How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Aruba

The first time I visited Aruba, I was two years old. My grandparents had purchased a timeshare shortly before I was born at a small resort, just across from the world-famous Eagle Beach. I was lucky enough to travel with them almost every year, trading the frigid winters in New England for the tropical temperatures and sunny skies of Aruba. Visiting Aruba every year became a part of my identity, my love for the island literally written into my wedding vows. There’s something about the turquoise waters, pristine white sand, and incomparable sunsets that keep people coming back, year after year. I've visited the island more than 30 times, continuing to make my annual pilgrimage each winter. 

In the mid-1980s, Aruba became an autonomous entity of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Following the closure of their oil factory, the government pivoted to make tourism the driving economic force on the island. Aruba invested heavily in marketing, and between 1986 and 1996, tourism grew at almost twice the rate in the Caribbean. At just 20 miles long, the island is easy to navigate and explore. While resort development continues to flood the island and hotels rise across the horizon, some parts of Aruba have remained the same over the years: crystal-clear water that’s perfect for snorkeling, an ever-present breeze that keeps the island from getting too hot, and temperatures that always hang around the mid-80s. 

Best Hotels and Resorts

Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive

Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive are sister resorts located on Druif Beach, between downtown Oranjestad and Eagle Beach. The all-inclusive properties are home to more than a dozen restaurants, half a dozen bars, and a mile-long stretch of sand. With activities and classes throughout the day and an adjacent golf course and casino, there’s no need to leave the grounds if you’re looking for ultimate relaxation. 

Bucuti & Tara

Bucuti & Tara is the Caribbean’s first and only certified carbon neutral hotel. Voted as one of Travel + Leisure readers' favorite resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas in 2023, the adults-only property stands out as a leader in sustainable travel without sacrificing luxury. Guests are granted a personal concierge upon check-in, guaranteed sun loungers on the beach complete with on-demand beverage service, and daily breakfast. 

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel is a family-run property in the middle of a former coconut plantation. With just 46 private casitas, the resort offers a more intimate option for guests seeking more laid-back accommodations. The casitas include kitchenettes, barbecues, and outdoor dining sets. The resort is a short walk or shuttle ride from Palm Beach, where guests can reserve lounge chairs free of charge and enjoy beachside food and beverage service from the neighboring Ritz-Carlton. 

Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba

Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort is located in downtown Oranjestad. Guests can choose rooms in the adults-only Marina building or at the nearby Ocean Suites with direct beach access. One of the highlights of this property is the complimentary access via water taxi to Renaissance Island, home of the Instagram-famous Flamingo Beach (day passes to the island are also available for purchase to non-guests). The island has private waterfront cabanas, beachside hammocks, snorkeling, kayaking, and food and beverage available on site. 

Best Things to Do

Visit Arikok National Park.

Arikok National Park, located about 40 minutes from the high-rise hotel district, spans more than 20 percent of the island. Rather than rent a Jeep to explore on your own, I’d advise first-time visitors to join a tour instead. The terrain is rough and navigating an auto insurance claim is the last thing anyone wants to do on vacation. “I’d recommend first-time visitors explore Arikok National Park on one of our many Jeep tours. They’ll be able to swim in the natural pool, visit the caves, and immerse themselves in Aruba’s natural beauty,” says Sjeidy Feliciano, North America marketing director for the Aruba Tourism Authority. “One of the most popular sites is the Quadirikiri Cave, famous for its two chambers, illuminated by the sunlight streaming through the holes in the roof of the cave. Meanwhile, the Fontein Cave is known for having paintings from the Arawak people.” Popular tour operator De Palm Tours offers several trips that guide visitors around the park on off-road safaris.

Sail on a catamaran cruise.

One of my favorite things to do every year is take a catamaran cruise to catch the sunset from the water. It’s a great activity for all ages and always a highlight — The Pelican, which includes snacks and an open bar, sets sail from a convenient location in the high-rise district. It also offers daytime snorkeling expeditions with several stops, including at the popular the 400-foot-long Antilla Shipwreck from World War II. 

Stop at a local grocery store.

Given ​Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, there’s a lot of Dutch influence on the island and this extends to the grocery store as well. I always make time to stop at a local supermarket to browse the aisles, and there’s no better place to do that in Aruba than Super Food. Whether you want to pick up some fresh stroopwafels, stock up on some Gouda to bring home, or try a bottle of the island’s famous Hot Delight hot sauce made with Aruban-grown Madame Jeanette hot peppers, this popular market is a must-visit. 

Swim at Baby Beach.

Baby Beach is one of the best for families in Aruba. The large, half-moon lagoon has shallow crystal-clear waters, paired with calm waves thanks to a human-made breakwater. This makes it the ideal place for kids, snorkelers, and visitors looking for a relaxed spot to swim. The beach is about 45 minutes from the high-rise district and accessible via rental car, taxi, or bus. 

