The Aruba Guide Blog
Tips, itineraries, and travel inspiration for your Aruba trip. From first-timer guides to insider picks for repeat visitors.
Surfside Beach: Aruba's Closest Swim to Town and the Cruise Port
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 24, 2026
Surfside Beach is the closest real beach to downtown Oranjestad and the cruise terminal, with calm shallow water, beach bars, and jets gliding in overhead. Here is who it suits, who it does not, and how to get there.
Shopping in Aruba: The Two Zones, the Real Deals, and What to Skip
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 24, 2026
Shopping in Aruba comes down to two zones: downtown Oranjestad for duty-free malls and the local main street, and Palm Beach for evening open-air plazas. Here is where to go, what is actually a deal, and what to bring home.
Scuba Diving in Aruba: Wrecks, Reefs, and How to Start
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 24, 2026
Aruba is one of the best wreck diving islands in the Caribbean, anchored by the 400 foot Antilla. Here is where to dive, what conditions to expect, and how to try it with zero certification.
Riu Palace Aruba Review: Worth It After the 2026 Renovation?
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 24, 2026
Riu Palace Aruba reopened in summer 2026 after a top-to-bottom renovation, and it is now the strongest big all-inclusive value on Palm Beach for families. Here is an honest look at the rooms, the food, the party factor, and who should book the adults-only sister next door instead.
Ritz-Carlton Aruba Review: Who It Fits and Is It Worth It
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 24, 2026
An honest look at the Ritz-Carlton Aruba: the calm north end of Palm Beach, which rooms and Club Level perks are worth it, the dining and casino scene, real cost expectations, and how it stacks up against the St. Regis Aruba and Bucuti & Tara.
Fishing Charters in Aruba: What to Catch, What It Costs, and Who Cooks It
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 24, 2026
Fishing charters in Aruba are easy to book, need no license for guests, and can end with a restaurant cooking your catch. Here is how to pick the right trip.
Aruba vs Turks and Caicos: Which Island Should You Pick in 2026?
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 24, 2026
Turks and Caicos has the dreamier water. Aruba has the safer weather, lower prices, and more to do. Here is the honest head-to-head for 2026.
Aruba Marriott Resort Review: Which of the Three Marriotts Should You Book?
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 24, 2026
An honest review of the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, including the H2Oasis adults pool, the island's biggest casino, and a clear explanation of how it differs from Marriott's Aruba Ocean Club and Surf Club next door.
Aruba Cruise Port Guide: Everything for Your Port Day (2026)
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 24, 2026
Aruba's cruise port sits right in downtown Oranjestad, so your port day starts the moment you walk off the ship. Here is how the docking, taxis, beaches, and timing actually work.
Aruba Casinos: Where to Play, What to Expect, and Which One Fits Your Trip
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 24, 2026
Aruba has about a dozen casinos, almost all attached to resorts, with a legal gambling age of 18 and a dress code that tops out at a collared shirt. Here is how casino nights actually work on the island and which room fits your trip.
Aruba Carnival 2027: Dates, Parades, and How to Watch
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 24, 2026
Aruba Carnival 2027 builds from early January to the Grand Carnival Parades the weekend of February 6-7, right before Ash Wednesday on February 10. Here is the expected timeline, where the parades happen, and how to watch like you have done it before.
The Butterfly Farm Aruba: One Ticket, Unlimited Visits, Best in the Morning
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 24, 2026
The Butterfly Farm Aruba is a walk-through tropical garden in Palm Beach where hundreds of butterflies fly free around you, and one ticket covers return visits for your entire vacation. Here is what it costs, when to go, and whether it is worth your morning.
Divi Aruba All Inclusive Review: Who It Is For and Is It Worth It?
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 10, 2026
Divi Aruba All Inclusive is the classic all-inclusive on Druif Beach, and it shares 12 restaurants and 8 bars with its sister resort next door. Here is an honest look at who it fits, what is really included, and whether it is worth the price.
The Best Beaches in Aruba, Ranked by What You Actually Want
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 10, 2026
Eagle Beach is the showpiece, but the best beach in Aruba depends on what you want from your day. Here are 10 beaches ranked by use case, from free snorkeling to flamingo selfies.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Review: Who It Is For and Is It Worth It
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 10, 2026
An honest look at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino: the Palm Beach setting, which rooms to book, the famous pool and lagoon, what it really costs, and who should stay here.
