Are you thinking of booking a holiday to the One Happy Island? Then you’re in the right place! Aruba is a fantastic destination for those lusting for sand, sea, and sun, but you might be surprised to find out how different this Dutch-owned island is from the rest of the Caribbean islands. From local tips and tricks to basic knowledge about island life and Aruba’s natural landscape; you’ll find it all here in our guide of things to know before visiting Aruba. This way, you can plan the ultimate itinerary to the island without any surprises when you arrive!
The Emergency Number is 911
If you find yourself in need of emergency services such as fire rescue, ambulance, or police, the emergency phone number is the same as in North America, 911. However, if your situation isn’t urgent, you can contact Aruba’s police on their general line at +297-527-2900. This number can also be used to contact the Aruba Police Force’s Tourist Support Unit, which specializes in assisting foreigners with help, general information, or guidance on the island.
North of Eagle Beach Has a Stench (Sometimes)
If you’re heading out for a beach day on Aruba, it might be nice to know that the area north of Eagle Beach can have a bit of a sewer smell to it. While the smell isn’t always there, it usually depends on the direction of the wind. According to Aruba’s locals, the cause of this unpleasant stench is due to a poorly managed sewage system in Bubali which is currently taking on more than double its daily capacity of waste. This has specifically impacted hotels in the area, like the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, along with beach-goers who are surprised by the smell. It all depends on the wind’s direction and strength to whether visitors will experience this nasty smell.
You Can Drink the Tap Water
Are you worried about whether you can brush your teeth or sip on tap water while in Aruba? Well, don’t fret! Tap water is 100% safe to drink in Aruba, so there is no need to keep cases of drinking water in your hotel room. However, if you and your group are ordering water in a restaurant or bar, you will want to specify that you want tap water, not bottled water, otherwise, they will charge you extra and bring over a bottle of water instead of the free tap water.
It’s a Windy Island
It might come as a surprise to find that Aruba is actually quite a windy island. While some might love this for sport (here’s looking at all you kite surfers), others might be annoyed with their towel flying away. In short, Aruba is windy all year round with peak high winds between May and June and the lowest winds in January. Aruba is so windy because it’s located in the “Trade Wind Belt,” meaning the winds are more consistent in the areas to the north and south of the equator due to the changing temperatures. While the wind can be annoying for some activities it does offer a nice breeze when laying out in the sun by the pool!
Aruba is a Dutch Territory
It might come as a surprise to learn Aruba is actually a Dutch territory and has been so (with one brief break in the early 1800s) since 1636. Aruba played a critical role for the Dutch during the Eighty Years’ War with Spain as it allowed the Dutch to have a naval base in the Caribbean that aided in protecting their salt supply coming from the mainland in South America. In 1986, Aruba became an independent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and officially became known as the Country of Aruba.
Flamingos Aren’t Native to Aruba
So, you’re scrolling on social media checking out other travelers’ holiday photos from Aruba, when you notice quite a few people are sharing photos with flamingos. While there are flamingos in Aruba, they are actually not native to the island and you won’t find wild flamingos roaming about on the beaches and mainland. The flamingo photos you are seeing are those of one of two private resort islands in Aruba which allow the birds to live freely on their beaches. They brought these birds to the island most likely from neighboring islands or Brazil.
The two places you can see Aruba’s flamingos are Renaissance Island and De Palm Island. Renaissance Island is home to the famous Flamingo Beach, boasting bright pink flamingos roaming freely for visitors to enjoy. This is the most popular place to see flamingos but also the hardest due to its popularity and resort restrictions. Renaissance Island is privately owned by Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort which gives priority access to the island to their guests. This means if the resort is at full capacity, they won’t release day tickets to visit the island for tourists. To see the flamingos of Flamingo Bay there are three options. The first is to book a stay at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, which will guarantee you and your group access to the island. The second way is to book the Spa Cove Treatment directly through the resort’s spa, Island Spa Cove. It has to be the Spa Cove Treatment to include access to the island and must be booked through Island Spa Cove’s official website for this route to work. These treatments are booked up months in advance, so it’s best to book your spot as early as possible. Lastly, you can take your chances on purchasing a Renaissance Aruba Day Pass which includes a day pass for the island, roundtrip transportation, a towel, and a food and drink credit. However, as previously mentioned, if the resort is booked up then these passes won’t be offered. Day passes can only be booked a week in advance and are released every Saturday at/or just before 9 a.m. (Atlantic Standard Time) for the upcoming week’s visits (starting Monday). These sell out fast so it’s best to get on the website just before the passes are released!
