Once a week, on Sundays I write about the most relevant and interesting happenings on the island in my weekly Aruba news reports.

Subscribing to my newsletter is an ideal way to stay up to date with what’s going on in Aruba – whether you’re living on the island, miles away or your first visit!

News About Fast Ferry in Aruba

If this is your first time reading my newsletter – welcome!

Update About Fast Ferry Service in Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao

Do you ever dream about a Caribbean getaway between the ABC islands, but think it’s too expensive?

There’s a new fast ferry service on the way that might just make your dreams a reality!

It’s going to be a fast ferry that services inter island (Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao).

The minister of transport announced important updates about the project this week during a press conference.

He shared some of the following information about the fast ferry.

The project is still in the beginning stages.

An expert at fast ferries (Ton Jansen) will be on the island this week to inform the public and stakeholders about the project.

The goal at this moment is to share the details about the project, address any concerns by the public and stakeholder (including feedback and suggestions).

If you’re interested in this workshop by the minister of transport & Ton Jansen visit Santa Teresita Center (in San Nicolas) on June 26, 2018 starting at 7:00 PM.

According to the minister the fast ferry will:

• Increase tourism in Aruba (and in San Nicolas)
• Create a new economic pillar for Aruba
• Create commerce between Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao
• Introduce new businesses in San Nicolas

The next step in the project is to sit with the developers, and make a execution plan to create the infrastructure for the fast ferry between ABC islands (including the harbors).

Fast ferry will introduce a simpler and less expensive mode of transportation between ABC islands.

It’s not definite yet how much a ticket for the ferry will cost, but it will be hundreds of dollars cheaper than airline tickets.

Fast ferry passengers will be able to travel with their cars, and medium business owners get the opportunity to ship small cargo without paying the high prices of container cost (and waiting too long to ship).

During the press conference, the minster also mentioned that they will be breaking down one of the walls of the refinery (no longer functioning) in order to create a view of the beach. And they also plan to renovate the beaches in the area of san nicolas (especially rodgers beach).

If you’re an entrepreneur, this is your chance to start a business in San Nicolas.

It’s not definite when construction of the facilities and harbor for the fast ferry will begin, but the news sounds like a great start!

Isla Di Oro Project Not Approved!

The minister of infrastructure received feedback from different non governmental organization (NGOs) that the location at isla di oro is not suitable for an overwater bungalow resort.

NGOs don’t approve of the project, because of the negative impact it can have on the mangroves, marine life and the people living in the area of isa di oro (located in Savaneta).

Considering these points, the government denied the developers to continue.

The project also doesn’t fit the spatial development program (ROP) introduced by the government. They also announced that they won’t be approving any projects that don’t fit the current ROP. 

A new law will be implemented soon that protects the ROP from being adapted to approve projects that don’t fall within the rules of the ROP.

Despite the project being denied, the minister of infrastructure still thinks it is a great idea to introduce this type of resort on the island, but not at isla di oro.

The government might reconsider the project if the developers find another area to build the resort that won’t have a negative impact on the environment.

Things To Do in Savaneta (and places to stay)

The New Smart Community in Aruba

While the government denied the overwater bungalow project this week, they officially inaugurated another one called “smart community”.

It’s a residential area serving as a small scale environment with sustainable living conditions to gather knowledge about sustainable energy specific to the Aruba’s climate.

The project is fundamental to the development of Aruba, because these houses are a model of how to build greener homes in the future.

All the houses were constructed with different sustainable building materials and have top of the line technology installed for living in Aruba’s climate.

Smart Community is a collaboration between the Government of Aruba, FCCA, Utilities NV, ELMAR, WEB ARUBA NV, SETAR and TNO Caribbean.

The people living in the houses signed up for the experiment that will take a minimum of 5 years. During this period, experts will be investigating technology used in construction, renewable energy sources, (sun, wind, water), reusing water,  innovative agriculture experiments, and waste management,

The smart community is easy to spot.

It’s located on the highway in St.Cruz (close to Brouwerij Nacional Balashi).

Here’s image that shows the idea behind it…

A map of the smart community.

Aruba Hopes To Strike Gas Or Oil

A drill ship close to Aruba is currently exploring beneath the waters surface, hoping to find gas or oil.

The drilling is taking place on the north west coast of the island.

According to the director of Aruba’s Petroleum Company, the exploration process can take a minimum of 40 days.

International experts evaluated the Aruban waters with seismic research, surveys and other processes since 2010. They recently installed a drilling platform and now it’s time to find out if they were right.

If they strike gas or oil, it will be favorable for the island.

The first area drilled on is Bon Bini (here’s a map below).

Drilling in the middle of Bon Bini

Crisis Management Office Ready For Atlantic Hurricane Season

The crisis management office in Aruba announced that they are prepared for the Atlantic hurricane season (started June 1 ends November 30, 2018).

