Close your eyes and picture miles of white sandy beaches, palm trees dotting the coastline, clear blue water stretched out in front of you, and the warm Caribbean sun on your skin. This could be you during your next trip to Aruba. Find your bliss on a relaxing island getaway. Let your worries be carried out with the tide as you fall into the rhythm of island life in Aruba.
Aruba is an island best known for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, however when you are here there is so much more to discover! Aside from having one of the most culturally diverse populations in the world, Aruba is also known for being the diving capital of the Caribbean. Shipwrecks and reefs dot the coastline, making it a divers paradise. There are also over 300 prehistoric pictographs to be discovered in the rocky caverns of the island, and because the island lies outside of hurricane alley, you are almost always guaranteed a sunny day year-round.
The tropical climate in Aruba means it is hot all year-round. Although the air is quite sticky, you'll benefit from a constant breeze, especially on the East Coast, where the wind is strong and persistent. The precipitation received is only around 20inches annually, and most of the rain occurs from October to December. The driest months are March, April, and May. With the sun being available from 7 to 10 hours all year, the waters are always warm enough to swim.
With a host of idyllic beaches just waiting to be explored, it really does feel like you’re in paradise. The beautiful waters that surround the island peacefully wash up on the perfect white beaches, creating a tranquil environment.
Located just in the Southern Caribbean is a string of islands known as the ABC islands. Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are the three western-most islands of the Leeward Antilles. Each of the ABC islands is still part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, meaning Dutch cultural influences are still very prevalent. Despite their similarities, each island has its own unique characteristics, which make it distinct from its nearby Caribbean neighbors.
Aruba was first discovered in 1499 by Alonso de Ojeda, a Spanish explorer. After nearly 140 years of Spanish colonization, the Caquetio Indians, which were part of the Arawak Tribe inhabited the island after migrating from Venezuela to avoid attacks. For two centuries starting in 1636, Aruba was under the rule of the Netherlands until about 1799 when it was under the ruling of the British Empire. Under the Dutch crown in 1986, Aruba finally became a self-governing member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Many of the people of Aruba are a combination of European, Caribbean, South American and Far Eastern descent. As of 2018, there were 116,600 residents on the island. The seat of government for Aruba is Oranjestad, where the population is estimated to be around 30,000. The island is mostly known for its pristine sandy white beaches, shipwrecks, and wind-blasted desert scenery.
Religion
The most established and widespread religion practiced in Aruba is Catholicism. Around 85% of the population declares their Catholic. Other religions exist and are practiced harmoniously on the island. In Aruba, there are Methodist, Catholic, Seventh-Day Adventist, Baptist, Jehovah's Witness, and Evangelical churches, as well as synagogues. There is also a Baha'i Faith house of worship in Oranjestad.
Language
No matter where you’re from, it’s likely you’ll encounter someone in Aruba who speaks your language. Most of this country’s tiny population is fluent in English, Dutch, and Spanish — as well as the local Creole language, Papiamento. In fact, this nation of 112,000 is home to 90+ nationalities and ethnic groups, making it one of the most diverse islands in the Caribbean. Among them are sizable European, East Indian, Filipino, and Chinese communities, whose native traditions and cultures are all celebrated on the island.
The official languages of Aruba are Papiamento and Dutch. However, most Arubans speak at least four languages. English and Spanish are usually the other two languages spoken by the natives. Papiamento is a language derived from French, Portuguese, English, Spanish, African, and Dutch dialects.
Money
The currency in Aruba is florin (AWG). Aruban florin is divided into 100 cents. One florin is equal to 100 cents. In comparison to USD, 1 florin is equal to .56 in the U.S. or 1.79 florin is equal to $1.00. There are five coins, including 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents. Paper Aruban money comes in 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100. You can receive current currency exchange rates at www.xe.com.
Entertainment
Aruba is known for its friendly atmosphere and diversity. Depending on when you visit the island, various festivals are held each year. These festivals are often held in honor of Aruban history and mixed with modern influences. Music, dancing, traditional foods, and plenty of entertainment exist all over the island.
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While there are no waterways or railways in Aruba, there are highways, paved roads, and an airport. As for public transportation, there is plenty.
Getting around Aruba is surprisingly quick and easy. The best way to get around the island is via the Arubus, which runs on a regular and reliable schedule throughout the day. Buses run about every 15 minutes. They start before 6 a.m. and end at 6 p.m., but then run every 40 minutes until 11:30 p.m. The central bus station sits in downtown Oranjestad. A day pass for the bus is less than 10 USD.
If you want more flexibility to move about the island, you can rent a car and drive along the coast with the top down, letting the wind whip through your hair. The rates for a rental car run anywhere from around $40.00 to $90.00 daily. You can drive in Aruba with your U.S. license. An international license isn't necessary. It isn't difficult to drive around Aruba. Most of Aruba's roads are paved, and the speed limit is typically 35km h (18mph) unless posted otherwise. The fastest speed limit you'll find on the island is 80km h (49.7mph). Most of the traffic in downtown Oranjestad is one-way. Traffic lights are used, but instead of yellow for caution, they use the color amber. Like in the U.S., red is for stop, and green is for go.
Of course, you can always find a taxi in Aruba to take you anywhere you need to go, including the remote natural pools.
Exotic species, natural pools, and lush forests are just a few of the reasons to love Aruba. Climb the windswept steps to the peak of Hooiberg hill, Aruba’s iconic mountaintop forged by ancient volcanoes. In Arikok National Park, beautiful beaches give way to rugged deserts, towering green cacti, and limestone cliffs pounded smooth by waves and trade winds. It’s where you’ll find Fontein Caves and the Natural Pool – two of the island’s most unspoiled and unforgettable wonders.
