Page 11 - aruba-today-20230808

a11
local Tuesday 8 augusT 2023
Today Is Going To Be A Good Day

of this as a hidden gem. ern tip to ships with its light.
The California Lighthouse www.arubalighthouse.com
is actually one of the most will give you more informa-
known highlights in Aruba tion.
and many repeated guests
most probably took the ride Kayak in the Mangroves
uphill already. But, there is Mangel Halto at Savaneta
a significant change to this is definitely a place not to
tower. Since September miss out on. The beauti-
2016 you can climb the ful beach with the natu-
Here’s why: Aruba Today not up to walking, you can of creatures, from horses top. In 2015 Stichting Monu- ral mangroves is simply a
collected some things to drive through the park, one to peacocks, kangaroos mentenfonds started the beauty, but if you are into
do BEYOND the beach. Yes, way or another this park is to turtles, monkeys, goats, restoration of the Califor- a more active way to enjoy
we know. Aruba, located a great place to spend an and many, many more dif- nia Lighthouse. The project the nature: take a kayak.
15 miles north of Venezu- entire day. Cruising through ferent species. The place
ela in the warm waters of the landscape you end up was founded in 2009 and finished in September 2016 While you are doing some
and the Lighthouse is now workout -as it might get a
the southern Caribbean, is at some of the most stun- it is the only organization open for visitors to enjoy little windy and rough-, you
home to beautiful white- ning beaches like Dos Pla- rescuing and rehabilitat- the beautiful view from the will see the island from a
sand beaches, 82-degree ya or Daimara Beach. In To- ing exotic animals in Aru- top. The construction of the different perspective. You
days, and thus ideal for the tal the park consists of 7907 ba, which has resulted in California Lighthouse start- can even make a stop to
perfect beach day. But we acres protected nature an amazing collection of ed in 1915. The name ‘Cali- do some snorkeling at the
are also blessed with some with a richness of animals these animals. They pro- fornia’ came from a vessel reef. Its fun, it’s healthy and
of the warmest people in living in it. The Aruban whip- vide a suitable living envi- of the West India Company for sure something else.
the world and our island is tail lizard (cododo), Aruban ronment for all the rescued and Pacific Steamship Co. There are several compa-
19.6 miles long and 6 miles cat eye snake (santanero) animals. Up until now the called ‘California’ that nies that offer kayak tours,
across, with a total area of and endangered rattle owner, Philip, has built this shipwrecked in the area in we had good experience
70 square miles. Bit more snake (cascabel) are just shelter with his own efforts; 1891. Therefore they came with The Shack Kayak
to discover than the white some of them, you can also building all the cages from up with the idea of build- Tours Aruba, find them on
stretch on the coastline we admire these close in the scratch, designing all struc-
say. Let’s mention some of park’s Visitors’ Center. For tures and welding them ing a lighthouse that could Facebook.q
indicate the island’s east-
these hidden gems. more information, visit the with his own bare hands. His
website www.arubanation- goal is to upgrade the facil-
Nature Calls alpark.org ities to a world-class animal
The Arikok National park is shelter with veterinary care
worth the ride. We love the Philip's Animal Garden and round-the-clock staffs.
hikes that are guided by To stay with the animals, With the input from the Aru-
the park’s rangers whose let’s hop to an amazing ban community and visitors
job is to maintain trails and place. Something different they provide the best care
protect natural resources. to do, an experience that for these animals. Please
The flora and fauna are is to be enjoyed by peo- check out their website for
beautiful and the histori- ple of all ages. Welcome more information: www.
cal sites tell you about the to Philip’s Animal Garden. philipsanimalgarden.com.
island’s indigenous roots. We are not talking about
The guided tours are even a zoo here, this is actually The Lighthouse
free of charge. If you are a sanctuary for all types No, you would not think