20 miles long by six miles wide, is ideal for convenient exploration off the beaten path, while the semi-arid topography and geological formations offer a wealth of activities distinct from other Caribbean isles. With incredible marine life for scuba diving and trade winds for windsurfing, Aruba's diversity provides a perfect combination for interlining old salts and landlubbers alike.

PARK PLACE

Arikok National Park is a desert-like ecological preserve on Aruba's northeastern coast and provides a perfect introduction to Aruba's outdoors. The island's rich crust makes it one of the rare places in the world where you can trace its geological origins with the naked eye. Hiking trails make it easy for visitors to explore the unusual terrain and diverse flora and fauna of the preserve. Iguanas and many species of migratory birds nest in the park, while goats and donkeys graze on the nearby brush trees. Interliners feeling particularly plunky can try dune sliding with the locals at the nearby Boca Prins dunes. At dusk, colorful parakeets and other birds bid a cacophonous farewell to a day in the park.

ARUBA OFF-ROAD

A four-wheel drive jeep is the best means for an unforgettable around-the-island tour. The backroads of Aruba run along the rugged north coast, passing eerie rock formations, cacti, and the famous 'divi-divi' trees. The Natural Bridge, measuring more than 100 feet long and 25 feet above sea level, is one of the Caribbean's highest and most dramatic exposed coral structures and is the island's most photographed site. Other well-known sites along the way include the picturesque California Lighthouse, the charming Alto Vista chapel, and the Bushiribana gold mine ruins. On the way back to the south shore's resort area, Charlie's Bar in San Nicolas is a popular stop. Jeep rentals and guided tours can be arranged through several companies on the island.

GIDDY UP

Horses provide another way to tour Aruba's natural environs. Organized half-day tours lead riders through the 'cunucu' (countryside) and along the coastline. Sand dunes and desert-like plains complete with cacti provide a unique setting for horseback riding. Some tours combine land and sea, hoofing it along a rocky trail to the Natural Pool, protected from the rough northeastern seas by an outcropping of rocks. The pool, large enough for swimming, is one of the island's most romantic spots.

CAVING IN

Most visitors to a tropical island don't expect to find underground caves, but amateur spelunkers will love the caves of Aruba. At the Guadirikiri cave, sunlight filters though two inner chambers, providing the perfect photo opportunity for cave explorers. The cave's 100-foot-long tunnel is home to hundreds of harmless bats. Nearby, the Fontein cave is testimony to the island's native population. Still-visible drawings by the Arawak Indians decorate the caves ceilings and are a powerful reminder of the island's indigenous history. Couples aren't the only ones who will want to visit the Tunnel of Love, which is named for its heart-shaped entrance. The 300-foot tunnel winds through several fascinating rock formations and narrow passages. Helmets and flashlights can be rented at the entrance to most of Aruba's caves, providing the latest in interliner fashion.

WIND-BLOWN

Constant breezes make Aruba one of the best windsurfing sites in the world. Some of the more popular windsurfing areas lie along Arashi, Hadikurari, and Palm Beach. In June, the Hi-Winds Amateur World Challenge, the Windsurfing Festival, and the O'Neill/Philips PWA Grand Prix all draw professionals, amateurs, and spectators. Rentals, lessons, and many windsurfing packages are available on the island.

GOING DEEP

Some of the world's most fascinating wrecks lie just off Aruba's shores, offering some of the best wreck diving in the Caribbean. Measuring 400 feet, the Antilla Wreck is one of the largest wrecks for scuba divers in the Caribbean. This German freighter sunk in 1945 and now has lots of lobster and giant tube sponges, making it a particularly popular night dive. The Pedernales Wreck combines large pieces of boat wreckage spread out between coral formations, including wash basins and pipe line systems from an oil tanker torpedoed by a German submarine during World War II. Many other wrecks and reefs make Aruba one of the new hotspots with scuba divers and snorkelers.

FORE!

Some interliners' ideas of the great outdoors revolve around golf greens. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tierra del Sol combines the native beauty of Aruba's indigenous flora with the greens of a championship golf course. Planned with the environment in mind, the course preserves the island's natural wildlife and even includes a local bird sanctuary. It's highest tee is 98 feet above sea level, providing a spectacular ocean view.

For more information on planning an outdoors-oriented trip to Aruba, contact the Aruba Tourism Authority at (800) TO ARUBA or visit the ATA's website at www.aruba.com.

SIDEBAR POSSIBILITY #1

ARUBA'S CHARLIE'S BAR & RESTAURANT

Restaurants come and go in the Caribbean, but Charlie's may always be on Aruba. Charlie's Bar & Restaurant is a mecca for locals and tourists and has been since it was founded in 1941 by Charlie and Marie Brouns. It's been an Aruba landmark for more than a half-century.

Charlie and Marie, natives of the Netherlands, came to Aruba in the late-1930s because World War II had made the city of San Nicolas a boomtown. Seaman, harbor workers, contractors, and laborers at the large oil refinery needed a place to eat and drink and Charlie's on Mainstreet became their hangout.

As Aruba's business with oil and tourists grew, so did Charlie's. Charlie was decorated by the Queen of Holland with the order of Oranje Nassau in 1977. He also retired that year and, sadly, passed away in 1987. However, Charlie Jr. now runs this legendary establishment just like his father.

Today, Charlie's is a hangout for artists, painters, writers, musicians, and other locals, as well as smart tourists who make the trip to the pretty port town of San Nicolas. The place is packed with a wide variety of memorabilia that has to be seen to be believed. Grab a cool drink and take a tour of this atmospheric landmark. Then sit down for some good local creole cooking, including their specialties, shrimp and squid.

If you're in Aruba, you can't miss Charlie's! No reservations are needed, but you may want to call ahead to make sure they're open for lunch or dinner.

SIDEBAR POSSIBILITY #2

ARUBA'S BEACHES:

SUN & SAND

Aruba has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Depending on your sun and sand desires, there's a beach in Aruba that will meet them. All of the beaches are public, making Aruba a beach-lovers paradise.

The best and most popular beaches are situated along the western and southern shores of Aruba. The area is known as the Turquoise Coast for good reason, as the color of the sea is definitely the best of blues.

Palm Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean. Though it is packed with busy resorts (they picked the best beach), it is still great for sunning, strolls in the sand, and cooling swims in clear waters.

Closer to Oranjestad, the capital city, Eagle Beach is another popular choice. It's generally less-crowded than Palm Beach and ideal for a quick dip.

Other possibilities on this side of the island include Manchebo Beach and Druif Bay Beach. They're generally ideal for quiet sunning and swimming. These are also great spots for snorkeling

For a bit more beach action, windsurfing is the hottest way to play on Aruba's beaches. Though you'll find windsurfing operators all along Palm Beach, the pros head to the point at the end of the beach for the best wind and waves.

Finally, serious deserted beach addicts may want to head for the rough north shore. Here, you'll find rough surf (not for swimming) and deserted coves and beaches. It's best to ask locals for directions, hire a driver, or go on an organized north shore tour (see article).