Aruba Travel Guide – My Tips After Living in Aruba for 6 Months

In this Aruba travel guide, I take you to an island that means much more to me than just a vacation destination. In 2020, I had the special opportunity to live on One Happy Island for six months. That allowed me to experience Aruba not only as a tourist, but also to discover what it is like to stay there for a longer period and become part of everyday island life.

In this Aruba travel guide, I share my own experiences and practical tips to help you plan your trip to Aruba. From the most beautiful beaches and unique sights to transportation, accommodation, restaurants and activities. I also tell you which places I personally enjoyed visiting and what I would do differently after living in Aruba for six months compared with a regular vacation.

Whether you are visiting Aruba for the first time or returning to explore more of the island, this guide will help you get more out of your stay on One Happy Island.

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Plan your Aruba vacation

Planning your trip? Choose below what you would like to know more about, from the best areas to stay to transportation, beaches, activities and practical travel information. Start with the practical choices by comparing where to stay in Aruba and discovering the best things to do in Aruba.

Living in Aruba: my experience of island life

My arrival in Aruba

When I arrived in Aruba in 2020, I did not yet know exactly what to expect from the next six months. The moment I stepped off the plane and felt the warm Caribbean air, the adventure really began for me.

At first, I stayed in an apartment in the Palm Beach area. It turned out to be a convenient base: the beach was close by and I could easily explore other parts of Aruba from there.

I worked remotely during the day, which left me plenty of time outside work to explore the island. Instead of trying to tick off every major attraction in a short period, I could get to know Aruba at a relaxed pace. That is also how I discovered places and sides of the island that you might pass by more quickly on a short vacation.

Living at the pace of One Happy Island

One of the things I had to get used to at first was the pace of life in Aruba. Life often feels more relaxed than in the Netherlands. Poco poco – take it easy – is an expression that fits the way I experienced my time on the island.

After a while, I really started to appreciate that rhythm. Grabbing a coffee, having a chat and heading to the beach after work: everyday life simply felt different from home.

Another thing that stayed with me is the friendly and open atmosphere. A simple Bon dia in the morning quickly becomes part of daily life. Because I stayed in Aruba for a longer period, I experienced much more of everyday island life than I would have as a short-term visitor.

Aruba at a glance

No time to read the full guide? These are the most important things to know about Aruba.

🏝️ Destination	Aruba
🏙️ Capital	Oranjestad
🗣️ Languages	Papiamento and Dutch; English and Spanish are widely spoken
💰 Currency	Aruban florin (AWG); US dollars are widely accepted
🌡️ Climate	Around 28 °C (82 °F) on average and warm year-round
🚗 Transportation	A rental car gives you the most freedom to explore the island
🏖️ Known for	Beaches, water sports, Arikok, snorkeling and the dry landscape
⏱️ My advice	Allow at least about a week if you want to see more than just the beach

Aruba travel guide: things to do in Aruba 🌴

Aruba is a relatively small island, but there is a surprising amount to see and do. During my six months in Aruba, I had time to discover both the famous attractions and quieter places around the island. Below are some of my personal favorites.

🏖️ The best beaches in Aruba

Aruba is of course famous for its beaches. During my stay I visited several of them and found that each has its own character. My detailed guide will help you discover the best beaches in Aruba.

• Eagle Beach – A wide sandy beach with plenty of space and Aruba’s famous fofoti trees. One of my favorites for a relaxed beach day.
• Palm Beach – Much livelier, with hotels, restaurants, water sports and beach bars right nearby.
• Baby Beach – A sheltered lagoon with relatively shallow water. A popular place for a relaxing beach day and snorkeling.
• Arashi Beach – One of my favorite snorkeling spots. During my stay, I even saw a sea turtle here.

🌵 Arikok National Park

One of the places that really shows me Aruba is about much more than beaches is Arikok National Park. The landscape here is completely different from Palm Beach and Eagle Beach: rougher, drier and far less developed. Planning to visit this remarkable landscape? Read my complete guide to Arikok National Park.

You will find hiking trails, caves, rock formations and a spectacular coastline. One of the best-known places in the park is the Natural Pool, also known as Conchi.

For me, it was the combination of the dry landscape, rugged coastline and sense of quiet that made Arikok one of the most special parts of Aruba.

🚙 My tip: Planning to visit the Natural Pool (Conchi)? Keep in mind that the route to the Natural Pool is not accessible with a regular passenger car. You can reach it on foot, on horseback or by 4×4. If you are not used to off-road driving, an organized Jeep tour can be a good alternative. Always check the rental conditions before taking a rental car onto unpaved roads. You can compare rental cars through SunnyCars and explore the island at your own pace.

