Aruba

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM ARUBA?

Aruba stands out as a premier travel destination due to its idyllic combination of pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and perfect weather. With its year-round sunshine and strategic location outside the hurricane belt, Aruba offers uninterrupted tropical bliss. The island’s unique blend of Dutch and Caribbean influences creates a rich tapestry of traditions, festivals, and culinary delights. Whether you’re looking for relaxation on world-renowned beaches, adventure through water sports and off-road excursions, or a deep dive into a diverse cultural heritage, Aruba promises an unforgettable experience for every type of traveler. Discover why Aruba is the ultimate island escape, where every day feels like a celebration of life, love, and travel.

Beaches in Aruba:

Aruba boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the powdery white sands of Eagle Beach, often ranked among the top beaches globally, to the vibrant snorkeling spots at Baby Beach, there’s a perfect beach for every traveler.

Eagle Beach: Known for its wide shore and iconic Fofoti trees, perfect for a serene day in the sun.
Palm Beach: The hub of Aruba’s high-rise resorts, offering water sports, beach bars, and vibrant nightlife.

Cultural Heritage

Aruba’s culture is a rich tapestry woven from its diverse history. The island’s heritage reflects its Arawak, Spanish, and Dutch influences.

Aruba Carnival: Experience the island’s most vibrant festival with parades, music, and colorful costumes.
Bon Bini Festival: A weekly celebration in Oranjestad featuring traditional music, dance, and local crafts.
Arikok National Park: Explore the island’s natural and cultural history through guided tours of caves, indigenous rock drawings, and unique flora and fauna.

Adventure and Activities

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or prefer a leisurely pace, Aruba offers a wide range of activities to suit every traveler.

Water Sports: Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and diving are popular, thanks to the island’s steady trade winds and clear waters.
Off-Road Adventures: Explore Aruba’s rugged terrain with ATV tours, jeep safaris, and hiking trails in Arikok National Park.
Golfing: Enjoy a round of golf with ocean views at Tierra del Sol Resort & Golf.

Culinary Delights

Aruba’s cuisine is a delectable fusion of flavors influenced by its multicultural roots.

Local Dishes: Try Keshi Yena, a stuffed cheese dish, and Pastechi, savory pastries filled with cheese or meat.
Seafood: Fresh catches like mahi-mahi, grouper, and red snapper are featured prominently on menus across the island.
Dining Spots: From beachside shacks to upscale restaurants, Aruba offers a variety of dining experiences. Don’t miss dining at The Flying Fishbone, where you can enjoy a meal with your feet in the water.

Accommodations

Aruba offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference.

Luxury Resorts: High-end resorts such as the Ritz-Carlton and Aruba Marriott Resort offer top-notch amenities and beachfront views.
Boutique Hotels: Experience personalized service and unique charm at smaller properties like Boardwalk Boutique Hotel.
Vacation Rentals: For a home-away-from-home feel, consider renting a private villa or apartment.

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit: While Aruba enjoys sunshine year-round, the best time to visit is from April to August when the island’s rates are lower, and the weather is slightly cooler.
Getting Around: Renting a car is recommended for exploring the island, but taxis and public transportation are also available.
Language and Currency: Dutch and Papiamento are the official languages, but English and Spanish are widely spoken. The currency is the Aruban Florin, though US dollars are accepted everywhere.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN ARUBA

Eagle Beach, Aruba: Famous for its soft white sands and iconic Divi Divi trees, this stunning beach offers crystal-clear waters and a relaxed vibe, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

St. Vincent and the Grendines Aerial View

Palm Beach, Aruba: A lively stretch of coastline known for its luxurious resorts, bustling nightlife, and a wide array of water activities, making it a hotspot for visitors to the island.

Arikok National Park: This expansive park in Aruba showcases the island’s rugged natural beauty with its diverse landscapes, including desert dunes, limestone caves, and unique wildlife.

Butterfly Farm, Aruba: A tropical oasis where visitors can walk among hundreds of vibrant butterflies, learning about their life cycles and conservation in a serene garden setting.

