Aruba: One Happy Island

Jun 26, 2024
9 min read

Updated: Jun 27, 2024

Follow me as I share all my favorite hot spots of this special island.

woman holding a book, next to a coffee mug

Aruba has become one of the most popular places to escape to during the winter season over the last few years.

A short 4 hour flight from the east coast of the United States, this little Island makes my number 1 favorite vacation spot to rejuvenate. I do a bit of traveling through the year and I always love ending the year with a 4 day vacation in Aruba. I have explored the island, adventured off the beating path and now have found my zen routine that I look forward to unwinding with each year. Weather your looking for a girls trip of fun, a honeymoon spot or just a relaxing get away; with my 5 years and counting at this beautiful island keep reading because I've got something for all.

Island Basics

Let's start with some island facts for travel.

Where is Aruba located ?

Aruba is located in the Caribbean and is 18 miles from North Venezuela, on a clear day you can even see it from the tallest mountain on the island, Hooiberg.

How do I get to Aruba ?

Aruba cruises are very popular, they can fit up to 3 ships at the port in Oranjestad. You may also take a 4 hour direct flight from the east coast of the U.S. to Aruba's major and only national airport is Reina Beatrix International Airport (AUA), also located in the capital city of Oranjestad.

Is there a time difference ?

Aruba is in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) time zone. They do not observe Daylight Saving time. Therefore the time stays the same in Aruba all year round, while for someone traveling from New York is can sometimes be 1 hour behind or the same time depending on the the time of year.

What Language do they speak on the Island?

The official languages are Papiamento and Dutch but most people speak Spanish and English as well.

Is Aruba Safe to walk around?

Yes, living up to its moniker as "One Happy Island", year after year it is considered the safest island in the Caribbean because of its low rates in both violent and petty crime. However, you should always practice common travel sense such as leaving your passport in the hotel safe and leaving yourself vulnerable.

Do they take American Money?

Aruba's currency is the Florin, but the US dollar is widely accepted and banks can also exchange Eruos.

Do I need a Visa?

No, but you do need a passport. On arrival you will go through an immigration line and receive a free visa stamp that is valid for 30 days.

Does Aruba get hit by hurricanes?

Generally speaking, No. Aruba is to the south of the Caribbean hurricane zone and once every 100 years considerable damage is experienced by a tropical cyclone passing close to the island.

What is the Drinking/Gambling age?

Anyone who is at least 18 years old or older can get served alcohol or throw down a bet. You may even take your drink with you as you walk the streets or visit the beach, as long as you're not too rowdy.

Can you drink the tap water in Aruba?

Yes, in fact Aruba has some of the cleanest water in the world. The island is a veteran of the desalination process and has been creating excellent drinking water since 1932. So opt for a refillable bottle and fill up at the tap in your room to help keep this island free of single use plastics.

When is the best time to Visit Aruba?

The climate is much milder than your typical humid and steamy tropical island. You could almost head here at any time of year and find nearly perfect weather. January through March are peak season, though you'll pay more for your hotel due to it's popularity. April through September is a great time to visit with far cheaper hotel rates. October through December brings a few stray showers here and there but they don't last long and sometimes are actually refreshing.

Do you need to rent a car?

Aruba is rather a small island, only 19 miles long, but yes you can rent a car. Aruban's drive on the same side of the road as the U.S. so if your looking to explore the island you can absulotly rent a car for the day and in fact can drive the entire island in about an hour. However, you do not need to rent a car in order to get around during your entire stay, while there is no Uber or other ride sharing companies it is fairly easy to flag down a taxi and all taxis are government-regulated.

Where to stay

There are two major parts of Aruba where travelers like to stay and will hear people refer to them as Palm Beach or Flamingo Beach. Each side has its pros and cons, and is a matter of personal choice; and your can't really go wrong with staying at either side. There is also no need to have FOMO if you stay on one side vs the other for both are easily accessible by a short 12 minute drive to get from one beach to the other. Again, it all comes down to what kind of vacation vibe your looking to get out of your trip.

So let's get into what each side has to offer.

Palm Beach

This is a popular beach hangout for tourists and it is concentrated in front of the high-rise resorts. It is a 15 minute drive from the airport and is on the boarder to the windy side of the Island. Because of its tourist popularity, it is an extremely crowded area and therefor you will find all the major resorts along the prime beachfront push chairs and umbrellas closer together. It also happen to be the "party zone" where all the action is in terms of water sports, tourist excursions, fancy restaurants and nightlife.

Although this beautiful white sand beach with it's Aruban turquoise calm waters gives you the island look it still has a very touristy feel. You'll get luxury beach service at each hotel along with lively beach bars you can also walk up-to and order from. However, the beach service does not include free chair's and umbrellas and therefore advise you to get to the beach early and book/purchase your beach chair and umbrella if you want shade, they go quickly and must be purchased for use. Palm Beach is also the more family friendly beach out of the two, due to the fact that everything you need is in one place.

Pro Tips for Palm Beach:

Flying Fishbone Restaurant - reservations required, has kids menu, limited tables with toes in the water/sand for dinning, price is on the higher end, dress code is island beach business casual (ladies: beach dress and sandals or nice top with dress shorts/ men: dress shorts and island button down shirt)
Jolly Pirates - guided pirate ship snorkeling tour for the family, book in advance, 4 hour tour with lunch and drinks included, 3 of the islands best snorkeling spots along with two shallow snorkel bays and a historic shipwreck, fun boat rope swing off a real looking pirate ship.
UTV/ATV Adventure - you drive and follow a guide around the northern coast (very windy), stops along the way for swimming, cliff jumping and walking on volcanic landscapes, designated pick-up/drop off locations, no lunch, water and cookie provided.
Kukoo Kunuku Party Bus - bar crawl meets party bus with a lively Dj and a host/guide onboard, Alcoholic beverages included all night, stops at various bars, pubs and night clubs (places vary depending on the day of the week.

