Frequent readers of our blog know that Aruba sits among the hundreds of insular territories embraced by the warm Caribbean Sea. Its location guarantees a pleasant climate year-round, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for a month-long carnival at the start of each year. Many of these valuable features are easy to come across, but some reveal themselves only to those who actively want to embrace the island’s charm and beauty.
Beyond Oranjestad‘s gabled roofs, fresh seafood, and hospitable inhabitants, there are many fascinating facts about Aruba that can be great conversation starters at parties or on vacation. From cities with royal names to award-winning tap water, here are some secrets that will not stay hidden for long.
3 museums in Aruba for history, culture, and art admirers
A name fit for a king
There is evidence that Oranjestad, which means “Orange City” used to be “one of the six indigenous villages” that existed before the colonial era. Credit: falco/Pixabay
When asked about our favorite and unexpected facts about Aruba, we love sharing the story behind the capital’s name. Why? Because it is one of the most entertaining to tell. To give you some context, our past includes tales of Arawak rock paintings, pirates, and European explorers venturing into the unknown. While the Portuguese and Spanish visited our shores, the Dutch left the most lasting mark, just as they did in the neighboring Curaçao and Bonaire. The origin of “Oranjestad” reflects this long-standing connection… And the best part is that it happened by chance.
In 1824, the Dutch in Paardenbaai, or “Playa”, started an impromptu party after discovering gold in different parts of Aruba. According to local authorities, Governor Cantz’laar raised his glass and exclaimed, “Long live Oranjestad! May it grow and flourish!”, honoring the House of Orange, which had been on the throne since the 15th century. From that moment, the newcomers took that name to refer to Paardenbaai. A year later, Adjutant R.F. Van Raders updated the island’s map, adding the word “Oranjestad” and reporting the existence of the shiny nuggets before sending it to King Willem I.
Aruba’s unique creatures
Aruba is on the smaller side, but it hosts countless species that sustain its ecosystem and even surprise lifelong residents with their striking traits. This interesting and diverse wildlife includes elegant pink flamingos, peaceful hard-shell turtles, noisy seagulls, and colorful fish. Some, like the whiptail lizard and the burrowing owl, are endemic to the island. The first, the most common lizard in this territory, can be brown or a distinct turquoise with tan or light blue spots. The second is a small bird with yellow eyes that thrives in warm, dry, sandy areas.
The best place to connect with Aruba’s riveting wildlife and nature is, without a doubt, Arikok National Park, which covers nearly 20% of the island. After paying the entrance fee, you can explore its hiking trails, mystical caves, and the stunning bays of Moro, Boca Prins, and Dos Playas. This only means one thing: You will definitely see a rich variety of land, air, and sea creatures. Want to add more places to your itinerary? Download our free guide for details on Renaissance Island, the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, and more:
Majestic Fauna: Beaches in Aruba with Flamingos
Freshwater from the ocean
The most popular beer in Aruba is called Balashi. The name comes from a word of Arawak origin, which can be translated as “close to the sea”. Credit: George Cox/Unsplash
We cannot stress this enough: Aruba’s location is unbeatable, with sunny days and palm trees swaying to the rhythm of the trade winds. Still, even the most idyllic places face challenges along the way, and one of them belongs on the list of little-known facts about Aruba. In the 1930s, the Tourism Board’s website explains, freshwater scarcity became a concern. The solution? Designing and building “one of the world’s largest desalination plants”. Since then, the service has been known for its strict measures and high standards. So, you will not get sick from drinking tap water or enjoying a can of Balashi Beer, the local elixir made with it.
Aruba proves that the best things come in small packages. There is still much to share about our home, but we will leave it at that for now. In the meantime, you can book one of our beautiful suites, featuring top-notch finishes and a serene atmosphere praised by our guests. Or, reserve a table in our restaurant for a romantic dinner with exquisite international cuisine.
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