This little slice of island paradise just off the coast of Venezuela welcomers travellers with warm turquoise waters, white sand beaches and sunny days. There’s no better place for relaxing and finding pure bliss.
Unlike many islands in the Caribbean, Aruba is a dry climate, so rainy days are rare.
White sand and clear, blue water make for perfect beach days.
Colorful Oranjestad, the capital, is a great place to learn some history, shop, dine or just wander through.
Parks, natural pools and dramatic rock formations are ideal for outdoor exploring.
Learning about the island is fun with visits to sites like the California Lighthouse, Gold Mill Ruins and the Archaeological Museum.
You can snorkel or scuba dive at an underwater shipwreck.
Aruba has some of the best beaches in the world and the 82-degree days are perfect for laying out on the soft white sand or splashing in the warm, turquoise water. Families will especially enjoy Palm Beach. The gentle waves and quieter atmosphere are ideal for younger travellers. Eagle Beach is another popular resort beach where visitors can also see the famous wind-blown fofoti trees. Baby Beach also offers shallow waters perfect for families and great snorkeling.
Don’t miss snorkeling and swimming in the natural pool of the island set within Arikok National Park. Look for colorful fish while waves crash over the jagged rock formations. You need a vehicle that can go off-roading to access this area, so we suggest booking a tour. Choose from Jeep or ATV experiences or even get there by horseback and take in the landscape along the way.
The capital of Aruba is a colorful and fun area to explore. You can book a walking tour and learn the fascinating history of the island with stops at sites like the archaeological museum, city hall, many of the towns monuments and even a couple of local food spots. Or, wander through the shops on your own and chat with the friendly locals.
Aruba offers a wide variety of delicious food and dining experiences. Some of our favorites include Zeerover, a local spot where you can order fresh fish and shrimp fried up on the spot and The West Deck, where you can share tapas and enjoy the ocean view. For an upscale experience, try L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House or The Kitchen Table by White (but make sure to book in advance for this small and exclusive venue).
Aruba has many beach resorts for families to choose from. The Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt Regency and Marriott Resort are all good options. The Renaissance Aruba is also a great place for families and comes with the added perk of giving guests access to an exclusive private island.
To and from the airport you can get a flat-rate taxi. If you want to explore the island, you’ll either want to book tours or rent a car. Adventurous travellers can also rent ATVs to get to some of the less easily accessible areas.
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