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This flat country doesn't attract much precipitation
On Aruba, a very flat island, the sparse, sparsely-irrigated vegetation gives pride of place to various varieties of cactus, which thrive in this hot, dry climate. On the other hand, an average temperature of 30°C and a large number of white sandy beaches with turquoise waters are strong arguments in favor of tourist activities.
A disconcerting first view
Arriving by sea, the coastline, dotted with factories and refineries, is not a pretty sight. Aruba, like Curaçao, derives a substantial part of its income from the processing of Venezuelan oil. Tourism also plays an important role in the country's budget. A parade of hotel establishments, ranging from modest room-and-kitchenette residences to the most imposing palaces, forms part of the landscape. This is the case for miles around, along three quarters of the west coast.
Essential arrival formalities
The first step for yachtsmen entering the country is to dock at the customs wharf. The wind blowing away from the shore, the shallow water or the presence of other boaters make this a tricky maneuver. Once the formalities have been completed, Â "âeurosSurf Side BeachâeurosÂ" is one of the few anchorages available. A negative detail for this otherwise very convenient spot is the proximity of the aerodrome, which receives large aircraft, not at all discreet. Nearby, large supermarkets, open even on Sundays, make it easy to stock up. The small Renaissance marina has few berths for passing boats. Reservations are recommended.
Visit the capital
Oranjestad, the shining city, is the capital of Aruba. In front of the cruise ship dock, there are whole aisles of gleaming stores. The whole world of luxury is represented here. Ãa is on the opposite side of Oranjestad, the "âeurosaccueilâeuros" area.
On the other hand, beyond the first few streets, the housing is much less striking, and even rather modest. Once past the city's commercial zone, one of the immense sandy-white-turquoise beaches that are the pride of the site spreads out. We're downwind. The sea is calm, everything looks idyllic...
But our footsteps soon lead us to the part dedicated to the tourist industry. The pattern is the same everywhere: a beach some fifty meters wide is overrun with deckchairs shaded by palm-leaf parasols. Numerous soda stores and booking offices offer all kinds of fun and holiday activities.
A kind of â??eurospiétonnierâeurosâ? path leads through the exercise area of one hotel into the area of influence of another. The backyards of the establishments in question include tree-lined paths, swimming pools, sometimes tennis courts or trinket stalls. Even further ahead, there's a similar coastal road from which, would you believe it, you can't see the sea. But what's the point, since its ribbon of asphalt is bordered, on the land side, by a colourful succession of shopping aids!
Varadero Marina offers a wide range of yachting services
In Varadero, the marina, the dry port and the shipchandler can provide reasonable solutions for leaving your boat during hurricane season and taking care of routine maintenance tasks. The dry climate prevents the development of mould on board. Flights to Europe via Amsterdam are easy.
