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Aruba is a beautiful charming island located in the south Caribbean Sea, less than 18 miles (29 kilometers) north of Venezuela in South America. Many visitors enjoy traveling to Aruba time and time again since it is famously known as “One Happy Island”. However, what makes Aruba so unique? When is the best time to visit Aruba? Where should you visit and what are some fun things to do in Aruba? Continue reading to learn my tips for planning an amazing trip to Aruba with unique experiences.
Always take the scenic route.”
How to Prepare For a Trip to Aruba
When planning any trip, I always “VET” my trips – “V” – Vaccine requirements, “E” – Entry and visa requirements and “T” for Temperature and travel times. This rule is the baseline for all travel!
Vaccination Requirements – Prior to entering any foreign country, always check the vaccination requirements for each country of entry. I typically reference the CDC website or any local government website for detailed information. One vaccination requirement to take special note of is yellow fever. If you are traveling to Aruba from a country where yellow fever regularly occurs, you may be required to provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination upon entry. An example country would be Brazil.
Entry & Visa Requirements – The entry requirements for Aruba vary depending on your nationality. In general, all visitors must posses a valid passport for at least 6-months beyond the documented expiration date. As of 2024, if you are a citizen of the U.S., Canada, the EU, or the UK, you are allowed to reside in the island for up to 90 days without a tourist visa.
For travelers from other countries, I recommend visiting the Aruba’s embassy website to understand what travel documents and requirements need to be covered ease-of-entry. One more piece of documentation one should keep in mind is Aruba’s Online ED Card. The Online ED Card is mandatory and should be completed 72 hours prior to arrival for all visitors coming to Aruba.
Temperature & Weather – The best time to visit Aruba is from mid-December to mid-April. This time period is known as the Island’s peak, however the temperatures on the island are very pleasant with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 88°F (25°C to 31°C). Many locals will also brag about their island’s pleasant breeze. During our travels to Aruba, we noticed that the wind tend to subtly blow throughout the day, and in the same direction thanks to the constant trade winds. As a result, you may notice some of the Aruba’s famous divi-divi trees appear bent and lean to one side.
Airport & Transportation Information – If you’re planning to visit Aruba, you will fly into their one and only airport named Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), located near the capital, Oranjestad. Upon arrival at the airport, you can travel anywhere on the island by reserving a car, a rental car, or catching a taxi. As of 2024, Uber and Lyft services are not operational in Aruba. Aruba also offers other forms of public transportation such as the bus or street-tram.
Currency & Tipping – The main currency in Aruba is the Aruban florin (AWG), also abbreviated as Afl. However, most major credit cards and the U.S. dollar is generally accepted everywhere on the island, except for cabs. So be sure to have some cash handy for taxi cab rides. Tipping 15%-20% is also customary in Aruba for good service.
Language – The official languages are Dutch and Papiamento. Since the tourism industry is the backbone of Aruba’s economy, you will find that English and Spanish are also commonly understood and spoken by most locals in popular tourist areas.
Sunscreens & Reefs – As of 2020, Aruba has placed a ban on sunscreens that contain oxybenzone in order to protect their coral reefs. In order to follow local laws, you will need to bring reef-safe sunscreen or purchase some when you arrive on the island.
10 Fun Things To Do in Aruba:
Aruba is known for it’s beautiful white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, year-round sunshine, natural wonders to explore, and savory fresh seafood! It is the perfect island tropical escape for travelers seeking breathtaking views with a mix of relaxation and adventure. Below I will share with you 10 fun activities you can try during your next visit to this lovely destination:
1) Visit Eagle’s Beach – Eagle Beach is one of Aruba’s most famous islands, known for it’s soft white beautiful beaches and calm turquoise waters. Eagle’s Beach is just few minutes’ drive from the capital, Oranjestad, on the western side of the island. If you make plans to visit Eagle’s Beach, you will be able to capture beautiful photos of Aruba’s famous leaning divi-divi trees, enjoy tons of water-sports, and discover turtle-nesting sites between March – September.
2) Experience Aruba’s Carnival – If you’re planning to visit Aruba between January or February, you will be able to experience Aruba’s vibrant Carnival celebration. This event if full of multiple parades, live music, Calypso and Soca competitions, live entertainment and more!
3) Relax on the Beach with Flamingos – Enjoy a unique beach experience when you visit Renaissance Island, which is a private island owned by the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. Renaissance Island features a special area called “Flamingo Beach” where a small group of flamingos roam freely and may even accept food from you if you feed them! Guests of the Renaissance Aruba Resort receive complimentary access to the island, non-guests are eligible to purchase a day pass in advance.
