Aruba is a stunning tropical island in the Caribbean Sea that welcomes visitors with its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse natural beauty.
This island of just 180 square kilometers is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is located barely 25 kilometers from the coast of South America, near Venezuela. Aruba’s unparalleled natural beauty, rich culture, and friendly atmosphere attract thousands of tourists annually. Together with Curacao, it is a popular holiday destination.
Table of Contents
Aruba attractions
Eagle Beach
Considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Eagle Beach boasts magnificent white sand and dazzling turquoise waters.
This stunning stretch of coastline is Aruba’s widest beach, representing the perfect example of a Caribbean paradise. The fine sandy shore gradually deepens into the crystal-clear sea, making it excellent for swimming and beach activities for all ages. Along the beach, iconic divi-divi trees lean toward the sea, serving as Aruba’s natural wind indicators and the most popular photo subjects.
A special feature of the beach is that endangered sea turtles nest here. During nesting season (usually from March to September), visitors can witness the hatching of baby turtles and their journey to the sea, providing an unforgettable experience. Numerous hotels, restaurants, and bars are located along the beach.
Flamingo Beach
You’ve probably seen photos of pink flamingos walking freely among visitors.
Flamingo Beach is located on Renaissance Island, the private island of the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, offering a unique experience: visitors can meet and photograph directly with the island’s most famous residents – the pink flamingos.
The island is typically accessible only to Renaissance hotel guests via regular boat services, but a limited number of day passes are also available for purchase. Besides the beach, there are shaded rest areas, comfortable lounge chairs, and a restaurant where guests can refresh themselves. Flamingo Beach is an adults-only section, while on the other side of the island is the family-friendly Iguana Beach, where children can also enjoy the Caribbean sunshine.
Oranjestad
Aruba’s capital and largest city is located on the island’s western coast.
With its pastel-colored houses built in Dutch colonial style, ornate facades, and red roofs, they define the cityscape. Walking through the old town, you’ll encounter both historical buildings, such as Fort Zoutman and E. Betico Croes Square, as well as modern shops and hotels.
Oranjestad hosts numerous festivals and cultural events, including carnival, which fills the streets with music, dance, and spectacular costumes. The city also offers vibrant nightlife with bars, casinos, and live music venues.
Palm Beach
This two-kilometer-long white sandy coastline is one of Aruba’s most popular and lively areas.
Along the shore are Aruba’s most famous and luxurious hotels such as the Hilton Aruba, Hyatt Regency, or RIU Palace, where everything is available for perfect relaxation: pools, spas, fine dining restaurants, and oceanfront bars. Several shopping centers are also located in this area.
Due to its gradually deepening waters and clean, well-maintained environment, Palm Beach is particularly suitable for families with small children. Additionally, nearby water parks and playgrounds offer plenty of entertainment.
Arikok National Park
Among Aruba’s breathtaking natural treasures, Arikok National Park stands out with its wild beauty and unique ecosystem.
Covering nearly 20% of the island’s area, the park is home to Aruba’s most distinctive geological, historical, and cultural attractions. The stunning desert landscape, where cacti, divi-divi trees, and aloe vera plants thrive, creates a striking contrast with the nearby rolling turquoise sea. Within the national park is Mount Jamanota, which at 188 meters is the island’s highest point and offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape.
The park’s rich wildlife includes numerous endemic species, including the cascabel rattlesnake, the Aruban Burrowing Owl, and the Kododo Blauw lizard. Ancient Arawak Indian rock paintings in the Fontein and Quadirikiri caves provide insight into the lives of the island’s indigenous people.
Conchi
Called the „Natural Pool” by locals, Conchi is a stunning natural seawater pool surrounded by volcanic rocks.
Located within Arikok National Park in the northeastern part of the island. The pool, surrounded by lush vegetation, is protected by natural stone walls from the strong waves of the open sea, while seawater regularly flows over the rocks, refreshing the pool’s water.
This hard-to-reach location can only be accessed by 4WD vehicle, horseback, or a long hike across rocky, mountainous terrain, but the adventure is worth every effort. The more adventurous often jump from the higher rocks into the deep, crystal-clear water, while the less adventurous can swim in the shallower areas.
Fontein Cave
Aruba’s most spectacular and famous cave system contains millennia-old natural and cultural treasures.