The flamingos at De Palm Island are less pink than those of Renaissance Island but are easier to visit. De Palm Island is home to an all-inclusive resort with a small beach and waterpark. Day passes are available to purchase which include unlimited food and drink and unlimited access to snorkel trips, banana boat tours, the pool, the waterpark, and the beach. To see the resort’s flamingos, simply upgrade your package to include the experience!
Legal Drinking & Gambling Age is 18
Did you know Aruba is sometimes referred to as the Las Vegas of the Caribbean? Yep, this small island with a population of roughly 100,000 residents is home to 12 casinos and many many bars. Those hoping to try their luck at the roulette table or enjoy an ice-cold beer on the beach will have to be at least 18 years old! The casinos are known for checking ID at the door, so it’s best to bring your passport along with you just in case, especially if you’re older but have what one might consider a ‘baby face’.
There Are No Shortages of Beaches
There are tons of beaches in Aruba for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to snorkel in a calm cove, sunbathe on a shady white-sand beach, or enjoy water sport activities like parasailing and jet skiing, you’ll find a beach for it on Aruba. There are roughly 40 beaches on the island in total with the most popular being Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, and Baby Beach. Baby Beach is known for its calm waters making it excellent for snorkelers while Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are known for their expansive sands, resorts, and plethora of watersport activities. Eagle Beach is also quite well-known for its iconic twisting canopy trees known as the Fofoti/Divi Tree. Some other great beaches to check out include Boca Catalina Beach and Tres Trapi, which offer calm waters for snorkelers, Boca Grandi Beach, which is perfect for those looking to try windsurfing/kitesurfing, and Mangel Halto, a mangrove beach ideal for young children but not as great for those looking for a nice sandy area to set up for the day.
English is Widely Spoken
Like its neighbor Curacao, Aruba is a Dutch territory with the official local languages being Dutch and Papiamento. However, while it might be nice to learn a few Dutch or Papiamento phrases, most Arubans can also speak English and Spanish very well, especially in tourist areas on the island. For those who want to try and speak the local language of Papiamento, you can say Bon dia (morning), Bon tardi (afternoon), and Bon nochi (evening) as a greeting, and Ayo as a goodbye.
USD Dollars Are Widely Accepted
Are you panicking at the last minute because you forgot to convert your US dollars to Aruban florin? Well, don’t worry too much as your USD will get you through your holiday with minimal hassle. US Dollars are widely accepted across the island with a consistent exchange rate of what you’ll find on Google. Generally speaking, $1 USD is equivalent to ƒ1.80 Aruban florin.
Early Arrival at the Airport is a Must, Especially for Americans
If you are an American heading home after a holiday in Aruba or a traveler with their next destination in America, then you’re going to want to get to the airport as early as possible. This is because US Immigration and Customs is done at the airport in Aruba before heading to America, meaning travelers not only have to line up for check-in and security but also for passport control and customs. Much like Toronto Pearson International Airport, on-site US customs are often understaffed and you never know when long queues lay ahead. To avoid missing your flight, Aruba International Airport recommends arriving at the airport at least three hours in advance!
Best Time to Visit Aruba
As previously mentioned, Aruba is a windy island with its peak wind season between May and June. While Aruba boasts a tropical sunny climate with little change in temperature, it does have a wet and dry season which can make a difference in rainfall and winds. In general, the best time to visit Aruba is during their dry season from December to April.
