Savaneta: History and Experiences by the Water

Until 1797, Savaneta was Aruba’s first capital; Oranjestad then took over that role. Some of the defining features of the area include Aruba’s oldest house, the Roly Bislick Olympic Pool complex, kayak tours and Zeerover at the fishing pier. Historical connections, sports and experiences on the water come together here. If you’re considering where to stay in Aruba, Savaneta offers several distinct points of interest.

History and Architecture in Savaneta

Until 1797, Savaneta was Aruba’s first capital; Oranjestad then became the capital. This sequence anchors Savaneta in the island’s political history and establishes a clear chronological relationship between the two places. Another historical landmark is the Cas di torto: Aruba’s oldest house, an approximately 150-year-old adobe house, stands in Savaneta. It is still standing. Its former status as the capital and the surviving house are two distinct historical points of reference: an event in the island’s history and a building in Savaneta.

Swimming and Tours on the Water

The Roly Bislick Olympic Pool complex serves as a training facility for Aruba’s top swimmers and artistic swimmers and hosts numerous international competitions. Organized kayak tours in the Caribbean, departing from Savaneta, offer a different way to experience the water. Specifically, Vale's Rambo Adventures offers small-group kayak and snorkel tours that start daily at the boat ramp in Savaneta. Check the operator’s current information before making plans, as details may change.

Zeerover at the Fishing Pier

Zeerover is located in Savaneta on a fishing pier directly by the sea. Freshly caught fish is cleaned and prepared in front of guests. The pier-side setting and the visible preparation of the catch come together here. If you plan to eat here, check the latest operating information before your visit, as opening hours and service procedures may change.

Mangel Halto North of Savaneta

Mangel Halto is north of Savaneta and is a separate point of interest nearby. The secluded beach offers opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Its landscape includes calm, shallow, biodiverse waters and a network of mangroves. This sets the beach area apart from the organized tours that depart from Savaneta. You can consider these two water-related options separately according to your travel interests: tours departing from the town and activities at a nearby beach.

Aruba in a Broader Context

Other historical and landscape-related features on Aruba offer a broader perspective beyond Savaneta. The Historical Museum in Oranjestad has a permanent exhibition about key events in Aruba’s history, as well as rotating themed exhibitions. Fort Zoutman dates back to 1798 and is Aruba’s oldest building. The Archaeological Museum displays artifacts from the pre-ceramic period around 2500 BC. These examples broaden the historical perspective on the island.

Aruba’s landscape also has its own points of interest: over thousands of years, waves and strong winds formed natural bridges in the limestone cliffs along the north coast. The old stone California Lighthouse stands in Hudishibana near the northwestern tip of Aruba and offers views of the west coast, with its beaches and coral shores. This places Savaneta’s history in the broader context of the island, while local points of interest range from the town’s capital history to kayak tours and the fishing pier.

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

Go to the main travel overview: Aruba.