🌊 Snorkeling, diving and water sports

Thanks to the steady trade winds and warm sea, Aruba is popular for all kinds of water sports. During my stay, snorkeling and diving were among the experiences that stayed with me most.

• Windsurfing at Fisherman’s Huts
• Kitesurfing at Boca Grandi
• Diving at the Antilla shipwreck
• Snorkeling at Boca Catalina
• Sailing and catamaran trips along the coast

🌊 Book activities in Aruba
Want to go snorkeling, sailing or join another excursion during your trip? Check in advance which activities are available during your stay.

🏙️ Oranjestad

Oranjestad is also worth a visit. The capital has a very different atmosphere from the beaches and resorts around Palm Beach. You will find colorful buildings, shops, restaurants and several places where Aruba’s Dutch and Caribbean influences come together.

I would combine Oranjestad with a walk through the center and stop somewhere along the way for something local to eat or drink.

🎨 San Nicolas and street art

In the south of Aruba lies San Nicolas. This part of the island feels very different from Palm Beach and Oranjestad and is especially known for the colorful murals in its center.

I especially enjoyed walking around here because it shows a different, more creative side of Aruba. If you enjoy street art, photography and local culture, San Nicolas is definitely worth including on a drive around the island.

🎨 Read more: San Nicolas Aruba – discover the street art and colorful murals →

My favorite things to do in Aruba

For nature: Arikok National Park
For culture: San Nicolas and Oranjestad
For snorkeling: Arashi Beach and Boca Catalina
For water sports: Palm Beach and Fisherman’s Huts
For a quiet beach day: Eagle Beach
For exploring by car: rent a car and discover the south and east side of the island too

🚗 More places to discover along the way

Besides the famous beaches and Arikok, Aruba has many more places worth discovering on a drive around the island. With a rental car, you can stop at the California Lighthouse, the rugged coast near Natural Bridge, the Hooiberg and the historic Balashi Gold Mill Ruins.

This variety is one of the things I enjoy most about Aruba: within relatively short distances, you can drive from beaches and resorts to a completely different landscape filled with rocky coastline, viewpoints and traces of the island’s history.

🍽️ Food and drink in Aruba

One of the things I enjoy about Aruba is the wide variety of restaurants. You can try local dishes and fresh seafood, but there are also international restaurants, beach bars and simple places where you can quickly grab something to eat.

During my stay, I especially enjoyed trying restaurants in different parts of the island. Around Palm Beach you will find many places close together, while outside the main tourist areas you can also come across smaller, more local spots.

A few places that stood out to me:

• Zeerovers in Savaneta – A well-known spot for fresh fish and shrimp in a simple waterfront setting.
• The West Deck in Oranjestad – A pleasant waterfront restaurant where you can try a variety of Caribbean dishes.
• Eduardo’s Beach Shack near Palm Beach – Great for a smoothie, bowl or something lighter during the day.

Local dishes to try

Want to try something typically Aruban or Caribbean during your trip? Look out for dishes and snacks such as pastechi, keshi yena and fresh fish.

My advice is not to eat only around the large hotels. By occasionally stopping somewhere else on the island, you can discover a very different side of Aruba.

🍴 My tip: Book popular restaurants in advance, but leave some room for spontaneous meals too. Some of my favorite moments in Aruba happened precisely because I had not planned everything beforehand.

🚗 Getting around Aruba – do you need a rental car?

Aruba is a relatively small island, but beaches, attractions and restaurants are spread out. If you want to see more than just the area around your hotel, I think a rental car is one of the easiest ways to explore Aruba.

During my stay, I especially liked being able to decide for myself when to go somewhere. You do not have to wait for a tour or taxi, and you can stop whenever you come across a beautiful beach, viewpoint or other interesting place.

Do you need a rental car in Aruba?

Not everyone necessarily needs a rental car in Aruba. If you are staying around Palm Beach and mainly want to enjoy the beach, visit restaurants and do activities nearby, you can walk to some places and use taxis or public transportation for longer distances.

If you want to explore more of the island, I would personally rent a car.

A rental car is especially useful if you want to:

• visit several different beaches;
• explore Arikok National Park;
• visit Baby Beach and San Nicolas;
• try restaurants outside the main tourist areas;
• combine several places in one day;
• stop spontaneously along the way.

My experience driving in Aruba

What I liked most about driving in Aruba was the freedom. The island is compact enough to visit several different areas in a single day.

For example, you can drive toward Arikok in the morning, head south later in the day and stop in San Nicolas and Baby Beach along the way. You are not tied to an organized schedule and can decide for yourself how long to stay in each place.

🚗 My tip: Do not plan a road trip minute by minute. Part of what I enjoyed about Aruba was simply stopping somewhere because a beach, viewpoint or other place caught my attention.

What kind of rental car do you need?