The Fontein Cave is located within Arikok National Park and gets its name from the natural freshwater spring found within it. Among the cave’s most interesting attractions are the several-thousand-year-old rock paintings and drawings made by ancient Arawak Indians, which provide insight into the lives and beliefs of the island’s indigenous people. The cave’s interior chambers feature stunning stalactite formations, columns, and stalactites that nature has formed over millennia.
During guided tours, trained guides show every corner of the cave, explaining the meaning of the rock paintings and the geological processes of the cave’s formation.
California Lighthouse
This picturesque lighthouse rises at Aruba’s northern tip and offers a breathtaking panorama of the Caribbean Sea.
It was named after the steamship „California” that sank near the coast, which went down during World War I. The 30-meter-tall white stone tower was built in 1916 and long served as an important navigation point for ships sailing near the island. After climbing the 297 steps to the top of the tower, you’ll enjoy an unparalleled 360-degree view of the island’s northern shores.
Near the lighthouse is a small museum that showcases the tower’s history and significance. It’s a particularly popular destination at sunset, providing a stunning backdrop for photographers.
Baby Beach
This crescent-shaped shallow lagoon offers paradisiacal conditions for families and those seeking peaceful swimming.
Located in Aruba’s southeastern part, near San Nicolas, away from the bustling tourist centers. It got its name because its water is so shallow and calm that even „babies” can swim safely in it. The sandy white beach is lined with palm trees, while the shallow, crystal-clear turquoise water gradually deepens, providing an ideal swimming spot for all ages.
The coral reefs near the shore provide excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, where visitors can swim among colorful tropical fish, sea stars, and other marine life. Baby Beach’s infrastructure is well-developed, with beachside eateries, chair rentals, and showers available.
Mangel Halto
One of the locals’ favorite beach areas, surrounded by mangrove forests and offering excellent diving opportunities.
Mangel Halto is a magically beautiful, shaded beach area in the southeastern part of the island, near Pos Chiquito. The dense mangrove trees surrounding the shore provide natural shade, while the shallow turquoise lagoon gradually deepens toward the open sea. The shore is relatively untouched, a paradise for nature lovers, with fewer tourists than the island’s more famous beaches.
It’s primarily known for its stunning coral reefs and rich marine life. The shallow water is perfect for beginner snorkelers, while the deeper areas welcome experienced divers. In the clear water, colorful fish, sea urchins, rays, and turtles can be easily observed.
Alto Vista Chapel
This picturesque yellow chapel is known as one of Aruba’s most sacred places.
Also known as the „Pilgrimage Chapel”, it’s located in the northern part of the island, on a hilltop with wonderful views of the Caribbean Sea. The original chapel was built in 1750 by a Venezuelan missionary, Domingo Antonio Silvestre, although the current building was renovated in 1952. The bright yellow, modest-sized chapel is characterized by peaceful silence.
Although the chapel is small, weekly masses are held there, attended by both locals and tourists. The landscape around the chapel, dotted with cacti and divi-divi trees, provides a perfect backdrop.
Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins
These historical ruins date from Aruba’s gold rush era and evoke the island’s rich mining past.
The Bushiribana gold mine ruins are located on the island’s northern coast, near Arikok National Park. The stone smelter, built in 1874, operated at the height of the gold rush when significant amounts of gold were discovered on the island. The robust stone building, designed to withstand pirate attacks, now stands as impressive ruins above the rocky coast, offering unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Walking among the ruins, visitors can gain insight into Aruba’s industrial heritage and 19th-century mining techniques. Small gold nuggets can often be found near the gold processing facility, which lucky visitors might discover. The surrounding landscape is dominated by wind-shaped rocks and cacti.
Butterfly Farm
This magical place is home to more than 20 butterfly species, where visitors can closely observe the world’s most beautiful butterflies in their natural environment.
In the farm’s stunning covered garden, colorful butterflies fly freely. Guided tours showcase the complete life cycle of butterflies from egg through caterpillar and chrysalis to adult butterfly.
The garden is carefully designed to create the ideal environment for butterflies, with various nectar-rich flowers, resting places, and host plants. Visitors often encounter newly emerged butterflies preparing for their first flight. Early morning visits are particularly recommended when butterflies are most active and more likely to land on visitors’ shoulders or hands.
All information is available here!
