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Aruba's natural terrain hosts a myriad of flora and fauna. The dry desert and shimmering deep turquoise seas create a backdrop for beautiful scenery around the island. Aruba's landscapes are full of natural cacti and distinctive divi divi trees. And it would be hard to go a day without seeing a mountain goat, one of Aruba's most populous animals. Also be sure to keep your eyes open for the many beautiful iguanas that run wild.
The Bubali Bird Sanctuary consists of two connected man-made lakes, one larger and one smaller, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful bird-watching locations in the Caribbean. The attentive birdwatcher can spot several species of birds in their natural habitats, including herons, egrets, gulls, skimmers, cormorants and various ducks. Additional bird-watching sites include the four San Nicolas Bay Keys, which are home to a variety of species of terns. The Bubali sanctuary itself has become a crucial resting and breeding area for more than 80 species of migratory birds annually. Surrounded by lush and beautiful vegetation amid the arid desert, the sanctuary provides beautiful scenery for terrain and animal life.
The various cacti and the unique divi divi trees are hallmarks of Aruba's natural vegetation, but the island's most significant plant is aloe. This agricultural tradition dates back to 1890 and provides Aruba with a good portion of its economic livelihood. The arid desert climate of Aruba is ideal for growing and harvesting aloe. Excellent aloe products, including lotions, soaps and cosmetics, are organically made and sold across the island.
For a truly unique natural experience, visit Aruba's Butterfly farm. The farm's garden is a sight to behold, with beautiful flowers, trees and landscaping that cater to the needs of the butterflies. The collection of fluttering friends at the garden includes many species from around the world, and you can observe these natural wonders from the earliest stages of their life cycle, emerging from cocoons. Tour guides supply information on the natural miracle of metamorphosis of butterflies and will point out to you the various species floating around the garden. For excellent photography opportunities, this is the place to be.
To visit the more active side of Aruba, try visiting the famous desert sand dunes on the northwestern tip of the island, where you can go for an adventurous Jeep or scooter ride on the desert terrain or go"dune sliding." Guides usually know good and safe sliding areas where tourists can take part in this thrilling activity.
The Cura di Tortuga is Aruba's natural pool, tucked away on the windward coast of the island. Clandestine and shaded, the Tortuga is a great escape from reality. The pool is surrounded by rough land that makes it accessible only to those who know the way, like the secret getaways of fantasy stories. To get here, you will need to hire a local guide and rent either horses or a vehicle with four-wheel drive.
Another amazing feat of nature is Aruba's natural bridge. This rock structure rises 25 feet above sea level and crosses over 100 feet of water. The bridge rises over a rocky and gorgeous area, full of exciting sea and animal life. Unlike the Tortuga, it's easily accessible. The bridge area is a great place to picnic, and the swimming in the water shielded by the bridge and the shore is significantly calmer than most ocean areas.
Travelers looking for adventure won't want to miss the opportunity to go caving on Aruba. With a long-standing tradition of piracy and hidden gold stories, Aruba (which means"red gold") is full of twisting and turning caves.
Last, but not least, Aruba's historical sights include the amazing Arikok National Park. This park, which makes up 18 percent of the island, takes its name from the local Mount Arikok, marking the virtual center-point of the island. As you walk down the park's several well-maintained trails, you'll see Aruba's famous wildlife and plant life in their most natural setting. The government is very conscientious about environmental concerns and does its best to keep the park nature-friendly, employing only ecologically sound organizations and businesses to maintain the grounds.
There are three predominant rock formations to the park itself: a limestone foundation, a quartz diorite formation and the Aruba lava formation. These formations support a network of unique wildlife that is exclusive to Aruba. Careful watchers can spot the cascabel, the unicolor crotalus, the santanero and the cat-eye (Aruba's indigenous snakes); the shoco and athene burrower (indigenous owls); and the prikichi (indigenous parrot).
Over all, Aruba's natural environment is healthy and robust, providing for many memorable and one-of-a-kind natural experiences.