This island in the Dutch Caribbean is a charming mix of contrasts: casinos alongside windswept wild lands, cacti with surf, and Dutch culture talked about in papiamento, the island language that is a blend of Portuguese, Dutch, Spanish and West African. Indeed, plenty of people visit Aruba to enjoy its pristine, mesmerizing beaches and its luxurious resorts, but this Dutch Caribbean island also has a wild side, in the natural sense: The Arikok National Park, for instance, is an unusual landscape of cacti, twisted divi-divi trees and abandoned gold mines. But the island—and expecially its capital city of Oranjestad—offers the chance to gamble, eat excellent Continental and local cuisine, and shop for anythingfrom local crafts to Delft pottery. Explore this Aruba travel guide to start your own course to this unique island.
Things Not to Miss in Aruba
• Go hiking, off-roading or cave exploring in Arikok National Park
• Wander the colorful shops and bars in Oranjestad
• Enjoy the white sands of Eagle Beach
• Snorkeling or day cruising along the blue waters
• Look into the island’s past at Fort Zoutman and the Aruba Historical Museum
When to Go to Aruba
The Aruba travel season lasts all year, since the weather stays consistently warm with a fairly constant, average temperature. The island gets the most crowded during the early months of the year, when Americans and Europeans travel to Aruba to escape winter. (And South Americans come during their winter, in July and August.) Aruba has one distinct weather advantage over some of its Caribbean neighbors: it lies nicely outside the hurricane belt, so the threat of storms is lower during the summer and fall months.
-
The World’s Shortest International Flight Lasts Only 8 Minutes
You can travel between countries in eight minutes on what could be the world’s shortest international flight.In partnership with Venezuela, Aruba... Read More
-
This Hidden Resort in Aruba Has the Island's Only Overwater Villas
On Aruba's serene southeastern coast, about nine miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Oranjestad and six miles from Queen Beatrix International... Read More
-
SI Swimsuit Model Alexis Ren Explores All the Amazing Things to Do in Aruba (Video)
Get a tour of Aruba with Sports Illustrated’s Rookie of the Year.Alexis Ren, a 21-year-old model from California who has been named the magazine’s... Read More
-
The One Thing a Pro Golfer and SI Swimsuit Model Packs for Every Trip She Takes (Video)
At 24 years old, Paige Spiranac is a professional golfer, an outspoken anti-bullying advocate, a social media star, and now, a Sports Illustrated... Read More
-
The Strangest, Wildest, and Most Luxurious Valentine’s Day Hotel Packages
This time of year, hotels around the world get serious about going above and beyond for Valentine's Day, crafting spectacular (or... Read More
-
The 15 Best Beach Destinations to Visit in January
After the holiday high subsides, January comes along and hits us with a serious reality check — all that merrymaking has come to an abrupt end. And with... Read More
-
Why Aruba Is the Caribbean Island You Have to Visit in 2018
The thought of Aruba conjures up images of fofoti trees leaning lazily over white sand beaches; of tangled mangroves shading still, turquoise waters.... Read More
-
VIDEO: Five Things to Do in Palm Beach
Known for its upscale boutiques and irresistible beaches, Palm Beach has long been a favorite Florida getaway for vacationers from all over the world.... Read More
-
Where to Find Aruba's Most Beautiful, Peaceful, and Hidden Beaches
With the most sunny days of any Caribbean island, an ever-present breeze to balance out the consistently 81-degree heat, and a fortunate location... Read More
-
Southwest Is Having a Flash Sale With Deals Starting at $42 One-way
Southwest Airlines currently has a getaway sale that will let you book flights for as little as $42 one-way. The sale applies to travel to and from... Read More
-
This Chef Is Bringing Together Peruvian and Italian Cuisine on a Caribbean Island
Growing up in Lima, Peru, chef Rafael Lopez-Aliaga long drew inspiration for his dishes from the ocean, innovating new takes on sushi and ceviche based... Read More
-
What It's Like to Swim With Flamingos in Aruba
I would not describe myself as a "bird person." Blame it on an early viewing of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" or the gaggle of seagulls in my hometown... Read More
-
5 Reasons Your Next Girls' Getaway Should Be in Aruba
While the Caribbean island of Aruba might not be as well known as Las Vegas or Miami when it comes to a destination for a bachelorette party or... Read More
-
There’s a Secret Volcanic Rock Pool Hiding in Aruba
Accessible only by all-terrain vehicle, horseback, or on foot, the Conchi natural pool in Aruba offers visitors a new side of the Caribbean island known... Read More
-
This Island in the Caribbean Lets You Swim With Flamingos
Swimming with dolphins seems so last year.About 10 minutes by boat from the island of Aruba, there is an island owned by the luxury Renaissance hotel... Read More