Wearing Sunscreen is Necessary
You don’t have to be a geography expert to see that Aruba is a hot country close to the equator. However, it does seem to slip some people’s minds, especially when it comes to applying sunscreen! We cannot stress enough how important it is to protect yourself from the sun, especially in a country where the strength of the sun is far more powerful than the sun in North America and Europe. The simple math behind this sound advice is that the closer to the equator you are, the faster you will burn. Unless your goal is to transform into a painful red ball resembling that of a lobster, remember to pack sunscreen, a beach hat, and sunglasses when heading out of your hotel.
Arubans Are Very Friendly
With an affectionate nickname like One Happy Island, it should come as no surprise that the people of Aruba are happy and friendly to tourists! Arubans have grown up in a popular tourist destination and are used to chatting and hanging around with tourists. This is also why many can speak four languages (Dutch, Papiamento, English, and Spanish). The friendly, stress-free vibe of Aruba is part of what makes this beautiful island such a popular destination!
Aruba is One of the Safest Islands in the Caribbean
Not only is Aruba one of the friendliest Caribbean countries, but it’s also one of the safest! That’s right, solo travelers, families, and couples can relax and travel the island freely without worry (there’s the stress-free vibe again). Small petty thefts and crimes can still occur, but the crime rate in Aruba is much lower compared to other countries, so tourists can exercise a normal level of caution while visiting Aruba.
Aruba is a Small Island
As the smallest of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao), Aruba is easy to get around and it doesn’t take long to venture out to attractions. The island measures roughly 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, meaning travelers can drive from one end to the other in about 45 minutes. This is especially convenient for those arriving by cruise ship as little time will be wasted traveling to and from attractions.
You Don’t Need an All Terrain Vehicle
Contrary to what many believe, you don’t need a 4×4 vehicle or Jeep to explore the island. Many of the top tourist attractions are accessible by a regular car, this includes Arikok National Park and the Natural Pool. However, we won’t stop you if you want to rent that cool Jeep Wrangler and enjoy the top down on a sunny Aruban day!
There Are No Traffic Lights
Tourists driving around Aruba might notice there is one thing missing, traffic lights! There are actually no traffic lights in Aruba, but that doesn’t mean everyone is driving around willy-nilly without stopping. Instead, roundabouts have been implemented around the island and are a much better way of directing traffic. If you’ve never encountered a roundabout before, just be aware you will need to yield to pedestrians and cyclists crossing the intersection, along with cars already inside the roundabout.
Aruba is Expensive, But You Can Get By on a Budget
While Aruba isn’t in the top 10 for most expensive Caribbean islands to visit, it is more expensive than some of its neighbors like Curacao and Bonaire. However, you can get by on a budget. Aruba offers more low-cost carriers and more direct flights than the other ABC islands. You can easily find a good local meal for around $10-$15 USD per person, but the average cost of a meal out is between $20 and $50 per person. Of course, you can avoid paying for meals and drinks altogether by staying at one of the all-inclusive resorts or by cooking your own meals at your Airbnb or hotel. Most attractions in Aruba are also free to visit like the Casibari Rock Formations, Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, and Natural Bridge. However, famous attractions like the California Lighthouse, Arikok National Park, and the two private islands with flamingos do cost money to see.
Electrical Outlets Are the Same as in North America
If you’re coming from North America, there is absolutely no need to run out and buy an adapter for your trip to Aruba. Aruba has kept it sweet and simple for North American travelers by adopting the same electrical outlets with the same voltage of 120V. This way, American and Canadian travelers can bring their hairdryers and straighteners/curlers from home as well as their charging cords for their cellphones, laptops, and tablets.
Now that you’re well-versed in all the important things to know before traveling to Aruba, you can move on and start planning your trip. If you’re looking for ideas of places to visit and things to do on the island, then check out our guide to the best things to do in Aruba!
