Aruba - Adventure Guide to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - page 72

casinos, bars, and nightclubs. Most hotels have a De Palm Ac-
tivities Desk, and there is a De Palm Tours Pier on Palm Beach.
Contact the main office for information and reservations,

297-

582-4545 (Aruba), 800-766-6016 (US); www.depalm.com.

ABC Tours takes passengers on an Island Safari in their 24-
passenger air-conditioned bus and runs Off Road Safaris in
customized Land Rover Defenders that hold six, rather than
the usual nine, passengers. Small 1groups, an adventurous
spirit, unlimited soft drinks, and stops at often-missed sights
make this energetic company a favorite. Most of their business
is from word-of-mouth advertising by happy tourists. Give
them a call, 297-582-5600; www.abc-aruba.com.

Wix Tours is owned and operated by Marco Wix. His staff of
friendly guides starts your vacation off right with round-trip
transfer service from the airport to your hotel for $12 per per-
son. After you're settled in, take the 4½-hour tour of major sites
in their 24-passenger air-conditioned bus. The $30 charge in-
cludes a stop at Baby Beach for a swim. The Jeep and Eco Ad-
venture is a full-day-trip by Jeep to remote sites and the
National Park, lunch, and snorkeling at Baby Beach. The $57
cost includes snacks and snorkel equipment. Book by phone or
online, 297-586-0347; www.wixtours.com.

Pelican Adventures are known for sea quests, but they also
operate a land tour of intriguing sites and best-kept-secret
places. Entertaining guides narrate as the air-conditioned bus
travels across the island; passengers are encouraged to ask
questions and offer feedback. Tours cost $30-$45 and you can
book reservations by calling 297-587-2302; www.pelican-

aruba.com.

TIP: See Adventures on Water, page 84, for infor-
mation on sightseeing by boat, snorkel/scuba trips,
and party boats. Evening tours are listed under
Nightlife .

Walking Tour of Oranjestad
Tourists head into the bustling capital city to shop, eat, bar
hop, and play the slot machines. But, you'll miss a lot if you
don't take the time to stroll aimlessly through the streets and
stop to visit the museums and historic sites.
Locate Wilhelmina Park on the main waterfront highway,
L.G. Smith Boulevard, at the southeast end of down, just before the high-
way crosses a lagoon. This is an excellent place for rest and orientation.
The lush park is named for Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, who
reigned for 50 years (1898-1948) and abdicated in favor of her daughter,