Travel Advisory: Currently, Aruba has lifted all entry requirements to enter the country.
With all of the sand, sun and beach relaxation throughout the island, it's easy to see why Aruba's catchphrase is 'One Happy Island'. This little island is known for its diversity; the country was once ruled by the Dutch, and is only a short 18 miles away from the coast of Venezuela. These are just a few of the reasons for Aruba's different cultural influences that take shape in their population, language and cuisine. Here's a quick travel guide for your next vacation there!
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Table of Content
4. Currency
5. Language
6. What To Do
Where To Stay
This Marriott hotel is a great place to stay that is both conveniently located and beautiful. It also boasts lots of amenities, one of them being an in-house casino, outdoor pool, bar and its own Starbucks. The Renaissance is also very close to the ocean; one of the biggest benefits to your stay here will be access to the property's private island, where you'll be able to lounge on the beach and witness both iguanas and flamingos in person! You can visit this island without being a guest at the hotel, but the day pass for access costs $125 and sells out very quickly each day.
Airbnb - Near Palm Beach
This spot comes highly recommended from me for many reasons: the condo looks as pictured, it's great for a group of six (or a few more) to have a comfortable stay, a great location near many of the northside beaches and sites that you'd want to visit on the island, and the condo was also clean and was well stocked with pretty much everything you'd need during your stay (including a cooler, beach towels, beach chairs, etc). One thing to note is that the backyard area with the pool is open access to all who are staying at the on the property (there are two other condos connected to the unit) and is not a private area. The rooftop however, is private, and only those who are staying in your condo have access to it.
Transportation
Car Rental - Thrifty
I highly recommend renting a car to see the island, especially if you're traveling with a group, as taxi prices could add up quickly. Most of the island's terrain is paved, but when venturing out to areas like Arikok National Park to visit the natural cave formations, or getting to other natural wonders, you're most likely going to hit some rough terrain. I recommend renting a Jeep or any car that can better handle this (you can also look into renting ATVs/UTVs).
Bus - Arubus
The public bus is another option to get around on the island, and is super convenient if trying to reach different hotels or beaches on the North side of the island. If trying to reach areas on the south side, there are buses available as well, but I recommend just getting a rental if you're looking to explore that side of the island. The day pass for the Arubus is $10 USD or 17.50 AWG.
Taxi
Taxis are easily accessible all throughout the island, and are unmetered because prices are set by destination rather than mileage. Most taxis can hold up to five people.
What To Bring - The Basics
Passport
ID (Print copies of this & your passport and keep them on hand in a separate area in case you lose the originals!)
Printed version of ED Health form & PCR test results
Cash, credit/debit cards, etc.
LOTS of Sunscreen, higher than spf 30 (especially if you're visiting in the peak of summer)
Aloe gel (to soothe your skin after you don't bring enough sunscreen)
Mosquito repellant
Multiple bathing suits
Athletic wear & comfy shoes
Water shoes
Water-proof phone case (Thank me later!)
Mini safety kit (a few of my friends got cut up while we were visiting the natural pools)
Comfy plane outfit for when you're headed home
Toiletries, underwear, etc.
Currency
The local currency of Aruba is called Aruban Florins (AWG) and conversion rates on the island are currently 1.80AWG to $1 USD.
Language
The official languages of Aruba are Dutch and Papiamento. Papiamento is a historic Afro-Portuguese Creole that has been spoken on the island as late as the 16th century, and is a mix of 9 languages that include English, Dutch, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and German. English, Spanish and French are also heavily spoken throughout the island, as this is a requirement for the locals to learn while in primary & secondary school.
What To Do
Book a Champagne Cruise!
There are many different tours that you can book to take a boat out onto the water to enjoy music, drinks, and snorkel if you so choose. Be aware that these tours can get pretty packed if you don't decide on a private tour, and are essentially very 'touristy', but I still recommend it if you're aware of those things and willing to deal with that. Pelican Tours was the company my group booked with, and the hosts were very knowledgeable about the different ocean areas, sea life, and were very accommodating. The tour comes with an open bar, breakfast, lunch, and snorkel gear.