Best Restaurants

Zeerover

My first visit to Zeerover was about 10 years ago when someone at Charlie’s Bar, one of Aruba’s oldest businesses, suggested it to me. Since then, the fish house has become a staple of every trip and, frankly, my favorite meal all year. Located in Savaneta, the restaurant is situated on a pier overlooking the ocean where you can watch the fishing boats dock. The menu features the catch of the day — think wahoo, snapper, or my favorite, barracuda. Fried head-on shrimp are always available, as are plantains, french fries, steamed cornbread, and pickled onions. Fish is ordered by the pound and eaten at picnic tables on the covered dock at the restaurant. There’s truly nothing like sharing a bucket of Aruban-brewed Balashi beers and a basket of seafood from here. It's worth noting Zeerover is closed on Mondays.

Eduardo’s Beach Shack

In recent years, Eduardo’s Beach Shack has skyrocketed in popularity. What started as a small smoothie shack on the beach now has three locations across the island. The spot offers fresh juices, smoothies, and bowls, and the items are all customizable and made to order with fresh ingredients.

Papiamento Restaurant

Set inside a more than 100-year-old manor, Papiamento is a romantic bistro that offers seating in its antique-filled dining room or on the poolside terrace. “Papiamento is one of my favorites for a unique Aruba experience” says Feliciano. “This family-owned restaurant is also a museum, but it's set inside an old Aruba cunucu house. The food is delicious ... and it truly is a slice of Aruba.” The restaurant also features keshi yena, a stuffed cheese that's Aruba's national dish. 

The Pastechi House

Located in downtown Oranjestad, The Pastechi House serves a large variety of one of Aruba’s most traditional breakfast and snack items: pastechi. Similar to an empanada, the deep-fried dough pocket features a pastry crust stuffed with an array of fillings, from Gouda to conch. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Aruba is from February to August because of the great weather and lower prices. “May through September is also a good time to visit, as it’s after winter in the U.S. when we have lots of visitors,” says Feliciano. “Prices will be lower, and you’ll find better deals for stays. Yes, it will be warm, and it's important to use sun protection, but the waters are refreshing and the trade winds keep us cool.” From September to January, the island experiences its rainy season, which peaks in November. During this time, the rain generally comes in short spurts rather than day-long storms, but it can interrupt plans to lounge by the beach or pool all day. 

The most popular time to visit Aruba is from December through March — the high season — as many residents from the northeastern U.S. flee colder temperatures and, of course, snow. During this time, occupancy at resorts is high and reservations for popular restaurants, rental cars, and island excursions get booked up in advance. Carnival in Aruba officially begins in November, but the majority of the celebrations happen in January and February. These include lavish parades with elaborate floats, beautiful costumes, and live music. 

How to Get There

Queen Beatrix International Airport is located in Oranjestad and has flights to and from the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, and several other Caribbean islands. There are several direct flights from major U.S. cities, primarily on the East Coast. And visiting is fairly easy: “To ensure an easy flight experience, travelers will go through U.S. customs at the Aruba airport before their flight home,” says Feliciano. That being said, the time it takes to clear customs can be notoriously lengthy. Be sure to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight back to allow enough time to complete the process. While it won’t always take that long, especially on weekdays or during the slower season, I’ve cut things too close on more than one occasion and had to run to catch my flight. 

Neighborhoods to Visit

Palm Beach

Home to the high-rise hotels, Palm Beach is where most vacationers will spend the majority of their time on the island. Most hotels have an on-site casino, in addition to several restaurants. Palm Beach has several water sport shacks where visitors can sign up for Jet Ski rentals, tubing, banana boats, and more. While this beach is beautiful, it's often crowded. It's a great spot for families as there's no shortage of activities, but don’t expect privacy here. Located across the street from the beach, the Palm Beach Plaza Mall is a large outdoor complex with shops, restaurants, and entertainment like a movie theater and bowling alley. 

Eagle Beach 

Eagle Beach is where most of the timeshares and low-rise resorts can be found. Continuously dubbed one of the best beaches in the world, it's much more quiet than neighboring Palm Beach and ideal for visitors seeking privacy and space while still having access to the same picturesque setting. There are some places to rent beach chairs and palapas here if you’re not staying at a property that includes these amenities or visiting as a day guest on a cruise. 

Oranjestad

The capital of Aruba, Oranjestad is home to colorful Dutch Colonial architecture, restaurants, shopping, and a cruise port. There are walking tours that focus on the history of the island, as well as a trolley that takes riders past the Parliament and several historical museums. In the downtown area, visitors will find high-end stores such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, making it a popular spot for duty-free souvenir shopping. Conversely, it’s also a great place to pick up typical travel tchotchkes, like T-shirts and magnets. 

How to Get Around

While there’s no need to rent a car in Aruba, those who prefer to explore rather than exclusively spend their days lounging on the beach may prefer to have their own transportation, whether it's for a few days or more. Rather than renting from a large international brand, I’ve had better luck with locally owned companies, like Jay's Car Rental. While most local car rental locations are not based at the airport, they offer transportation between the terminal and rental office; some will even pick up your car directly from the resort if you don’t need it for the entirety of your stay. 

There's public transportation across the island via Arubus, the public bus service that travels to nearly all the popular tourist destinations. The bus offers single-ride or day passes at just $10 per day. Taxis are also widely available in most tourist areas, but I’d encourage you to schedule service ahead of time for anything time-sensitive, like dinner reservations.