| Each year, tourists flock to Aruba for a taste of | | | | the crystal clear Caribbean. As Palm Beach sits on |
| the island's renowned beaches. At the heart of | | | | the leeward side of Aruba, the water is almost |
| Aruba's beach atmosphere is Palm Beach - one of | | | | always calm and perfect for swimming. There are |
| the liveliest beaches in the entire Caribbean. While | | | | also several excellent dive sites along Palm Beach |
| the soft, white sand and mature palm trees will | | | | for scuba enthusiasts and snorkelers alike. Even if |
| be noticed at first glance, there are plenty of | | | | you have never performed any of these sports |
| activities and sites along Palm Beach waiting to be | | | | before, you can find plenty of experienced guides |
| discovered. From families with small children to jet | | | | and instructors to get you in the water with |
| setting couples, there is something for every type | | | | confidence. Unlike other popular Caribbean |
| of traveler on Palm Beach. All the best resorts in | | | | destinations, the resorts of Palm Beach cater to |
| Aruba can be found along this beautiful stretch of | | | | families. In fact, 13 of Aruba's finest resorts |
| sand, each with rooms looking out over the | | | | participate in a kid-friendly program called "One |
| Caribbean. The presence of these resorts also | | | | Cool Family Vacation." These top resorts, most |
| allows Palm Beach to be the best equipped beach | | | | located at Palm Beach, offer special bonuses to |
| on the island. Public changing areas, lounge chairs | | | | children ranging from beach tours to snorkeling |
| and palapas (natural shade umbrellas) can be | | | | excursions. This program also offers lucrative |
| found up and down the beach. The resorts also | | | | discounts to families looking to rent water sport |
| groom the beach daily, so you are guaranteed the | | | | equipment or take guided tours of the island. |
| freshest sand anywhere. You will also notice that | | | | Though Palm Beach is certainly a giant playground |
| many of the resorts maintain exquisite gardens | | | | for kids, there is plenty of grownup fun just |
| along the beachfront. A stroll through these | | | | beneath the surface. Parents and couples will |
| botanical masterpieces can offer views of | | | | certainly want to experience the exotic, |
| everything from rare, tropical flowers to a | | | | ever-expanding Aruban culinary scene. There are |
| sunbathing iguanas and waterfalls. Most of the | | | | several dining programs that allow dedicated and |
| resorts along Palm Beach also open their facilities | | | | aspiring "foodies" to experience the best of the |
| right onto the sand. You will find plenty of outdoor | | | | island's cuisine. Though you will find many |
| cafes offering snacks and small meals in casual | | | | European-style restaurants that rival big city |
| beach settings. There are also plenty of drink | | | | offerings, you won't want to miss some of the |
| stands serving exotic cocktails to enjoy in the | | | | local delicacies. Be sure to try giambo, a spicy |
| shade. Though these areas can sometimes be | | | | seafood gumbo, and pastechi, turnovers filled with |
| crowded, many tourists enjoy the exciting | | | | cheese, shrimp and plenty of spice. Though you |
| atmosphere and make new friends along the way. | | | | probably won't exhaust all the options available on |
| However, the north end of Palm Beach is known | | | | Palm Beach, don't worry about spending some |
| to be much quieter while offering the same | | | | quality time on the simplest activities. The morning |
| outdoor amenities. Palm Beach features numerous | | | | and early afternoon hours are known as the best |
| rental shops and tour companies - most located | | | | time to sunbath, while the evenings are perfect |
| at the beach's two piers - catering to every | | | | for walking the beach and admiring the sites. |
| water sport imaginable. Adventurous travelers can | | | | After all, visitors come to Aruba for the sun and |
| rent jet skis or windsurfing equipment to glide | | | | sand (and there is always plenty to go around). |
| along the calm Caribbean waters. If you just want | | | | Justin Burch writes articles about travel in Aruba [ |
| to relax, consider one of the charter boats | | | | for the Marriott Resorts. |
| catering to fishermen or swim right off shore in | | | | |