One of the most common ways to get around the island besides taxis and car rentals are to drive ATVs! In particular, my group and I booked an ATV/UTV tour that took us to 5 different natural sites around the island. On the tour we were able to visit the Natural Bridge, a "Secret" Natural Pool, Gold Mill Ruins, California Lighthouse and Arashi Beach. It's a great tour that gives you lots of knowledge about the island, its people, and the history about it all, while getting to see amazing close up views of the desert terrain thats so unexpected of Aruba. I recommend wearing secure water shoes for this tour if you plan to go into the natural pool, and to bring some kind of scarf/mask/face covering (they also sell masks and goggles at the meeting site for $5 and $10, respectively).
Visit Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park is comprised of desert-like terrain with lots of tall cacti and dry, sandy hill tops that are surrounded by a beautiful coastline. The park itself takes up about 20% of the entire island, and much of the local plant and animal life are protected. You can choose to hike through the area or drive (cars, ATVs, UTVs, mountain bikes, etc are all welcome). Entrance fee for adults is $11, and children under the age of 18 can enter for free.
Be a Beach Bum
There is no shortage of beaches to visit while in Aruba, so taking the time to beach-hop while on your vacation is more than worth it. My favorites to visit on the island were Flamingo Beach (private island owned by Renaissance Aruba Resort), Arashi Beach, Baby Beach, and Palm Beach. Other great beaches include Eagle Beach, Manchebo Beach and Savaneta Beach.
Visit Aruba's Ostrich Farm
This is a great spot to visit if you're vacationing with kids, or just love to interact with animals. The Aruba Ostrich Farm is free to enter, but there are guided tours every 30 minutes that cost $14 per adult, and $7 per child. You can pet and hand-feed the ostriches, and then experience the Savanah restaurant and souvenir shop.
Catch the Amazing Street Art in San Nicholas
On the South side of the island, in San Nicholas, there is a long street that is filled with murals and other street art that is a must see if you have the means to get there. The picture above was one of my favorite pieces!
Where To Eat/Drink
South Beach - A great turn up spot that plays a mix of hip hop, R&B, and Soca!
Lola's Taqueria - Another great spot for good vibes, music and tacos! They also have nightly drink specials.
The West Deck - All around 10/10! The service, food, and drinks are outstanding. If visiting with a group, I recommend ordering multiple appetizers to share. They're all delicious!
Aruba Experience Cafe & Patisserie - This is a great spot for breakfast or to pick up a quick bite to eat, and even better, the cafe is both quaint and beautiful, especially the outside seating area. It's actually constructed like a traditional Aruban home (Cunucu). The menu has a lot to choose from, but the smoothies named as different affirmations were the winners for me. Their pancakes also hit the spot!
The Dutch Pancake House - You HAVE to eat here. It's required. It's a must. You'll realize why after waiting in the long (but worth it) line and sitting down to eat your wondrous Dutch-style pancake alongside freshly squeezed orange juice. I recommend the Chocolate Delight. You're welcome in advance. I'll also note that there are both savory and sweet pancake options, as well as options that don't include pancakes at all (but please get the pancakes!!)
The Vue Rooftop Restaurant & Bar - This is a lively rooftop restaurant in the perfect location; it also has amazing food and drinks. The Lychee Martini was by far my favorite, and the Frenched Corn-Fed Chicken & Jumbo Shrimp was delicious. The only downside to this place was the customer service, as I didn't feel it was up to par to the kind of establishment it is, but overall, I recommend!
Kamini's Kitchen - Literally THE BEST Caribbean food I had on the island, and as a Jamaican, the curry they serve definitely holds up to the hype. The restaurant is on the south side of the island, right before you get to Baby Beach, so to get here it's best to either have a rental or take a taxi.
*Honorable Mention - Eduardo's Beach Shack, for their famous açai bowls! I wasn't able to visit but it is highly recommended to go.
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