Aruba
Constant trade winds, powder-white beaches, and a sun that almost never stops shining.
Overview
Aruba sits just 15 miles north of Venezuela, outside the hurricane belt — which means it enjoys near-perfect weather almost year-round (350 sunny days per year). The island has a distinctive desert-meets-Caribbean landscape: cacti, divi-divi trees bent by the trade winds, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the hemisphere. Oranjestad, the capital, is colourful, walkable, and full of excellent Dutch-Caribbean architecture.
Quick Facts
- Currency
- Aruban Florin (AWG). USD accepted almost everywhere.
- Language
- Papiamento, Dutch, English (English widely spoken)
- Climate
- Arid, tropical. Consistently warm (28–32°C). Outside the hurricane belt — very low rain risk.
- Best Months
- Year-round (one of the most weather-reliable destinations in the Caribbean)
- Pier to Town
- Cruise pier is a 5-min walk from Oranjestad town centre.
Top Beaches
Eagle Beach
Wider, less crowded than Palm Beach. Consistently ranked in the world's top 10. Stunning calm water.
Palm Beach
The main resort strip — beach bars, watersports, all-inclusive day passes. 10 min by taxi.
Baby Beach
At the southern tip of the island. Natural lagoon-like calm water — perfect for families.
Must Eat
Keshi Yena
Aruba's national dish — gouda cheese shell stuffed with spiced chicken or beef. Rich, unique, unmissable.
Fresh Fish at Zeerovers
A local fish fry at a converted fisherman's warehouse in Savaneta. Fried fish and shrimp by the bag for $5.
Stroopwafels & Dutch Cheese
A nod to Dutch heritage — pick up caramel stroopwafels and aged Gouda at the Wilhelminastraat market.
💡 DIY Tip
Rent a UTV ($80–100/day) and explore Arikok National Park — the rugged interior with natural pools, gold mill ruins, and caves is spectacular. Then drive the coast road back to Eagle Beach for a swim.
🚢 Ship Excursion Verdict
Aruba is extremely DIY-friendly. Buses run every 15 min along the hotel strip to Palm and Eagle Beach ($2.50). Skip the ship tour for beaches. Consider booking through the ship for off-road jeep safaris or catamaran snorkel trips.