Introducing Aruba

We've been visiting Aruba for over 20 years and love it. The beaches are fantastic, but there are other beaches elsewhere that are fantastic too. The sunshine is gorgeous, but there's other sunny spots to vacation in. The people are friendly and warm, but that's hardly unique is it? It's safe, and you don't feel like you'll be ripped off on every transaction, but again, there are other places that are similarly welcoming. It's all of the above though, in one small package that makes us love Aruba. You can get a detailed look at the beaches on our 40 minute dedicated video guide.

First, let's look at some geographic facts. Aruba is a small island located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just north of Venezuela. It is one of the four constituent countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands, along with the Netherlands, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Aruba has a high degree of internal autonomy, but it is not a sovereign independent state. Yeah, confusing!

The Aruba national flag

The island covers an area of approximately 180 square kilometers (69 square miles) and has a population of around 110,000 people.

Aruba has a parliamentary democratic system of government with a multi-party political system. The head of state is the monarch of the Netherlands, currently King Willem-Alexander, who is represented in Aruba by a governor appointed by the Dutch crown. The governor acts as the representative of the Kingdom government and ensures the proper functioning of the government and compliance with the law.

Aruba has a high degree of autonomy in its internal affairs, including the ability to pass laws and establish its own government institutions. The Kingdom government in the Netherlands is responsible for matters such as defense, foreign affairs, and nationality.

Aruba is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and year-round warm climate. Its tourism industry is a major part of the economy, with visitors coming from all over the world to enjoy the island's natural beauty and various attractions. Popular activities on the island include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.

In addition to its natural beauty, Aruba has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from indigenous Arawak people, Spanish conquistadors, Dutch colonizers, and African slaves. This has led to a unique blend of languages, music, dance, and cuisine on the island.

Overall, Aruba is a fascinating and diverse destination that offers something for everyone, from adventure seekers to those looking for a relaxing tropical getaway.

Some History

In Aruba's prehistoric era, there were distinct periods — the Archaic and the Neo-Indian or Ceramic period. The Archaic occupation of Aruba continued well into the first millennium AD, which is relatively late compared to other parts of the insular Caribbean. Pre-historic artifacts dating to 2000BC have been identified, which indicates at least some sort of temporary habitation for at least 4,000 years

The indigenous people of Aruba after the Archaic period were the Arawak, who arrived on the island around 1000 AD. They were a peaceful and agricultural society that lived off the land and sea, and their legacy can still be seen in the island's petroglyphs and other archaeological sites.

Aruba was discovered by Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda in 1499, during his second voyage to the New World. The Spanish claimed the island for the Crown of Castile, but they found no gold or other valuable resources on the island and soon lost interest in it.

Sailing Catamaran off Palm Beach, Aruba

In the early 17^th century (so over a hundred years later), the Dutch West India Company took control of Aruba and established a colony on the island. The Dutch introduced agriculture and mining to the island, and they also brought African slaves to work on the plantations and in the gold mines. Aruba became a hub for the slave trade in the Caribbean, although its role was relatively minor (neighboring Curaçao holds the distinction for active participation in that terrible trade). Historically, Aruba served more as a transit point and a stopover for ships engaged in the slave trade, rather than a primary destination. The Dutch West India Company, which had control over Aruba during the colonial era, used the island as a supply and refueling station for its ships involved in various trading activities, including the slave trade.

During World War II, Aruba played an important role as a supply hub for the Allies in the Caribbean. The island's oil refinery was a major supplier of fuel for the Allied war effort, and it remains a key part of the island's economy to this day.

Aruba obtained separate status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1986, leaving the Netherlands Antilles and becoming a constituent country in its own right. The remaining Netherlands Antilles were later dissolved in 2010. Today, Aruba is a self-governing country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

About The Area

Aruba is a small island located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just north of Venezuela. It is part of the ABC Islands, along with Bonaire and Curaçao, which are collectively known as the Dutch Caribbean. Aruba covers an area of approximately 180 square kilometers (69 square miles) and has a population of around 110,000 people.

The island of Aruba is relatively flat and arid, with a desert-like climate and little rainfall. Its landscape is characterized by rocky terrain, cactus forests, and sand dunes. The island's coastline features white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports.

The southern Caribbean is a region of the Caribbean Sea that includes the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, and others. It is known for its warm, tropical climate and crystal-clear waters, which make it a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The southern Caribbean is also home to a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and coral reefs.

