Aruba

Dry desert air, white sand, and steady trade winds

Region

Caribbean · Aruba

Best time to go

Aruba is warm all year and rainfall is usually light. It lies south of the main hurricane belt, and the rainier months are typically October through December.

Getting there

Nonstop flights from many East Coast and major US hubs; West Coast trips usually need a connection, so check current airline schedules for your departure city.

Why go to Aruba

Aruba is a dry, breezy Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, with soft white beaches on its calm west side and a rugged desert coast on the north and east. It sits below the main hurricane belt, the trade winds keep it comfortable, and it is easy to get around in a few days.

Things to do in Aruba

BeachEagle BeachEagle Beach is a wide stretch of white sand on the west coast, known for its gentle water and the twisted fofoti trees that lean toward the sea. It is less built up than Palm Beach, so bring shade or arrive early to find a spot near the trees.Explore related tours

BeachPalm BeachPalm Beach is Aruba's busiest beach strip, lined with high-rise hotels, piers, and water sports in calm, shallow water. Expect a lively scene with plenty of food and drink nearby, and walk to the quieter northern end if you want more room.Explore related tours

NatureArikok National ParkArikok National Park covers a large part of the island's rugged interior and northeast coast, with cactus hills, limestone caves, and wild beaches. The trails are hot and exposed, so start early, carry plenty of water, and check road conditions before driving in with a standard car.Explore related tours

AdventureNatural Pool (Conchi)The Natural Pool is a rock-enclosed pool on the wild north coast inside Arikok National Park, where waves crash over the volcanic rocks around it. Reach it by guided four-wheel-drive tour, a sturdy off-road vehicle, or a long hike, and wear water shoes for the rocky entry.Explore related tours

FamilyBaby BeachBaby Beach is a shallow, sheltered lagoon on the island's southeastern tip near San Nicolas, with calm water that suits young children and new snorkelers. Stay inside the protected area, since currents beyond the lagoon edge can be strong, and bring your own shade.Explore related tours

CultureCalifornia LighthouseThe California Lighthouse stands on a hill at Aruba's northwestern tip, overlooking sand dunes and the sea on both sides. Go late in the afternoon for softer light and cooler air, and combine it with a swim at nearby Arashi Beach.Explore related tours

BeachMangel HaltoMangel Halto is a small beach on the south coast near Savaneta, where mangroves shade the sand and a shallow reef sits just offshore. Snorkelers will find calm water close in, but the reef drops off further out, so stay within your comfort level.Explore related tours

AdventureAntilla ShipwreckThe Antilla is a World War II era German cargo ship that sank off Aruba's northwest coast and now lies partly near the surface. Most visitors see it on a boat snorkel trip or a dive, and the water is often clearest in the morning.Explore related tours

CultureOranjestadOranjestad, the capital, has colorful Dutch colonial buildings, a waterfront promenade, and Fort Zoutman with the Willem III Tower. Walk the main streets in the cooler morning, and use the free downtown streetcar if it is running during your visit.Explore related tours

NatureCasibari and Ayo Rock FormationsCasibari and Ayo are clusters of huge boulders in the island's interior, with short paths and steps that lead to views over the cactus landscape. Wear shoes with grip, and look for the old rock drawings at Ayo that were made by the island's early people.Explore related tours

CultureSan Nicolas MuralsSan Nicolas, Aruba's second town, is known for the large street murals painted on its buildings by local and visiting artists. Walk the central streets with a camera, and stop for local food, since the town has a more everyday feel than the resort areas.Explore related tours

CultureAlto Vista ChapelAlto Vista Chapel is a small yellow chapel on a quiet hill on the north side of the island, with a long history as a place of worship. It is a calm, short stop, so dress respectfully and pair it with the nearby north coast drive.Explore related tours

Where to stay in Aruba

Palm BeachBusy, lively, high-rise resort stripPalm Beach has the largest cluster of high-rise hotels, along with shopping, dining, nightlife, and every kind of water sport in calm water. It suits travelers who want everything within walking distance. The trade-off is crowds on the sand and less of a local feel than other parts of the island.first-timersnightlifewalkable dining

