Oranjestad is Aruba’s capital city. Locally, however, it is only referred to as “Playa” in the Papiamento language. Unlike other cities that have to undergo transformations before becoming the capital, Oranjestad was the capital from the very moment it was established in 1796. The name comes from King Willem van Oranje-Nassau. After all, Aruba is part of the kingdom of the Netherlands. Oranjestad has a population of 35 thousand people according to the latest measurement.
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Barcadera is a harbor city about 3 miles south east of the capital city Oranjestad. It’s also among the biggest harbor ports of Aruba, other big ports include Playa. As of latest count the city of Barcadera has a population of 100 thousand people. Transportation around Barcadera is best done walking and/or making use of the taxis.
One of the main reason travelers visit Barcadera is because of the Barcadera Reef, it’s truly an underwater paradise that attracts divers and snorkelers from all over the world. Underwater fans surely will enjoy the rich and colorful life filled with wrasses, scorpion fish, damsel fish, and pink-tipped anemones that goes on in the reef which varies from 20 to 90 feet in depth.
If you’re not a fan of diving or snorkeling there’s a boulevard you can relax at for a beer or just sit down at the beach. Barcadera is warm throughout the whole year and even at night it doesn’t cool down. It’s only the sun that’s missing. Officially the rainy season is supposed to be in October, but than also it doesn’t rain for more than 10 minutes each time. Don’t forget to bring your wet suit as the weather gets up to 80 degrees Celsius.
Travelers to Aruba’s Barcadera are required to present a passport valid for at least three months. However, United States citizens can enter with just a birth certificate or identification card. All nationals are required to present a return ticket.