Aruba Island – Travel Guide
As we know, Aruba’s beaches are a big attraction, and while it’s great to spend long days simply relaxing on the beach, there are also plenty of opportunities to get to know Aruba’s most attractive sights, historical and natural attractions, and museums. Believe it or not, the stylish Aruba Island offers a captivating blend of diverse terrains, from desert-like landscapes to stunning beaches, lush vegetation, and rich wildlife. As a matter of fact, it’s a haven for adventure seekers, promising thrilling experiences beyond sun, sand, and sea, making it an unforgettable destination for explorers and nature enthusiasts alike.
All about Aruba Island
Getting Around Aruba Island
By Bus
The public Arubus bus system is the preferred method of transportation for most visitors using public transportation, especially those looking to save a bit of money. Bus line 10 runs through the main hotel area every 15 minutes from 5:45 am until 6 pm. After that, buses run every 40 minutes until 11:30 pm.
Buses accept U.S. dollars for single fares right on the bus, but you’ll likely get change in local currency. Exact change or small bills are preferred. Retour transportation cards are good for two trips and day passes cover unlimited travel on all the routes.
By Trolley
Aruba offers a free open-air trolley in downtown Oranjestad. This is a great way to navigate the main street’s shopping and dining areas without having to walk too much. You can easily hop on to get to a specific destination or just take a ride and enjoy your surroundings. Some trolleys are double-deckers, allowing a 360 view of the downtown area.
The trolley starts running at 10 am with 25-minute intervals and a break from 12 pm to 1 pm. The last trolley of the day departs from the cruise port at 5pm.
By Taxi
Taxis are readily available on most major roads and easy to flag down, but the drivers are also just a quick phone call away island-wide. You can always ask the concierge or front desk at your hotel to call for a taxi as well. Taxis have fixed rates, set by the government. Just ask what the fare for your trip is going to be before you get in for complete transparency. Many Aruba taxis don’t take credit or debit cards, so plan to have cash on hand.
Some taxis even offer private island tours, so that’s also a way of getting around Aruba.
By Car
A rental car will come in handy for those who like to explore the island’s off-the-beaten-path natural wonders and activities of Aruba, such as the Donkey Sanctuary and San Nicolas. If you plan on visiting Arikok National Park, a four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicle is a must. There are several car rental companies located throughout the island.
By Motorcycle & Scooter
There are several companies in Aruba that offer rentals for motorcycles and scooters. This is a great option for cruising around the island in the open air, and Aruba has the perfect climate for it! We recommend taking a drive on the roads along Eagle Beach, where you can breathe in the fresh ocean breeze.
Aruba Island FAQ
Where in the Caribbean is Aruba?
Located on the Southern end of the Caribbean Sea off the coast of South America, Aruba is in the Caribbean on the southwestern end of the Lesser Antilles, about 20 miles north of the Venezuelan coast. Together with nearby Bonaire and Curaçao, Aruba makes up part of the ABC islands, a group of island nations with a shared history of Dutch colonization. Although Aruba is a sovereign nation today, it still remains a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with Curaçao, Sint Maarten in the northern part of the Lesser Antilles, and the Netherlands itself.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
The Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) is the main airport on the island and hosts major airlines with direct flights from various cities in the United States and beyond. The airport has several car rental agencies, taxis, and shuttle services available for transportation.
What side of Aruba is the best?
Despite being on 69 square miles, the island of Aruba has plenty of variety. The culture you’ll see in Aruba has influences from Dutch and Spanish colonists, Arawak natives, South American immigrants, and even American tourists. This diversity of experience isn’t just limited to the culture, the island itself can be split into two halves, each with its own unique vibe.
The north-western half of the island is more “touristy,” and features plenty of high-end resorts, restaurants, and places to shop. This part of Aruba is dominated by sprawling metropolitan area where the cities of Oranjestad, Noord, and Santa Cruz have grown together. Oranjestad is a particularly popular spot for tourists, featuring several museums and attractions like the Aruba Butterfly Farm. Historic Dutch Colonial architecture also gives Oranjestad a quaint, uniquely Dutch-Caribbean feel. Other popular destinations on the northwestern half of Aruba include Palm Beach, which is the center of the island’s nightlife, and Eagle Beach, one of the best sandy beaches in the entire Caribbean.
