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LOCAL Monday 24 March 2025
New Week, New Adventure!

(Oranjestad)—Here’s why: is now open for visitors to en- you will see the island from
Aruba Today collected some joy the beautiful view from a different perspective. You
things to do BEYOND the the top. The construction of can even make a stop to do
beach. Yes, we know. Aru- the California Lighthouse some snorkeling at the reef.
ba, located 15 miles north started in 1915. The name Its fun, it’s healthy and for
of Venezuela in the warm ‘California’ came from a sure something else. There
waters of the southern Ca- vessel of the West India Com- are several companies that
ribbean, is home to beautiful pany and Pacific Steamship offer kayak tours, we had hours a day.
white-sand beaches, 82-de- Co. called ‘California’ that good experience with The
gree days, and thus ideal for talking about a zoo here, this shipwrecked in the area in Shack Kayak Tours Aruba, Go for a shopping spree in
the perfect beach day. But is actually a sanctuary for all 1891. Therefore they came find them on Facebook. the city center
we are also blessed with types of creatures, from hors- up with the idea of building Need a new bathing suit?
some of the warmest people es to peacocks, kangaroos a lighthouse that could indi- Take an “off-road” Head to the city center of
in the world and our island is to turtles, monkeys, goats, cate the island’s eastern tip sightseeing tour Oranjestad, where there
19.6 miles long and 6 miles and many, many more dif- to ships with its light. www. A must-do activity on the is countless of different
across, with a total area of ferent species. The place arubalighthouse.com will island is for sure taking an stores—both high end and
70 square miles. Bit more was founded in 2009 and it give you more information. off-road sightseeing tour. If more affordable—that can
to discover than the white is the only organization res- you have a rented car, you offer you the service you
stretch on the coastline we cuing and rehabilitating ex- Kayak in the Mangroves can drive through the north- deserve! Local shopping
say. Let’s mention some of otic animals in Aruba, which eastern side of Aruba and stores often offer a more
these hidden gems. has resulted in an amazing explore the natural pools, affordable price, and have
collection of these animals. caves, rock formations and a variety of clothes, shoes,
Nature Calls They provide a suitable living gorgeous view of the Atlan- bathing suites, purses and
environment for all the res- tic Ocean. To access most of more. Along the Royal Plaza
cued animals. Up until now these sights, like the natural strip, there are numerous jew-
the owner, Philip, has built pool (Conchi) and the Gua- elry stores with great quality
this shelter with his own ef- dirikiri and Fontein caves, you jewelry. In the Renaissance
forts; building all the cages must enter through the Arikok mall, you can shop high-end
from scratch, designing all Mangel Halto at Savaneta is National Park and buy a day luxury brands, like Dolce &
structures and welding them definitely a place not to miss pass. Then you drive up the Gabbana, Kate Spade, Louis
with his own bare hands. His out on. The beautiful beach rugged road that leads you Vuitton and more.
The Arikok National park is goal is to upgrade the facili- with the natural mangroves through the white dunes, Around the high-rise hotel
worth the ride. We love the ties to a world-class animal is simply a beauty, but if you caves and along the wind area near Palm Beach, the
hikes that are guided by the shelter with veterinary care are into a more active way turbines. Other locations, like Paseo Herencia Mall con-
park’s rangers whose job is and round-the-clock staffs. to enjoy the nature: take a the Ayo and Casibari Rock tain a variety of shopping
to maintain trails and pro- With the input from the Aru- kayak. While you are doing formation are situated more stores, restaurants, small food
tect natural resources. The ban community and visitors some workout -as it might in the center of the island, stands and even a movie
flora and fauna are beauti- they provide the best care get a little windy and rough-, and are free for guests, 24 theater! q
ful and the historical sites tell for these animals. Please
you about the island’s indig- check out their website for
enous roots. The guided tours more information: www.phil-
are even free of charge. If ipsanimalgarden.com.
you are not up to walking,
you can drive through the The Lighthouse
park, one way or another
this park is a great place to
spend an entire day. Cruising
through the landscape you
end up at some of the most
stunning beaches like Dos
Playa or Daimara Beach. In
Total the park consists of 7907
acres protected nature with
a richness of animals living in
it. The Aruban whiptail lizard
(cododo), Aruban cat eye
snake (santanero) and en-
dangered rattle snake (cas- No, you would not think of
cabel) are just some of them, this as a hidden gem. The
you can also admire these California Lighthouse is actu-
close in the park’s Visitors’ ally one of the most known
Center. For more informa- highlights in Aruba and many
tion, visit the website www. repeated guests most prob-
arubanationalpark.org ably took the ride uphill al-
ready. But, there is a signifi-
Philip's Animal Garden cant change to this tower.
To stay with the animals, let’s Since September 2016 you
hop to an amazing place. can climb the top. In 2015
Something different to do, Stichting Monumentenfonds
an experience that is to be started the restoration of the
enjoyed by people of all California Lighthouse. The
ages. Welcome to Philip’s project finished in Septem-
Animal Garden. We are not ber 2016 and the Lighthouse