- BONUS TIP: Book one of the resort’s private cabanas on this beach to receive all day bottle service, food, and beautiful views!
4) Take Photos on a Clear Kayak – If you love beautiful photos on clear blue turquoise water, I recommend waking up early and booking a photo session through Viator or Crystal Clear Kayak Aruba.
5) Ride ATVs/UTVs – You can book amazing tours during your stay in Aruba with Kini Kini Tours. Kini Kini’s professional guide will take you along the coastline, visit some historical ruins, and explore beaches you would never see at your resort.
6) Book a Private Brunch Boat – Experience brunch on your own floating private island through Octopus Aruba. Before booking this tour, be sure to check the weather for the day to ensure you do not encounter any rain.
7) Enjoy Shopping at Renaissance Market – If you’re a foodie or enjoy shopping, take some time to visit the Renaissance Market. Here you can enjoy luxury shopping, souvenirs, or enjoy a nice meal.
8) Swim with Sea Turtles at Tres Trapi – If you visit the Tres Trapi beach, you will be able to snorkel with the local sea turtles. Aruba’s turtles love this area because of all of the sea grass on the ocean floor.
9) Book a Submarine Tour – Explore Aruba’s beautiful ocean floor and ocean life by booking your very own submarine tour! This tour is typically around one hour, and as part of your experience, you will receive a Caribbean Reef Fish guide as well!
10) Experience an Aloe Tour – If you’re looking for a unique tour experience, I recommend carving out an hour to visit the Royal Aruba Aloe Factory. This is a rather large company that provides a lot of jobs those who live in Aruba and they produce a variety of skincare and body-care for you to take home and enjoy.
10 Amazing Places To Eat in Aruba:
1) Infini Chef’s Table Experience – If you’re celebrating something special, be sure to make reservations at Infini for a fancy 8-coarse chef’s table dining experience. You will be greeted with a welcome champagne and a starter appetizer then guided to an 18-seat dining room where you can enjoy the perfect view of each chef preparing your meal.
2) Zeerovers – This is a restaurant all the locals recommend and I see why! It’s not the fanciest restaurant, but all of the seafood served here is caught daily, and the food is so fresh. Be sure to order the fried red snapper and try their local hot sauce.
3) Flying Fishbone – Was one of our favorite dining experiences while we were in Aruba. Here you can book a romantic dinner in the water! The service was spectacular and all of our dishes were so fresh.
4) Gianni’s – Gianni’s is an elegant Italian restaurant that will not disappoint! If you love Italian food, this is a great place to visit for dinner and entertainment.
5) Pelican Nest Seafood Grill – If you’re looking for a nice lunch experience with relaxing ocean views, be sure to visit Pelican Pier! Here you will discover authentic Arubian food, with fresh seafood served daily.
6) Screaming Eagle – If you’re looking for another unique dining experience, be sure to visit the Screaming Eagle Restaurant. I enjoyed the most amazing Swordfish here, and it was fun to lounge and enjoy dinner in a literal bed!
7) LGS – L.G.Smith’s Steak and Chop House was another personal favorite of ours from our trip to Aruba. The food here as cooked to perfection, especially their lamb chops!
8) Bohemian – You guys know I love a good Bohemian vibe! The Bohemian is an outdoor restaurant located in Palm Beach and features French inspired dishes. Here you can enjoy fresh dishes in a relaxing elegant atmosphere enveloped in soothing constant breeze.
9) Azia – If you’re a sushi or Asian-fusion food lover, be sure to checkout Azia. Azia is known for its chic atmosphere, and perfect for group dining. The vibe here picks up late in the night.
10) Atardi – Be sure to visit Atardi if you’re looking for a lovely dinner on the beach experience. When making reservations here, be sure to book just before sunset so you can enjoy the beautiful sunset over dinner.
Aruba is more than just a beach paradise—it’s an amazing island to escape to and relax while enjoying rich with culture, history and unique adventures. If you’ve been to Aruba before, be sure to share your travel tips with me in comments below!
I have a friend who goes to Aruba with her family every year, and her pictures are just amazing. I’ve always wanted to go.
I cannot believe I haven’t been to Aruba yet. I have traveled quite a bit, and even have family in Aruba. My family goes every few years. After seeing your pictures, it makes me want to check it out even more. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve heard such great things about Aruba from friends who have gone! I would love to go and check it out, especially after reading all of your suggestions.