WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Aruba Travel Guide

Explore my Aruba Travel Guide, your go-to resource for everything you need to know about this beautiful island and creating your perfect Caribbean getaway.

ARUBA UNVEILED

Your Aruba Travel Guide for the Perfect Tropical Retreat

One-third of the ABC islands, Aruba is a part of the Netherlands, but when you step on the island it very much gave me “American” vibes. That’s not a bad thing necessarily, I just prefer more exotic and culturally diverse places! That said, it’s still a great island, has beautiful beaches, and lots of life to it. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something relaxing and tropical for a family or as a couple.

I’ve been to the “Happy Island” twice now and can say that you can comfortably see what the island has to offer in 3-5 days. It’s not a big island and there’s not a million things to do, but you can easily add a few more days and spend it just beach hopping!

If possible, I would combine this trip with a visit to one of its sister islands: Bonaire or Curacao. Flights to either island are just under an hour long!

VANESSA'S INSIDER TIPS

My Travel Tips for Aruba

Here are some helpful Aruba travel tips to know before you go:

Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens do not need a visa.

However, there’s a new requirement for everyone that requires you to fill out an ED card online. You can fill out within 7 days of your trip and you will get approval right away. Here’s the link to fill it out: https://edcardaruba.aw/

Local currency

Local currency is the Aruban Florin, but lots of places accept U.S. dollars.

Language

As part of the Netherlands, Arubans speak Dutch. They also speak Papiamento (Creole language) and Spanish. Don’t worry Americans, English is widely spoken!

Plugs

Aruba uses both US and European outlets, so to be safe, bring an adapter or converter!

An adapter allows you connect two different plugs or sockets that aren’t compatible. If you look at the plug on your iPhone charger for example, you would see it won’t fit in European sockets. So, the adapter allows that connection.

Get an adapter here>>

A converter is really only needed if you are going to be using high voltage items from the U.S., like a laptop or hairdryer. If you aren’t going to be using anything with high voltage, then just an adapter is fine!

Get a converter here >>

Aruba Essentials

There are a few things you’ll need for some fun in the sun! Here’s what I recommend for any tropical destinations:

SPF is a must. I’m constantly in the sun, but always make sure to protect my skin. I love using the SuperGoop brand because it’s affordable but there’s also a light tint to their SPF that adds some color to your skin.

Get their sunscreen here >>

In addition to SPF for the skin, I learned the hard way that you also need SPF for your head! There have been times where I’ve had my part get burned because I totally forgot to use a hat. Sun Bum is another great brand I love.

Get their scalp SPF here >>

And of course, you’ll need something to protect your phone while you take your Insta pics! I have a Go Pro, but for those who don’t, I highly recommend getting a waterproof case so you can have peace of mind when using it.

Get your case here >>

When to Go

Aruba is great as a year-round destination. Rainy season is late September – December. I went in early September and the weather was perfect except for one afternoon when there was rain, but it didn’t last long at all!

I would recommend going in September. Otherwise, December – March is peak season where it’s great weather, but you’ll pay more for going.

Where to Stay

I’ve stayed on two different parts of the island: Oranjestad and Bakval.

Oranjestad is the capital of the island and where you’ll find the port and lots of restaurants and shops.

Bakval is a neighborhood located near Palm Beach, close to all the hotels. I would say you’re okay staying at either place because the public bus transportation on the island is very simple and easy to use so you can get around easily.

Palm Beach is the most popular area to stay in and where you’ll find the majority of the resorts.

How To Get Around

If you don’t feel like venturing off your resort, you’ll still find things to do within walking distance. However, some great spots require you to use transportation. Taxis will be easy to find in popular areas. Another option is to rent a car – fun fact, Aruba has no traffic lights, just roundabouts! But driving in Aruba is super easy and the roads are well maintained. If that doesn’t make you feel comfortable, then you can take the public buses, which are easy to navigate and you can pay on board.

Is It Safe?

Aruba Solo Female Travel

For solo female travelers, this isn’t a place I would immediately think of to go to, simply because the culture on this island doesn’t cater to that crowd. It’s more for cruises, families, and couples.

Is Aruba safe for solo female travelers? Absolutely! During my first solo visit to the island, I felt completely at ease, even walking around alone at night. Aruba is a safe, tourist-friendly destination and I can definitely recommend it for my fellow female travelers looking for peace of mind.

ARUBA ADVENTURES

My Recommended Itinerary for Aruba Travel

Aruba has a million things to do, but here’s what I recommend for Aruba:

Aruba Attractions

Explore The Capital
Explore The Capital

The Happy Island’s capital, Oranjestad, is small, but warrants a visit in my opinion.
You can start at the Renaissance Mall and check out some of the high-end luxury stores.
Across the street there’s the Renaissance Marketplace, which has restaurants, a casino, and a movie theater.
California Lighthouse
California Lighthouse

Fun fact: this is the tallest structure on the Happy Island! For that reason, it’s a great spot to get stunning views of the island.
Pay $5 cash and climb up some narrow stairs to reach the top.
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park

This park covers nearly 20% of the island and offers a mix of caves, hiking trails, and natural pools.
You can go as part of an island tour or if you go on your own, please note you’ll need a 4×4!
Island Jeep Tour
Island Jeep Tour

I always love and recommend taking some sort of tour that takes you around. It’s a great way to see a lot of things in one day!