Renting a Car in Aruba: The Complete 2026 Guide
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 10, 2026
Whether you need a rental car in Aruba depends on where you stay and what you want to see. Here are the verified 2026 costs, requirements, and driving tips.
Donkey Sanctuary Aruba: The Island's Happiest Free Attraction
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 10, 2026
The Donkey Sanctuary Aruba is a free nonprofit rescue near Santa Cruz that is home to more than 130 donkeys. Here is what a visit is like, what to bring, and how to fold it into a perfect island day.
Arashi Beach, Aruba: Snorkeling, Shade Huts, and When to Go
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 10, 2026
Arashi Beach is the calm, clear-water beach at Aruba's northwest tip, with easy snorkeling off the sand, free shade huts, and a local feel the resort strip lost long ago. Here is exactly how to do it right.
Mangel Halto Beach: Aruba's Mangrove Lagoon Snorkel Spot
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 10, 2026
Mangel Halto is a calm mangrove lagoon near Savaneta and one of Aruba's best shore-entry snorkel and dive spots. Here is how to do it right, from entry platforms to the current beyond the reef.
Restaurants in Palm Beach Aruba: Where to Eat on the Strip
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 10, 2026
The Palm Beach high-rise strip has real restaurants hiding between the hotel buffets. Here are 9 verified spots grouped by occasion: walkable date night, casual beach bars, quick lunch, and late night, plus how reservations actually work in high season.
Best Restaurants in Aruba: 12 Spots Worth Your Vacation Nights
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 10, 2026
Twelve restaurants that actually deserve a night of your Aruba trip, grouped by occasion: romantic splurge, seafood worth the drive, local and cheap, beach bars, and breakfast.
Zeerovers Aruba: The Dockside Fish Shack Locals Swear By
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 10, 2026
Zeerovers is a fishermen's dock in Savaneta where the day's catch gets weighed, fried to order, and handed to you in a basket. Here is exactly how to do it right.
Flying Fishbone Aruba: The Toes-in-the-Water Dinner Everyone Books Months Out
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 10, 2026
Flying Fishbone is the Savaneta restaurant where your table sits in the sand or right in the sea. Here is what to order, what it costs, how far ahead to book, and whether it earns the hype.
Boca Catalina and Malmok Beach: Aruba's Best Snorkel Coves
By The Aruba Guide · Aug 10, 2026
Boca Catalina and Malmok Beach are two adjacent coves on Aruba's northwest coast, and together they offer the best free shore snorkeling on the island. Here is how to visit both in one easy morning.
Is Aruba Expensive? A Realistic Budget Breakdown
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba is one of the pricier Caribbean islands, but the costs are predictable and manageable with some planning. Here is a realistic breakdown of what you will actually spend.
Natural Pool Aruba: How to Get There and What to Expect
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
The Natural Pool, known locally as Conchi, is a volcanic rock pool tucked into the rugged windward coast of Aruba inside Arikok National Park. It takes some effort to reach, but the payoff is one of the most unique swimming spots in the Caribbean.
5 Days in Aruba: A Day-by-Day Itinerary
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Five days is enough time to hit Aruba's best beaches, book one unforgettable tour, snorkel a shipwreck, spot flamingos, and still have time to do nothing but float in turquoise water. Here is exactly how to spend it.
4 Days in Aruba: The Perfect Long-Weekend Itinerary
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Four days in Aruba is enough time to hit the best beaches, get off the resort strip, and still feel relaxed. Here's how to spend every day well.
One Day in Aruba from a Cruise Ship: The Best Port Day Itinerary
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba is one of the Caribbean's best cruise stops. With roughly 8 hours in port, you have enough time to hit the beach, explore the island, or snorkel crystal-clear water.
The Ultimate Aruba Itinerary (First-Timers, Any Budget)
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
A full 7-day Aruba itinerary built for first-time visitors, with tips on how to adapt it for shorter trips of 3, 4, or 5 days.
How Many Days in Aruba Do You Actually Need?
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Five to seven days gives you enough time for beaches, an island tour, and a day trip without feeling rushed. Here's a breakdown by trip length so you can decide what's right for you.
Planning a Trip to Aruba: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba is one of the easiest Caribbean islands to plan a trip to, with reliable sunshine, a compact layout, and a wide range of resorts to fit any budget. This guide covers everything a first-timer needs to know, from entry requirements and getting there to where to stay and what to do once you arrive.