Oranjestad: Marriott's Renaissance Wind Creek "Flamingo Beach"

On this side there are two hotels from Marriott I recommend, the family-oriented Renaissance Ocean Suites or the adult only Renaissance Marina hotel. If your looking for a relaxing getaway or to be treated a little more like royalty you'll get it at both. Now, these two hotels are same and yet they are different so lets go over them before we get to the beach.

Renaissance Ocean Suites: Family-oriented

The rooms in this hotel come with a master bedroom, small kitchenette including a microwave, a pull-out-sofa, living-room and more. This hotel is also located in its own separate hi rise from the adult only hotel and is right next to the ocean giving nothing but ocean as far as I can see. It also has two outdoor pools with a swim-up bar with uninterrupted ocean views and a beautiful saltwater lagoon. Most importantly you still get access to the private beach, privet beach; accessed only by hotel boat where there is family-oriented beach and an adult only beach.

Pro Tips for Renaissance Ocean Suites:

Baby sitting services are available
There are day and evening activities for kids when you sign up for Patamingo Kids Club package
The Marketplace is right outside the front door of the hotel and has access to a Cinema, Bowling, and restaurants.
Access to the private island at the boat dock free as long as your are staying at the hotel.

Renaissance Marina Hotel: Adult only

This hotel offers a more relaxing and spa like atmosphere with a luxurious view of the marina, hence the name. This hotel is across the street from the ocean suite hotel but is not in blocking view from the the hotel's open-air infinity pool. This area makes it easy to never want to leave; sit by pool in comfy pool couches or have a swim and get served pool side with their signature cocktails while enjoying a live DJ or just the amazing sunset views. Let's not forget, this hotel also offers a private hotel boat to the private island; flamingo beach, where you again have an option of adult only or faimly-oriended beach.

*Although this is a adult only hotel, kids are allowed to walk the lobby of this hotel to get to other ammonites offered, but *please be mindful that if you did not pick this option hotel do not let them into the pool area or other restricted areas for security kick you off property.

Pro Tips for Renaissance Wind Creek Resorts:

You can get a massage on Flamingo beach with waves crashing all around or you can enjoy the full service spa from Okeanas Spa at the adult only Marina Hotel. Both are an amazing experience and need to be scheduled in advance. I recommend Francini, the masseuse.
The Marina Hotel sits on top of The Renaissance Mall with 50 luxurious shops, restaurants, and a Casino.

About The Private Islands: Flamingo Beach/ Iguana Beach

You can only get access this beautiful private island where flamingos roam the logons and beaches by two ways; you must be a hotel guest of Marriott Wind Creek Marina/Ocean suite or you will have to pay a guest pass of $125 per person/per day. (check current pricing)

Pro Tip :

First boat leaves the lobby of the Marina hotel at 8am, stopping at the Ocean suite hotel before jetting off to the island.
Boats run back and forth from the hotel to the island every 15 minutes.
The last boat leaving the island is at 6:30pm
You'll find towels, rafts, and snorkel gear at the hut at the dock by the boats.
The Family-oriented beach side is to the left when getting off the boat onto the island, called Iguana Beach
The Adult only side of the beach is to the right and is called Flamingo Beach, it also allows nudity *please be mindful of bring you kids to this side.
Bring quarters with you for the gum ball machine so you can get some flamingo food.
Flamingos walk both beaches and you are allowed to take pictures with them.
Staff will help you at no cost to find and put together seating. They will also help you find a shady area to lay under if requested.
Staff walks up and down both beaches serving lunch, drinks and whatever else you may need.
There is a full service restaurant called Papagayo at Iguana Beach that serves breakfast at 8:30 am, lunch and dinner.
On the flamingo beach side there is a small beach bar called Mangrove Bar & Fish shack you can order drinks and food from as well. (you can also order from the other restaurant on the other side of the island from the servers)
There are 3 different nature walking paths on the island :
- On the adult only side, Flamingo beach; walk to the end of the beach where you get to the entrance of the cabanas and follow the bridge into the trees.
- On the Iguana beach side, walk around the back of Papagayo and around the gym, than follow the path.
- Again on Iguana beach side, walk past Papagayo going towards the peninsula, you will see a roped bridge with a wooden roof.
Enjoy a beautiful view and workout at the small Island gym; equipped with treadmills, elliptical, free weights and sandbags. There is even a place for beach volleyball and tennis courts.
There is Beach yoga available, just ask the hotel for times.
Cabana's are available to rent on both sides and should be reserved in advance for they book very fast and there are some with different perks like a water slide at Iguana beach. https://renaissancearuba.ipoolside.com/

Aruba : Other things to see

As mentioned earlier, it is easy to get around the island. I have rented a car and traveled the island visiting all the tourst attractions in a day and i've also walked my way to some great hot spots with the locals.

Pro Tip :

Visit baby beach, a little lagoon with the most amazing coral reefs for snorkeling.
Visit the Red Anchor on the east side of the island, you may even come across some of the donkeys from the sanctuary.
Have a fresh coconut drink from the local vendors on the side of the road
Grab a meat pie from The Pastechi House