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?
- Aruba is one of the four countries that make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- The official language of Aruba is Dutch, though Papiamento is also widely spoken.
- Aruba is located just outside the hurricane belt, making it an attractive destination for travelers year-round.
- The currency of Aruba is the Aruban florin, which is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of 1.79 AFN to 1 USD.
- Aruba is home to one of the oldest and deepest natural harbours in the Caribbean, Oranjestad Harbour.
Aruba Weather/Climate
Average Temperatures
Average Rainfall
Scuba Aruba's 7 shipwrecks
If you're into scuba diving and exploring ship wrecks, Aruba's the place to be. Scuba Diving magazine has consistently listed Aruba as a top wreck diving spot for the last 12 years. It's a feat the island takes great pride in. The 7 wreck sites that are littered along Aruba's north and western shores are a rich historical collection including a pilot boat, Convair 240, oil tanker, fuel barge, steamship and freighters. With so many dive sites, there's something for all experience levels.
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.
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.