For normal paved roads, a standard rental car is usually sufficient. If you want to explore Aruba’s rougher and unpaved areas, check in advance which roads are accessible with your rental vehicle and what the rental company allows.

For some routes, an SUV or 4×4 may be more suitable or necessary. Do not automatically assume that every rental car can be driven everywhere on the island.

🚙 Renting a car in Aruba

Want to explore Aruba at your own pace? Compare rental cars in advance and look beyond the daily rate. Insurance coverage and rental conditions are just as important.

🚌 Public transportation in Aruba

A rental car is not the only way to get around. Aruba also has public transportation.

Not sure whether to rent a car, use Arubus or take taxis? My complete guide to getting around Aruba compares the options, costs and practical pros and cons.

Arubus operates services between Oranjestad and the hotel area toward Palm Beach/Arashi, as well as connections toward San Nicolas and Baby Beach.

For travelers who mainly move between the better-known tourist areas and Oranjestad, this can be an alternative. You will, however, have less freedom to combine several beaches and attractions in one day.

If you mainly stay around your accommodation, public transportation can work well. If you want to explore the island extensively, I find having your own car more practical.

🚕 Taxis in Aruba

Taxis are especially useful for individual trips, for example when you are going out to a restaurant in the evening and do not want to drive yourself.

If you need several taxi rides every day, it is worth comparing whether renting a car for your entire stay would be more practical.

My advice: rental car or not?

Your trip	My advice
Mostly resort and Palm Beach	🚶 Car not essential
Palm Beach + a few day trips	🚕 Taxi/bus may be enough
Visit several beaches	🚗 Rental car
Explore Arikok and nature	🚗 Car useful; 4×4 needed for Natural Pool/Conchi
Baby Beach + San Nicolas	🚗 Rental car very useful
Lots of driving and spontaneous stops	🚗 Definitely rent a car

My choice: If I were going to Aruba for a week and wanted to do more than just stay around the hotel and beach, I would rent a car. The freedom to decide where and when to stop is a major advantage in Aruba.

🗺️ Aruba travel guide: planning your vacation

Planning a vacation to Aruba is fairly straightforward, but a few choices can make a big difference. Think in advance about when you want to go, how many days you need, where you want to stay and whether you want to rent a car.

Because I stayed in Aruba for six months, I did not have to see everything in one or two weeks. For a regular vacation, I would make a rough plan in advance but leave enough free time to enjoy the beach and the island’s relaxed pace.

☀️ What is the best time to visit Aruba?

Aruba is warm and sunny throughout the year, with an average temperature of around 28 °C (82 °F). There is therefore no single period that is the best time to visit for everyone. The months that suit you best depend mainly on the weather, crowds and the price of flights and accommodation.

Period	What can you expect?
January – April	Relatively dry period and popular for winter sun
May – August	Warm, sunny and generally windier
September	Warm; transition toward the wetter months
October – December	Greater chance of short rain showers, but still plenty of sunshine

☀️ My advice: Do not look only at the weather. Compare flight and accommodation prices for different departure dates too. Shifting your trip slightly can make a noticeable difference to the total cost.

⏱️ How many days do you need in Aruba?

If you only want sun and beach time, you can of course enjoy a shorter trip to Aruba. If you also want to explore different parts of the island, I would personally allow at least about one week.

With seven days, for example, you have time for:

Day 1 – arrival and a relaxed introduction to the area
Day 2 – Palm Beach and Eagle Beach
Day 3 – Arikok National Park
Day 4 – beach/snorkeling
Day 5 – San Nicolas and Baby Beach
Day 6 – Oranjestad and free time
Day 7 – beach, activity or departure

If you have 10 to 14 days, you can plan much less. You can alternate excursions and sightseeing with days when you do nothing more than relax on the beach.

🌴 My preference: For a first trip to Aruba, I would personally choose around 10 days. That gives you enough time to explore the island without having to fill every single day.

💰 What should you budget for?

Aruba is not the cheapest vacation destination. Flights and accommodation in particular can take up a large part of your budget. You should also allow for food and drinks, transportation and any excursions or activities.

The main costs are:

• ✈️ flights or a package vacation;
• 🏨 hotel, resort or apartment;
• 🚗 rental car, taxi or public transportation;
• 🍽️ food and drinks;
• 🌊 excursions and activities;
• 🛍️ personal spending.

If you want to save money, I would mainly compare different travel dates and accommodation options. An apartment with a kitchen can also be useful if you do not want to eat out every day.

✈️ Package vacation or book everything separately?

You can broadly organize an Aruba vacation in two ways: book a package vacation or arrange your flight and accommodation separately.

A package vacation can be convenient if you want everything arranged in one booking. Booking separately gives you more freedom when choosing your flight, apartment or hotel.

