Aruba is a constituent country of the Netherlands, located in the mid-south of the Caribbean. It’s a dream destination for many and Aruba travel is becoming increasingly popular for plenty of reasons, read on to find out all about this amazing destination!

Aruba travel- tourism overview

Aruba travel has become very popular as the years have progressed. Mainly, tourism is the main income source in Aruba, in fact, three-quarters of Aruban gross national product is earned through tourism! The majority of tourists that visit Aruba are from North America, where in 2018, there were more than 500,000 who visited! In 2018, there were also 80,000 visitors from Europe and 40,231 visitors were from the Netherlands. Aruba is one of the best Caribbean islands for families.

Aruba is best known for its golden beaches and clear blue sea and has many luxury hotels along the coastline. Many of the hotels are targeted at American tourists and are often found along the Palm Beach area, where lots of the hotels are in high rise buildings and are also resorts. Eagle Beach is more secluded and has fewer hotels, but the ones that are located here are on a more smaller scale.

The major port in Aruba is called Oranjestad and most cruise ships will dock here. The cruise industry is a major type of tourism in Aruba as there were in 2018, 334 cruise ships docked here and 815,161 tourists were from cruise ships in total, so as you can see Aruba travel by cruise is very popular!

Aruba travel is also very popular by air. The main airport in Aruba is called Reina Beatrix International Airport, and it receives around 150 flights per week. Most of these flights depart from the USA and South America, however, there are also flight routes from the Netherlands too!

Where is Aruba on the map?

Where is Aruba on the map? Great question! Aruba is one of the Lesser Antilles islands, which is in the Southern Caribbean Sea. The Virgin Islands, Saint Martin, Guadeloupe, Grenada, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as others, are also a part of these islands so it’s very popular for tourists to island-hop between them. Aruba is located a few miles from the Venezuelan coast, and it’s even possible to see each country on clear days if you are in the right location for it!

Aruba is near the bottom of the hurricane belt, which is an area in the Atlantic that is prone to hurricanes. The climate of Aruba is mostly very warm and dry, with an average temperature of 27°C all year round.

Aruba travel requirements

What are the Aruba travel requirements? Aruba travel requirements are relatively quite simple and easy for most travellers. People that hold a British passport can stay in Aruba visa-free for up to 3 months. However, almost everyone must be approved to travel to Aruba beforehand, by filling out an embarkation/ disembarkation card online. All travellers must take out travel insurance and have proof of this. The Government of Aruba website has the most up to date information for Aruba travel requirements.

It is an Aruba travel requirement for all transiting passengers in Aruba to also fill in an embarkation/ disembarkation card beforehand.

It is important for your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay in Aruba, otherwise, you will be denied entry.

Nationals from the following countries do not need a visa to visit Aruba:

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana (visa required for St Maarten), Honduras, Hong Kong – holders of British National Overseas passport, Hong Kong – holders of Special Administrative Region passport, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica (Curaçao only – visa required for Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten), Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao – holders of Special Administrative Region passport, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan – holders of a passport bearing their identity card number, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine – holders of a biometric passport, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay and Vatican City.

Aruba time zone

What is the time zone in Aruba? The time zone Aruba observes is the Atlantic Standard Time. There are no Daylight Saving Time clock changes, so it’s the same time all year round. The time zone abbreviation is -4 UCT. Due to the time zone, you might be a bit jet-lagged, so don’t

The best all-inclusive resorts in Aruba

Aruba travel is perfect for you if you love staying in all-inclusive resorts, here are some of the best:

• Holiday Inn Resort Aruba – This luxurious resort is just a short walk from the relaxing main beach of Aruba. The resort features 3 swimming pools, 4 restaurants, a big casino and entertainment every night. There are free coffee machines in every room, as well as beautiful views from all the private balconies and patios. If this hasn’t tempted you yet, there are is also a 24/7 gym to exercise in, and fitness classes during the day. There are also over 3 amazing dining options to choose from, such as the Sea Breeze Restaurant & Bar, Corals Restaurant and Oceanside Bar & Grill, but if you prefer to eat in your accommodation, then there is also a wide range of room service.

• Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort – Only 6 minutes away from the beach, this resort is amazing if you’re after a beachfront location. The resort has its own golf course, plenty of dining options to choose from and a spa to unwind and be pampered in. The activities to do at Divi Village Gold and Beach resort are endless as there are also an on-site tennis court, outdoor swimming pools, and a beachfront rock climbing wall to challenge yourself on. It’s the perfect place to stay in for Aruba travel!

• Eagle Aruba Resort & Casino – Located right next to Eagle Beach, you will find everything you’ve been wanting and more at this resort. There is a flashy casino, gym, serene spa, 16 tennis courts on the beach, and 3 outdoor swimming pools to soak in. Each suite has a comfortable seating area, two HD flat-screen TVs, a kitchen and a balcony to relax on in the sun. The onsite restaurant provides well-prepared dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so your tastebuds will be satisfied all throughout the day. In the bar, there is live music three times a week and daily happy hours, so you will have a great time at this resort no matter what you choose to do. 

• Courtyard by Marriott – Set next to Aruba’s famous Palm Beach, this resort is family-friendly and has free WiFi, free parking and tennis courts for all guests to use as wished. Complimentary lemon and orange infused water are on offer all day to guests, to help you feel as refreshed as possible. Furthermore, there are daily activities on offer for everyone to participate in, such as dancing lessons, volleyball games and karaoke. If that’s not enough, there’s also a gift shop to shop in and you can also enjoy a delicious meal at the full-service restaurant. If you’re arriving at the airport, you can take advantage of the free shuttle service. What’s more is that the resort staff are more than happy to help you arrange any tours or excursions for you, at no extra cost.

• Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort – This perfect waterfront resort, is located only a 2 minutes walk from the sandy beach. This adult-only resort has its own private island, making it stand out from the rest and helping ensure you have the holiday of a lifetime. There is a serene spa, fine dining and also a casino for you to take advantage of. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, a flatscreen HD TV and the en-suites come with plush robes and slippers for you to feel pampered in. There is also a 24/7 gym to let off steam in, and jogging trails for you to explore. Guests can also participate in scuba diving and kayaking with experts at the resort, making your Aruba travel one to be remembered.

• Riu Palace Antillas – This fabulous resort includes a restaurant with a huge varied menu, a bar, a shared lounge and a garden filled with beautiful tropical plants and flowers. It is a 5-star resort, and rightly so as it offers a private beach area, large outdoor swimming pool, gym, and live entertainment. At the resort, each room includes a flat-screen TV, an en-suite bathroom with free amenities, sea views from certain rooms and a large balcony to enjoy the views from.

What are the Aruba people like?

Aruba travel isn’t complete without the local people! The people of Aruba are well known for their hospitality and friendly smiles. In fact, the earliest inhabitants of the island, known as the Arawak Indians, were a peace-loving tribe who mainly farmed and fished. The population of Aruba is over 110,000 inhabitants and many people migrate to Aruba because of its wonderful open culture. The majority of the migrant population is from South America, such as Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru, other Caribbean islands like Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Curacao and Europe, where the majority is from the Netherlands. It is also a popular destination for migrants from China, Thailand, and various African countries.

Aruba’s people are well-educated and very kind natured. They generally have mixed ancestries, such as Caquetio Indian, African, and European roots – with Dutch being the largest nationality from Europe in Aruba. The high standard of living, great weather, and high level of safety continue to attract people to Aruba, whether it be to live peacefully or just take a holiday there.

Is Aruba good for a honeymoon?

Is Aruba good for a honeymoon? Yes! If enjoying your honeymoon with sunshine, ivory sand and turquoise water sounds like a dream to you, then Aruba is a dream honeymoon destination.

Every year, many honeymooners choose Aruba as their honeymoon destination because of the luxury resorts, variety of activities, golden sands, tropical weather and the fact that it isn’t overcrowded. In fact, The Aruba Tourism Authority has partnered with many top resorts, hotels and restaurants all over the island to offer special deals for honeymooners, such as exclusive room upgrades, massages, dinners, and so much more. There are plenty of honeymoon packages to choose from to suit every couple.

Is Aruba expensive?