The region in general is also vulnerable to hurricanes and other tropical storms, which can cause significant damage to the islands and disrupt tourism and other industries. However, Aruba is generally considered to be below the hurricane belt, and thus generally immune from significant hurricane threat. There are occasional tropical storms though, and there is some discussion whether Aruba will be subject to hurricanes in the future because of changing climatic conditions.

When to Go

Aruba enjoys a warm, sunny climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-30 degrees Celsius). As a result, it is a popular destination for tourists seeking to escape colder climates and enjoy some sun, sand, and sea.

The best time to visit Aruba is between November and March, when the weather is generally sunny and dry. This is also the peak tourist season, so visitors can expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and activities. However, the island is also less crowded during the shoulder season, from September to November, and visitors may be able to find better deals on hotels and activities during this time.

It is important to note that Aruba is located outside of the hurricane belt, so visitors should have little concern about hurricanes. However, the island is still susceptible to some tropical storms with strong winds and occasional rain showers, particularly during the months of October and November.

Overall, the best time to visit Aruba depends on personal preferences and travel plans. Whether you are looking for a lively atmosphere and plenty of activities, or a more relaxed and quiet getaway, Aruba has something to offer visitors year-round.

The People

Aruba is a diverse nation, with a population of around 110,000 people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The majority of Arubans are of mixed African and European descent, with smaller populations of indigenous Arawak and Caquetio peoples, as well as immigrants from other Caribbean islands and Latin America.

Aruba is a multi–lingual country, with both Dutch and Papiamento (a Creole language derived from Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and African languages) recognized as official languages. English and Spanish are also widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.

Aruban culture is influenced by its Dutch colonial heritage, as well as its Afro-Caribbean roots. Music and dance are important parts of Aruban culture, with traditional styles such as tumba, waltz, and salsa popular among locals and visitors alike.

The people of Aruba are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and visitors are often struck by the island's sense of community and hospitality. Family and community are highly valued in Aruban culture, and visitors are encouraged to embrace the local customs and traditions.

The Cuisine

Aruban cuisine is a fusion of Caribbean, European, and Latin American flavors, with a focus on fresh seafood, meats, and local produce. The island's proximity to Venezuela and other Latin American countries has also had a strong influence on the local cuisine.

One of the most popular dishes in Aruba is keshi yena, a savory baked dish made with shredded chicken, Gouda cheese, olives, and spices. Other local specialties include stoba (a stew made with beef or goat), pan bati (a cornmeal pancake), and funchi (a type of polenta made with cornmeal and okra).

Seafood is also a staple of Aruban cuisine, with fresh catches of mahi-mahi, red snapper, and grouper often featured on menus. Shrimp and lobster are also popular, and visitors can try a range of seafood dishes, from ceviche to grilled fish.

Aruba is also known for its tropical fruits, such as papaya, mango, and passionfruit, which are often used in desserts and cocktails. Visitors can also sample a range of Dutch treats, such as stroopwafels and poffertjes, which are often served alongside local coffee.

Aruba offers a diverse and flavorful cuisine that reflects the island's cultural heritage and natural bounty. One discovery we had on a recent visit was a Surinamese restaurant tucked away on a back street. Due to the common Dutch colonial history between Surinam and the Netherlands Antilles, there has been a lot of cultural interaction between these countries.

Things To Do

Aruba is best known for its beaches, but there is considerably more to the island than sand and resorts. The rugged north coast, Arikok National Park, historic sites, museums, wildlife attractions and small towns make it easy to spend several days exploring beyond the hotel areas.

