Looking to visit Aruba on your next vacation? Aruba is an incredible island filled with incredible things to do, but there are a few things you will want to know before you go!

Aruba Travel Tips

You Can Drink The Water

Unlike many tropical destinations, the water in Aruba is pure. There is no reason to purchase bottled water. Thanks to their desalination plant, all water is clean straight from the tap!

The plant takes the saltwater and distills the saltwater into fresh drinking water for the entire island.

Trusted Travel Girl Aruba Travel Tip: Bring a refillable water bottle so you don’t have to buy bottled water. Plastic bottles won’t stay cold, so an insulated bottle is perfect for your Aruba vacation!

Aruba is Home to one of the Top Beaches in the World

Don’t miss Eagle Beach! Eagle Beach is the third best beach in world according to TripAdvisor’s 2017 Traveler Awards. It’s easy to see why, with the white sand beaches littered with divi-divi trees, and turquoise waters– what’s not to love?

You’re probably wondering “is that where I can find those flamingos?” While Eagle Beach might be one of the world’s best beaches, you won’t be snapping those infamous flamingo photos there.

But fear not - the Flamingo beach is in Aruba, and all you need to do is head to the Renaissance Aruba Private Island.

The easiest way to access Flamingo Beach is to book a stay at the Renaissance Aruba Private Island. If you’re staying at the hotel, you’ll be able to visit the private island where Flamingo Beach is located without any additional charges.

However, if that isn’t an option, you’ll need to get day passes to the island directly from Renaissance for approximately $125 USD per person. Unfortunately, these passes can’t be booked in advance, so the best thing for you to do is check it early in the morning the day you plan to visit.

Want to increase your chances? Keep your schedules flexible and keep on checking!

Finally, when it comes to visiting the best beaches Aruba has to offer, the general rule of thumb would be to head farther away from the ports. This will ensure that you’ll have a peaceful and serene time as far away from the crowds as possible.

If you’d like, I recommend going beach hopping. Starting at Eagle Beach, take a quick hop over to Palm Beach (which is more crowded than Eagle Beach) before embarking on a 30-40 minute drive to Baby Beach.

Should You Rent A Car in Aruba?

One of the best Aruba travel tips I can offer is to rent a car. Renting a car is the cheapest and easiest option, especially if you want to explore the island on your own. There is a ton of cheap or free parking, and you won’t spend much petrol (gasoline) because the island is rather small.

Renting a car could allow you more freedom and flexibility with your travel schedule. It’ll also allow you to go beach hopping at your own pace. And if you’re traveling from the United States, you’re in good hands as Arubans drive on the right side (same side) of the road.

You won’t need an international driver’s license to rent a car, so just bring your state-issued driver’s license if you plan on doing so. You can pick up a rental right at the airport for ease and these rentals are generally affordable.

Taxi prices in Aruba are quite expensive and are set by the government, making it impossible to haggle for a better deal with the drivers. Unfortunately, it isn’t common to flag a taxi down on the street like in cities such as New York, so be sure to call a taxi ahead of time and know exactly where you want to go.

Renting a bike is another option, however, it is pretty dangerous. Since there aren’t designated bike lanes, you’ll be sharing the road with cars. Unless you’re confident in your ability to bike under such conditions, I would not recommend it.

The other way to get around without a car and taxi would be by bus like many of the locals, but this is not the most convenient or enjoyable way to spend time on your vacation.

Languages

Although the main language is a local language called Papiamento, everyone speaks English, as well as Spanish and Dutch. This makes getting around and communicating extremely easy for travelers!

While I always believe in picking up a few key phrases in the local language prior to any travels, Aruba is a polyglot society so you’ll be in great hands.

Weather

This Aruba travel tip is going to make any traveler jump for joy. You can leave your umbrella at home, just take the sunscreen. It almost ever rains in Aruba.

The average temperature is around 82 degrees Fahrenheit nearly year-round. Thanks to the trade-winds, you will never feel overwhelmingly hot. Just be sure to pack your sunblock!

Because Aruba is so close to the equator, protecting your skin by slathering on that sunblock is more important than ever. Not only will you get more direct sunlight, the white sand will reflect the sun in the same way that fresh snow atop a mountain does.

Something to note is that Aruba has banned the use of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone in July of 2020. I fully believe that using the right sunscreen, especially when you plan on swimming in lakes, oceans, or ponds, is crucial.

