Aruba Travel Guide: Where to Go and When

Aruba is a small island in the southern Caribbean Sea. The official tourism site puts it at 19.6 miles long and six miles across, about 15 miles north of Venezuela.

This guide covers the capital Oranjestad, the main beaches, the snorkeling spots on the south and west coasts, and Arikok National Park.

Places to visit in Aruba

Oranjestad

Oranjestad is the capital. The official site calls it a blend of old and new. It lists Fort Zoutman, Aruba's oldest building, dating back to 1798, and the neighbouring Willem III Tower, built in 1868 as a lighthouse and public clock tower. The Archaeological Museum is in the former Ecury family home downtown.

Eagle Beach and Palm Beach

The official site describes Eagle Beach as a long stretch of soft white sand with fofoti trees. It calls Palm Beach the island's resort hub, with restaurants, bars and water sports nearby. Every beach and cove in Aruba is public, the site says.

Snorkeling beaches

The tourism site says Boca Catalina, Arashi Beach and Mangel Halto all have reefs close to the beach. Arashi is near the California Lighthouse. Mangel Halto is surrounded by mangroves. Baby Beach is a shallow, lagoon-style bay on the southeast tip.

Arikok National Park

Nearly 20% of Aruba is a designated national park, covering 7,907 acres, according to the official site. It mentions caves in the park, and says most park tours are guided by park rangers.

Getting to Aruba

Flights arrive at Queen Beatrix International Airport. The official site says there are frequent nonstop and single-connection flights, and numerous direct flights to and from major cities.

Visitors also arrive through the cruise port. The tram connects the cruise ship terminal with the centre of Oranjestad along Main Street.

Getting around

The national bus company Arubus says its buses depart from main stations in Oranjestad and San Nicolas, and its routes include Baby Beach. Check the routes and schedules page on its website before you plan a day around the bus.

In Oranjestad, the tram links the cruise terminal with the town centre.

When to go to Aruba

Dry season (January to April)

The official site lists a dry season from January to April. It describes temperatures averaging between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

Windy season (May to October)

The official site lists a windy season from May to October and says Aruba enjoys constant, refreshing trade winds.

Rainy season (October to December)

The site says the rainy season runs from October to December, and gives an average annual rainfall of just 18 inches.

Hurricane belt

The site says Aruba's southern Caribbean location keeps it well south of the main Atlantic hurricane belt.

What to book ahead

• Most Arikok National Park tours are guided by park rangers, so check guided tour dates before you plan a day there.
• Boat and snorkeling excursions usually have set departure times. Check departure times and pick-up points before you fix your route.
• If you arrive by cruise, check the tram and port details for your day on the official site.
• Check the bus routes and schedules on the Arubus website if you plan to travel by bus.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the official Aruba travel requirements page, which describes the ED Card as Aruba's official online entry form, before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Aruba Tourism Authority: travel requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Which airport do I fly into for Aruba?

Queen Beatrix International Airport. The official site says it has frequent nonstop and single-connection flights, and numerous direct flights to and from major cities.

When is the dry season in Aruba?

The official site lists the dry season as January to April. It also lists a windy season from May to October and a rainy season from October to December.

Are the beaches in Aruba public?

Yes. The official site says every beach and cove in Aruba is public.

Is Aruba in the hurricane belt?

The official site says its southern Caribbean location keeps Aruba well south of the main Atlantic hurricane belt.

What do I need to enter Aruba?

It depends on your nationality and the rules change. Check the official Aruba travel requirements and the Aruba Online ED Card site before you book.