If you’re hoping to find a more “local” vibe on your trip, then the southeastern half of Aruba is the spot for you. The beaches in this half are much more rugged and feature caves, dunes, and volcanic hills. Travelers looking to avoid other tourists might want to get a hotel in Savaneta on the southern coast. Well off the beaten path, Savaneta has some of the island’s quietest beaches and some of the best opportunities for snorkeling or kayaking. Located on the southeastern tip of Aruba, San Nicolas is the island’s second-largest city after Oranjestad, but it maintains a much artsier and more relaxed feel.
How do I get around in Aruba?
The airport and seaport have several car rental agencies, taxis, and shuttle services available for transportation. Many hotels and resorts also offer a free shuttle service to and from the airport, and some offer shuttle services to popular attractions around the island. You will notice many people on UTV’s, scooters, bikes, and quads. Although this is not ideal for transporting your luggage back and forth and showing up to your dinner reservation, it definitely is a fun way to navigate the island during the day.
If you prefer to leave a rental car out of the equation, there are plenty of taxis and buses you can utilize across the island, particularly if you’re staying in downtown Oranjestad, near Palm Beach or the Eagle Beach areas. The public buses across Aruba are air-conditioned and conveniently accept both the Aruban Florin and the U.S. dollar. There are no Ubers in Aruba.
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More Aruba Island FAQ
Is Aruba a safe island to visit?
Aruba is considered to be one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and because the island is outside of the hurricane belt, there are rarely natural disasters. That being said, practice caution when out and about, and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban florin (AWG), and one florin is divided into 100 cents. You can exchange all major currencies for Aruban florins at banks, currency exchange offices, and some hotels. However, all places pretty much accept the US dollar and other major currencies, although it is recommended to exchange your currency to the local Aruban florin for better value.
Credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in Aruba, especially at tourist-oriented businesses. It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, as not all businesses accept credit cards and you never know when you’ll need to tip. ATMs are widely available on the island, and you can use them to withdraw Aruban florins or US dollars.
What type of food is available?
Aruba offers a diverse culinary scene influenced by its multicultural heritage and proximity to the Caribbean. Here are some types of food you can expect to find:
Seafood: Given its location, seafood is prominent in Aruban cuisine. Fresh catches like mahi-mahi, red snapper, and lobster are often prepared grilled, fried, or in stews.
Local Specialties: Traditional Aruban dishes include keshi yena (stuffed cheese), pastechi (filled pastries), and pan bati (cornmeal pancake), reflecting influences from Dutch and Caribbean cuisines.
International Cuisine: Aruba caters to diverse tastes with a range of international restaurants offering Italian, Asian, American, and South American dishes. You’ll find everything from sushi to steaks.
Street Food: Explore local food trucks and stands for quick bites like empanadas, arepas, and patacones (fried plantains), which are popular snacks enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Dutch Influence: Aruba’s history as a Dutch colony is evident in its cuisine, with dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables), bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), and Dutch-style pancakes available at some restaurants.
Fruits and Desserts: Enjoy tropical fruits such as mangoes, papayas, and coconuts, often used in refreshing drinks and desserts like fruit salads and coconut-based sweets.
Overall, Aruba offers a wide variety of culinary experiences, blending local flavors with international influences to satisfy every palate.
Is the water safe to drink in Aruba Island?
The drinking water in Aruba is safe to drink. In fact, Aruba has some of the cleanest water in the world. The island is a veteran of the desalination process and has created excellent drinking water using this method. It is fine to bring a refillable bottle and fill it up from the tap in your hotel room to help keep the island free of more single-use plastics.
I don`t speak Dutch. Will many people speak English?
