Aruba Travel Guide
Welcome to Aruba, a Caribbean island paradise home to beautiful beaches, exciting water sports, and sunny skies. Although one of the best things to do here is plop on a nice beach for a few hours with a drink in hand, there’s much more to explore. From weekend getaways to longer stays, Aruba offers plenty of fun and unforgettable experiences for everyone.
Aruba Stats
Official Languages: Dutch, Papiamento
Population: 108,000
Capital City: Oranjestad
Currency: Aruban Florin (AWG)
Power Outlet: Types A, B, and F
Planning Your Trip
Aruba: Ultimate Travel Guide & Best Things to Do
Planning your trip to Aruba? Start here. In this article we walk you through the top sites, how long to spend in Aruba, along with where to eat and where to stay.
Top Experiences in Aruba
Beach Hop across the Island. From Palm Beach being a hotspot for resorts and water sports, to Eagle Beach which is ranked as one of the world’s best beaches, to plenty others, you’ll find no shortage of chances to take a dip in Aruba’s crystal clear waters.
Snorkel or Scuba around Aruba. This is a very popular activity that can be done all across the island. Get up close with fish, sea turtles, and shipwrecks such as the S.S. Antilla.
Explore Arikok National Park. Enclosing almost 20% of the island of Aruba, this national park contains a vastly different landscape than the lush western coast. You’ll find dirt roads winding through desert terrain and along rocky, volcanic coastline. This is the best spot in Aruba to go hiking, explore secluded beaches, and take a dip in the Natural Pool.
De Palm Island. A coral island turned all-inclusive experience, tourists will find a water park, zipline, and many more unique experiences perfect for families.
Wander the Streets of Oranjestad. Aruba’s capital city, this colorful coastal town is full of plenty of great places to shop, eat, and drink.
Cruise on Aruba’s Crystal Clear Water. Watch the sunset from a catamaran, go on a happy hour cruise, or enjoy a day out at sea.
Take in the View from the California Lighthouse. This lighthouse sits atop a hill on Aruba’s northern shore. Pay a small fee to climb the lighthouse for views out over the island.
Flamingo Beach. A picturesque white sand beach dotted with flamingos, visitors can access the beach by either staying overnight at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, or by purchasing a day pass.
Learn to Kitesurf. High winds make Aruba the perfect place for kitesurfing. Visit Hadicurari Beach for kitesurfing lessons.
UTV Tour. Take a ride on one of these souped-up golf carts and travel off-road to visit some of the island’s best sightseeing locations.
Dine on the Day’s Fresh Catch at Zeerovers. A local oceanfront restaurant and bar where customers can enjoy the freshly caught fish for the day, at a great price.
View the Street Art in San Nicolas. Walk through town and admire the giant, vibrant murals covering the buildings here.
Our Experiences in Aruba
Adventure in Aruba: How to Visit Natural Pool
This natural swimming pool, located in Arikok National Park, is a must-see while visiting eastern Aruba. It offers a great break from the crowds of tourists found at many of the island’s beaches.
Our Top Ten Beaches in Aruba
With plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from, we’ve narrowed down the list to our personal top ten.
When To Visit Aruba
The best time to visit Aruba is from January to April. Visitors will have plenty of sunny days, low risk of rain, as well as more pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. Since this is the most popular time to visit Aruba, do expect larger numbers of crowds.
It’s good to note that temperature and humidity don’t change too dramatically throughout the year in Aruba. Highs will range from 85°F in January to 91°F in August, and you’ll be met with muggy levels of humidity year-round.
Island Inspiration
If you’re looking to extend your time island-hopping, see the articles below.
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