Donkey Sanctuary
This sanctuary is home to more than 130 rescued donkeys and plays an important role in Aruba’s animal welfare efforts.
The Donkey Sanctuary Aruba is a nonprofit organization founded in the 1970s that rescues sick or injured donkeys roaming freely on the island. Once donkeys were Aruba’s main mode of transportation, but with the advent of cars, they became unnecessary and were released into the wild. At the sanctuary, visitors can personally meet these friendly animals, pet and feed them with special food provided by the sanctuary.
Each donkey has its own name, providing an unforgettable experience especially for children. During the visit, small donations can support the sanctuary’s work, which operates entirely on a volunteer basis and from donations.
All information is available here!
De Palm Island
This exclusive private island offers an unforgettable all-inclusive adventure where visitors can enjoy numerous water sports and luxury services.
Located just an 8-minute boat ride from Aruba’s western shores, it provides a complete Caribbean paradise experience for all ages. The island’s all-inclusive admission includes all meals, drinks, snorkeling, and use of various water attractions. One of the most popular attractions is the water park, where slides, diving towers, and water games await adventurers.
The coral reefs around the island are extremely rich in marine life, so snorkelers can swim in the company of colorful fish, sea stars, and even turtles.
All information is available here!
Aruba weather: when is the best time to visit?
Aruba has a consistently warm, dry climate that provides constant sunshine and pleasant temperatures almost year-round.
Dry season (January-April):
This is Aruba’s most popular tourist season. Temperatures range pleasantly between 26-30°C, with milder nights around 20-24°C. During this period, rainfall is minimal, skies are clear blue, and humidity is relatively low. This is the ideal time for those who want guaranteed sunshine and wish to avoid rain.
Transition period (May-September):
During this period, temperatures rise slightly, with values between 28-32°C. Humidity can also be higher, but Aruba’s famous constant trade winds help alleviate the heat. Short, quick showers may occur, especially in the late afternoon hours, but they rarely disrupt outdoor activities. This period is less crowded and often offers more favorable prices.
Rainy season (October-December):
This period brings the most rainfall to Aruba, although the island is still much drier than most Caribbean destinations. Temperatures are similar to the transition period, between 27-31°C. Rains usually last for short periods and often occur at night. The advantage of this period is fewer tourists, and nature is at its greenest.
Best time to visit:
Virtually any time of year is suitable for visiting Aruba. If you prefer perfect weather and the least rain, the dry season (January-April) is the best choice, although prices are higher and tourist traffic is greater during this time. If you want more favorable prices and fewer crowds, the transition period (May-September) can be an excellent compromise, as the weather is still very pleasant, and the sun quickly comes out after brief showers.
Frequently asked questions about Aruba
Aruba is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone (AST, UTC−4) and does not observe daylight saving time.
Aruba’s official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, which is a local creole language. Most people working in tourism speak English and Spanish well, so visitors can easily communicate in multiple languages.
The official currency is the Aruban florin (AWG), but the US dollar is widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Most shops and hotels accept credit cards, but it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases.
Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport is only a few kilometers from downtown Oranjestad. City buses (Arubus) and taxis are the most common modes of transportation. Taxis have fixed rates and reach the center in about 10 minutes. Car rental is also a popular option for exploring the island.
In Aruba, tourists often rent cars or scooters to freely explore the island. In Oranjestad, bus transportation is also quite usable, but vehicle rental is recommended for reaching smaller beaches and more distant attractions. Taxis are also available, but they work with fixed prices instead of meter rates.
Aruba is one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean region, with a low crime rate. You can walk safely in tourist-favored areas even in the evening. Of course, it’s wise to follow basic precautions, such as watching your valuables at the beach.
In Aruba, locals are friendly and hospitable. It’s good to greet people („Bon dia” in the morning, „Bon tardi” in the afternoon) and behave politely. Wearing swimwear at beaches is natural, but it’s proper to dress appropriately in the city and restaurants. Environmental protection is important, so rules must be followed in nature conservation areas.
Keshi yena: A meat dish baked in cheese, one of the island’s iconic dishes.
Pastechi: Stuffed pastry, usually with cheese, meat, or tuna.
Funchi: A side dish made from cornmeal, similar to polenta.
Seafood specialties: Fresh fish and seafood, such as mahi-mahi or red snapper.
Coconut tart: A sweet coconut dessert that is often served on festive occasions.