Aruba Nightlife Guide: Best Bars, Clubs and Things to Do at Night
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba nightlife runs from laid-back beach bars on the Palm Beach strip to lively casinos, party bus tours, and the artsy bars of San Nicolas. Here is where to go and what to expect after sunset.
Best Boutique Hotels in Aruba
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba's best boutique hotels offer something the big resorts can't match: personality, quiet, and a stay that actually feels like Aruba. Here's where to look in 2026.
Things to Do in Oranjestad, Aruba: Capital City Guide
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Oranjestad is Aruba's colorful capital and a lot more than a cruise ship stop. Here's how to spend a day exploring its Dutch colonial architecture, shopping, history, and local food scene.
Horseback Riding in Aruba: Best Tours and What to Know
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Horseback riding in Aruba takes you across wide-open beaches, rugged desert terrain, and into the golden light of a Caribbean sunset. Here is everything you need to know to plan a great ride.
Best ATV and UTV Tours in Aruba: What to Expect and How to Book
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
ATV and UTV tours are one of the best ways to reach the rugged northeast side of Aruba that most tourists never see. This guide covers the top tours, what to expect on the road, and how to choose the right vehicle for your group.
Best Things to Do in Aruba for Couples (Romantic Experiences)
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba is one of the most romantic destinations in the Caribbean, with calm turquoise water, spectacular sunsets, and no shortage of experiences built for two. Whether you are honeymooning or just overdue for a couples trip, here is what to put on your list.
Cheapest Time to Visit Aruba: When Prices Drop and Why
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba's low season runs roughly mid-April through early December, and that's when you'll find the biggest drops on hotels and flights. September is usually the single cheapest month on the calendar.
California Lighthouse Aruba: What to Do, See, and Nearby Stops
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
The California Lighthouse sits at the northern tip of Aruba and offers some of the best panoramic views on the island. Here is what to expect when you visit, what to do nearby, and the best time to go.
Best Sunset Cruises in Aruba: Catamaran, Sailboat and More
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba's sunsets are spectacular, and a cruise on the water is one of the best ways to watch them. Here is what to know before you book.
Rainy Season in Aruba: How Bad Does It Actually Get?
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba is a desert island that gets just 17 to 20 inches of rain per year, so even the wetter months from October through January mostly mean brief afternoon showers, not trip-ruining downpours. Here is what to actually expect.
Aruba Water Temperature by Month: Is the Ocean Warm Enough to Swim?
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba's Caribbean water is warm and swimmable every single month of the year, ranging from about 79F in the winter to 85F by late summer. Here's what to expect by month and what it means for snorkeling and diving.
Aruba's Climate Explained: Why It's One of the Sunniest Islands
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba sits just outside the hurricane belt with near-constant sunshine, low humidity, and cooling trade winds every single day. Here's the science behind why the weather is almost always perfect.
Aruba Weather in June: What to Expect at the Start of Low Season
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
June marks the start of Aruba's low season, with warm sunny days around 89F, light rainfall, and some of the best hotel rates of the year. Here's what to expect from the weather and how to make the most of the month.
Aruba Weather in September: Cheapest Month or Skip It?
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
September is Aruba's quietest and most affordable month, with ocean temperatures at their warmest and far fewer crowds. Here is what the weather is actually like and whether the trade-off is worth it.
Aruba Weather in May: The Low Season Sweet Spot?
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
May is one of the most underrated months to visit Aruba. Temperatures are warm, the trade winds keep things comfortable, and prices drop noticeably once peak season clears out.
Aruba Weather in August: What Travelers Need to Know
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
August in Aruba is hot, breezy, and drier than you might expect. It sits below the hurricane belt and offers solid value for families on summer break.
Aruba Weather in July: Summer Heat, Fewer Crowds, Lower Prices
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
July in Aruba means bright sunshine, warm turquoise water, and the island's strongest trade winds keeping things comfortable. It's also low season, which means fewer crowds and better rates.
Hurricane Season in Aruba: Why It's Safer Than You Think
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba sits well south of the main Atlantic hurricane belt and rarely sees direct hits, making it one of the Caribbean's safest destinations during storm season. Here's what to know before you book.
Aruba Weather in October: Is It Too Rainy to Visit?