Aerial from California Lighthouse on Aruba island

California Lighthouse, Aruba: This historic lighthouse offers panoramic views of Aruba’s rugged coastline and sandy beaches, named after the S.S. California shipwreck that lies nearby.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN ARUBA

EAGLE BEACH

Eagle Beach is often ranked among the best beacEagle Beach in Aruba stands as a breathtaking paradise, renowned for its powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This idyllic stretch is a favorite for both relaxation and witnessing the stunning Aruban sunsets, making it a must-visit destination for beach lovers and photographers alike.hes in the world.

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PALM BEACH

Palm Beach in Aruba is a vibrant and lively destination, famous for its two-mile-long strip of stunning white sandy beach and warm, inviting waters. This bustling area is lined with high-end resorts, a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, offering visitors an unparalleled mix of relaxation and adventure.

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Arikok Park

Arikok National Park in Aruba offers a unique blend of natural beauty, from rugged terrains and desert-like landscapes to stunning beaches and lush vegetation. Covering almost 20% of the island, it's a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife and hosts historical sites, including ancient cave paintings and ruins, making it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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The butterfly farm

The Aruba Butterfly Farm is a magical and educational oasis where visitors can wander among hundreds of vibrant butterflies in a tropical garden setting. This enchanting attraction offers the chance to learn about the life cycle of these beautiful insects, from egg to butterfly, making it an unforgettable experience for families and nature enthusiasts. It's not only a place to admire the delicate beauty of butterflies but also an opportunity to gain insight into the importance of conserving their habitats.

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Cali Lighthouse

The California Lighthouse in Aruba stands as a majestic beacon on the island's northwestern tip, offering panoramic views of the surrounding crystal-clear Caribbean waters and rugged coastline. Named after the steamship California, which wrecked nearby in the early 20th century, this historic lighthouse is a popular attraction for its picturesque scenery, making it a must-visit for those looking to capture the essence of Aruba's natural beauty and its rich maritime history.

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Natural Pool

Aruba's Natural Pool, also known as "Conchi" or "Cura di Tortuga," is a hidden gem nestled in the rugged terrain of Arikok National Park, accessible only by 4x4, horseback, or a challenging hike. This secluded, volcanic rock formation creates a tranquil and picturesque swimming hole, protected from the rough sea by its natural barrier, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling away from the island's more crowded beaches. Surrounded by Aruba's stark yet stunning desert landscape, the journey to and the beauty of the Natural Pool offer a truly adventurous and memorable experience.

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FRIENDLY TIPS FOR TRAVEL TO ARUBA

Airport VIP Service

Aruba has VIP Service at their airport, which I highly recommend. It’s not truly needed for arrival at the airport because you can clear their customs and immigration pretty quickly, but the departure is rough. It’s always so busy that you can only arrive 2 hours before departure. You will go through US Customs/immigration in the Aruba airport, so expect to go through security twice.

Car Rentals

If you stay directly in Palm Beach, walking to most of the major restaurants, shopping places, and the beach is possible. However, if you want to explore other places besides the beach, I would recommend renting a car. It was very easy to drive around and navigate via GPS. The airport has all major car rental companies and it doesn’t take very long to grab your car and go!

Currency

The official currency for Aruba is the Florin, but the U.S. dollar is widely accepted across the island. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants as well. However, American Express & Discover are not widely accepted.

Drinking Water

Aruba has its own water distillation plant; therefore, tap water in Aruba is entirely safe to consume, so there is no need to buy bottled water while you are there.

Electricity

Aruba uses the same plug and voltage as those in the United States and Canada, so if you are from here, you will not need to bring a converter on your trip.

It's Illegal To...

Take any conch shells, sea stars, turtle eggs, and/or any form of coral from Aruba beaches. So, as much as you want to grab some stuff from the beach for souvenirs, I would advise against it.

Language

Most Arubians speak multiple languages, usually able to speak English and Spanish, but the official language of Aruba is Dutch and Papiamento.

National Dish

Keshi Yena is a cheese-filled shell casserole made of things you usually get from leftovers! You can find Keshi Yena at most restaurants.

Time Zone

Aruba is located in Atlantic Standard Time Zone (AST) and does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Once you arrive the only time zone that matters is Island Time!

When to Visit

Aruba is located below the hurricane belt, so really, any time of the year is an excellent time to visit, but you’ll want to avoid December – April if you are looking for a lower/less populated time of the year.

THE JETSETTER’S GUIDE TO ARUBA

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Aruba Map

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