Aruba’s Background

Aruba was discovered and claimed by Spain in 1499 but was taken over by the Dutch in 1636. Three major industries have dominated the island’s economy. A gold rush in the nineteenth century was followed by prosperity brought about by the building of an oil refinery in 1924. Tourism saw a rise in the latter decades of the twentieth century. In 1986, Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles and became a distinct, autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The march for complete independence was suspended in 1990 at the request of Aruba.

Located north of Venezuela, is known for its magnificent white beaches, wind-sculpted desert landscapes, and some of the greatest wreck diving in the Caribbean. Aruba is a reasonably dry island with year-round pleasant weather. Because of its location in the far south of the Caribbean, it is immune to most storms, allowing sunbathers to enjoy the island’s outdoor activities and water sports at any time of year.

Oranjestad, Aruba’s lovely city, is a delightful cruise ship port full of sights and family-friendly activities. Stroll around the colorful Dutch colonial buildings, see the galleries, stores, and museums, or take a tour of the Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory or The Butterfly Farm.

A Caribbean island that is over twenty miles long and six miles wide. It is Venezuela’s nearest Caribbean island and an independent dependency of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is a flat island with no rivers, although it is famous for its white-sand beaches. It has a mild temperature and receives minimal rain, making it an ideal holiday spot. It’s also conveniently placed outside of the storm belt in the Caribbean.

“Imagine a place that is influenced by 90 nationals with Dutch and Spanish Architecture on an island“

Aruba is the most visited island in the southern Caribbean, thanks to North Americans fleeing winter. The allure is obvious: miles of magnificent white-sand beach, an abundance of all-inclusive resorts, and a retro, compact city, Oranjestad, perfectly adapted to the short strolls preferred by cruise-ship passengers. It’s all about the sun, having fun, and spending money.

If you go out from the resorts, you’ll be in for a wonderful treat. Rugged, windswept panoramas and empty beaches may be found at the island’s extreme extremities, making them ideal for trekking and horseback riding. The crystal-clear seas are teeming with sea life and shipwrecks (as well as an airplane crash or two), making for fantastic snorkeling and diving possibilities. And the constant breezes provide for near-ideal conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

So, whether you want to relax on a beach or explore the great outdoors, Aruba has you covered. That is one happy island!

The country’s geography may be generally split into two areas. The Atlantic Ocean runs along the northeast coast, which features a rocky shoreline with few beaches and desert-like flora. It’s also noted for its choppy waves and dangerous currents. Alternatively, the famed, gorgeous white sand beaches on the southwest half of the island may be found. The oceans are calm, and the water is a vibrant turquoise blue. The water is also reasonably warm, making it an ideal location for swimming.

Aruba's Highlights

Aruba's Hints & Tips

Safety in Aruba

Aruba's Highlights

Aruba's Hints & Tips

Safety in Aruba

Dutch Buildings Bubali Bird Sanctuary Eagle Beach Arikkok National Park

When to travel to Aruba?

How to get to Aruba?

Transportation Inside Aruba

Calls & Internet in Aruba

When to travel to Aruba?

How to get to Aruba?

Transportation Inside Aruba

Calls & Internet in Aruba

Top Places in Aruba

Conchi Natural Pool

This is a one-of-a-kind spot on Aruba’s northern coast. It can only be reached by ATV or Trail Rated 4×4, but it is definitely worth the effort. It’s a modest hidden pool nestled within a lovely rock structure. It’s a great day drive, but be sure your car is capable of handling the distance. The Natural Pool, commonly known as “conchi” or “Cura di Tortuga,” is a natural swimming pool in a rural location in east Aruba. It’s made out of rock and volcanic stone rings. The pool is only accessible by four-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicles, horseback, or on foot due to the rocky terrain surrounding it. From the park’s entrance, there is a hiking route.

Aruba Ostrich Farm

This is a fascinating working farm. It is more of a learning experience for visitors, but it is still a wonderful destination to see. The majority of the ostrich meat available in Aruba nowadays is imported from the neighboring island of Curacao.

Arikok National Park

The Arikok National Park covers an area around 18 percent of Aruba’s total area and has three major geological formations. These formations have had a direct impact on both Aruba’s human settlement and its natural beauty. Aruba is home to various species that are unique to the island, including two snake species and two bird species. The park has some of the island’s earliest Arawak artwork and has subsequently piqued the government’s interest.

Bubali Bird Sanctuary

The Bubali Bird Sanctuary is a 20-hectare wetland area on the island of Aruba, a Dutch Caribbean component republic. BirdLife International designated it as an Important Bird Area because it and its surrounding vegetation sustain populations of a wide range of birds, including endangered and restricted-range species, as well as substantial seasonal numbers of migrating waders and neotropical passerines. The wetland, which was originally designed as a wastewater treatment facility, is endangered by aquatic plant invasion, which reduces the area of open water.

Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is a beach and neighborhood in the Aruba city of Oranjestad. The area is well-known for its low-rise resorts and large public beach. It is Aruba’s widest beach, with smooth white sand. It has been named one of the world’s top beaches. This is not a barefoot beach. On Aruba, public nudity is prohibited. Topless sunbathing is permitted on some resort beaches, however it is not permitted on resort grounds.

7-day Itinerary in Aruba (with extension options)

Day 1

Arrive at Aruba

The major factor that will influence how you spend your first day in Aruba will depend on whether you arrive early or late.

If you arrive early, you may leave your luggage at your hotel and relax on one of Aruba’s many lovely beaches. You may even beach hop between them by paddling about in a kayak.

The island’s most famous and largest beach, with stunning blue sea and the famed Divi Divi tree found in Eagle Beach

Another option with an extended stretch of high-rise resorts, nightclubs, shops, and restaurants facing the sandy beach, Palm Beach is where all the excitement is in Aruba.

A more secluded option, located on the island’s southern tip, Baby Beach, this calm place is a local favorite because it is a bit of a drive from the main tourist sites. It acquired its name from the warm, bath-like water in the sheltered bay, making it an excellent choice for families.

If watersports are what you like, one of Aruba’s top kiteboarding beaches, Boca Grandi features a tough surf, consistent winds, and a lengthy stretch of white sand. Another is located in the Noord region, Arashi Beach offers some outstanding surf locations and is renowned for snorkeling because to the coral reefs and wrecks located offshore.

Where to stay in Oranjestad, Aruba

Backpacker:
Budget: Lind Hostel & Guesthouse
Mid-range: Tomu's Hotel
High end:

Safety in Oranjestad

This section will be added shortly.

Transportation to and from Oranjestad

This section will be added shortly.

Day 2

Dive, Snorkel, or Submarine tour

Divers may choose from a variety of dive destinations such as Antilia, Jane Sea, Pedernales, Skalahein Reef, Plonco Reef, and Mas Bango Reef. If diving is too much for you or you are not yet a qualified diver, you can snorkel there.

We say yet because you may begin your diving adventure in Aruba at one of the numerous schools that provide the PADI certification course. If you prefer diving, you can expect to pay roughly $100 for renting your equipment and $80 if you have your own.

Alternatively, take an Atlantis Submarines Expedition into the Caribbean Sea to view Aruba’s underwater environment from 130 feet below. This 90-minute trip begins from Oranjestad and is likely to be one you won’t forget… When else can you go on an actual submarine ride?!

Whether you choose to dive, snorkel, or take a submarine, keep a lookout for barracudas, turtles, and possibly the Antilla, a World War II German freighter that sunk and became the Caribbean’s largest shipwreck.

Back on land, spend the afternoon touring Oranjestad, Aruba’s colorful capital and one of the Caribbean’s most vivacious. The Dutch-inspired facades are the next best thing to being in Amsterdam and are filled with duty-free shops, cafés, jewelry stores, and luxury boutiques.

There’s also a free tourist tram that runs from the Submarine’s cruise terminal’s gift kiosks through the streets to the opposite side of town.

Heading out to De Palm Island for a day of fun in the sun is one of the greatest day excursions in Aruba for families. Their dock is 10 minutes from Oranjestad, and a short boat trip over delivers you to the action-packed island, which has multi-story waterslides, banana boat rides, volleyball games, beachside cabanas, and fantastic snorkeling. Oh, and there are flamingos as well.

A couple Chilean Flamingos, standing four to five feet tall, flock along the coastline. A little fence surrounds the lagoon where the birds feed to protect visitors from touching them, but if you rent one of the palapas on this length of sand, you’ll have a front-row seat to watch the birds all day.

Aside from SNUBA and the underwater helmet walk, nearly all activities on De Palm Island are included in the half or full-day cost, as are food, drinks, and beverages from a handful of on-site eateries.

For a more lavish experience, reserve one of the private cabanas perched above the coral-fringed sea for the day. Each one takes up to eight people and comes equipped with an outdoor shower, a sundeck with lounge chairs, and a fridge loaded with refreshing drinks and a bottle of chilled Prosecco. You’ll also have a dedicated servant who will bring you refreshing beverages throughout the day, making De Palm Island one of the most remarkable Aruba attractions.

Day 4

San Nicolas, Donkey Sanctuary and Baby Beach

Head south to colorful San Nicolas, called the “Sunrise City” and well recognized for its burgeoning arts scene.