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
October is one of Aruba's best-kept secrets: warm, sunny, and far less crowded than peak season. Yes, there's a slightly higher chance of a passing shower, but Aruba's arid climate means the rain usually blows through in minutes.
Aruba Weather in April: End of Peak Season or Hidden Gem?
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
April is one of Aruba's most pleasant months, with highs around 87F, almost no rain, and warm Caribbean water. Late April also brings a welcome dip in crowds and prices as peak season fades.
Aruba Weather in March: Spring Break Crowds, Temperatures, and Costs
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
March is one of Aruba's most popular months, with warm sunny days, dry weather, and the full energy of spring break season. Here's what to expect if you're planning a trip.
Where to Stay in Aruba: Best Areas and Neighborhoods
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba's best area for you depends on your travel style. This guide breaks down Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, Oranjestad, and other neighborhoods so you can pick the right base for your trip.
Aruba Weather by Month: A Full 12-Month Breakdown
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba is warm and sunny year-round, with highs in the mid-80s F, very little rain, and steady trade winds every month. This guide breaks down temperatures, water conditions, rainfall, and crowds for all 12 months so you can pick the right time for your trip.
Do You Need a Passport for Aruba? Entry Requirements Explained
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Yes, US citizens need a valid passport to fly to Aruba. Here is everything you need to know about entry requirements, the ED card, and what to have ready before you go.
Aruba Weather in February: Sun, Crowds, and What to Know
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
February is one of the sunniest, driest months in Aruba, with highs around 85F and barely a drop of rain. It's also peak season, so expect crowds, higher prices, and the island's famous Carnival at full tilt.
Best Hotels on Eagle Beach Aruba
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Eagle Beach is Aruba's widest, quietest stretch of sand, lined with low-rise resorts and iconic fofoti trees. These are the best hotels right on or steps from Eagle Beach.
Aruba Weather in November: Is This Underrated Month Worth It?
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
November is one of Aruba's most underrated travel months: warm temps, mostly sunny skies, and shoulder-season rates before the holiday rush kicks in. Here's what the weather actually looks like and whether it's worth booking.
Best Hotels on Palm Beach Aruba
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Palm Beach is Aruba's most action-packed strip, lined with high-rise resorts, beachfront restaurants, casinos, and water sports rentals. Here are the best hotels on Palm Beach Aruba for every type of traveler.
De Palm Island Aruba: Is It Worth It?
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
De Palm Island is a private all-inclusive day-pass island just off Aruba's southwest coast, packed with snorkeling, a water park, beach time, and unlimited food and drinks. Here's whether it actually delivers.
Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Aruba for Families
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba has fewer all-inclusive resorts than Mexico or the DR, but the ones that are truly all-inclusive are excellent for families. Here are the best picks for 2026.
Best Luxury Resorts in Aruba Worth the Splurge
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba has some of the Caribbean's finest luxury properties, from high-rise Palm Beach giants with full-service spas to quiet Eagle Beach resorts that feel like a private escape. Here's where to stay when you want the full treatment.
Arikok National Park Aruba: What to See, Hike, and Explore
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Arikok National Park covers nearly 20% of Aruba and holds some of the island's most dramatic scenery, from the famous Natural Pool to ancient cave paintings and rugged coastal beaches. Here is everything you need to know before you go.
Best Hotels in Aruba: Top Picks for Every Budget
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba has some of the most consistent hotel options in the Caribbean, but where you stay shapes the whole trip. Here are the best hotels in Aruba for every budget and travel style.
25 Best Things to Do in Aruba
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba packs beaches, volcanic landscapes, world-class snorkeling, and a colorful capital into one small island. Here are the 25 best things to do so you can plan every day with confidence.
Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Aruba
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba has fewer true all-inclusive resorts than most people expect, but the ones that deliver are genuinely great. Here are the best options for 2026, with honest notes on what's included and who each property suits best.
Aruba Weather in January: Temperatures, Crowds, and Tips
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
January is one of the best months to visit Aruba, with warm sunny days around 85F, very little rain, and perfect water temperatures for swimming and snorkeling. It is also peak season, so book early and expect higher prices.
Best Aruba Excursions: Top Tours Worth Booking
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba excursions run the full range from rugged off-road UTV adventures through Arikok National Park to lazy sunset sails with open bars. Here are the tours actually worth booking.
Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Aruba
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
True adults-only all-inclusive resorts in Aruba are rare, but the island has excellent options for couples who want a peaceful, grown-up vibe. Here's exactly what's available and how to find the right fit.
Aruba Weather in December: What to Expect
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
December in Aruba brings sunny, dry weather with highs around 84-88F and the start of the busy holiday high season. Here is exactly what to expect.
How to Find the Best Aruba Vacation Packages
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba vacation packages can save you real money, but only if you know what type to look for and where to book. Here is how to compare your options and find the right package for your trip.
Is Aruba Safe? What Travelers Need to Know
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Aruba consistently ranks among the safest islands in the Caribbean, with low violent crime and a stable, tourism-focused economy. Here is what every traveler should know before visiting in 2026.
Aruba Airport Guide: Arrivals, Departures, and Getting to Your Hotel
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) is a smooth, well-organized gateway into Aruba. Here is what to expect on arrival, how much a taxi to your hotel costs, and what US-bound travelers need to know about preclearance before they fly home.
Aruba ED Card: What It Is and How to Fill It Out
By The Aruba Guide · Jun 28, 2026
The Aruba ED Card is a required online entry form every visitor must complete before arriving on the island. Here is exactly what it is, how to fill it out, and what to watch out for.
Aruba Currency, Language and Tipping: A Quick Primer
By The Aruba Guide · May 26, 2026
Aruba is one of the most traveler-friendly islands in the Caribbean. Here is the practical primer on money, language, and tipping that most guidebooks gloss over.
Aruba Food Guide: Local Dishes and Where to Try Them
By The Aruba Guide · May 26, 2026
Aruban cuisine blends Dutch, Caribbean, South American, and African influences into one of the most underrated food scenes in the Caribbean. Here is what to eat and where.
Aruba Honeymoon Guide: Romantic Resorts and Activities
By The Aruba Guide · May 26, 2026
Aruba is one of the Caribbean's most underrated honeymoon destinations. Here is how to plan a trip that delivers on every romantic cliche, beautifully.
Aruba vs Curacao vs Bonaire: Choosing the Right ABC Island
By The Aruba Guide · May 26, 2026
The ABC islands look similar on a map but feel completely different in person. Here is the honest comparison of Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire, with a clear answer for each type of traveler.
Aruba With Kids: The Family Vacation Guide
By The Aruba Guide · May 26, 2026
Aruba is one of the easiest Caribbean islands for a family trip: calm water, short flights, and no hurricane worry. Here is how to plan a vacation that actually works for kids.
Eagle Beach vs Palm Beach: Where to Stay in Aruba
By The Aruba Guide · May 26, 2026
Eagle Beach or Palm Beach? It is the most common Aruba question, and it has a clear answer once you know what kind of trip you want. Here is the comparison.
Getting Around Aruba: Car Rentals, Buses and Taxis
By The Aruba Guide · May 26, 2026
Aruba is small, but getting around still requires a plan. Here is how to decide between renting a car, taking buses, or relying on taxis for your trip.
Flamingo Beach Aruba: How to Visit Renaissance Island
By The Aruba Guide · May 26, 2026
Flamingo Beach, on Aruba's private Renaissance Island, is the only place in the Caribbean where flamingos share the sand with you. Here is exactly how to plan the visit, day pass and all.
Snorkeling in Aruba: Best Spots and What to Expect
By The Aruba Guide · May 26, 2026
Calm, clear water and a string of shallow reefs make Aruba one of the easiest places in the Caribbean to snorkel. Here is where to go, what you will see, and how to plan it.
What to Pack for Aruba: The Complete Checklist
By The Aruba Guide · May 26, 2026
Aruba is hot, sunny, and breezy almost every day of the year. Here is exactly what to pack so you spend your trip on the beach, not in a gift shop replacing sunscreen.
Best Time to Visit Aruba
By The Aruba Guide Editorial Team · Feb 1, 2026
Aruba sits outside the Caribbean hurricane belt and enjoys sunshine almost year-round, so the question of timing is more about crowds and prices than weather. Here is how every month breaks down.
3 Days in Aruba: The Perfect Itinerary
By The Aruba Guide Editorial Team · Jan 15, 2026
Three days is enough to see the best of Aruba — the beaches, the food, the sunsets, and a taste of the island's wild eastern side. Here is how to spend every hour.