Eagle BeachWide sand, low-rise, relaxedEagle Beach has smaller, low-rise hotels set across the road from a very wide beach. It feels calmer than Palm Beach while still being a short drive or taxi ride from restaurants and shops. It is a good fit for couples and anyone who mainly wants long beach days and space to spread out.couplesbeach timequiet evenings

OranjestadCapital, harbor, everyday island lifeOranjestad puts you near the cruise port, the downtown shops, the waterfront, and the airport. Beaches are a short drive away rather than outside your door. It suits travelers who like walking to cafes, want easy access to local life, or are on a short stay with an early flight.short staystown walkslocal dining

Noord and MalmokResidential, quiet, near the northThe Noord and Malmok area sits inland and north of Palm Beach, with vacation rentals and smaller lodgings close to Arashi Beach and the lighthouse. You will want a car here. It works well for families, longer stays, and travelers who prefer a home base over a big hotel.familieslonger stayssnorkeling

Savaneta and the South CoastLow-key, local, reef nearbySavaneta and the south coast are quieter, with small guesthouses and rentals near Mangel Halto and the road to Baby Beach. You trade resort conveniences for a local pace and calm water. A rental car is close to essential, and it suits repeat visitors and snorkelers.repeat visitorssnorkelersquiet stays

When to go

Peak winter season

Mid-December to mid-April

Weather: Sunny, dry, and breezy, with warm days and slightly cooler evenings.
Crowds: Busiest time of year, especially around the holidays and school breaks.
Value: Highest rates of the year, so book early.

Spring and early summer

Mid-April to August

Weather: Hot and dry with steady trade winds that keep it comfortable.
Crowds: Moderate, with busier weeks around summer school holidays.
Value: Usually better value than winter for the same weather.

Fall

September to November

Weather: The hottest and least windy months, with a small chance of short showers.
Crowds: Quietest time on the island.
Value: Often the best value of the year.

Getting the best value

Mid-December through mid-April is the most expensive period, with the highest rates around the holidays. Late spring, summer, and especially fall usually cost noticeably less, and the weather stays sunny and dry for most of that time.

Check tour dates

Getting there and around

Getting there

Fly into Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) near Oranjestad, the island's only commercial airport.
Several large US hubs on the East Coast and in the South have nonstop service, while West Coast travelers usually connect through one of those hubs.
US citizens need a valid passport, and Aruba asks visitors to complete an online entry form before arrival, so check current entry rules before booking.
AUA has US Customs and Border Protection preclearance, so you clear US entry in Aruba before your flight home, which means you should arrive at the airport early.

Getting around

A rental car is helpful if you want to explore beyond the hotel areas, and driving is on the right side of the road.
Taxis are easy to find at hotels and the airport, and fares are set by zone, so confirm the fare before you get in.
Public buses run between Oranjestad, the hotel areas, and San Nicolas, and they are a practical, low-cost way to reach the main beaches.
For Arikok National Park and the north coast, use a guided tour or a four-wheel-drive vehicle, since many roads are rough or unpaved.

Eat and drink

Keshi yenaKeshi yena is a classic Aruban dish of cheese filled with seasoned chicken or beef and baked until soft. It reflects the island's Dutch ties and is worth ordering at least once at a local-style restaurant.PastechiPastechi are fried turnovers filled with cheese, ground meat, chicken, or seafood. They are a common breakfast or snack, sold at small bakeries and snack stands across the island.Fresh catch with funchi and pan batiLocal fish such as wahoo, mahi-mahi, and red snapper often come grilled or stewed with funchi, a cornmeal side, and pan bati, a thin, slightly sweet pancake. It is the most typical sit-down meal on the island.Food trucks and snack standsFood trucks are a big part of Aruba's evening food scene, serving grilled meats, sandwiches, and late-night snacks. They are casual, popular with locals, and a good way to eat well without a long sit-down dinner.Aruba Ariba and island cocktailsThe Aruba Ariba is the island's signature rum-based cocktail, mixed with fruit juices and served at most beach bars. Sunset drinks on the west coast beaches are a daily ritual for many visitors.Dutch treatsDutch influence shows up in foods like poffertjes, small fluffy pancakes, along with Dutch cheeses and pastries. You will find them at bakeries, markets, and some breakfast spots.