Nature, Beaches & Scenic Sights

• Arikok National Park: Nearly 20 percent of Aruba is protected within Arikok National Park. The park contains desert landscapes, dry river beds, limestone formations, caves, indigenous rock drawings and rugged bays including Dos Playa and Boca Prins. It is one of the best places to see a very different side of Aruba from the resort areas.
• Natural Pool (Conchi): This natural swimming pool is enclosed by volcanic rock on Aruba's remote northeast coast inside Arikok National Park. It can be reached by suitable 4x4 vehicle, horseback or on foot; ordinary passenger cars cannot reach it. Swimming depends on ocean conditions.
• Quadirikiri & Fontein Caves: Two of Arikok's most interesting attractions. Quadirikiri is known for chambers illuminated naturally through openings in the roof, while Fontein contains indigenous rock drawings. Entry to the caves is included within the national park.
• California Lighthouse: Standing near Aruba's northwestern tip, the lighthouse is one of the island's most recognizable landmarks. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views, and the surrounding area is especially attractive around sunset.
• Eagle Beach: One of Aruba's broadest and most attractive stretches of white sand, with plenty of open space and several of the island's famous fofoti trees. It is one of our favorite beaches in Aruba.
• Palm Beach: The center of Aruba's high-rise resort district. The calm water is popular for swimming and watersports, while hotels, restaurants, bars, casinos and shops line the beach and the streets immediately behind it.
• Baby Beach: A broad, shallow lagoon near San Nicolas with unusually calm water. It is particularly popular with families and casual swimmers, and there is snorkeling near the opening of the bay.
• Ayo Rock Formations: A collection of enormous boulders that once held spiritual significance for Aruba's indigenous inhabitants. Paths wind between the rocks, and ancient rock drawings can still be seen at the site.
• Hooiberg: The distinctive cone-shaped hill rises about 540 feet near the center of the island. Around 600 steps lead upward, with panoramic views rewarding those who make the climb.
• Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins: The remains of a 19th-century gold-processing facility stand on Aruba's windswept north coast. They are an easy stop when exploring the island's rugged eastern side.

History & Culture

• Fort Zoutman Historical Museum: Fort Zoutman is the oldest surviving building in Oranjestad. The fort dates from the late 18th century, while the adjoining Willem III Tower was added in 1868. The museum provides a useful introduction to Aruba's colonial and social history.
• Aruba Aloe Factory & Museum: Aloe has been cultivated commercially in Aruba since the 19th century. The factory and museum explain how aloe became an important export and show how the plant is processed into modern skincare products.
• Alto Vista Chapel: This small hilltop chapel is one of Aruba's most important religious landmarks. Its origins date to the 18th century, and its isolated setting among cactus-covered countryside makes it worth visiting even if you are not particularly interested in religious sites.
• San Nicolas: Aruba's second city has a character very different from Palm Beach and Oranjestad. Its history is closely tied to the oil industry and the international communities that came to work there, while today it is also known for museums, street art and a strong Caribbean cultural identity.
• Museum of Industry: Located in the old Water Tower in San Nicolas, this museum covers Aruba's economic development through gold, aloe, phosphate, oil and tourism. It fits particularly well with the history section of this guide.

Wildlife & Other Attractions

• The Butterfly Farm: A landscaped tropical enclosure near Palm Beach where visitors can walk among numerous species of butterflies and learn about their life cycle and behavior.
• Aruba Ostrich Farm: The farm offers guided, interactive tours focused on ostriches and emus. Visitors learn about the animals, see the hatchery and young birds, and have an opportunity to hand-feed them.
• Philip's Animal Garden: A sanctuary caring for rescued exotic animals in Noord. The emphasis is on rescue, rehabilitation and education, and visitors can see and learn about animals that would otherwise be difficult to encounter in Aruba.

There are many other beaches, coves and roadside stops around Aruba, and one of the pleasures of the island is that it is small enough to explore without a complicated itinerary. For a much more detailed look at the coastline, see our 40-minute guide to Aruba's beaches.

Aruba is a major cruise port, and there are often 2-3 ships in port at the one time

Getting There and Getting Away

Aruba is serviced by many different airlines, including direct flights from North America, Europe and South America. It is a popular tourist destination from so many different places, with different annual calendars that there is year–round demand for flights.