Package vacation	Book separately
Flight + accommodation together	Choose your own flight and accommodation
Fewer separate bookings	More freedom of choice
Easy to compare	Useful for specific accommodation preferences
Convenient for a standard beach vacation	Useful for a more flexible trip or longer stay

🏝️ Compare what is better value for your trip

Before booking, I would compare both options. Do not look only at the hotel rate, but at the total trip cost.

✈️ View Aruba package vacations via TUI →

🏨 Compare accommodations in Aruba via Expedia →

ℹ️ Practical information for your Aruba vacation

Good preparation makes your vacation much easier. Many things in Aruba are familiar to European travelers, but there are also a few practical details that are useful to know before you go.

🗣️ What languages are spoken in Aruba?

Several languages are spoken in Aruba. Papiamento and Dutch play an important role, while English and Spanish are also widely spoken.

During my stay, I really enjoyed this mix of languages. A simple Bon dia – good morning – is always appreciated too.

💰 Money and payments in Aruba

The official currency is the Aruban florin (AWG). US dollars are also accepted in many places.

At hotels, restaurants, shops and many other businesses, you can usually pay by card. I still think it is useful to carry some cash for smaller expenses.

💰 My tip: Before you leave, check with your bank what fees apply to card payments and cash withdrawals abroad. These fees can vary depending on your bank and card.

💧 Can you drink tap water in Aruba?

Aruba produces drinking water from seawater through desalination. The tap water is safe to drink and is known for its high quality.

That means you do not need to buy bottled water every day. A reusable water bottle is useful to bring with you.

🔌 Power outlets and electricity

Aruba uses 127 volts at 60 Hz. Power outlets of types A, B and F are used. Depending on where you are traveling from and which plugs your devices use, bringing a universal travel adapter can be useful.

Also check the input voltage shown on your device’s charger or power adapter. Many modern phone and laptop chargers support multiple voltages, but always check before plugging them in.

📱 Internet and mobile phones

Wi-Fi is available at many hotels, apartments, restaurants and other tourist locations. If you want reliable internet while you are out exploring for navigation, messaging or finding restaurants, you can also look into mobile data or a suitable SIM/eSIM.

📱 My tip: Download an offline map of Aruba to your phone before you leave. That way, you can still access the map while driving even without an internet connection.

🛒 Grocery shopping in Aruba

If you are staying in an apartment, it is easy to do your own grocery shopping in Aruba. This can be especially convenient on a longer stay and can also save money if you do not want to eat every meal at a restaurant.

During my own stay in an apartment, I found this a real advantage. You do not have to go out for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, and it also gives you a little more of a feel for everyday life on the island.

🛡️ Is Aruba safe?

I personally experienced Aruba as a pleasant and safe destination. During my six months on the island, I felt comfortable in most places, both during the day and in the evening.

As with any vacation destination, it is still sensible to take normal precautions. Do not leave valuables visible in a rental car, keep an eye on your belongings in busy places and use common sense when going out at night.

If you are hiking or exploring more remote parts of the island, also keep the heat in mind and carry enough water. In some areas, the coastline and sea can also be rougher than at the popular beaches.

☀️ Sun and heat

The sun in Aruba is strong. Especially when the trade winds are blowing, it can be easy to underestimate how intense the sun actually is.

Bring good sun protection and make sure you drink enough water, especially while hiking, snorkeling or spending a day in Arikok.

🧳 What would I pack for Aruba?

These are some of the things I would definitely put in my suitcase:

• lightweight clothing;
• swimwear;
• good sun protection;
• sunglasses;
• cap or hat;
• reusable water bottle;
• comfortable shoes for walking and hiking;
• water shoes if you plan to visit rougher coastal areas;
• snorkeling gear if you prefer using your own;
• a suitable travel adapter if needed.

Living in Aruba during COVID-19

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began and Aruba was affected as well. Tourism temporarily came to a standstill, but the community remained positive and resilient.

During that period, I experienced what I saw as one of Aruba’s real strengths: a strong sense of community. People helped each other, shared what they had and stayed hopeful. Despite the restrictions, the island kept its warm and cheerful character.

Why Aruba will always have a place in my heart 💛

After six months, Aruba felt like home. The constant sunshine, the sound of the waves, the relaxed atmosphere and the genuine smiles of the people made every day special.

Aruba taught me to slow down, enjoy the moment and appreciate the small things.

Conclusion – Aruba, One Happy Island 🌞

Aruba is more than just a vacation destination. It is a feeling of freedom, happiness and connection. Whether you stay for two weeks or, like me, for six months, Aruba stays with you.

Also read my guide to San Nicolas and the street art of Aruba.

🌴 One Happy Island, where every day feels like a dream in the sun. 🌅

🌴 Ready to plan your Aruba vacation?

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