Is Aruba expensive? Aruba travel is generally quite expensive, depending on your type of tourism. As many of the hotels are resorts, they are quite expensive to stay in, so it’s definitely a holiday that you should splash out on. The currency of Aruba is called the Aruban Florin, however, US Dollars are also widely accepted in Aruba too.

When comparing Aruba’s cost of living to the UK, they are both similar to each other. Generally, produce is slightly more expensive as almost all food needs to be imported due to Aruba’s climate. Although, eating out is cheaper than in the UK and unlike in the USA, tipping is not mandatory in Aruba.

The best things to do in Aruba

Aruba travel is a fantastic idea if you’re looking for once in a lifetime activities and things to do, here are some of the best:

• Aruba Champagne Breakfast and Lunch Cruise with Snorkeling – Sip on sparkling Champagne and savour the tasty flavours of breakfast and lunch whilst sailing across the blissful sea surrounding Aruba. This once in a lifetime cruise takes you to three major snorkelling spots for you to see the best marine life and appreciate the crystal clear waters. Whilst soaring through the waters, you’ll be able to lounge to tasteful Caribbean music and socialise with others.

• Aruba UTV Tour: Ride to Animal Sanctuary and Natural Cave Pool – Zoom through Aruba’s rugged desert and vast coastline, as the waves crash beside you. This is an adventure of a lifetime as you’ll also stop at Aruba’s major landmarks such as the Alto Vista Chapel and Bushiribana Ruins.

• Catamaran Dolphin Snorkelling Cruise: Open bar and Light Lunch – Spend a relaxing time enjoying Aruba’s spectacular marine life with this multi-activity catamaran cruise. Search for the marvellous dolphins who often swim alongside the boat, then dive on into the clear sea and explore the bustling reef and the shipwreck “Antilla”s. Your guide will inform you about all the history of the island as well as having the chance to enjoy a light lunch at sea, it’s the perfect Aruba travel activity.

• De Palm Island with Bus Transportation – Maximise your trip to Aruba with the ultimate private island adventure to De Palm Island. Snorkle with the tropical fish and discover the magnificent, lively coral reef, then lounge on sandy shores as you soak in the sea to cool off. Afterwards, enjoy local delicacies whilst you kick back in the hammocks and let the sunshine on you.

• Nightlife Tour with DJ and Dancing on Party Bus in Aruba – Party all night long whilst you tour Aruba’s lively nightlife scene, stopping at some of the island’s hottest pubs and clubs. The bus even has its own live DJ to play all the best tunes, whilst you enjoy cocktails on board.

Aruba travel packing list

When in Aruba, it’s easy to forget some things to pack when you get overwhelmed with planning all the thrilling things to do there. Luckily I’ve made you an Aruba travel packing list, so you don’t forget anything vital:

• SUNGAIT Sunglasses – These super high-quality retro sunglasses block UVA/UVB and UVC harmful lights, cut glare and reduce eye strain whilst looking stylish, so it’s perfect for those sunny Aruba days!
• Aruba: The Official Travel Guide – If you want to get to know Aruba inside-out, and get knowledge on all the little known insider tips, then you will find all this and much much more on the pages of this one of its kind travel guide to help you make the most of time the beautiful island.
• Dokoto Women’s Cover Up – This coverup is perfect for lounging on the beach or by the pools. It can also be used daily as a kimono outfit, or with jeans, making it versatile and great for your holiday here!
• Dock & Bay Beach Towel –  A must-have for Aruba! This is the ultimate beach companion, great for drying off after a soak in the sea or simply lounging on. The high-quality material is also sand proof, meaning all you need to do is give it a shake and all sand will fall off. 
• KUAK Extra Large Waterproof Beach Bag – This large waterproof beach bag is ideal for fitting everything you need to take with you when in Aruba. It’s even waterproof so you don’t need to worry about any splashes from the stunning sea. It’s great for all types of Aruba travel.

Aruba travel – conclusion

After reading this post, I hope you’ve learnt something useful about Aruba travel. If you’ve already been to Aruba, what was your favourite thing to do there? Do you have any Aruba travel tips? If you enjoyed these essential Aruba travel tips post, then for further reading, I’d recommend:

The 6 best beaches in Cancun worth exploring

Goa beaches | The best beaches in Goa