The Ultimate Aruba Travel Guide

Is Aruba Safe?

Aruba is one of the safest exceptions to many problems plaguing other Caribbean islands. Year after year, Aruba consistently ranks as one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean, with low violent and petty crime rates. Of course, you should exercise common sense and guard yourself against problems that plague tourists anywhere (theft of valuables and the like).

Part of the reason may be that Aruba lives up to its moniker of “One Happy Island.” And that slogan’s not superficial — it has a basis in economics. We spoke to a local at the Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa about all the smiles we saw here while visiting, and they explained that the majority of the island’s residents are middle class, which isn’t always the case in Caribbean resort destinations. In Aruba, this controls the cost of living and social classism, reducing inequality and offering a higher level of quality of life throughout the island.

The Basics of Aruba

We’ve got all the info you need for your visit to Aruba, including transportation, money, language, and more.

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Getting to Aruba

The primary way to get to the island is by flying to Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA). Several airlines offer direct flights to Aruba from various cities worldwide, including Delta, American, United, JetBlue, and even Southwest. Cities with direct flights to AUA include Boston, Chicago, New York City, and Miami.

Traveling to Aruba doesn’t require a pre-arranged visa for U.S., Canadian, or E.U. member citizens. The same goes for China and many of Aruba’s nearby neighbors like Mexico and Colombia. All you have to do is hand your passport over to the immigration officer upon arrival, and you’ll receive a free visa stamp valid for 30 days. For those who fall in love with Aruba and want to extend their stay, it’s important to note that tourist visits are capped at a strictly enforced 180 days per year.

Transportation in Aruba

The island's bus system is pretty solid, with a major line running up and down the main beaches. While you won’t find Uber or other ride-sharing companies in Aruba (all taxis are government-regulated), it’s pretty easy to flag down a cab, especially in popular tourist areas. If you don’t mind the exercise, walking in Aruba is possible. For example, you can walk the entire length of Palm Beach in about 20 minutes—just be sure to cover yourself from the sun, wear comfy sneakers, and carry water.

If you want the freedom to explore all the island offers, we recommend renting a car, at least for a few days. We’ll give you the good news first: Aruba drives on the same side of the road as the U.S., so any anxious drivers need not panic about learning to navigate a vehicle in the opposite lane. It’s also worth noting that Aruba may have different road rules than you’re used to, such as no turning on red. Some people find the street signs confusing, so you may want to study up before you head down. We recommend a jeep if you plan to check out the Arikok National Park on a self-drive tour, as it can get pretty bumpy.

Weather in Aruba

While this probably won’t impact most travelers to Aruba, it’s a good thing to know for anyone planning a spring break getaway or family trip. Aruba is home to plenty of bars and casinos, and anyone who is at least 18 years old can enter them, get served alcohol, and throw down a bet.

Aruba remains a pleasant 82 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year — minus a few drizzly days that keep the island’s divi-divi trees and cacti alive. Plus, trade winds provide a nice breeze.

Language in Aruba

Aruba sits just north of the coast of South America, near the islands of Curacao and Bonaire, making up the Netherlands Antilles. Like its neighboring islands, it’s also small. At approximately 74 square miles, Aruba is about the same size as Brooklyn. Luckily, it never feels crowded, though locals do mention they have an ever-growing number of expats who find their paradise here and never leave. Plus, That smaller size yields a sense of community around the island. It also makes getting around to different beaches, sites, and restaurants a breeze. Getting by is relatively easy for most tourists here as well. While Papiamento, a Creole language rooted in Dutch, English, Spanish, African, Portuguese, and French (among a few other languages), is the official mother tongue of Aruba, you don’t need to learn it. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist resorts, so there’s no need to worry about communication mishaps while on vacation.

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Drinking Water in Aruba

While some tropical destinations may have you questioning whether it’s safe to drink the water, you can confidently gulp down the H2O in Aruba. Aruba has some of the cleanest water in the world. The island is a veteran of the desalination process and has been creating excellent drinking water using this method since 1932. That said, travelers can leave bottled water and purifying pills at home. Instead, opt for a refillable bottle and fill it up from the tap in your room to help keep this island free of more single-use plastics.

Currency in Aruba

There’s no way around it: Aruba is expensive. That’s true for many Caribbean islands, where much of the produce, food, and other goods are imported from elsewhere and where hotel rooms come at a premium. You can expect to spend at least $60 per person per day on food, and decent hotels are rarely cheaper than $200 a night (and far higher in the January to March peak season). You can offset these costs by eating local fish and shopping at supermarkets for breakfast or lunch instead of shelling out for fancy morning meals. Alcohol is likewise not particularly cheap, though it will come cheaper in supermarkets than at restaurants and bars. While Aruba does have its own currency, the florin, travelers can also pay for most things in U.S. dollars at most places. For example, when you dine out, you’ll often be asked which currency you prefer to pay in, and most vendors accept American bills.

