Aruba is famous for:
- White-sand beaches
- Desert landscapes & cactus trails
- Snorkeling & calm water
- Luxury resorts & nightlife
- Dutch + Caribbean culture
- Always-sunny weather (outside hurricane belt)
It’s a perfect island for:
- First-time Caribbean travelers
- Couples
- Families
- All-inclusive resort fans
- Snorkel & beach lovers
If you want guaranteed sunshine + picture-perfect beaches + easy exploring, Aruba is ideal.
How to Get to Aruba
Airport: AUA (Queen Beatrix International Airport)
Direct flights from:
- USA (many cities)
- Canada
- Netherlands / Europe
- South America
Transportation:
- Buses + taxis available
- Car rental recommended if exploring outside hotel zone
Where to Stay
| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach | Resort zone, nightlife & restaurants | First-timers, families & groups |
| Eagle Beach | Quieter & scenic | Couples, relaxed vacations |
| Oranjestad | Historical town | Culture & city style |
| San Nicolas / Baby Beach | Less touristy | Adventurers |
Budget
- $ Apartments / small inns
- $$ Mid-range hotels
- $$$ Beachfront resorts / all-inclusive
Best Beaches in Aruba
| Beach | Why Go | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eagle Beach | Powder white sand, Divi Divi trees | Top-ranked worldwide |
| Palm Beach | Resorts + watersports | Walkable nightlife |
| Baby Beach | Calm turquoise lagoon | Perfect for kids & snorkeling |
| Arashi Beach | Snorkeling & low crowds | Clear water |
| Boca Catalina | Reef snorkeling from shore | Sea turtles common |
| Renaissance Island (Flamingo Beach) | Instagram famous flamingos | Private access |
Top Things to Do in Aruba
1) Flamingo Beach (Renaissance Island)
Private island w/ pink flamingos
Access by resort stay or paid day pass
2) Arikok National Park
- Desert landscapes
- Natural pools
- Caves
- Hiking
- 4×4 exploring
3) Natural Pool (Conchi)
Rock pool by the ocean (off-road access)
4) Snorkeling
Best spots:
- Boca Catalina
- Arashi Beach
- Mangel Halto
- Antilla Shipwreck (boat tour)
5) Sunset Sail / Catamaran
6) Palm Beach Boardwalk & Nightlife
Bars, casinos, restaurants
7) San Nicolas Arts District
Street murals + culture
Food & Drinks
Try:
- Keshi Yena (Aruban cheese dish)
- Fresh seafood
- Pastechi
- Dutch pancakes
- Rum cocktails / Aruba Ariba
- Local beer: Balashi
Great dining zones:
- Palm Beach strip
- Oranjestad
- San Nicolas for local spots
Transportation
- Extremely easy island to navigate
- Drive on the RIGHT
- 4×4 recommended for national park
- Buses run along hotel strip
Parking is simple & free most places.
3–7 Day Itineraries
3 Days
Day 1: Eagle Beach
Day 2: Flamingo Island / Palm Beach nightlife
Day 3: Snorkel Boca Catalina + Sunset sail
5 Days
Day 1–2: Palm & Eagle Beaches
Day 3: Arikok National Park + Natural Pool
Day 4: Baby Beach
Day 5: Catamaran + Oranjestad evening
7 Days
Add:
- Antilla shipwreck dive
- Day trip to San Nicolas murals
- More beach hopping
Safety & Practical Notes
- Very safe island
- Outside hurricane belt → year-round destination
- Sun extremely strong: sunscreen essential
- Reserve Flamingo Island day passes early
Internal Links
- Curaçao
- Bonaire
- Turks & Caicos
- Barbados
- Best Beaches in the Caribbean
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen Guide
Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español
Aruba es famosa por Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, agua turquesa y por su clima soleado todo el año.
Es ideal para relajarse, hacer snorkel y disfrutar playas increíbles.
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