Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta 2008 is underway. This international regatta is organized for the 18th time in Aruba and features participants from Europe, North America, Caribbean and South America.

The information provided on arubaregatta.com about the event is very extensive and up-to-date. There is also a clip with some footage about the regatta event. More pictures after the jump.

In the picture illustration shows you a glimpse of the relaxed atmosphere at Palm Beach after one of the races. For more information visit www.arubaregatta.com.

Catamarans at home base Palm Beach

Catamarans at Palm Beach

Pier at Palm Beach

Nice closeup of the catamarans at Palm Beach

The Bird Sanctuary (also known as Bubali Plas) is hidden treasure located at walking distance from both the high rise resorts and low rise resorts. The entrance is located more towards where landmark The Old Windmill is located. Entrance is free.

The sanctuary is not commercialized, therefore, apart from an observation tower, there isn’t much else you can do there without proper guidance. To really enjoy the sanctuary I strongly suggest you hire a guide. He/she will need to be a nature expert to really explain all the variety of birds and vegetation.

Aruba.com’s description: “The nearby water treatment facility empties into two inter-connected man-made lakes, where migratory birds, looking for lush vegetation in which to nest, find an oasis”. Some species you might encounter are among others: herons, egrets, gulls, skimmers, coots and cormorants. It is truly unlike anything you’ll see in Aruba, and it’s free.

Despite the fact that Aruba is a much frequented Caribbean vacation destination, there are still many people who don’t realize that Aruba is a very arid, barren and dry island. The landscape resembles more one of a desert area like US states of New Mexico, Nevada and Arizona.

Regardless the lack of rain throughout the year, there are a few things that make nice contrast. The rainy period (generally at the end of the year) and the beaches are nice contrast against cacti-filled hillside. The rainy period guarantees enough moist for vegetation to survive the dry parts of the year.

Above picture shows a nice example to the before mentioned contrast. The cacti indicate the island desert, while the water shows the remains of rain showers as of late. Lastly, the hills are adorned by grass (!), another evidence of above average rain in past weeks.

Update: When I say Aruba is a desert, I mean more the look and feel of this island. Technically Aruba has sub-tropical climate.

A while ago I wrote about the project to upgrade the beach-going experience at three specific beaches by Coastal Zone Management Aruba. Together with island officials, construction of the surrounding areas has commenced.

Arashi Beach, Baby Beach and a portion of Palm Beach are receiving an upgrade. The upgrade includes a good marking of public spaces and restricted areas, especially restricted by vehicles. Additionally public showers will be installed.

These measures are necessary in order to save the beaches, which are all natural and especially vulnerable. The beaches itself won’t be altered in any way, just the surroundings. Last year the reorganization already started with markings in the water to protect swimmers from water scooters, this is the next phase.

Construction at Gold Coast gated community at Malmok has advanced nicely the last few months. Certain areas are already being used. The entrance looks very nice I must say and the condos are very stylish and the outside color scheme is modern.

I am a critic of gated communities as I don’t really believe in the necessity for them. I’m more in favor of open, mastered communities which are equally good. However, Gold Coast Aruba has done an exceptional job in order to guarantee the Caribbean touch which so important in contemporary projects. More pictures after the jump.

Gold Coast features villas and condos in different sizes. The names given to the different units are all local words and names, which trace back to the roots of the native Indian population of Aruba. Gold Coast is looking good. Check it out: www.goldcoastaruba.com

Landscaping is being taken care of at Gold Coast

Entrance to Gold Coast

The ever present traffic circle within the gates

Project rendering by Gold Coast

At the end of 2008 Hurricane Season vicious Hurricane Paloma threatened the Caribbean. It initiated near Honduras/Nicaragua and worked its way north east, aiming Cuba. It passed near the Grand Cayman Islands as it was becoming a category 1 hurricane.

Cuba was hit earlier this year by other hurricanes so this one wasn’t really necessary. Then again, hurricanes never are. The preliminary reports indicate mostly material damage. It formed no danger for Aruba or the coastal regions of the US.

Aruba weather, meanwhile, is very good. The unstable precipitation of last month didn’t continue. It’s sunny and back in the 80s again. If I have to believe the weather forecasts for the next few days we could expect some rain again.

This is a strictly tourism website with some off-topic writing indirectly related to local tourism. But I would like to comment briefly on the historic elections on the 4th of November in the United States. Congratulations. Change is good regardless who won. We should do the same thing next year here on Aruba.

Aruba elections are scheduled for the fourth quarter of next year. As I don’t believe I can speak for others, I truly hope for some fundamental changes in the leadership of this island. We need smart and young leaders to take over this in order for us to move forward.

Aruba’s self rule exists since 1986 and after almost 25 years it’s time to step into the next phase. We need some reforms and new legislation to move forward. Major investments are needed to push the tourism into the next gear, as well as new investments are needed to diversify our mono-economy.

Regular customer Adventure of the Seas in Aruba

Tuesday’s is Royal Caribbean-day in Aruba as Adventure of the Seas docks at Oranjestad port. This ship has a capacity of 3100 souls, thus people pour down the streets of town. Not to forget excursions, golf and beaches.

Royal Caribbean’s itinerary has sent two ships at once to Aruba. Slightly smaller Jewel of the Seas also honored Aruba with a visit. In fact there were 3 ships in total visiting Aruba. There was a busy atmosphere in town.

Aruba is not a frequented as much by cruise liners such as other islands like St. Thomas, St. Maarten or The Bahamas. This offers opportunities for other cruise liners to add this island to their itinerary in order to offer a less crowded stop. I’ve read an interesting piece in a Canadian publication about this same principle last month. Check it out.

As the travel world is coping with the challengers ahead, there are lots of opportunities for travelers still wanting to go away on a well deserved vacation. Currently most travelers coming to Aruba are the ones who have already pre-paid their trip months ago.

If you are planning to visit and can afford to do so, by all means, go right ahead. However, make sure you travel financially responsible. Oil prices are down, traveling in general seems down. Make sure you hunt for deals. I’ll give you a hand. Following a few hot deals I found.

Hot deals

1. Round-trip ticket NYC - Aruba $525.30 (all-in) with JetBlue.
2. Each-way ticket Miami - Aruba $140 (without fees) with American.
3. US Airways Vacations has several deals.
4. Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino offers rooms from $140 per night. To find deals click on “Deals at this Hotel” after leaving this one.
5. Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino offers rooms from $223 per night. To find deals click on “Deals at this Hotel” after leaving this one.
6. Highly regarded Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa is offering deals as well.
7. Continental Airlines Vacations offers up to $250 discount for a package.
8. Round-trip ticket Amsterdam - Aruba €647 (all-in) with KLM.
9. Round-trip ticket Amsterdam - Aruba €640 (all-in) with Martinair.

Interesting article about Caribbean travel (not only Aruba)

1. English publication The Telegraph: Caribbean: a cost-cutter’s guide
2. The New York Times: 39 Reasons to Go to the Caribbean This Year

October 2008 is turned out to be a very wet month for Aruba standards. Next week for sure there will be more data, but I’ve already heard that October has broken all previous records. Rain is supposed to continue in the coming weeks by extremely less amounts.

I’m sure you are aware that a storm originated near this island, and later formed into what became Hurricane Omar. Soon after its formation north west of Aruba, it started pouring for almost 24 hours non-stop on Aruba. I wrote and took several pictures on that storm.

Slowly the 2008 hurricane season is coming to an end. This island was lucky once more, while other areas in the Caribbean weren’t as lucky and got hit hard. Especially Haiti was devastated and we wish them all the best.