LGBTQ+ in Aruba

Aruba is one of the most gay-friendly destinations in the Caribbean. As part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba recognizes same-sex marriages registered in the Netherlands as valid. Gay destination weddings are popular here, and several beachfront resorts (The Ritz-Carlton Aruba and the Divi family of resorts) are part of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.

Power Outlets in Aruba

Aruba uses the same plugs (A and B) used in the US, but they also use type F, so you may want to bring an adapter just in case.

When to Visit Aruba

The best time to visit Aruba is January through September — but hotel prices vary seasonally.
Unlike many Caribbean islands, Aruba’s climate is significantly drier because it’s far outside the steamy hurricane belt (as mentioned above). The landscape here is arid, with brittle shrubs, cacti, and trademark divi-divi trees as far as the eye can see. For anyone who doesn’t feel like they are on vacation without a collection of palm trees swaying in the wind, don’t fret — much like the desert oasis of Palm Springs, Aruba is also home to its fair share of palm trees. This also means the climate is much milder than your typical humid and steamy tropical island.

So when is the best time to visit Aruba? You can head here at any time of year and find nearly perfect weather. January through March are peak season, with warm temperatures and clear skies, though you’ll pay far more for your hotel when you visit at this time of year. While the rest of the Caribbean frets over hurricanes during the Northern Hemisphere’s summer, Aruba actually continues to enjoy great weather. Yes, you’ll see a few stray showers here and there, but April through September is a great time to visit, and you will see far cheaper hotel rates than peak season. October through December brings the highest precipitation, so if you’re hoping for the sunniest skies possible, avoid this time of year.

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What to Do in Aruba

Gambling

It’s not only the sun, sand, and relaxation that bring travelers to Aruba—some come to try their luck in the casinos. Gambling is legal in Aruba and is such a popular pastime here that all major resorts have their own in-house casinos and standalone spots dotting the island. Several casinos are open from noon until the wee hours of the morning, while others keep the games going 24 hours a day. For a taste of something local, try your hand at a game of Caribbean stud poker.

The Crystal Casino at Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is one of the classiest places to gamble in Aruba—it sparkles with Austrian crystal chandeliers, gold-leaf columns, Spanish mirrors, and Italian marble and brass. Open 24/7, this almost 15,000-square-foot (1,394-square-meter) parlor features over 370 slot machines, as well as tables for roulette, craps, blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, and Texas hold ’em. The Stellaris Casino at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is the largest on the island, open 24/7, and includes 26 gaming tables and over 500 slot machines.

The Legal Drinking and Gambling Age is 18 in Aruba

While this probably won’t impact most travelers to Aruba, it’s a good thing to know for anyone planning a spring break getaway or family trip. Aruba is home to plenty of bars and casinos, and anyone who is at least 18 years old can enter them, get served alcohol, and throw down a bet.

Weed is Illegal in Aruba

While the Netherlands has decriminalized possession of marijuana, Aruba has not. According to the US Department of State, “Aruba’s enforcement policy concerning drug possession differs significantly from the Netherlands. In Aruba, laws against possession of controlled substances are enforced rigorously, including against tourists in possession of marijuana for personal use.”

Beaches in Aruba

Aruba is justifiably famous for its beaches — blazing white sand, tranquil blue sea, and perfect breezes make them some of the best in the Caribbean. Whether you’re seeking out Flamingo Beach, the buzz of Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, or one of the many lesser-known beaches in northern Aruba, the perfect beach is here for you. You’ll also find a number of big Aruba beach resorts and boutique hotels posted up right on the sand. Aruba’s climate happens to make beachgoing particularly pleasant as well. Those near-constant trade winds we told you about mean that you never get too hot and sweaty, even when temperatures reach 80 degrees. The island is a mere 866 miles from the equator (roughly the length of the California coastline), and while these cooling winds can feel blissful on the beach, they can also hide exactly how much heat you’re soaking in from the sun. The sun is strong, so be sure to bring plenty of eco-friendly sunscreen with a higher SPF, plus light cover-ups like a sarong or thin long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses, and a hat for optimum protection. Tip: Don’t forget to slather the tops of your feet with sunscreen — nobody likes sandal-shaped tan lines.

If you’re looking for Flamingo Beach in Aruba, you’ll need to head offshore, as it’s part of the Renaissance Aruba Casino & Resort‘s private island. If you’re a guest at the resort, visiting Flamingo Beach is free. However, if you’re not staying at the resort, you’ll only be able to see Flamingo Beach if the resort has lower-than-normal occupancy and you’re willing to shell out a hefty per-person fee. So if you want a guaranteed date with the flamingos of Flamingo Beach, book a stay at the Renaissance Aruba.

