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Hawaii Snorkeling Tours
Hawaii Sunset Cruise

Observe Hawaiian Humpback whales while sailing the waters of the famous North Shore, the least crowded whale watching spot on Oahu. Our Small groups give you a personal and up-close experience

www.sailingcat.com

Embassy Suites Hotel - Mandalay Beach Resort - Oxnard

TO FLY L.A.
16303 Waterman Drive
Van Nuys, CA 91406
877.863.5952

The Excitement of Aruba
By Mel and Ronnie Greenberg

A fiery orange sunset is the downbeat of a symphony on Aruba, the eclectic island known for its upscale ambience, exquisite cuisine, and dazzling nightlife. The17 mile long island of the Lesser Antilles lies in the southern Caribbean and together with Bonaire and Curacao forms a group referred to as the ABC islands of the Leeward Antilles.

The desert-like island rises to its highest point at Mount Yamanota a 617 foot cone shaped hill. The harsh terrain of rocky parched landscape and volcanic rock formations defines much of this island. Dotting the island are aloe plants and the native divi-divi trees gnarled by the trade winds into contorted bonsai-like figures. Stunning white sand beaches are found along the western and southern coast of the island that's ideal for swimming. Snorkeling and scuba diving fans will love the warm waters teeming with tropical fish, coral formations and a few sunken ships.

Where to stay

Nestled on 14 acres of the white powder sands of Aruba's Eagle Beach the 100 room, couples only Bucuti Beach Resort is a romantic European-style boutique resort. Set along the west coast, the resort's Tara Suites were designed as an ideal setting for a tranquil retreat. All suites are oceanfront and feature large balconies or terraces and king beds with views of the ocean. Step out of your suite and your feet are in the white sands of the widest and most secluded section of Eagle Beach, where your palapa and beach chairs are waiting. The Intermezzo is a cozy lounge where you can enjoy a quiet American breakfast buffet (included in the nightly rate) and afternoon tea. Couples can take in the scenery with a private champagne dinner for two on the beach, a sunset cruise, or simply relax around the infinity pool in a comfy chair, lounge-like bed, or oversized lounges for two.

Bucuti's signature Swept Away Romance Package includes a Gift Basket, bottle of chilled Champagne in the room, candlelight dinner for two on the beach at the Pirates' Nest Restaurant, daytime snorkel or sunset sailing cruise.

The resort was committed to sustainable tourism long before it was trendy to be green. It is certified Green Globe 21 for the eighth consecutive year and ISO 14001 for the fifth consecutive year.

For complete information and reservations visit. www.bucuti.com

Sightseeing

Start your tour of Aruba in Oranjestad the old 18th century Dutch capital with -pastel gabled houses under red tile roofs, reflecting links to the Netherlands. Every morning merchant sailors sell fresh fish, fruits and vegetables on colorful floating markets. You'll hear the language of Papiamento, a mix of Dutch, Spanish and English and a touch of Carib Indian dialect.

Explore the Natural Bridge formed by the action of wind and sea that was once a cave entrance. Now eroded it forms an arch 100 feet wide and 25 feet above the sea. Other highlights are the unusual rock gardens of Casibari and Ayo where huge boulders weighing thousands of tons are scattered near and far; the ghost town of Balashi once the center of the 19th century gold mining; the caves of Canashito with hieroglyphs dating from the 12 to 15 centuries; Dos Playa and Boca Prins, for the Aruban sport of dune-sliding, and the California Point Lighthouse.

For a change in pace visit the island's Museums: Archaeological, Numismatic, History, Model trains and Aruba Sport & Fame.

Excursions

A favorite is the Aruba See and Sea Tour, taking you around the island and under the sea. Board the Seaworld Explorer, a state of the art semi-submarine that does not submerge but instead drops you into the hull of the vessel, where you can sit in air conditioned comfort five feet below the surface of the water. View amazing sea life in this cruising, underwater observatory through large, clear-glass windows.

The popular Seaworld Explorer takes you to the wreck of the Antilla, a 440-foot German freighter destroyed by an explosion that tore the freighter in two halves during World War II. The huge ship lies on her side in 60 feet of water, where not fully submerged, she provides a resting place for the pelicans that frequent it. Beautiful coral heads have grown on the vessel and thousands of tropical fish have made her their home, creating an underwater tapestry

How to get there

Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport is located near Oranjested with daily flights to various cities across the US

For additional information contact: Aruba Tourism Authority:
www.aruba.com

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