Aruba Guide
Know Before You Go...®
You’ll find that planning your trip to Aruba
will be a snap if you take advantage of the tips and information available under the tabs on this site. Accommodations like villa rentals, hotels, and resorts are all described in depth to make planning your stay in Aruba easier than ever. Do you need a rental car, or want to locate your villa?—there’s a tab for those tasks. While on the island you can enjoy duty-free shopping, exotic foods, and water sports of every description or just languish on the miles of white sand beaches and let your worries disappear with the tropical breezes.
Why Aruba?
- Windsurfing especially at Fisherman's Hut or Bachelor's Beach
- Palm Beach and the divi divi trees
- Tierra del Sol - a world class 18-hole golf course
- The largest natural coral rock bridge in the Caribbean
- Shopping and casino action
Aruba Weather/Climate
Average Temperatures
Average Rainfall
Stroll through shops in Orangestad
In Oranjestad, head to the heart of the city where brightly painted, old Dutch colonial offer a rich shopping experience. The Royal Plaza Mall, on L.G. Smith Blvd., houses a number of shops. Next door is the 90-shop Seaport Village Mall, part of it underneath the Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort & Casino, and across the street on the piers is the Seaport Marketplace. There are also a number of shops on Main St. (Caya G.F. Betico Croes), a couple of blocks from the waterfront. Spend the day browsing these duty-free shops and you'll find locally made handicrafts, souvenirs, Cuban Cigars, Dutch Delft, Dutch Cheeses, liquor, jewelry, table linens, perfumes, leather goods, designer fashions, electronics, cameras, and more. Oranjestad can get really crowded when a cruise ship is docked, so the best time to shop is when there isn't a one in port. Most of the stores are open from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., but some close between noon and 2 for lunch.
Explore Aruba's historic gold mines
During the gold rush in the 19th century, a treasure island was discovered and named "Oro Ruba", which means "red gold". Now called Aruba, this island was ascended upon by adventurers in search of gold and wealth. In 1824, gold was finally discovered and the industry there produced more than 3 million pounds of gold over the years that followed. Today, that history can be explored at two gold mines on the island -- Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and Balashi Gold Mill Ruins. Remnants of this colorful history is still visible today.
Dive off rocks into the natural pools
You'll have to venture off the beaten path, down a rocky, rough "road" (for lack of a better word) to find Aruba's natural pools, but the treacherous drive is well worth it. Hike down the steep stairs, climb over the slippery rocks and you'll find waves crashing over the top and cascading into beautifully protected pools, or "conchi" called "Cura di Tortuga". Climb up another level into a small "hot tub" where the water is warmer and the view amazing. It's fun to dive in from the rock cliffs. It's also a great place to see tropical fish, so bring your snorkel gear and a disposable waterproof camera. Again, these natural pools are a bit hard to find but there are small signs along the way. You can also find horseback and ATV tours to the pools. A great option if your rental car doesn't have 4-wheel drive. Don't forget your water shoes! Some of the rocks are sharp. Your feet will thank us.
Transportation on Aruba
Getting to Aruba and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.
Entry Documents
US Citizens need a valid USA passport.
Airlines Flying Here
American Airlines, Continental, Delta, Jet Blue, Spirit Airlines, United, US Airways Air Canada, Avianca, Copa, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Surinam Airways
Airport
Queen Beatrix International Airport
Departure Tax
$34.25 U.S
Driving
On the right - need to show driver's license to rent a car.
Aruba Weddings and Honeymoons
Vacationers don’t just stay in Aruba villas - they come to paradise to get married and celebrate their honeymoons! Civil ceremonies held weekday mornings at the islands’ Town Hall. Private ceremonies can be held elsewhere.Cost: Documents Required: Couples must present a marriage license, an original birth certificate, and copies of passport ID pages for the couple a
Know Before You Go...® - Aruba Travel Tips
Before making their way to Aruba villas, vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Aruba even more relaxing.