Aruba Travel Guide: A Southern Caribbean Paradise
Planning a trip to Aruba? This Aruba Vacation Guide covers everything you need to know—the best beaches, top things to do, the best areas to stay, and more.
Your Aruba Vacation Guide
Located off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is a tropical paradise that is perfect for those seeking sun, sand, and adventure. Famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and consistent sunny weather, Aruba is perfect for beach bums like myself who are happy with clean, white sandy beaches, clear blue waters and great weather.
However, if you're into water sports and exploring rugged landscapes, Aruba has plenty to offer. This Southern Caribbean paradise is welcoming, and the locals make it easy for visitors to unwind and enjoy their vacation from the moment they arrive. In this Aruba travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best beaches, snorkeling spots, other island attractions, and important things to know before you go.
Getting to Know Aruba
When I first learned that Aruba is part of the Dutch Caribbean, I was intrigued to discover it's one of the three ABC islands, along with Bonaire and Curaçao. One thing that really stood out to me is that, unlike many other Caribbean destinations, Aruba is located outside the hurricane belt. This means you can visit pretty much any time of year without worrying about tropical storms.
During my trip, the weather stayed comfortably warm, between 80-90°F, thanks to the steady trade winds. I found it easy to communicate, too—both English and Dutch are widely spoken. And since U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere, it made things super convenient as an American traveler.
The Best Beaches In Aruba For Beach Bums
Being an island paradise, Aruba is famous for its beaches, which are known for their soft, white sand and clear, turquoise waters. I honestly couldn't believe how beautiful the beaches were when I saw them in person. They're some of the best you'll find in the Caribbean.
While there are plenty of beaches to choose from, the two most popular that you'll want to check out—especially if you're not staying at a resort with a private beach—are Eagle Beach and Palm Beach.
Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach is often ranked as one of the best beaches in the world, and after spending some time there, I could easily see why. The sand is so soft it feels like powder under your feet, and the water is perfectly clear and calm. There’s plenty of space to relax, and I loved that it wasn’t overcrowded, which made it even more peaceful. You can rent palapas (those thatched umbrellas) for some shade, or just enjoy the sun. The unique Divi Divi trees along the beach make for great photos, and if you're lucky enough to visit at the right time, you might even catch a glimpse of sea turtles hatching!
Eagle Beach Highlights:
- White Powder Sand: The softest sand you’ll ever feel, perfect for lounging.
- Calm, Turquoise Waters: Ideal for swimming, especially for families.
- Serene Atmosphere: Less crowded than some of the busier beaches, giving it a more relaxing vibe.
- Divi Divi Trees: These wind-sculpted trees are a signature of Aruba and make for great photo spots.
Palm Beach
If you're looking for a more lively beach scene in Aruba, Palm Beach is where you’ll want to be. It’s located near most of the island's luxury resorts, so it has a more energetic vibe compared to other beaches. During the day, you’ll find all kinds of water sports—jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides—you name it. There’s always something going on, so if you're the adventurous type, Palm Beach is perfect. Once the sun sets, the area really comes alive with beach bars, music, and restaurants serving up fresh seafood. It’s the spot to experience both daytime excitement and a fun nightlife right on the beach.
Palm Beach Highlights:
- Calm, Clear Waters: Great for swimming and lounging in the shallows.
- Watersports Galore: Plenty of options like jet skiing, parasailing, and boat rides.
- Close to Dining and Nightlife: Restaurants and bars are just a few steps away, making it easy to transition from a day at the beach to a night out.
Attractions On The Island Of Aruba
Aruba is home to a variety of attractions that showcase its natural beauty, cultural history, and adventurous spirit.
One of the highlights of my trip was exploring Arikok National Park, which was perfect for getting a real feel for Aruba’s rugged side. I spent a few hours hiking through the park, discovering ancient Arawak Indian drawings inside some of the caves and spotting all kinds of wildlife, like iguanas and exotic birds. A few friends I was with decided to take a jeep tour, and they couldn’t stop raving about the ride through the park’s rocky terrain to see the Natural Pool.
Another must-see spot is the California Lighthouse. We went there right before sunset, and the views of the coastline were absolutely breathtaking. The panoramic views from up there are something you don’t want to miss, especially as the sun sets over the ocean—it’s like a scene from a postcard.
For a bit of history, I made a quick stop at the Alto Vista Chapel, which is a peaceful little church perched on a hill. Even though it's small, the view from the chapel overlooking the ocean is definitely worth the trip. It’s such a serene spot, and you can really feel a sense of calm while you’re there.
