The “A” of the ABC islands just above Venezuela, Aruba is known for gorgeous turquoise waters and white sand beaches. It’s tourism slogan is “One Happy Island” and it does its best to live up to that moniker. Here’s our little intro guide to this beautiful paradise.
General Information
Aruba is only 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela which means it’s outside of the usual hurricane path. Because Aruba hasn’t had to rebuild after hurricane devastation, it’s proudly one of the most developed islands in the Caribbean. And you can visit it year-round with peace of mind.
Far from the lush tropical paradise one usually associates with island life, Aruba has a much drier climate. It has constant trade winds which keep it from becoming sweltering and you don’t have to worry about being drenched by humidity in the warmer months. The landscape is arid, with brittle shrubs, cacti, and divi divi trees. Large rocks and cliffs dominate the inland landscape while soft sand beaches line its shores.
Aruban culture is very cosmopolitan and creates a fusion of Indigenous, Dutch, Caribbean, and Latin American influences. In the cities, you’ll find a huge range of international cuisine. From sushi to poke bowls, fresh prawns and seafood, and local savory pastries. Resorts, restaurants, and street food markets all have something delicious to try.
The best time to visit is January – September with January – March peak season and April – September shoulder season. October- December is the “rainy season”, though even then precipitation is light.
Popular Sites
Shopping, gambling and enjoying a vibrant nightlife are all top activities in the colorful capital city of Oranjestad. There are some lovely malls and high-end luxury shopping to enjoy during the day and plenty of bars and clubs open in the evening. Gambling is legal on the island and there are plenty of casinos.
Ayo Rock Formation – an imposing but easily accessible site. You can walk between the massive boulders and find rock paintings or climb to the top for stunning views of the island.
Aloe Factory and Farm – Aruba is home to one of the world’s only Aloe companies that follow the process from start to finish growing and manufacturing the plant themselves. You can visit the factory and museum.
Beaches
Aruba has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. With surprising variety! All the beaches here are great for snorkeling and it’s a must to take a yacht out to sea for a day.
On the western coast, you can relax on classic soft sands next to stunning turquoise waters. Because the beaches are a main feature of the island, you’ll find big resorts and boutique hotels right on the sand. These beaches aren’t just for sunbathing and floating in the waters; there is a plethora of watersports available. You can enjoy kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
In contrast, the East side has dirt roads and a rocky, volcanic coastline. it’s much more secluded and perfect for those who prefer a wilder beach experience. You can even swim in a natural pool formed by the rugged coast.
Eagle Beach – One of Aruba’s most famous beaches, while Palm Beach is the more built-up area, boasting water sports, cafes, and huge hotels.
Baby Beach is one of the best soft-sand beaches. The waters are beautiful and calm. On the southern coast of the island, it is a shallow lagoon with gentle waters. The perfect spot for snorkeling or just relaxing for the day.
If you’re looking for something small and secluded head to Boca Catalina. The best beaches for snorkeling are Malmok, Boca Catalina, Arashi, and Mangel Halto.
Off-The-Beaten-Path
If you don’t want to spend every single day at the beach there are still plenty of things to enjoy in Aruba. You can explore the street art murals in the San Nicolas area. The small area is full of over 40 beautiful murals and new ones are added each year.
Animal lovers can consider visiting the Donkey Sanctuary. Until cars were brought to the island, donkeys were used as the main mode of transportation. Now there are over 100 donkeys at the sanctuary and you can get up close and personal with their fuzzy faces.
For a bigger adventure than the rock formations, head to the Arashi Dunes. Located on the northern coast of the island, these sand dunes feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
If you’re interested in history, you can check out the Bushiribana Ruins, which are relics from the historic gold rush. Or visit the archaeological museum to learn more about the indigenous history of the island.
Preparing to Visit
Pack for the beach and not much else. You want a few swimsuits and cover-ups and then just a few casual cool clothes to wear in the evening. You certainly want to pack less than you think.
Bring long skirts or shorts as it can get quite windy on the island. Packing for the beach includes water shoes, snorkeling equipment, and floats for all your water adventures.
Bring reef-safe SPF. Sunscreens containing oxybenzone have been banned on the island. The sun is very strong so cover-ups and wide-brimmed hats are a must.
Driving is a great way to explore all the island has to offer. Driving on the island is fairly easy as the road system is well maintained and they drive on the right. And multiple rental car companies operate on the island.
Make sure you bring some small bills for taxi fare and tips.
Don’t forget to relax and do nothing. The island is small, but don’t run around trying to do it all. The best thing to do on the island is chill.
To really get the most out of Aruba, plan to spend at least 5 days there.
You’ll need to fill out your ED ( embarkation and disembarkation) card up to a week before your arrival date and pay a $20 sustainability fee.
Little Details
- The currency in Aruba is the Dutch Florin but USD and credit cards are widely accepted and you can get both from ATMs.
- You can drink the tap water. There are no naturally occurring freshwater sources so the tap water is all desalinated seawater making it some of the best tap water in the Caribbean.
- The main language is Papiamento, but Dutch and English are also widely spoken.
- The outlets are the same as the US and Canada and you’ll need a valid passport.
- Single-use plastic bags are banned on the island so make sure you bring a reusable shopping bag if you plan to do any shopping.
- Tipping around 20% is customary for most services.
- Most taxis are cash only and the rate is fixed by the government. Tip around 10% of the total fare.
- The island’s bus system is pretty good with a major line running up and down the main beaches. You won’t find Uber but it’s fairly easy to flag a cab.
