Aruba Travel Costs & Things to Do

Stay

days

Pace

Relaxed

Safety

/ 5

Popularity

/ 10

OVERVIEW

Aruba lies just off the northern coast of South America and is much drier than many Caribbean islands. Its western and southern shores contain long sandy beaches and calm water, while the interior is marked by cactus, low scrub and exposed rock formations. Most hotels and restaurants concentrate along the developed west coast, with the capital providing the island’s main commercial centre.

The eastern shore is rougher and more exposed, with waves, cliffs and fewer built-up areas. Constant winds support sailing and wind sports, while the clear water suits snorkelling and diving. Dutch and Caribbean influences appear in architecture, language and food, and the compact road network makes it easy to see both resort areas and the island’s harsher natural side.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Season

High

Low

Precipitation

THINGS TO DO

Taste regional food scene in Aruba

Use Aruba’s regional food scene as a starting point for tasting food connected to Aruba, choosing regional dishes or produce rather than a generic international meal. Opening days may shape the plan.

Food

2–4 hours

Play Aruba’s leading course

Book a round at Aruba’s leading golf course, checking visitor access, dress requirements and seasonal conditions beforehand. Allow for travel time if the course sits outside the main visitor area.

Golf

Half day

Dive at Aruba’s principal sites

Dive around Aruba’s principal dive sites with an operator suited to your certification and experience. Visibility, currents and access change with conditions, and particular sightings are never guaranteed.

Diving

Half day

Snorkel in Aruba

Snorkel around Aruba’s principal snorkelling waters only when sea conditions and access are suitable. Use local guidance where currents or reefs are unfamiliar, and never promise particular marine-life sightings.

Snorkelling

1–3 hours

Kitesurf in Aruba

Kitesurf at Aruba’s main kitesurfing area only in wind and water conditions suited to your ability. Local instruction is important where launch areas, currents or seasonal winds are unfamiliar. Choose it only if it fits your base and route.

Kitesurfing

2–4 hours

Sail Aruba’s main waters

Sail around Aruba’s main sailing waters on a route suited to the day’s weather and your experience. Confirm the departure point and whether the trip is seasonal before planning around it. Choose it only if it fits your base and route.

Sailing

Half or full day

Find Aruba’s coastline

Spend time at Aruba’s coastline rather than treating every nearby beach as interchangeable. Swimming conditions, access and facilities can vary, so check locally before entering the water. Choose it only if it fits your base and route.

Beaches

2–5 hours

‹

›

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Languages

Papiamento · Dutch

Currency

Aruban florin · AWG

Payments

Cards accepted

Tipping