The official language of Aruba is Dutch, but the most commonly spoken language is Papiamento. English and Spanish are also widely spoken on the island, particularly in the tourism industry. We suggest you get a good English-Dutch guide book, or app on your phone, and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
What is the shopping like in Aruba?
Aruba has a vibrant art scene with a range of local artists showcasing their work. Visitors can find various types of art in Aruba, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry. There are plenty of places to buy local art in Aruba if you’re into that kind of thing.
Aruba offers a variety of luxury shopping experiences for visitors, with high-end brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier. You can find them in shopping centers like the Renaissance Mall and the Paseo Herencia Mall. Additionally, there are several upscale boutiques and jewelry stores located throughout the island, particularly in areas such as Palm Beach and Oranjestad.
What is the weather like? When is the best time to visit?
Aruba is blessed with clear skies, bright sunshine and cooling trade winds practically every day of the year. Except for a few scattered annual weather events and some brief showers on some days, the sun does indeed always shine here.
Out of roughly 700 islands in the Caribbean, Aruba consistently ranks as having the least amount of rainfall – averaging about 15 inches for the entire year, making the weather conditions as pleasant as they are safe. Temperatures average in the low 80s F year-round, with higher numbers recorded between May and October, and lower temperatures between December and March.
Aruba is a year-round destination. 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. April through September is a great time to visit and sees far cheaper hotel rates than peak seasons. October through December brings the highest amount of precipitation, so if you’re hoping for the sunniest skies possible, avoid this time of year.
Does Aruba get hit by hurricanes’?
The true answer is that there is no one island that’s free of hurricane danger, but Aruba comes pretty close. In fact, Aruba is to the south of the Caribbean hurricane zone – where the majority of destructive storms develop. That means booking a trip to Aruba is a safer bet than islands in more central Caribbean spots, such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.
What is the legal drinking and gambling age in Aruba?
The legal drinking age and gambling age is 18 years old.
Is gambling legal in Aruba?
Gambling is legal in Aruba and is a popular pastime here that all major resorts have their own in-house casinos in addition to the 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.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
Emergency dial 911
Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital: This is the main hospital in Aruba, located in Oranjestad. It provides a wide range of medical services.
Urgent Care Centers and Clinics: There are several urgent care centers and clinics throughout the island. These are suitable for non-life-threatening medical issues.
Top Attractions
Arikok National Park
This expansive park covers nearly 20% of Aruba’s land area, showcasing rugged desert terrain, dramatic coastal cliffs, and ancient Arawak cave paintings.
Oranjestad
The colorful capital city features Dutch colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and a bustling harbor lined with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Eagle Beach
Renowned for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters, Eagle Beach is consistently ranked among the world’s top beaches.
Natural Pool (Conchi)
Located in Arikok National Park, this secluded pool is among volcanic rocks and accessible only by 4×4 vehicles or guided tours, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Unique Experiences
Off-Road Adventure in Arikok National Park.
Take an exciting journey through Arikok National Park’s rugged terrain, home to desert landscapes, towering cacti, and hidden caves adorned with ancient Arawak petroglyphs.
Discovering Aruba’s Culinary Delights.
Explore Aruba’s diverse culinary scene, from savoring fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants in Oranjestad to tasting local specialties like keshi yena (stuffed cheese) and pastechi (filled pastries) at bustling food markets.
Exploring the Ostrich Farm.
Engage in feeding sessions, take a guided tour of the farm, and even have the chance to ride an ostrich—an educational and enjoyable experience for families and animal lovers alike.
Sunset Catamaran Cruise.
Sail on a catamaran along Aruba’s coastline, enjoying breathtaking sunset views over the Caribbean Sea. With refreshing drinks and Caribbean rhythms playing, this romantic experience offers a perfect way to relax and capture memorable moments.
Snorkeling at Baby Beach.
Experience the rich underwater world at Baby Beach, where shallow, calm waters teem with colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs. The beach’s curved shape and gentle currents make it ideal for snorkelers of all levels, offering a memorable glimpse into Aruba’s marine life.
What to expect while traveling
