Time Zone: GMT-4. Aruba - Queen Beatrix Airport (AUA/TNCA).
Aruba has one of the coolest airports in the Caribbean, a 10,500 foot jet-port, which can handle Airbuses, DC10's, even 747's!
Because of the constant trade winds, everybody has to make the approach from the Northwest. If you reserve a morning or early afternoon flight which arrives before sunset (which is around 6:30), try to get seats on the left-hand side of the plane. As the plane turns for its final approach, you'll be able to see the clear ocean water as you pass over the Western tip called "California".
According to legend, the SS California heard the Titanic's SOS signal, but disregarded it (can you believe those dudes?) Nine years later the California met its own fate in about 30 feet of water right off this Northwest tip. With a sharp eye you can see the"California" lighthouse on the tip, and just off the southern shore the sunken German freighter "Antilla". It was scuttled during WWII by the crew (they didn't want allies to capture the ship), and lies at 43 feet. It's a very popular night dive site off Arashi.
If you're into aviation at all, there are a couple of DC-3's sitting at oceanside at the airport ready to taken out to the nearby coral reef. As a matter of fact, you can't see them from the airport, but just off the end of the runway, in about 30 feet of water, there are a few airplanes, (including three DC-3's!), sitting on the ocean floor. These were placed there by the Aruban government after being seized for running drugs. (Yikes!) If you're interested in diving and would like to try it while in Aruba, see our buddy Andre at the Bushiri Hotel, (his shop is on the beach there). Ask him to take you out to the planes. While you can't go inside the aircraft until you're certified for that, just seeing them there underwater is quite a trip!
For up to date flight information, including departure tax and customs, please visit: http://www.airportaruba.com/
Keep enough change for postcards, available at the airport. And remember to arrive early even though we know you'll hate to leave.
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