During the past weeks, the crisis management office organized different simulations on Aruba regarding hurricanes.

Different stakeholders participated in these events: government strategic departments, NGOs, and police, ambulance, red cross and military service.

Even though the meteorology experts predict that Aruba will not be in direct path (or danger) for this hurricane season, the crisis management office still has a plan in place, incase any foreseen circumstances take place.


Local Favorite Pier Restored

The famous blue pier in front of riu antillas got a renovation from top to bottom.

Locals refer to this place as – toren.

Even I have good memories diving off this pier 🙂

If you’re a long time visitor, you probably remember this pier (and have good memories of it also).

The pier is located on palm beach, between RIU Antillas and Divi Phoenix.

This beach is a must visit if you’re looking for an “unique local experience”.

Here’s two images showing before and after the renovation.

before the restoration.

This is how it looks like now, beautiful!

Summer Beach Festival At Moomba Beach

If you’re going to be on the island (June 30, 2018), and you want to party, head over to Summer Beach Festival at Moomba Beach.

Imagine a beach party, with great music, drinks and lots of foam (expect to get wet and foamy).

There’s going to be several DJ’s, BBQ on the beach, beer bucket deals and great atmosphere.

The event is taking place June 30, 2018 from 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Moomba beach is located between Marriott Aruba Surf Club & Holiday Inn resort.

Entrance is free.

Of course, I’m going to be there – let’s meet 🙂

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Do you enjoy the information I share?

If you’d like to contribute to maintain the website or want to buy me a beer so I can stay creative (because nothing great was invented by drinking water ? ) – please make a donation of your choice.

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How To Get More News About Aruba

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Once a week, on Sundays I publish the most relevant and interesting happenings in my “Aruba weekly newspaper recap”.

Subscribing to my newsletter is an ideal way to stay up to date with what’s going on in Aruba – whether you’re living on the island, miles away or your first visit!

Aruba Weekly Newspaper Recap

If this is your first time reading my newsletter – welcome!

Fast Ferry Service Between ABC Islands

The government announced a “fast ferry service” between the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao).

The fast ferry that will be implemented in Aruba is a transportation system that’s already being used successfully for over 20 years in the Canary island.

According to infrastructure minister, the harbor for the fast ferry will be constructed in San Nicolas.

The minister signed a Memorandum of Understanding with RDA (refinery di Aruba) to transpass an area within the refinery back to the government to build the harbor for the fast ferry.

The ferry can transport between 300 – 400 passengers including 80 cargo trucks and cars.

It will be a mayor boost for the economy of the island, but especially for the district of San Nicolas, since the rehabilitation of the refinery has been put on hold for a undefined period of time.

The ferry will depart from Aruba, and reach Curacao within 2 hours. It will then continue to Bonaire, return to Curacao and Aruba on the same day.

The project is a collaboration and understanding between ABC islands, and the Dutch Kingdom.

The ferry will benefit the islands in many ways, for example having a faster way of transportation for cargo between the Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao.

The project will take between 2-3 years to complete.

Lifting The Ban on Spearfishing

During a meeting with local fisherman, the minister of communication, Transport & Primary Sector for the island, announced that he is in the process of clarifying the recently introduced list of prohibited fish species and lift a ban on spearfishing

Last year the department of nature and environment introduced an updated version of the list of prohibited fish species, however according to local fisherman the list is not detailed and confusing.

The minister will revise and clarify the list of species that is prohibited to catch, and it will be reintroduced.

The reason spearfishing is banned on the island, is because those banned it were under the assumption that it’s harmful to corals. For example, if a fisherman misses a fish, the spear could puncture corals.

However, local fisherman say they spearfishing is practised in the deepest part of the ocean, where corals aren’t found.

The department of nature and the government reached an agreement on the following two points.

• A change in the law for spearfishing will be introduced soon. However, only under strict conditions and with restricted locations.
• The current list of protected fish species has to be clarified.

More information will be shared by the minister soon.

Alert For Big Waves in Aruba

The meteorological department sent out an official alert for high winds and strong currents, which is still in effect for the rest of this week.

Affected areas are the east coast, north coast, west coast, arashi, and beaches near the high rise and low rise hotel.

According to the department of meteorology, waves can be as big as 3 meters high on the north coast of the island (where it’s not allowed to swim).

The beach can also be rougher than usual at the other aforementioned bays.

Pay attention to strong currents and waves when swimming or snorkeling near Arashi,and beaches near the low rise and high rise area.

Too Much Sargassum!

The recent pick up in the wind towards the ABC islands led to a huge amount of seaweed called “Sargassum” floating to our shores in the north coast of the island.

Sargassum is a brown algae that makes up the floating seaweed mats known as the Sargasso Sea in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. These floating seaweed mats float in the open ocean, and provide a habitat for over 250 species of fish and invertebrates. And Seaweed acts as a first defense to capture incoming oil.

Near the shores at Alto Vista, the amount of seaweed reached 1,5 meters high.

