Aruba is one of the easiest Caribbean islands to visit for the first time. It's safe, English is widely spoken, the infrastructure is excellent, and it has no hurricane season. But there are still things that first-timers consistently get wrong. This guide covers everything you need to know, and the five mistakes worth avoiding.
Why Aruba?
Aruba is a small island, 20km long, 6km wide, located 27km off the coast of Venezuela. It belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which means the infrastructure is European-standard, crime is low, and everything works reliably. The trade winds keep temperatures comfortable (28–32°C year-round) and the rain almost never comes. Sunshine is practically guaranteed every day of the year.
It calls itself "One Happy Island", a marketing slogan that locals have genuinely internalised. Arubans are warm, welcoming, and genuinely pleased to see tourists. The island's economy depends on tourism, and it shows in the quality of service everywhere.
When to go
The short answer: any time. Aruba lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt, a unique advantage that means there's no month to actively avoid. The weather is warm and mostly sunny 365 days a year.
December – April (High Season)
Book earlyMost popular, best weather, highest prices. Rental cars and hotels book out early. January and February are peak crowd months.
May – August
Best valueStill sunny, slightly more rain (mostly brief showers). Lower prices, fewer crowds. Excellent value.
September – November
QuietestQuietest period, best deals. Hurricane season elsewhere in the Caribbean but Aruba is unaffected. Occasional overcast days.
Where to stay
Most first-timers stay in one of three areas:
Palm Beach
The main resort strip. Large hotels, beachfront bars, watersports, restaurants, casino hotels. Most convenient but most expensive and most crowded. Best if you want everything within walking distance.
Eagle Beach / Low-Rise Area
Quieter, smaller hotels and apartment complexes. Wider, less crowded beach. 10-minute walk from Palm Beach's bars and restaurants. Better value, calmer atmosphere. Recommended for most visitors.
Noord / Oranjestad
More local feel, further from the beach. Requires a car for daily transport. Lower prices. Good option if you're renting a car anyway and want a more authentic experience.
Getting around
Aruba has taxis, a public bus system (Arubus), and rental cars. Here's the honest breakdown:
| Option | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi | $15–50 per trip | Airport transfers, late nights out |
| Arubus | $2–3 per ride | Palm Beach ↔ Oranjestad only |
| Rental car | $46–85/day all-in | Everything else, recommended |
For most visitors staying 4+ nights who want to explore beyond the resort strip, a rental car is the obvious choice. Read our full guide: Do you need a car in Aruba?
Practical basics
Language
Papiamento (local), Dutch (official), English (spoken everywhere), Spanish
Currency
Aruban florin (AWG) + USD accepted everywhere. 1 USD ≈ 1.79 AWG
Electricity
110V / 60Hz, same as the US. No adapter needed for American devices
Driving side
Right-hand side, same as US, Europe, Netherlands
Tipping
15–18% at restaurants (often added automatically). $1–2 for taxis
Safety
Very safe. Petty theft exists near beaches. Don't leave valuables unattended
What to pack
- ✓Light clothing (linen, cotton), it's hot and casual
- ✓Reef-safe sunscreen, important for coral protection
- ✓Swimwear × 2 (things dry fast in the trade winds)
- ✓Good walking sandals or trainers for national park visits
- ✓Snorkeling mask (rentals available but your own is better)
- ✓Small cash for local vendors (Zeerovers, pastechi stalls)
- ✓Reusable water bottle, stay hydrated in the heat
5 mistakes first-time visitors make
Not renting a car
The single biggest mistake first-time visitors make. Half of Aruba's best beaches, most authentic restaurants, and most spectacular landscapes are simply unreachable without a car. Taxis from Palm Beach to Baby Beach cost $30–35 each way. A rental car costs $46–59 per day and takes you everywhere. See our full breakdown: Do you need a car in Aruba?
Read more →Staying only on Palm Beach
Palm Beach is great. But Aruba is a 20×6 km island. You can drive end to end in 40 minutes. San Nicolas, Savaneta, Noord, Oranjestad, the national park, all completely different from the resort strip and all worth exploring.
Skipping Zeerovers
The most authentic food experience on the island, in Savaneta, visited by maybe 2% of tourists. Fresh fried fish ordered by weight, eaten at picnic tables with locals. Lunchtimes only, cash only, no bus service. You need a car. Worth it entirely.
Read more →Trying to visit the Natural Pool without a 4x4
The Natural Pool (Conchi) is one of Aruba's most spectacular spots, a volcanic rock pool on the north coast accessible only via a 45-minute off-road track. Every year tourists attempt it in regular cars and get stuck. Book a jeep for this one day.
Read more →Over-packing
Aruba is hot (28–32°C year-round), casual, and beach-focused. You need: light clothes, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, flip flops, and one smart-casual outfit for nicer restaurants. That's it. Leave the formal wear at home.
Don't make mistake #1
Book your rental car before you land. We offer free airport pickup. Your car is ready when you arrive, so you can head straight to the beach (or Zeerovers).
Frequently asked questions
Is Aruba safe for tourists?
Yes, Aruba is one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main things to watch for are petty theft (don't leave valuables on the beach) and aggressive timeshare salespeople near the resort area. The island has a stable government, a well-developed tourist infrastructure, and a population genuinely welcoming to visitors.
What is the best time of year to visit Aruba?
Aruba is good year-round. The island sits outside the hurricane belt, so there's no "avoid this month" rule. High season (December–April) is the most popular and most expensive. The "low season" (May–November) has slightly more rain and lower prices, but it's still warm and sunny most days. January and February are the most crowded months.
Do I need a visa to visit Aruba?
Citizens of the US, Canada, EU, UK, and most Western countries do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You will need a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Requirements can change. Always check with your country's foreign affairs department before travelling.
What currency does Aruba use?
Aruba's official currency is the Aruban florin (AWG), pegged at 1.79 AWG to 1 USD. However, US dollars are accepted virtually everywhere, hotels, restaurants, shops, and rental car companies. Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at most businesses. Local spots like Zeerovers and roadside vendors are cash only.