I actually did this horseback tour to get there, and it was my first time riding a horse. Let’s just say the guides were probably a little frustrated with me—I think it took me as long to figure out how to control the horse as the tour itself! But they were really patient, and once I got the hang of it, riding through the scenic trails to the chapel turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
If you're a beach lover like me, Baby Beach is an awesome spot for relaxing. I spent the afternoon snorkeling in the calm, shallow waters and saw all kinds of fish. A couple of friends went off to Boca Prins, a more secluded beach that’s harder to reach, but they said the natural landscape and quiet atmosphere made it well worth the visit.
We wrapped up the trip with some time in Oranjestad, the capital. Wandering around the colorful Dutch-style buildings and checking out the local markets was a fun way to experience the island’s culture. Plus, the food in the area is fantastic—there’s no shortage of great places to grab a bite of fresh seafood.
Some Of Aruba's Attractions Include:
- Arikok National Park: I hiked through caves and saw wildlife, while my friends loved the jeep tour to the Natural Pool.
- California Lighthouse: The panoramic sunset views from here are a must-see.
- Alto Vista Chapel: A peaceful, historic church with beautiful views of the ocean.
- Baby Beach: Perfect for snorkeling in calm, shallow waters—definitely a favorite for me.
- Boca Prins: A more secluded beach with natural beauty, great for a quiet escape.
- Oranjestad: The island's capital with vibrant architecture, local markets, and amazing restaurants.
- Diving and Snorkeling:
Aruba is a Diving and Snorkeling Oasis
Diving My First Shipwreck Was The Highlight Of My Trip and one of the coolest experiences I've ever had.
It was my first time diving a shipwreck, and honestly, shipwrecks have always creeped me out a bit. There’s something about sunken boats that feels like they belong in horror movies, not my vacation plans. But after a couple of cold "waters" (you know, the kind that gives you a little liquid courage), I decided to go for it. Never drink and dive, kids—unless it’s water, because you can’t live without water. Plus, you’re already in water, so technically it’s safe... right? Anyway, I geared up and made the plunge, and let me tell you—it was way cooler (and way less haunted) than I expected!
The Jane Sea is a cargo ship that rests about 90 feet below the surface, completely covered in coral and surrounded by marine life. As we descended, I could see schools of colorful fish darting around, and once we got closer to the wreck, there were eels, barracuda, and even the occasional sea turtle swimming by.
The ship itself is eerie and beautiful, with coral formations taking over the structure. Exploring the different sections of the wreck was like stepping back in time. The visibility was great, which made the experience even more incredible—I didn’t want to come up!
Best Beaches in Aruba For Snorkeling: Malmok and Mangel
Snorkeling at both Malmok Beach and Mangel Halto Beach was hands down one of the highlights of my trip to Aruba. They’re both incredible spots for snorkeling, but each offers something a little different, which made them both special in their own way.
First, I went to Malmok Beach, which is located on the northwest coast of Aruba, not far from the popular resort areas of Palm Beach. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Palm Beach, so it’s super easy to get to.
Malmok is more of a rocky coastline than a traditional sandy beach, but that’s what makes it perfect for snorkeling. The water here is incredibly clear, and just a short swim from shore, I found myself surrounded by tropical fish. The coral formations are beautiful, and I even spotted a few sea turtles gliding by. What made Malmok so cool is that the shallow waters allow you to snorkel for long stretches without getting too deep, and the marine life is right there as soon as you enter the water.
A few days later, I headed to Mangel Halto Beach, which is located on the southeast coast of the island, about a 30-minute drive from Malmok. Mangel Halto is known for its calm, shallow waters and mangroves, making it a completely different experience from Malmok. Snorkeling here felt like I was in an underwater maze, weaving through the mangroves and exploring the rich coral reef further out. The reef at Mangel Halto is vibrant and teeming with life—everything from colorful fish to small rays and octopus hiding in the coral. The water here was incredibly tranquil, which made it easy to float along and take everything in. What I loved most about Mangel Halto was how secluded and peaceful it felt, with hardly any crowds.
Even though Malmok and Mangel Halto are on opposite sides of the island, both are worth visiting if you’re into snorkeling. Each has its own unique vibe and underwater treasures waiting to be explored.
I just swam right off the shore and found a huge variety of fish, coral, and even some small rays gliding along the seafloor. The water was calm and crystal-clear, which made it really easy to see all the marine life. It’s a peaceful spot, with fewer people than the busier beaches, so it was a great place to just float around and enjoy the underwater scenery at my own pace.