The beaches near the low rise and high rise area are sargassum free!

Here’s a view of the wariruri bay on the north coast of the island…

Washed up seaweed near Wariruri.

Volunteers Needed!

Locals and visitors are gathering at the north coast of the island to gather the seaweed that washed up on shore. More volunteers are always welcome, no registration needed, just show up and help collect seaweed.

Roundabout Construction Near Superfood

A new roundabout is being constructed at the intersection from Superfood supermarket.

L.G Smith Boulevard, roadside to Tropicana Hotel will be closed. And L.G Smith Boulevard roadside to Superfood will remain open as a two way road.

The reconstruction of this highway and roundabout will take between 3 to 4 months.

Here’s the new and updated map…

A map with new roadblocks adjustments.

L.G Smith Boulevard direction Noord will be dedicated at the roundabout on Sasaki, near Eagle Bowling towards J.E Irausquin Boulevard. And towards Pos Abou, Caya Ritmo, and Caya Musica.

Traffic from Noord, intersection at McDonald at South Beach will be deviated at the first right turn near ex House of Cheng, towards J.E Irausquin Boulevard and Oranjestad.

Rent a car in Aruba now!

Art & Farmer’s Market

Cosecha together with Taste My Aruba will be organizing the first ever “Art and Farmers market” at night – under the stars.

This will be the first edition, and the event will be dedicated to Himno y Bandera, which is the national anthem and flag day.

During the farmers market, arts and crafts made by local artisans will be displayed and for sale.

Traditional dishes and drinks will also be available during the event like, oyster soup, balchi pisca, bacalao, fresh made fish, and cake for dessert.

Cosecha, which is an at gallery store will also be open, if you’re interested in buying more unique arts and crafts made by local artisans.

Find out more about Cosecha Art Gallery store here.

The event will take place on March 16, 2018 between 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, at the  Cosecha building (address: zoutmanstraat 1).

Visit the Art & Farmers market if you want an authentic Aruban experience.

USA Today Ranks Aruba Top 3 Island in The World

USA Today named Aruba as the 3rd most liked island in the entire world, according to their readers.

Aruba ranks among the top three most liked islands, because it’s positioned outside of the hurricane belt. And also the beaches, various beachfront hotel options, activities on the island, including the National Park Arikok with all of its wonders like the natural pool.

Aruba makes the list after Bora Bora and Dominican Republic.

Nowadays travelers are looking for a destination they can reach to easily with flights, fast, easy and as cheap as possible.

And the “one happy island” offers all the above and more!

Total Block Between Venezuela and ABC Islands

The National Institution of Aeronautical Civil Venezuela implemented a total ban between the ABC islands and Venezuela again this week.

The president of venezuela already banned the commercial communication between  the ABC islands in January. However the initial ban had exceptions for travelers who were in transit between the islands, and those traveling with a Dutch Nationality.

Now the exceptions are also outlawed with the recent ban. Making a total block between the ABC islands and Venezuela.

Local authorities in Venezuela and news sources have confirmed the ban until further notice by the President.

Southwest  Airlines Now Departs From Fort Lauderdale

Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA) welcomed the first passengers on the inauguration flight from Southwest  Airlines from Fort.Lauderdale.

It was just last year that Southwest announced that they will be changing their departure from Orlando to a new gateway in Fort Lauderdale.

According to the airline, the change will benefit travelers on a connection flight from New York, Boston and the north east.

As of March 8, 2018 Southwest will be operating daily out of Fort Lauderdale.

New Food & Beverage Outlets in Aruba’s Airport

Aruba’s airport now offers 3 new additional food and beverage outlets.

Travelers can visir Panda Express, Freshii, and Wineport while waiting for their flight to departure.

Panda Express is a fast casual restaurant chain which serves American Chinese cuisine like Kung Pao Chicken,  Orange Chicken, Chow Mein, Fried Rice and steamed vegetables.

Freshii is a Canadian fast casual restaurant franchise that serves burritos, wraps, soups, salads, and frozen yogurt.

Wineport is a unique wine and champagne bar designed specifically for those passengers that want to sit back, relax and enjoy the view of arriving and departing planes on the airport. They also offer premium cocktails,  and a wide selection of craft beers.

This project was a collaboration between the  Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA) and the Airport Hospitality Industry N.V. (AHI).

New F&B selection, Panda Express, Freshii & Wineport.

The new 323.50 square meters food & beverage area was created to accommodate the growing demand for quality F&B options and extra seating areas for passengers visiting Aruba Airport.

The airport also has new and modern bathrooms, right next to the shops.

A total investment of about $1.100.000 dollars, According to the AAA.

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I invest my personal time to make this newsletter available to you for free, because I know how much it means for you to stay up to date with what’s happening on your home away from home.

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Click on the amount you wish to donate and you will be directed to pay-pal on the next page.

You’re awesome!

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