ARUBA Aruba, located in the southern Caribbean Sea close off the coast of South America, is the most popular of the ABC islands (together with Curacao and Bonaire). It may not be a stereotypical tropical paradise—it has an arid desert-like landscape that is wonderful to explore, but its combination of predictable year-round weather (located outside the hurricane zone), friendly people, and a wide range of resort options has made it one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations. Although the island is only 21 miles long, there are plenty of activities to do while visiting this Dutch Caribbean republic. Whether you choose leisure and relaxation or exploration and action, Aruba has something for everyone. Imagine a place where the sun always shines, the palms provide shade, and the beaches are as pristine as they are serene. That place is Aruba, one of the Lesser Antilles islands which extend in an arc from Puerto Rico to the north-eastern coast of South America. This is a tranquil destination typically ideal for tourists looking for an exotic getaway. Its hot and humid due to its location near the equator and the temperature usually rarely drops below 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with refreshing trade winds always blowing. Aruba is relatively unaffected by its geographical placement because the mountains that surround it protect it from all but the easterly trade winds. Its thse winds which discourage large waves from hitting the coast and keep the water relatively calm. Aruba is widely regarded for its beautiful beaches which are undoubtedly amongst the very best we have visited in the caribbean. North of the popular Palm Beach you will find Tres Trapi (see the front cover), an incredible snorkeling and scuba diving spot. If you want to see turtles this is the place to be because it’s the top snorkeling spot in Aruba. Tres Trapi is situated between Boca Catalina and Malmok Beach. To get into the water, you’ll need to descend a well-carved staircase in the rock formation that leads straight to the ocean, hence “Tres Trapi” means the “Three Steps needed to take the plunge. Here you can encounter a variety of beautiful tropical fish, moray eels, and if you're lucky, those amazing sea turtles. Snorkelling with turtles Palm Beach Amazing Destinations 45
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