Things TO DO While Visiting Aruba
Aruba is a magical place to visit, but there's one element of the island that is truly extraordinary. Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island is home to an exotic flock of flamingos that roam the beach. These beautiful birds look picture-perfect, standing on one leg in the shallow blue waters of Aruba. Their extraordinarily pink feathers against the vibrant background of a tropical oasis make Flamingo Beach a must-visit spot when in Aruba.
Located on a remote part of the island is one of Aruba’s most beloved attractions. Far removed from the island’s well-known pristine beaches and accessible only by an all-terrain vehicle or on foot, the Conchi natural pool is worth the adventure! The remote pool is formed by a cluster of rocks and volcanic stones that protect it from the rough surf on the northeast coast of Aruba. Make the most of your vacation and discover all that Aruba has to offer!
Aruba is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, which is known for its rich variety and abundance of marine life. Famous for its diving and snorkeling locations, Aruba has excellent reefs and fantastic shipwrecks, perfect for any adventure seeker. This small island is also known as being the wreck diving capital of the Caribbean. The warm and clear ocean around Aruba is ideal for diving, snorkeling, and any other water sports!
Step back in time and travel the Caribbean like a pirate when you set sail on a Jolly Pirate excursion. Set on board an authentic schooner for a day-long adventure around Aruba. Walk the plank and dive right into crystal blue waters of the Caribbean when you set sail on the Jolly Pirate. Swimming, snorkeling with tropical fish, and getting up close with a shipwreck from World War II are all part of the experience.
When you think of Aruba, you probably picture tropical beaches and lush forests filled with palm trees. What most people don't know is that parts of Aruba have a rocky coastline that forms deep caverns and natural pools that are great for exploring. The Guadirikiri Cave is famous for its two chambers, illuminated by the sunlight streaming through holes in the roof of the cave. The Fontein Cave is home to prehistoric pictographs from the Arawak Indians on the ceilings, providing visitors with a look into the history of the island.
In Aruba, as the sun goes down, the sky seems to light up. The sky is painted with bright hues of pink and gold. Let the sunset draw you in as the sun dips below the horizon of the Caribbean. Forget all of your stresses and worries and relax into the slow pace of the island life. Take a long walk on the beach or sip a cold drink at a local beach bar to experience the magnificent sunsets that make Aruba such a magical place.
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If you're looking for a romantic getaway, heading to a small Caribbean island should be at the top of your list. The sunny weather, relaxing lifestyle, and gorgeous beaches are ideal for couples. The Dutch island of Aruba offers couples with the perfect island getaway. Escape to this ideal island oasis and explore all that Aruba has to offer as you spend time connecting with your loved ones. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just getting away for some one-on-one time, Aruba has just what you're looking for.
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If you need a checklist of things you need to SEE and DO while in Aruba, this "bucket list" should help.
- Sunbathe on Eagle Beach
- Go snorkeling to see the shipwrecks
- Explore the caves in Aruba's beautiful Arikok National Park
- Visit Private Island
- Walkthrough the mangroves and swim at the Spanish Lagoon
- Catch a sunset over the Caribbean
- Jump into the natural swimming hole near the Bushiribana Ruins
- Windsurf and kiteboard at Hadicurari Beach
- Check out the Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations
Here is a list of activities that are great to do, in Aruba, with your family...
- Go to the Butterfly Farm
- Visit the Donkey Sanctuary
- Wander through the Ostrich Faunderwaterrm
- See the California Lighthouse
- Check Philips Animal Garden
- Attend the Bon Bini Festival
- Play in the sun and sand at Baby Beach
- Get wild at the splash park at Surfside Beach
- Take a submarine underwater
- Dine at Buccaneer Restaurant for an aquatic view
- Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins
- Divi Tree at Eagle Beach
- The Natural Swimming Hole near the Bushiribana Ruins
- Mangel Halto- Staircase to Paradise
- The Mangroves
- San Nicolas Street Art Murals
- Flamingo Beach at Renaissance Island
- The Red Anchor near Baby Beach
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As the most vibrant island in the Caribbean, Aruba is more than meets the eye. With untouched beaches and a ton of adventures awaiting, there's an endless amount of fun to be had. But what about the island's food? Well, that's just as good, maybe even better, especially after a long day of exploration.
Discover how the melting pot of cultures in Aruba creates a local cuisine influenced by Holland, South America, and the Caribbean. Delicious flavor fusions result in a unique culinary experience that will make your time on the island unforgettable. Head to Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital, for some of the best restaurants on the island. Along the beaches, you’ll find plenty of nearby bars and restaurants serving up fresh and local food with incredible island views!
So, to help you prepare and plan for your trip to the island, here are ten dishes you must indulge in.
Foods To Try
- Pan Bati
- Cabrito Stoba
- Keri keri
- Pastechi
- Keshi Yena
- Ayaca
- Funchi
- Banana Hasa
- Pan Bollo
- Bolo di Banana
Aruba is an absolute dream of a place to visit. Sipping a cold drink, while taking in the stunning scenery before you, and relax into the heavenly rhythm of the island life.
To help with the hot days, here are some recommendations for cool refreshments you could try while in Aruba.
Drinks To Try
- Pina Colada
- Aruba Ariba
- Caribbean Coffee
- Local Beer
- Fresh Smoothies
- Balashi Beer
- Slippery Monkey
- Brown Lady
It doesn't matter what restaurants or cafes you choose to visit while in Aruba, but make sure you don't leave without indulging in some of the foods mentioned on this list! They are by far some of the greatest, tastiest options on the island. If you would like more information on the most popular restaurants and places to go, please don't hesitate to reach out to me! Click on the button below and we can help you start planning your vacation to Aruba.
Still unsure if Aruba is the right place for you next vacation?