Day trips from Aruba

Arikok off-road tourGuided four-wheel-drive and UTV tours cross the national park to the Natural Pool, caves, and the wild north coast. It is a dusty, bumpy day, so bring a scarf, sunglasses, and water shoes.Explore related tours

Snorkel sail to the west coast reefsCatamaran and sailboat trips stop at the Antilla shipwreck, Boca Catalina, and other calm reef spots along the west coast. Morning trips usually have the calmest water and best visibility.Explore related tours

Sunset sailEvening sails along the west coast give you views of the hotel strip and the lighthouse as the sun goes down. It is a relaxed outing that works well on a first or last night.Explore related tours

Southeast loop to San NicolasA half-day drive takes you past Savaneta and Mangel Halto to San Nicolas and Baby Beach. Stop along the way for local food and swim in the lagoon at the end.Explore related tours

Sample itineraries

5 days in Aruba

Day 1Settle in and spend the afternoon on Eagle Beach. Watch the sunset from the sand.
Day 2Explore Oranjestad in the morning, including Fort Zoutman. Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkeling at Mangel Halto.
Day 3Take a guided off-road tour through Arikok National Park to the Natural Pool. Rest at your hotel in the evening.
Day 4Join a morning snorkel sail to the Antilla shipwreck. Visit the California Lighthouse and Arashi Beach late in the day.
Day 5Spend a final morning on Palm Beach. Leave plenty of time for US preclearance at the airport.

Browse activities for this itinerary

7 days in Aruba

Day 1Arrive and relax on Eagle Beach. Have dinner nearby and watch the sunset.
Day 2Walk downtown Oranjestad and the waterfront. Spend the afternoon on Palm Beach.
Day 3Hike in Arikok National Park in the early morning. Visit Fontein Cave and the north coast dunes.
Day 4Drive to San Nicolas to see the murals. Spend the rest of the day at Baby Beach.
Day 5Take a boat snorkel trip to the Antilla wreck and Boca Catalina. Relax in the afternoon.
Day 6Visit the Casibari and Ayo rock formations and Alto Vista Chapel. End at the California Lighthouse for sunset.
Day 7Take a last swim at Mangel Halto or Arashi Beach. Arrive at the airport early for preclearance.

Browse activities for this itinerary

Good to know

The sun is strong and the breeze hides how hot it is, so reapply sunscreen often and drink more water than you think you need.
Use reef-safe sunscreen, since Aruba has restricted some common sunscreen chemicals to protect its reefs.
US dollars are widely accepted, but change is often given in Aruban florins, so carry small bills.
Many restaurants add a service charge to the bill, so check before adding a tip.
Leave very early for your flight home, because US preclearance lines at the airport can be long.
Do not leave valuables in a parked rental car, especially at remote beaches and trailheads.

Questions people ask

When is the best time to visit Aruba?

Aruba has good beach weather all year. Winter is the most popular time, while late spring and fall are usually calmer and better value.

How many days do I need in Aruba?

Five days covers the main beaches, the national park, and a boat trip. A week gives you time to relax and explore the quieter south coast.

Is Aruba safe for tourists?

Aruba is generally considered one of the safer Caribbean destinations. Normal precautions still apply, such as watching your belongings and not leaving valuables in cars.

Do I need a car in Aruba?

Not if you stay in Palm Beach or Eagle Beach, since taxis and buses cover the main areas. A car helps if you want to explore the south coast and north side at your own pace.

What currency is used in Aruba?

The local currency is the Aruban florin, but US dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted.

Does Aruba get hurricanes?

Aruba sits south of the main hurricane belt and is rarely hit directly. Storms in the region can still affect flights, so travel insurance is worth considering in fall.

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