The Best Packing List for Aruba

It's completely safe -- and even encouraged -- to drink the tap water in Aruba. The island's H2O comes from a saltwater desalination plant and meets the World Health Organization's highest standards for drinking water. That being said, we recommend packing a high-quality water bottle and filling it up as needed. S'well water bottles

Aruba is only 70 square miles, and almost every square inch is gorgeous. Whether you're sailing on the bright blue water, walking on the white-sand beaches, or exploring the rockier northern shores, the backdrop is going to inspire plenty of vacation photos. Be prepared for all those breathtaking photo ops with a bold new swimsuit (or two). We especially love this vibrant off-the-shoulder one-piece from Summersalt

Aruba consistently receives the least amount of rainfall in the southern Caribbean. And it's located outside of the hurricane belt, so rainy days are few and far between. That said, the sun can be relentless and a hat is a definite requirement. Eric Javits

As mentioned, the sun is intense in Aruba, so SPF 15 just won't cut it. Instead, go for Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen. In addition to having an SPF of 40, its formula is completely invisible, scentless, and weightless. Users rave that the jelly-like consistency is easy to apply and instantly absorbs into skin. You might actually want

If you plan on embarking on any underwater adventures, consider packing your own snorkel gear. This OMORC set

The eco-friendly Evolve towel

Aruba's weather stays pleasant year-round, with temperatures mostly in the 80s. And although there are some very nice restaurants and bars on the island, you won't need to wear anything formal. Enter: the maxi dress. It's fashionable and lightweight, while providing a bit of comfy coverage after a full day in a bathing suit. This one

Sure, you could put your smartphone in a waterproof bag to take photos, but for peace of mind and better quality pictures, consider buying an underwater camera. This waterproof camera

Skin isn’t the only thing that can burn if it’s not protected from the sun. Be sure to pack a good pair of sunglasses with UV protection to keep from damaging your peepers. These Aviator-style glasses

Aruba’s arid climate and breezy trade winds can kick up dust, especially if you’re exploring the island’s stunning Arikok National Park. Tourists in ATVs and jeep tours often leave a cloud of dust in their wake, so we recommend packing a light scarf

We are strong believers of protecting the habitats that we enjoy visiting and this includes slathering on biodegradable sunscreen whenever we go snorkeling or take a dip in natural waters. Again, the sun here is strong, so we recommend packing a reef-safe sunscreen

There are plenty of water-centric adventures in Aruba, from snorkeling to scuba diving. If you think you’ll be heading out for an aqua-based activity, it’s a good idea to pack a waterproof dry bag

The versatility of a sarong should never be overlooked, especially in destinations where the weather is hot and the beaches are plentiful. This stylish Tina Turk sarong

Aruba is known for its smooth waters, but that doesn’t mean the waves don’t have rough days. If you’re unlucky enough to book that snorkeling trip or catamaran cruise on a choppy day, you’re going to wish you had packed a pair of motion sickness bands

If you’re planning on joining a tour -- particularly one where you’ll be in a jeep or ATV -- pack a travel pillow

Located in Oranjestad's bustling cruise port, the upscale Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino is packed with features not many Aruba hotels


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