I did the full-day Island Ultimate Safari tour with ABC Tours that took us around the island, including the California Light House, Arikok National Park, and a stop at Tres Trapi for swimming (that’s where my pic was taken)!

Book This Tour!

Explore The Capital

The Happy Island’s capital, Oranjestad, is small, but warrants a visit in my opinion.

You can start at the Renaissance Mall and check out some of the high-end luxury stores.

Across the street there’s the Renaissance Marketplace, which has restaurants, a casino, and a movie theater.

California Lighthouse

Fun fact: this is the tallest structure on the Happy Island! For that reason, it’s a great spot to get stunning views of the island.

Pay $5 cash and climb up some narrow stairs to reach the top.

Arikok National Park

This park covers nearly 20% of the island and offers a mix of caves, hiking trails, and natural pools.

You can go as part of an island tour or if you go on your own, please note you’ll need a 4×4!

Island Jeep Tour

I always love and recommend taking some sort of tour that takes you around. It’s a great way to see a lot of things in one day!

I did the full-day Island Ultimate Safari tour with ABC Tours that took us around the island, including the California Light House, Arikok National Park, and a stop at Tres Trapi for swimming (that’s where my pic was taken)!

Sun, Sea, and Sand

Best Beaches in Aruba

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is the most popular because it’s where most of the resorts and hotels are. For that reason, it’s pretty crowded.

The advantage to being in such a tourist-heavy area is that there are also a ton of amenities, so you don’t have to walk far for food or beach umbrellas.

Across the street from Palm Beach are shopping plazas, bars, and restaurants.

Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is further south than Palm Beach – it is my absolute favorite beach on the island!

It has a fraction of the crowds, and the water is even clearer and cleaner than Palm Beach.

This beach won’t have as many amenities though – outside of umbrellas and beach chairs there isn’t much.

Arashi Beach

Arashi Beach is just a couple of minutes from the California Lighthouse. It’s also another quieter, less crowded beach.

There’s an on-site restaurant with umbrella and chair rental, but it’s a pretty small beach.

Tres Trapi

This is my favorite hidden gem on the island!

"Tres Trapi" means "three steps" in Papiamento and refers to the three rock-carved steps that lead you into the water. It's pretty secluded and quiet, and is off the beaten path.

It's not a traditional sandy beach, but I like it because it offers a peaceful swimming experience.

Flamingo Beach

When I first decided to visit Aruba, this was number one on my list. I was dying to go to the beach and get my insta pics with those cute flamingos! I honestly thought Aruba just had a beach dedicated to these pink creatures but actually, it’s a private beach that’s part of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. The beach itself is called Renaissance Island, and you get there on a boat from the hotel.

You can either a) Stay at the hotel as a guest or b) Buy a $125 USD day pass. I opted for option B because it was the less expensive option and I was not leaving the island without meeting those flamingos. Please note that the hotel only offers a limited number of passes, so I would recommend getting a pass from the moment you land on the island in case you have trouble getting them.

Once you secure a pass online then you show up at the hotel and grab a water taxi. On the island there’s bars for food and drinks, and then you can spend your day laying out and doing a full-on production shoot with these flamingos (like I did)!

FLAVORS OF THE ISLAND

My Recommended Food in Aruba

As a self-proclaimed picky eater, Aruba had a ton of options for me to choose from. Where’s where I recommend to eat in Aruba:

Image Source: Vanessa O.

The Kitchen Table

Being Latina, I can’t help but want to try Latin food no matter what country I’m in. This spot serves delicious Peruvian food.

Image Source: Vanessa O.

Dushi Bagels and Burgers

Where to eat breakfast in Aruba? This place! Coming from New York, I am crazy when it comes to a BEC on a bagel and wow – this place delivered! It was really, really good. I was severely hungover when I came here for breakfast and the food hit the spot. Also, their smoothies were fresh and delicious too.

Image Source: Vanessa O.

Eduardo’s Beach Shack

I’m crazy about my smoothies and acai bowls – especially when I’m in the sun all day and want something refreshing! They also have vegan food, but I just stuck with the smoothies. This is a must eat in Aruba.

Image Source: Vanessa O.

Gianni’s

As a picky eater, I always try to find some sort of pasta since it’s a safe bet for me. There are a lot more Italian restaurants in Aruba, but this place came up as one of the top-rated restaurants in Aruba! I took myself out on a fancy date here and treated myself to pasta and dessert.

Image Source: Vanessa O.

Dushi Breakfast

This is a spot in Oranjasted with some of the best breakfast I’ve had, ever. I recommend their bacon, egg, and cheese bagel which comes with cream cheese and sriracha mayo. It truly was one of the best breakfast sandwiches I’ve ever had! Their smoothies are also delicious – get the Vibrant Blueberry and add on some peanut butter!