Eagle and Palm beaches are two of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the Caribbean, and they host most of Aruba’s hotels. You should absolutely spend some time on both, but don’t be afraid to get out and explore other top beaches in Aruba. The northern side of the island (only a 30-minute drive or less) is home to stunning scenery that includes everything from rock bridge formations to a natural swimming pool. Snorkeling expeditions to off-shore islands are also well worth your time.

Adventure Activities

While plenty of people come to Aruba to take it easy on the beach, others find their happy place among the destination’s several other activities. Aruba is one of the world’s best places to go kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to the constant trade winds, but there are many other heart-pumping activities to participate in, too. Jump in a kayak and paddle through the mangroves, try your hand at deep-sea fishing, swim in the rock pools, or hop in a jeep for a bumpy off-roading adventure through the gorgeous Arikok National Park (you can also get out and hike around the photogenic landscape). Plenty is going on underwater in Aruba as well, and the island is a prime destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Wreck diving is particularly spectacular in Aruba.

Other ways to see the island include horseback riding along the coast, taking a walking tour of Oranjestad’s renovated monument homes, and visiting local rum shops. Check out the local crafts at Cosecha or head over to Zeerover’s, located in the quiet, mostly locals-only area of Savaneta. Here, you can nosh on simple plates of fried fish while watching fishermen bring in the catch off the back docks.

Aruba Nightlife

On many islands, the nightlife dies down after sunset cocktails, but Aruba keeps the party going. Most all-inclusive resorts feature dancing or live music. There’s a long line of fun clubs and sophisticated cocktail lounges on the main drag of Palm Beach, just outside of the Barcelo Aruba. Or, book your ticket on the Kukoo Kunuku party bus. The loud and ramblin’ red bus, which makes dedicated stops on its Pub Krawl and wine tour, is a great way to meet fellow party lovers. Tickets can include freebies like shots, dinner, and hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Where to Eat in Aruba

Aruba is a cosmopolitan destination with plenty of international restaurants to enjoy.

The best seafood on the island comes from a humble waterfront shack: Zeerover. Guests (locals and tourists) line up at a window to place their order. The menu offers a fresh catch of the day (staff pulls the fish right out of the fridge in front of you) plus a few sides like plantain, fries, and cornbread. It’s then fried and served in colorful baskets to guests waiting on picnic tables overlooking the Caribbean. The food is best enjoyed with a dash of Hot Delight papaya hot sauce and a cold local Balashi Chill beer. Only cash is accepted.

For fine dining, try Koal Restaurant. Located in Oranjestad, Aruba, it’s renowned for its exceptional cuisine and intimate atmosphere. Nestled in a historic building, Koal operates as a chef's table restaurant, where guests enjoy a multi-course tasting menu prepared and served right in front of them. The menu showcases a fusion of international flavors, incorporating fresh, local ingredients and innovative techniques. Reservations are highly recommended.

If breakfast isn’t included at your hotel, try Craft Coffee and Bar, a popular spot that offers artisanal coffee, delicious food, and a relaxed ambiance. The cafe uses fresh ingredients for its menu, offering a range of breakfast options, from classic favorites like pancakes and eggs to more unique and creative dishes.

Where to Stay in Aruba

What to Pack for Aruba

Aruba is a very relaxed island. Of course, you should pack one nicer dress, button-down shirt, and chinos for dinner, but leave the formal attire at home. You won’t need high heels, dress shoes, ties, sports coats, or slacks. Instead, focus on packing beachy separates and lightweight fabrics. Here is an essential packing list for your trip to Aruba:

Essentials:

• Swimwear: Multiple options for beach days and pool time. We love Summersalt swimwear for a wide variety of styles and sizes.
• Cover-ups: Sarongs, dresses, or shorts to wear over your swimsuit.
• Sunglasses and hat: Protect your eyes and head from the sun.
• Sunscreen: High SPF to prevent sunburn.
• Comfortable walking shoes: For exploring the island. We love Allbirds, super comfortable and washable!
• Beach towel: For relaxing by the water. We love a quick drying one like this one from Dock & Bay.
• Casual clothing: T-shirts, shorts, and dresses.
• Evening attire: One nice dress, button-down shirt and slacks.
• Sandals: You’ll live in sandals during your stay, pack ones that easily can go from the beach to a night out.
• Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, medications, shaving supplies.
• First-aid kit: Basic medical supplies.
• Travel documents: Passport, visa (if required), and any necessary travel documents.
• Chargers: For your phone, tablet, watch, and earbuds.
• Reading Material: For lounging on the beach and the airplane.
• Earbuds/Headphones: For listening to music and podcasts.

Optional:

• Beach bag: To carry your essentials to the beach.
• Waterproof phone case: For taking photos underwater.
• Lightweight jacket: For cooler evenings or air conditioning.
• Reading material: Books or magazines for relaxation.
• Adapter: Aruba uses type A and B (also used in the US), but you may also find type F.