The chemicals you choose to apply can harm marine life and damage coral. So please do the responsible thing and purchase coral reef-friendly sunscreen.

Trusted Travel Girl Aruba Travel Tip: The trade winds keep the island cool, but can also make you get burned easier because you don’t feel the heat so bring sunscreen!

Food

I hope you love fresh fish if you are heading to Aruba, because it’s some of the best. While in Aruba, my suggestion is to ALWAYS choose fresh fish. The fish is caught daily and always a delicious choice!

My favorite spot on the island was Zeerovers. They serve two choices of their fresh catch of the day, along with fries, and plantains. It’s a local’s spot, but now filled with travelers as well!

No Hurricanes

When planning a vacation to any Caribbean destination, you’ll generally want to account for hurricane season.

Aruba is located outside of the hurricane belt, which means there is almost never a storm on the island. This is important to know when booking Caribbean travel, because often times it is best to avoid destinations during hurricane season. Not in Aruba, they almost never see hurricanes and it’s sunny nearly every day!

And if you need the facts to prove it, the last hurricane Aruba encountered was Hurricane Felix in 2007. Aruba sustained very minor damages from Felix. And before that, Hurricane Ivan only caused flooding, no structural damages, and no casualties in 2004.

It’s safe to say that out of all the destinations in the Caribbean, Aruba promises a sound time weather-wise.

Repeat Visitors

Aruba receives more repeat visitors than any other Caribbean island — everyone seems to love Aruba. In fact, 60% of their travel business is repeat travelers! Why is this a good travel tip?

If you are deciding between several Caribbean destinations, you may want to let the statistics sway your decision to book Aruba!

Costs and Currency

Although you can take out the local currency, it’s probably easier to use USD during your visit to Aruba. I’m a big fan of using local currency even if that destination accepts USD, but I couldn’t even find a use for it in Aruba!

There’s also no need to exchange for the local currency (called florins) ahead of time, as most ATMs in Aruba give you the option to withdrawal in florins or USD.

If you’re set on using the local currency, or maybe you just want a few florins to have, it’s important to know that florins are available in denominations of 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200. As for coins, they are available in 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 5 florin coins.

Travel Tips Aruba Vacation. aruba travel tips

Restaurant Service Charges

Although you won’t find many scammers in Aruba, like you will in many other countries, I consider the standard 15% service charge at restaurants to be something to look out for.

On almost all restaurant bills, you will find a 15% service charge added to your bill. If you ask your server if this is their gratuity, they will say it is not. This will encourage you to leave another 15-20%. The 15% is indeed their tip. This tip will be added into their paycheck.

If service is exceptional, go ahead and leave a little extra if you like, but do not feel you need to tip on top of this service charge.

WHAT TO PACK FOR ARUBA

Packing for Aruba is fairly simple. Think resort wear, bathing suits, and beach-friendly outfits. I recommended a great pair of sandals, several bathing suits especially if you plan on beach hopping, and light breathable fabrics to help you keep cool.

If you plan on exploring the island beyond your resort and accommodation, I highly recommend packing insect repellent, especially if you happen to be prone to mosquito bites. And of course, you’ll want to pack your coral reef-friendly sunscreen, sun hats, a beach bag that you don’t mind getting sandy, and sunglasses.

IS ARUBA SAFE?

No matter where you go in the world, there will always be risks involved and safety is never a 100% guarantee. However, Aruba is a small island with low rates of both petty and violent crimes.

It’s always smart to stay alert whenever you’re traveling. So protect your valuables, try to be aware of your surroundings instead of keeping your eyes fixed on your phone, and practice general safety precautions.

THE LOGISTICS OF VISITING ARUBA

If you have a US passport, you can visit Aruba without a visa. And though you might want to extend your trip after living the beautiful island life, US passport holders may not stay any longer than 30 days.

POWER ADAPTERS AND CONVERTERS

If you live in the US, you won’t need to pack a travel adapter for all your electronic devices. Aruba has the same voltage standard of 110V and use the same plug types as the United States.

CAN YOU FLY A DRONE IN ARUBA

For my content creators, drone usage is allowed however there are several drone laws you need to adhere to. Some of them include not flying above private property and restricted areas, no flying at night, and no flying in rainy or stormy weather. You can read more about Aruba’s drone rules here.