Aruba Travel Guide: Beaches, Adventures & Flamingos
Sunshine almost year-round (very little rain) makes Aruba a worry-free Caribbean escape. Highlights include:
- White-sand beaches
- Calm turquoise water
- Snorkeling + catamaran cruises
- ATV tours through desert landscapes
- Flamingo Island (yes, the pink birds are real)
Getting There
Fly into AUA (Queen Beatrix International Airport). There are direct flights from the US, Canada, Netherlands, and the UK. For getting to your hotel, taxis are reliable, shuttle transfers are available, and renting a car makes exploring beaches and national parks easier (check rental options).
Where to Stay
Choose your base depending on the vibe you want:
| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach | High-rise resorts, walkable restaurants, nightlife | First-timers, groups |
| Eagle Beach | Quiet, wide soft-sand beach, low-rise hotels | Couples, calm stays |
| Noord / Malmok | Villas + snorkeling coves | Independent travelers |
| Savaneta / San Nicolas | Local & peaceful | Return visitors, slow travel style |
For accommodations, you can find cozy guesthouses or apartments in Noord/Savaneta on VRBO, or check Expedia for beachfront hotels in Eagle Beach and Palm Beach resorts.
Top Beaches
- Eagle Beach: Soft white sand and calm water — perfect for relaxing.
- Palm Beach: Resort area with lots of activities and easy walkability.
- Baby Beach (San Nicolas): Lagoon-like, shallow waters, ideal for kids.
- Arashi Beach: Snorkeling + golden sand. Arrive early for parking.
- Boca Catalina: Off-shore snorkeling — bring your mask!
Flamingo Island
There are two ways to visit:
- Stay at Renaissance Hotel (hotel guests get included access) — reserve your stay
- Buy a day pass (limited availability, sells out fast — book early)
Flamingo Island is privately owned, so public access isn’t allowed.
Top Activities
- Snorkeling & Catamaran Cruise — consider booking a tour with GoWithGuide US for convenience.
- ATV / UTV Desert Tour — explore Arikok National Park and the Natural Pool (Conchi).
- Baby Beach + San Nicolas — enjoy calm waters and colorful street murals.
- California Lighthouse Sunset — arrive before golden hour for photos.
- Arikok National Park Hiking — desert trails, caves, and rock formations.
Gear & Prep
Make your trip smoother by bringing the right gear. Some helpful items include:
- Snorkeling mask & fins — see options on Amazon
- Reef-safe sunscreen — shop here
- Hiking / water shoes — grab a pair
- Light rain jacket — buy here
- Reusable water bottle — check it out
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Food & Drinks
Aruban cuisine is a mix of Caribbean, Dutch, seafood, and Venezuelan flavors. Must-tries:
- Keshi Yena (cheese-stuffed baked chicken)
- Fresh grouper / snapper
- Pastechi (breakfast pastries)
- Aruba Ariba cocktail
Safety & Tips
- Aruba is one of the safest Caribbean islands.
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Sun is strong year-round — use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Rental cars are safe and easy to drive.
3–5 Day Itinerary
3 Days:
- Day 1: Palm Beach + Sunset
- Day 2: Flamingo Island
- Day 3: Baby Beach + San Nicolas murals
5 Days:
Day 1: Eagle Beach chill day
Day 2: Flamingo Island
Day 3: ATV → Natural Pool
Day 4: Snorkel cruise (Boca Catalina / Arashi)
Day 5: Local cafés + beach walk + lighthouse sunset
Internal Links
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen Guide
- Romantic Caribbean: Adults-Only Resorts
- Caribbean Ferry Routes (island-hopping overview)
- Punta Cana Guide
- Samaná Guide
Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español
Aruba es una isla segura, soleada y fácil de recorrer.
Las playas principales son Eagle Beach y Palm Beach.
Para visitar la isla de los flamingos → hospédate en el Renaissance o compra pase diario.
Los tours más populares son catamarán y ATV al Parque Arikok.
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