The Caribbean island nation of Aruba is a small jewel in the aquamarine sea that surrounds the islands of the Caribbean. It is 30km (19.6 miles) long and 9km (6 miles) across at its widest point.

The waves off the windward east coast crash against cliffs, carving high, arched coral bridges and deep dark, limestone grottoes. This coast is desolate, windswept with rocks carved into weird shapes by the pounding surf. In contrast on the western shores the beaches are soft, white and fringed with palm trees, sloping towards the calm transparent turquoise of the Caribbean.

Between these two extremes is a desert landscape where cacti grow to the height of a man and huge tumbles of boulders dot the area. Winding roads lead to rocky passes and hidden coves, or even to nowhere at all. Giant green parakeets call to their mates and other tropical birds flash their brilliant colors against the deep blue of the Caribbean sky.

Perpetual trade winds have made Aruba the world's leading area for windsurfing. These winds also created the famous divi-divi trees, which have been wind twisted into natural art that always point west.

World Incentive Nexus can recommend a company to handle all details of a program in Aruba. For a recommendation, more information or a request for proposal, use the form found below.

Why take an incentive group to Aruba?

• Numerous luxurious resorts.
• 7 miles of powder-white sandy beaches.
• An active nightlife.
• It is always summer in Aruba, and almost always dry
• Aruba is completely outside the hurricane belt.
• The island is served by a number of airlines.
• Finally, the people of Aruba are warm and friendly.

Aruba lies at the heart of the southern Caribbean and is the smallest island in the Leeward group of the Dutch Caribbean islands. Aruba is the final link in the long Antillean chain, lying 20 km (12.5 miles) off the Venezuelan coast. Aruba has a total of 70 square miles with topography and vegetation that is unusual for the Caribbean.

Aruba's earliest inhabitants came from the South American mainland about 1000 AD and settled in three large villages on the island. These first Indians were of the Arawak tribe and many of their artifacts can be seen in Aruba museums.

The first European to land on the shores of Aruba was the Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda, who arrived in 1449. The Spanish exported Indians to Hispaniola and put them to work in the copper mines. Many later drifted back to work in the Island's cattle and horse-breeding industries.

During the years that followed, ownership of the Island changed hands several times. Near the culmination of the 80 years war between Spain and Holland in 1636, the Dutch took possession and remained in control for nearly two centuries. During the Napoleonic Wars in 1805 the British briefly took over the Island and in 1816 returned control of the Island to the Dutch.

There are 40 nationalities that add to the culture of Aruba. This multicultural spirit is found in its folklore, crafts, dance, music and food.

Gold was discovered in 1824 and the mines were worked until 1914 when the mines became unprofitable. In the mid 1920's oil refineries began operations on the island and "black gold" helped give Aruba one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean. This prosperity was furthered by the development of tourism, which became the primary industry when the last refinery closed

Aruba's main attraction is its beaches; these include 11km (7 miles) of uninterrupted beach stretching from Druif Beach to Eagle Beach and from Palm Beach to Malmok on the southwest coast. The best swimming is at Eagle and Palm Beaches. There are also many sandy beaches on the north coast, Boca Prins, Boca Grandi, and Bachelor's.

The scenery on the north coast is beautiful and not recommended for swimming due to strong currents. The best beaches for windsurfing are Spaans Lagoen, Commandeurs, the north coast beaches, and the entire area of the coast between Hadicurair and Malmok beaches.

Visibility in Aruba's clear waters can extend as far as 27km (90 feet) and the water temperature is never under 70 degrees this makes the area excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The most famous of Aruba's landmarks is the Natural Bridge at Andicuri on the north coast. This bridge 100 feet long and 25 feet above seal level, was carved from the coral cliff by the relentless pounding of the sea.

Visibility in Aruba's clear waters can extend as far as 27km (90 feet) and the water temperature is never under 70 degrees this makes the area excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The most famous of Aruba's landmarks is the Natural Bridge at Andicuri on the north coast. This bridge 100 feet long and 25 feet above seal level, was carved from the coral cliff by the relentless pounding of the sea

It is worth the trip to venture beyond the beaches and explore the Cunucu: a land of cactus, wind-swept divi-divi trees, old villages and hamlets. Take the dirt roads that stretch across the landscape to places of interest or to simply enjoy the views. One winding road lined with white crosses takes visitors to Alto Vista and its Mission. At the northern tip of the Island is the California Lighthouse set in an area of desolate sand dunes. Off this coast is the wreck of a German freighter from World War II, which is now home to many exotic fish, making it a favorite spot for scuba divers. Within the nearby golf course are marshes with wild egrets, and nearby rare burrowing owls still inhabit ancient coral caves

At Bushiribana is the site of a deserted 19th-century gold mill. It stands in a barren area with a picturesque view of the north coast. In Balashi, near the airport, is another site of Aruba's early gold mining industry. At nearby Frenchman's Pass gold smelters remain. Frenchman's Pass is also where Arawaks defended Aruba against the French in 1700.

