Aruba #6 in Best Places to Visit in October 2023

Why Go To Aruba

Believe it or not, the Spanish colonists who settled in Aruba and her sister islands of Bonaire and Curaçao in 1513 nicknamed them the “Islas Inútiles” or Useless Islands. They couldn’t have been more wrong. Centuries later, this southern Caribbean cluster is using an arid climate and minimal rainfall in their favor. Aruba in particular lures tourists with its blindingly white beaches, modern infrastructure and welcoming, multilingual locals. With its extensive underwater visibility, this island is a preferred getaway for divers looking to explore shipwrecks, too. In fact, the S.S. Antilla is the largest wreck in the Caribbean. And better yet, it sits in very shallow waters so snorkelers can also view the surreal underwater scene. Year-round tropical weather is also a draw, and the food, arts and culture scene has evolved to meet the 21st century in a forward-thinking and cosmopolitan style.

Aruba’s accommodation choices have also grown to meet today’s discerning traveler’s needs. On offer is an eclectic array of modern hotels and resorts, boutique getaways and all-inclusives to suit every style and budget. There’s even new off-radar stays like overwater bungalows and desert glamping in an Airstream. And though Aruba is the smallest of the ABC islands, it has historically been the most visited by North American tourists and has the highest repeat visitor rate in the Caribbean.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Aruba is from April to August – a huge window of time when the island’s high prices take a holiday. However, there’s no bad time to visit Aruba; the temperature remains basically the same – balmy and sunny – year-round, with an average temperature of 82 degrees Farenheit. If you’re looking for a bargain, summer and “shoulder seasons” – late spring and early fall – is when you’ll get the best deals on hotels.

Culture & Customs

Aruba’s motto is “One Happy Island,” and by all accounts, the residents prove this is so. Arubans are unanimously described as friendly and helpful. Dutch and Papiamento (a patois of Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, English, French and African languages) are the official languages, but most everyone also speaks Spanish and English.

Like the residents of other tropical islands, Arubans dress casually around the beach, but they do like to dress up to go out and dress smartly for work as well. It’s considered disrespectful to enter dining establishments in beachwear or shorts, tanks and flip-flops. Dress as you would to go out for dinner at home depending on how casual or upscale the establishment is. Many restaurants include a 10 to 15% charge on the bill that’s distributed among the entire staff. To specifically tip your server for great service, give it to them personally, or leave the money on the table; 15% is considered acceptable

Aruba’s official currency is the Aruban florin (AWG). However, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted and most items and services are priced in both currencies. One U.S. dollar is equal to about 1.80 Aruban florin. Since the exchange rate fluctuates, be sure to check what it is before your trip. Major credit cards are also widely accepted around the tourism areas, though taxis do not take them as yet.

What to Eat

Aruba is renowned for both the quantity and the quality of its restaurants. There are more than 400 dining spots, casual and elegant, spanning every world cuisine you can think of, and a dozen chef’s table experiences, too. What’s more, there are many unique venues. You can dine in the outback, in a lighthouse and in a 200-year-old Dutch windmill, too. Restored colonial heritage buildings are all the rage for new dining spots as well. You’ll find most of those in downtown Oranjestad.

The excellence of Aruba’s restaurants is largely due to competition; restaurant owners are always looking for ways to lure new clientele, whether it’s putting a different spin on a traditional recipe, bringing in live entertainment or pushing the envelope on new foodie fare trends. But, of course, fresh fish and seafood are staples; look on the blackboards for catch-of-the-day specials. And don’t leave the island without sampling some local favorites like keshi yena, a stuffed cheese casserole, and sopis and stobas, or soups and stews. Kesio, a rich caramel custard dessert, or homemade bolos (cakes) are the must-haves for dessert. Look out for local spirits, too. Artisanal rums, gins and wines are on offer, and the local Balashi beer is delicious and made from desalinated seawater!

Safety

Aruba is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, with very little petty or violent crime toward tourists. What’s more, because Aruba lies outside the hurricane belt, you’re less likely to have a natural disaster ruin your trip.

Getting Around Aruba

The best way to get around Aruba is by public transportation. The bus system is an easy way to hop around the main tourism areas of Aruba (Palm Beach, Eagle Beach and downtown Oranjestad), though the routes do not service the airport. Fixed-rate Aruban cabs are another hassle-free way of getting around. They are not metered; they charge by zones and the rates are fixed by the government. Car rental agencies are located across the street from the airport and deliver and pick up at most hotels. If you want to explore the rest of the island off the tourist grid, you’ll need a car. Aruba is also a popular port of call for cruise ships. Ships dock at the Port Authority right downtown in Oranjestad. You’ll find free electric trolleys at the terminal to take you to the heart of downtown.

To get from Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) to your accommodations, it will be easiest to take a taxi. You can also book shared transfers like the De Palm Tours shuttle bus that stops at every major resort. Tickets for the shared bus cost a little more than $20 per person, but it is a return fare – the company does not accept one-way bookings.

Public Transportation
The island’s Arubus system is reliable and affordable, with buses running every 15 minutes from 5:45 a.m. until 6 p.m., and every 40 minutes until 11:30 p.m. The central bus terminal is in downtown Oranjestad, behind the big pink Royal Plaza Mall dome, and walking distance from the cruise terminal. Buses accept U.S. dollars for single fares ($2.60) right on the bus, but you’ll likely get change in local currency. Exact change or small bills are preferred. Retour cards good for two trips cost $5 and day passes, which cover unlimited travel on all the routes, cost $10. (Note: fares are subject to change.) If you’re staying in the downtown area, you can use the free hop-on, hop-off trolley, which passes through Main Street behind the marina. But downtown Oranjestad is an easily walkable grid.

Taxi
You’ll find fixed-rate taxis are a stress-free means of getting to and from most sites around the main tourism regions. You can have your hotel concierge or doorperson flag or call a taxi; and you can grab one easily at the airport. Keep in mind: Rates are slightly higher on Sundays and after 11 p.m. Many Aruba taxis don’t take credit or debit cards, so plan to have cash on hand. Taxis are not metered; rates are determined by destination, not mileage, and set by the Aruba Department of Public Traffic. You can see a fare list on the Visit Aruba site.

Car
A rental car will come in handy if you want to explore the more rural, rugged and off-radar areas of Aruba like the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba and San Nicolas. If you plan on visiting Arikok National Park, a four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicle is a must. You can rent a car near the cruise terminal or the airport, and most companies have delivery and pickup service at the resorts, too. Daily rates can range anywhere from $40 to $100, and there are also scooter and motorcycle rentals available, too. Keep in mind: Speed limits and distances are posted in kilometers, and the numerous roundabouts can take some getting used to. An international driving permit is not needed. GPS works well all around the island. If your car does not have it, you can use your phone for directions to just about anywhere.

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens will need a passport to travel to Aruba. The passport must be valid for the duration of your stay; a tourist visa is not required. You’ll also have to complete an Embarkation-Disembarkation Card. You can fill it out online up to seven days ahead of your arrival. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Start Saving with iTravelDirect’s Exclusive Travel and Lifestyle Benefits Membership

CLICK HERE to Test-Drive our Guaranteed Savings
We offer a 110% Price Guarantee – Find a lower price anywhere online and we will refund you 110% of the difference.
CLICK HERE for a full list of services and Membership Discounts.
When you join iTravelDirect, you’ll have full access to all club benefits.
Your membership gives you the freedom to travel when you want, to where you want.
And you won’t find lower rates anywhere, guaranteed. So, pack your bags and start planning that vacation of a lifetime today!