Airlines

• Air Canada: Canada's largest airline, providing scheduled service between Aruba and Canada.
• Air Century: A Dominican Republic-based regional airline serving Aruba and other Caribbean destinations.
• American Airlines: One of the largest U.S. airlines, with extensive service to Aruba from its U.S. hubs.
• Arajet: A Dominican low-cost airline linking Aruba with Santo Domingo and onward destinations in the Americas.
• Aruba Airlines: Aruba-based carrier operating regional services in the Caribbean and Latin America.
• Aerolíneas Argentinas: Argentina's flag carrier, now operating scheduled service between Aruba and Argentina.
• Avianca: Major Colombian airline connecting Aruba with Bogotá and its wider Latin American network.
• British Airways: The UK's major international airline, providing scheduled service linking Aruba with the United Kingdom.
• Copa Airlines: Panama's major international airline, connecting Aruba through Panama City to destinations throughout the Americas.
• Delta Air Lines: Major U.S. carrier serving Aruba from several U.S. cities and hubs.
• Divi Divi Air: A Curaçao-based regional airline providing short inter-island service, particularly between Aruba and Curaçao. You can see our flight review for here or on YouTube
• EZ Air: A regional Caribbean airline operating scheduled flights between Aruba, Curaçao and nearby destinations.
• GOL Linhas Aéreas: Major Brazilian airline connecting Aruba with Brazil and onward destinations across its domestic network.
• JetBlue: A major U.S. carrier with frequent service to Aruba, particularly from the northeastern United States and Florida.
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: The Netherlands' flag carrier, providing long-haul service between Aruba and Amsterdam.
• LATAM Airlines: One of Latin America's largest airline groups, linking Aruba with South America.
• Southwest Airlines: Large U.S. low-cost carrier operating scheduled service between Aruba and the United States.
• Spirit Airlines: U.S. ultra-low-cost carrier serving Aruba from its American network.
• Sun Country Airlines: U.S. leisure airline operating seasonal and scheduled Caribbean service, including Aruba.
• Surinam Airways: Suriname's flag carrier, linking Aruba with Paramaribo and regional destinations.
• TUI fly Netherlands: Dutch leisure airline providing scheduled vacation traffic between Aruba and the Netherlands.
• United Airlines: Major U.S. airline offering service to Aruba from several hubs, including Newark and Washington DC. You can see our flight review for here or on YouTube for a flight between Dulles and Aruba
• WestJet: Major Canadian airline providing leisure-oriented service between Aruba and Canada.
• Winair: St. Maarten-based regional airline connecting Aruba with islands throughout the Caribbean.
• Wingo: Colombian low-cost airline operating scheduled flights between Aruba and several Latin American destinations.

Ferries

There are no ferries to Venezuela, Colombia or the other ABC islands (Bonaire, Curaçao), although there are rumors from time to time of a ferry starting. The situation is very much like in Hawai'i where air transport is just more practical given the time and effort required for sea transport.

Getting Around

There are several transportation options available for getting around Aruba:

• Taxis: Taxis are widely available on the island and can be found at the airport, hotels, and tourist areas. They are metered and fares are regulated by the government. Taxis are considered safe, and are convenient, although on occasion we've had taxi drivers attempt to charge us extras.
• Rental Cars: Renting a car is a popular option for exploring the island, and there are many car rental agencies located throughout Aruba. There are many reports of misunderstandings, so check your contracts carefully, take pictures of any damage when you pick up the vehicle and take other measures to avoid these misunderstandings. Most agencies are franchises, so brand standards for the major brands may not be what you are used to. For American visitors, note that car sizes are very small
• Public Transportation: Aruba has a public bus system that operates throughout the island, with fares starting at around $2. However, the bus service is infrequent and can be unreliable.
• Bicycles: Bicycles can be rented from several locations on the island, including hotels and local shops. Aruba is a relatively small island with flat terrain, making it easy to explore by bike.
• Scooters and Motorcycles: Scooters and motorcycles can also be rented on the island, and are a popular way to explore Aruba's scenic roads. Make sure you have good insurance. ATV accidents are very common.
• Walking: Many of the island's attractions are located within walking distance of each other, especially in the main tourist areas like Palm Beach and Oranjestad. The island is large though, so you will need transport if going to anywhere but the tourist spots.

Places to Stay

Top End Hotels & Resorts

The Renaissance Aruba is a top hotel with access to a private island with resident flamingos

• Ritz-Carlton Aruba: Located on Palm Beach, this luxurious resort features a spa, casino, and multiple dining options.
• Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino: Another Palm Beach favorite, this resort offers spacious rooms, a beautiful pool area, and a full-service casino.
• Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino: With its picturesque beachfront location and extensive amenities, including a spa and watersports rentals, the Hyatt Regency is a popular choice for vacationers.
• Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba: This adults-only resort on Eagle Beach features a romantic atmosphere, intimate setting, and an eco-friendly focus.
• Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino: Located in downtown Oranjestad, this resort offers a private island experience, complete with a waterpark, private beach, and a casino. This is one of our favorites, especially with the access to the private island with its resident flamingoes.