Browse vetted photographers you’ll love in Oranjestad

There are as many ways to experience Oranjestad as there are colors in this capital of Aruba. The Dutch island floats in the Caribbean Sea just north of South America, and Oranjestad is located on its southwestern shore.

The Dutch Colonial buildings line downtown’s thoroughfares, not just in soft pastels, but Caribbean oranges, blues and yellows. The decorative, white-trimmed architecture is an apt reflection of the island around you: green palm trees and lizards, gray pelicans and white boats, purple lotus flowers and scarlet skinned mangoes, sparkling water and bronze skin.

Along the beaches you’ll enjoy scuba diving, swimming and sunbathing. In the marina, you’ll explore the 18th-century Fort Zoutman and Willem III Tower, now home to the Historical Museum. Nearby, a cobalt horse welcomes you to the National Archaeological Museum. And on the edge of town visit the Aruba Butterfly Farm and the Aruban Donkey Sanctuary, or climb the 541-foot peak of Hooiberg to catch a glimpse of Venezuela across the water.

A free trolley will take you up and down Main Street, or simply stroll hand and hand beneath the long canopy of palm fronds. Shop along the waterfront on L.G. Smith Boulevard or wander narrow alleys for a shady respite from the tropical sun. Snack on pastechi and batido at the marketplace or haggle for the catch of the day fat Renaissance Marina.

Book one of our local Oranjestad photographers and soak up all the experiences and colors of this island capital, from sunrise to sunset.