Savaneta: History and Experiences on the Water

Savaneta combines a prominent role in Aruba’s history with experiences on the water and a fishing industry visible at the pier. The town was Aruba’s first capital until 1797; a clay house about 150 years old recalls its past. Kayak tours start here at the boat ramp, and at Zeerover, freshly caught fish is prepared in front of guests. These different aspects can help you decide what to focus on during your stay and choose a suitable holiday apartment.

History rooted in Savaneta

Savaneta was Aruba’s first capital until 1797, when Oranjestad took over that role. Savaneta is also home to Aruba’s oldest house: a Cas di torto, or clay house, about 150 years old. It still stands today, giving the town a tangible connection to its history. So if you’re interested in Aruba’s history, you’ll find a local starting point here, while Oranjestad, as the later capital, represents another part of that history.

The Roly Bislick Olympic Pool complex is also part of Savaneta’s character. It serves as a training facility for Aruba’s elite swimming and synchronized swimming athletes and hosts numerous international competitions. Alongside the town’s historical and maritime themes, this highlights another aspect of Savaneta: its role in swimming in Aruba.

Kayak tours and activities on the water

Vale’s Rambo Adventures offers small-group kayak and snorkeling tours. The tours depart daily from the boat ramp in Savaneta. Organized kayak tours in the Caribbean also start here. If you’d like to include one in your day’s plans, check the current departure information with the operator.

Mangel Halto lies north of Savaneta. There, you can go snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddling. This gives you a way to choose among water activities based on your interests: organized kayak tours depart from Savaneta, while Mangel Halto offers several opportunities for activities on the beach and in the water. Both places offer options for travelers who want to make time on the water a focus of their trip.

Fishing and dining by the sea

Zeerover is located in Savaneta on a fishing pier right by the sea. Freshly caught fish is cleaned and prepared in front of guests. The setting combines its location on the pier with a glimpse into how the catch is prepared. For your trip planning, it offers a specific culinary addition to Savaneta’s historical and active sides.

Savaneta in the wider context of Aruba

Aruba as a whole may also influence your choice of holiday apartment. Aruba is a small island in the southern Caribbean, about 15 miles north of Venezuela. In Oranjestad, the Historical Museum has a permanent exhibition on the key events in Aruba’s history, along with changing themed exhibitions. Fort Zoutman dates from 1798 and is Aruba’s oldest building. These places add other island-wide historical themes to Savaneta’s own history, without being equated with it.

Aruba’s landscape offers yet another focus: over thousands of years, waves and strong winds have shaped several natural bridges in the limestone cliffs on the north coast. These island features are distinct from the water activities around Savaneta. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you want your stay to focus primarily on Savaneta’s local history, organized tours, and fishing, or whether other cultural and landscape themes in Aruba should also take center stage.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Noord, San Nicolas, Paradera, Santa Cruz, Palm Beach, Oranjestad.

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