Aruba
Everything you need to know before you go.
Aruba is a flat, desert island in the Caribbean that feels different from its neighbors because it has no rivers and a very distinct split between its coasts. The southwest side is where you will find the classic white sand beaches and turquoise waters around Palm Beach and Noord. If you want something more rugged, head to the northeast coast. It is rocky with cacti and rough seas, which makes it great for photography but dangerous for swimming.
You would love this place if you enjoy a mix of beach lounging and outdoor exploration. For nature, visit Arikok National Park to see Guadirikiri Cave or check out the Arawak Indian petroglyphs in Fontein Cave. If you have a 4x4 or ATV, go to the Natural Pool (Conchi) on the wild northeast coast. For something more relaxed, Baby Beach near San Nicolas is shallow and calm, making it a good spot for families. You can also walk through the Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations to see boulders rising from the flat interior.
The vibe is laid back but organized. You can spend your time in Oranjestad, the capital, or head to quieter spots like Savaneta. While you are there, try local Caribbean fare. Prices for meals generally range from 15 USD for casual beach snacks to 60 USD per person for a nice dinner. Be mindful that the Atlantic side beaches, like Boca Prins and Dos Playa, have powerful waves and are not for swimming.
Sightseeing California Lighthouse - Visit the northernmost tip of the island for scenic views and access to dirt trails. $0, 1h. Our Lady of Alto Visto Chapel - This is a picturesque and historic chapel on the northern side of the island. $0, 1h.
Outdoor Nature Arikok National Park - Explore lava, quartz diorite, and limestone formations that extend from the coastline. $0, 3h. Hooiberg - Climb 561 steps up this central mountain to see the coast of Venezuela on clear days. $0, 2h. Bubali Bird Sanctuary - Use the observation tower to spot over 80 species of migratory birds. $0, 1h. Quadirikiri Cave - See sunlight streaming through ceiling openings into two rooms filled with harmless bats. $0, 1h.
Cultural Historical Museum - Look through a large collection of artifacts and paintings from colonial times to today. $0, 2h. Archaeological Museum - This spot exhibits stone, shell, and ceramic artifacts from the island's first cultures. $0, 2h. Aloe Vera factory in Oranjestad - Learn how aloe is farmed and produced in this facility. $0, 1h.
Day Trips Natural Pool (Conchi) - Rent a Trail Rated 4x4 or ATV to reach this pool hidden in natural rock formations on the north side. $50, 4h. Boca Catalina and the Antilla Shipwreck - Snorkel over the remains of a 400 foot German cargo ship off Malmok beach. $60, 3h.
Here are some spots to stay and eat in Aruba based on what I know.
Budget
- Holiday Inn - Palm Beach. $200 to $350/night. It is right next to the Marriott on a narrow stretch of beach.
- Local Guest Houses - Downtown. $100 to $200/night. Staying downtown is usually cheaper than the beachfront resorts.
Mid-range
- Ocean Club - Palm Beach. $350 to $600/night. A long standing timeshare club option near the water.
- Surf Club - Palm Beach. $350 to $600/night. Another solid timeshare choice for those wanting more space.
Luxury
- Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts - Eagle Beach. $700 to $1,200/night. A boutique hotel located on the widest part of Eagle Beach.
- Marriott - Palm Beach. $600 to $1,100/night. It has a lazy river, three swim up bars, and a casino on site.
Where to Eat
- Nos Cunucu (Local) - Neighborhood: Rural/Outskirts. Try the Iguana soup or Keshi Yena.
- Ruth's Chris Steak House (Upscale) - Neighborhood: Near resorts. High end American steakhouse fare.
- P.F. Chang's (Mid-range) - Neighborhood: Near resorts. Standard Asian fusion.
- Wendy's (Budget) - Neighborhood: Downtown/Resort areas. Quick and cheap fast food.
- Texas de Brazil (Upscale) - Neighborhood: Near resorts. Brazilian churrascaria style.
To get to Aruba, you will fly into Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), which is located on the western side of the island.
Flights You can usually find the best fares if you fly from New York, Florida, or Colombia. A variety of US carriers serve the island:
- American Airlines flies from Miami, Charlotte, and Philadelphia.
- Delta and JetBlue both fly from New York JFK, while JetBlue also connects from Boston.
- United operates flights from Houston Intercontinental, Chicago, Newark, and Washington/Dulles.
- Southwest flies from Orlando and Baltimore.
Getting to the City Center (Oranjestad) Once you land, you have a few options to get into town:
- Bus: There are no official airport shuttles. You can catch the L2 or L3A buses on the highway outside the airport for US$2.60 (or 4.50 florins) in cash. Be warned that they only allow backpacks and carry-on luggage, not large suitcases.
- Walking: If you are on a very tight budget, it is walkable to Oranjestad, though it takes about 45 minutes.
- Taxi/Rideshare: While the reference data doesn't list specific taxi prices, these are the standard options for those with luggage since the buses won't take them.
Other Transport Options There are no train options or driveable routes from other cities because Aruba is an island. You must arrive by plane or ship.
Practical Entry Tips Before you leave, make sure you fill out your Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED-card) online. This costs US$20 and can be done up to 7 days before your trip. You will also need a passport valid for the duration of your stay and a return or onward ticket. Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa, but many countries get visa-free entry. Be prepared to show proof of accommodation and sufficient funds if the migration officer asks.
Aruba is pretty steady year round because the temperature doesn't swing much, but there are definitely better times to go depending on your budget and tolerance for crowds.
Peak Season: January to March This is the high season. People flock here to escape winter. The weather is slightly cooler, with temperatures sitting between 24 and 29 °C (76 to 85 °F). Expect higher hotel rates during these months. If you visit now, you'll see plenty of people around Palm Beach and Eagle Beach.
The Sweet Spot: April to June Once April hits, the island enters the off season. This is your best bet for lower prices on flights and rentals. The weather warms up slightly to between 26 and 31 °C (79 and 88 °F). You still get that constant breeze that shapes the divi-divi trees, which keeps the heat manageable. It is a great time to visit landmarks like the California Lighthouse without fighting massive crowds.
The Lows: July to December Technically, this is still the off season with temperatures remaining around 26 to 31 °C (79 and 88 °F). While some Caribbean islands worry about hurricanes during these months, Aruba is located far outside the typical hurricane zone. It is extremely rare for one to hit the island directly, so you don't really need to avoid this window for safety reasons.
Practical Tips Rain is rare and usually happens at night in short bursts. The yearly rainfall is only about 508 mm (20 inches), so you likely won't have your trip ruined by a storm.
When you are there, head to the downtown Oranjestad area for shopping or grab some local food like Keshi Yena (stuffed cheese). For dinner, budget around $20 to $50 per person at mid range spots, though high end places on the beach will cost more. Be sure to take a photo with one of those lop sided divi-divi trees since they are the signature look of the landscape.