Other Cool Diving Locations:
There are two decommissioned airplanes nearby that were sunk as artificial reefs:
- Convair 240: The oldest of the two planes, which has been scattered by storms. The tip of its left wing is the shallowest point at 46 ft, and the cockpit is at 72 ft.
- Air Aruba YS-11: This plane is still intact and upright, with the cockpit at 52 ft and the tail at 90 ft. The passengers seats and four doors were removed before sinking.
You Can't Go To Aruba Without Seeing The Pink Flamingos
One of the most unforgettable experiences during my trip to Aruba was visiting the famous flamingos on Flamingo Beach. I had always seen pictures of people hanging out with these bright pink birds, but seeing them up close was something else. The flamingos are on a private island owned by Renaissance Aruba Resort, so I had to catch a short boat ride to get there. Once I arrived, I couldn’t believe how tame they were. They just casually walk around the beach, and you can feed them, take pictures, or just watch them strut along the shoreline.
It was my first time seeing flamingos so close, and I honestly thought they'd be a little skittish, but they’re so used to people! I spent quite a while just relaxing on the beach with these beautiful birds walking around—it’s such a unique experience. I’ll never forget hanging out with flamingos while enjoying the gorgeous Aruba scenery!
Can I Swim At Flamingo Beach?
Local Cuisine to Try
Aruba's culinary scene is as diverse as its people, with a mix of Caribbean, Dutch, and Latin American flavors. Don’t leave without trying these local dishes:
- Keshi Yena: A savory casserole made with melted cheese and filled with spiced meat or chicken.
- Pan Bati: A type of flatbread typically served alongside soups and stews.
- Pastechi: Fried pastries filled with cheese, meat, or fish—perfect for a quick snack.
For seafood lovers, Aruba's proximity to the ocean means you'll have access to incredibly fresh fish, including mahi-mahi and red snapper.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Currency: While the local currency is the Aruban florin, U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
- Getting Around: Aruba is easy to navigate by car. Rental cars are affordable and a good option for exploring places like Arikok National Park. Public buses are also available for travel between main areas like Oranjestad and Palm Beach.
- Language: While the official language is Dutch, most locals also speak Papiamento and English.
Getting Around Aruba
Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) is conveniently located close to the island’s main resort areas. If you're staying in the popular Palm Beach or Eagle Beach areas, it’s only about a 15-20 minute drive from the airport. Taxis and shuttles are readily available, making the transfer quick and easy—you can also schedule a round trip shared transfer from the airport for only $13 on GetYourGuide.com, or you can schedule a private transfer in a large SUV.
For those staying in Oranjestad (the capital), the airport is even closer, just a 10-minute drive away. Overall, Aruba’s small size makes it super convenient to get from the airport to your hotel without much hassle.
Safety In Aruba
Aruba is considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. The island has a low crime rate, and both locals and tourists feel comfortable walking around, even at night in popular areas like Palm Beach and Oranjestad. The government places a strong emphasis on tourism safety, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming and laid-back.
When Should You Visit Aruba
The best time to visit Aruba is during the winter and spring months, from December to April. This is Aruba's peak tourist season, as visitors from colder climates flock to the island for its warm, sunny weather. During this time, temperatures average between 80-85°F (27-29°C), and the island is lively with events, activities, and great beach conditions.
As mentioned earlier due to Aruba's location being outside the hurricane belt, it's also a good destination year-round. If you’re looking for fewer crowds and slightly lower prices, the off-season from May to November can still offer great weather, though it's typically a bit more humid. However, Aruba’s reliable trade winds help keep things comfortable throughout the year.
Recommended Travel Times:
- December to April: Ideal weather, more activities, but higher prices and larger crowds.
- May to November: Fewer tourists and lower prices, but warmer and more humid.
No matter when you visit, with Aruba’s constant sunshine and minimal rainfall, almost any time of the year will still give you the perfect beach vacation without many of the weather concerns that come with the rest of Caribbean.
For most of us beach lovers, the formula for a perfect getaway is pretty simple: beautiful weather, soft sand, clear water, and a safe environment. That’s it—we’re happy as long as we can lay on the beach without a care in the world. Well, Aruba checks all of those boxes and then some.
The island’s weather is sunny year-round, with soft white sand that feels like powder under your feet and crystal-clear water perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Plus, it’s known for being one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, so you can relax and enjoy without any worries. If that’s not enough, Aruba offers even more, from incredible beachside activities to unique cultural experiences. So if you're ready for your next beach adventure, it’s time to explore everything this beautiful island has to offer!
Related Post
Kylie Jones
Team