There are several systems of caves on Aruba. Indian drawings can be found in the caves at Fontein, which were once used by the Arawak Indians. Near the Fontein caves is a Chinese garden created around a natural water resource and a small museum with wildlife. The best-preserved Indian drawings on the Island can be found at Arikok, a national park.

In the geographical center of the Island is the old settlement of Santa Cruz where the first cross was raised on Aruba. To the northwest of Santa Cruz looms Hooibert (Mount Haystack), 165km (541 feet). A series of several hundred steps leads to the top of the peak where it is possible to see across to Venezuela. Northwest of Hooibert is the old town of Seroe Patrishi with historical graves dating back to the early 18th century.

At Ayo and Casibari are gigantic rock formations that have been shaped into fantastic shapes. The origin of these formations has never been determined. One theory is that constant wind and salt spray created the shapes. These diorite boulders weight several thousands tons, balance precariously on edge or on each other. Indian paintings can be found on some of the rocks at Ayo. At Casibari ascending steps wind through the rocks to the top of these boulders providing an excellent view of the Island. The rock garden at the base of the boulders are accented by beach grape trees and boulders that somewhat resemble animals.

North of Ayo is the town of Nodd which has the oldest church (1776) on the Island, the Church of Santa Anna with its beautiful 100-year hand-carved oak altar. Adjoining the Church is a cemetery with tombs painted in pastel colors and adorned with flowers and various mementos. The Chapel of Alto Visa established in 1750 is a few miles away.

The Dutch heritage of the Island is very prevalent in the capital city of Oranjestad. The Colonial gabled houses of this city are multicolored and have architectural features of both Dutch and Aruban cultures.

Two museums not to miss are as follows: the Archeological Museum, which contains artifacts from the Indians of Aruba and the Historical Museum housed in Fort Zoutman, the oldest building on Aruba (1796). The Bonbini Festival is held every Tuesday throughout the year in the courtyard of the Fort. This offers the opportunity to experience local customs, music and cuisine

Other areas of Oranjestad to investigate include a daily market at the Schooner Harbor where traders sell fresh fish straight from the boat along with mainland fresh fruits and vegetables, the shopping district known for its fine products, and Wilhelmina Park created to honor the visit of Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. The 65-foot-long, 48-passenger, Atlantis submarine departs from the marina and cruises at a maximum depth of 150 feet offering excellent views of the Barcadera Reef, marine life and coral formations.

Located in the southwest part of the Island is San Nicolas, Aruba's second largest city. This town once owed its prosperity to its oil refinery. Today a section of San Nicolas' main street has been converted to a picturesque promenade with shops.

To the east is an area known as Seroe Colorado, which is known for several fine beaches and for being the home of the local iguana community.

• Windsurfing
• Surfing
• Diving
• Snorkeling
• Sailing
• Water & Jet Skiing
• Deep-Sea Fishing
• Golf
• Horseback Riding
• Rock Climbing

Spectator Sports

• Windsurfing Tournament
• Drag Car Races
• Bowling Tournament

Leisure

• Festivals
• Shopping
• Local Market Places
• Museums & Art Galleries
• Island Tours
• Glass-bottom Boat Tours
• Bubali Bird Sanctuary for bird watching & wildlife tours
• Tour of aloe fields and factories

The majority of hotels are in the Palm Beach & Eagle Beach resort areas on the southwest coast and offer accommodation of a very high standard. All hotels are graded into first class and deluxe. There are a few guesthouses not far from the main hotel area.

The variety in the local cuisine is extensive with a very wide range of international dishes available. Specialties include:

• Stobà (lamb or goat stew)
• Cala (bean fritters)
• Pastechi (meat or cheese-stuffed turnovers)
• Ayacas (leaf wrapped meat roll)
• Sopi di pisca (fish chowder)
• Erwten soep (a Dutch thick pea soup with meat)
• Rijsttafel or rice table (a Dutch-Indonesian feast)

The highlight of Aruba's nightlife is the casinos. There are several discotheques in Oranjestad and nightclubs offering revues and live music. Some of the hotels also offer live entertainment.