San Nicolas, Aruba’s second-largest city, feels a world apart from glamorous commercial areas like the high-rise region, and boasts around five blocks of enormous murals covering its downtown streets. Allow at least 30 minutes to view the artwork, which includes two-story flamingos, seashell angel wings, and cactus sculptures, or arrange a walking tour to learn more about the artists and their works. There are also galleries and businesses selling artisan jewelry and prints.

While you’re at it, stop into Charlie’s Bar, an island institution dating back to the 1940s. Originally a popular hangout for scuba divers, they began attaching their unique aquatic finds, such as Popeye figures and registration plates, to the walls, transforming it into an unofficial exhibition.

The Donkey Sanctuary in Bringamosa, which was founded in 1997, is the next stop. It is home to 130 hairy, four-legged creatures. The herd enjoys meandering out into the dusty road, and if you happen to be driving by, you’ll be welcomed with a ‘hee haw’ and a long nose poking through the window in the hopes of snatching a treat.

Continue down to the island’s southernmost tip for some sun time to round up your day of Aruba sightseeing. If you want to unwind, go to Baby Beach and rest in the tranquil bay or take a walk along the long, shallow shorelines. Those looking for a thrill should bring a surfboard and hit the water at Boca Grandi to ride the challenging surf waves.

Days 5 to 6

Aruba expeditions

Road excursions are a great way to discover a new area, especially in Aruba, which offers a healthy mix of paved highways and rugged dirt paths best suited for 4x4s. Rent a car or schedule an off-road safari to take you to some of Aruba’s top attractions.

Among one of the best tours in Aruba lies in the east side of the island’s rugged desert environment, ripe for exploration. In Arikok National Park The environment is dotted with dramatic waves, limestone cliffs, and cactus, as well as natural wonders such as the Natural Pool formed by a volcanic rock and famous for snorkeling and swimming.

Another great sighting was built in 1914 to warn sailors of the dangerous shoreline as they approached the island, the brilliant, white California Lighthouse is a beacon on the north end of the island. Visitors may ascend a winding, narrow staircase to the observation platform near the summit, which provides an excellent view of the sunset.

Make sure to also visit Alto Vista Chapel. This Roman Catholic Church, which dates from 1750, has a lovely, sunshine-yellow front and is accessible by a driveway decorated with white crosses.

Gold makes the world go around, and in Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Aruba’s first gold discovery occurred in 1824, resulting in the production of more than three million pounds of gold on the island. The remnants of the gold rush are a must see and may still be found at an ancient mill, which processed ore from mines in the adjacent hills.

Another wonder that you must see are the Casibari Rocks. These massive stones that appear to be haphazardly arranged, you can trek up to the summit. There’s a magnificent panoramic vista there that’s a great place to watch the sunset.

The Bubali Bird Sanctuary is a bird-watching paradise on Aruba’s island. The flora supports a diverse range of bird populations, including rare and strictly limited species, as well as significant seasonal amounts of migratory ducks and neotropical passerines.

Day 7

Departure Day

You will be getting out of Aruba today after your breakfast so you can catch your flight back home, or maybe head on to the next trip on the next plane or cruise.

The Most Popular Food in Aruba

For such a small Caribbean island, Aruba has a complex cuisine culture. It’s a wonderful mix of international cuisine inspired by over 90 different cultures and civilizations, primarily Dutch and Spanish, and is available at over 200 fine dining places, cafés, and booths around the island. While it might be tough to discover local eateries in Aruba, if you go outside of the more touristic areas, you may come across some wonderful ones.

Keshi Yena

This is a classic Aruban main dish made with Edam shells. The base of the cheese is stuffed with seasoned meat, such as chicken, then baked or steamed until done.

Stobas (stews)

Despite the tropical environment, stew (stoba) is a favorite hot comfort dish in Aruba. It’s usually cooked with beef or goat, although conch stew (calco stoba) is also popular.

Satee

Although it originated in Indonesia and was brought to Aruba by the Dutch, this meal has grown in popularity throughout the island. Skewers of marinated meat, such as chicken, are served with a peanut-based sauce in this meal.

Sopi di pampuna

Sopi di pampuna is a tasty pumpkin soup from Aruba that is popular across the Caribbean islands. In addition to pumpkin, the soup contains salted beef, heavy cream, cinnamon, Tabasco sauce, and a mix of vegetables including onions, celery, leeks, and potatoes.

Arroz con Pollo

Although it originated in Spain, this rice and chicken meal has been adapted to reflect Aruban flavors. It’s a pilaf-style rice meal that’s widely accessible in various forms.

What's the Travel Budget for Aruba?

Backpacker

Budget

Mid-range

Luxury