This comprehensive Aruba travel guide contains information to help first-times prepare for the best Aruba vacation.
Thanks for choosing this Aruba travel guide as your source of information for an awesome Caribbean vacation. My boyfriend was my travel partner for this trip, and we spent seven days enjoying this beautiful island.
We each chose one word to describe our trip – Delicious and Freeing
If this is your first time in Aruba, this travel guide gives you valuable insights into what you can expect from this trip. Whether you’re into adventure or a more relaxed vacation, Aruba has accommodations to please any traveler.
In his blog, you will see a full expense report for a seven day trip, which is what my boyfriend and I spend for this vacation. I find that the number one question people asked about our trip is how much it cost, so here we share that information so you can save up or budget for this trip. The guide also goes over must-try Aruba restaurants and things to do on the island that are actually worth your time.
This post is a comprehensive Aruba travel guide
Table of Contents – Click to skip to a section
5 things visitors should know about Aruba
- People in Aruba speak four languages: English, Spanish, Dutch, and Papiamentu. I spoke Spanish with almost everyone we met on the island!
- You don’t need to exchange money before going to Aruba. Everywhere you go, they accept U.S. dollars, credit/debit cards. ATMs are easily accessible on the island.
- Have cash on hand! I recommend five hundred dollars in cash for the entire trip. This accounts for how much cash we used during our seven day trip. Cash is needed for street vendors, tips, taxi/bus fare, small convenience store purchases.
- Aruba covid procedure requires tourists to purchase visitors insurance ($100) plus show proof of a negative covid test result to travel to the island. The requirements are for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. Refer to Aruba’s traveler webpage for the latest updates on their Covid-19 policies. My recommendation to travelers is to book a FREE COVID-19 test at CVS or any other free testing site near you. I know many travelers that pay a hundred dollars or more for a test, but free testing is available in every community. Once you have your test results, you’ll need to upload a copy and fill out paper work online to get approved for travel to Aruba.
- To return to the United States, you need to show proof of a negative covid test result at the Aruba airport before boarding your flight. When I traveled to Aruba in November 2021, the rule applied for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. For those with proof of vaccination, a PCR test ($100) is required 2 days before the return flight. For those WITHOUT proof of vaccination, a rapid antigen test is required the day of your flight ($50). I am vaccinated but did not have my vaccination card with me for the return flight. I had the antigen test done at the airport, and got the results in 13-30 minutes. Testing sites are also easily accessible at certain hotels and area testing sites.
The cost of a vacation in Aruba
The numbers are in…for a seven day trip for two adults.
GRAND TOTAL ARUBA VACATION COST: Approx. $4,000
- FLIGHTS – $530 (round-trip connecting flight)
- HOTEL – $1,621 (7 nights, one bedroom)
- FOOD & DRINKS- $600-$700
- ENTERTAINMENT – $600-$700
- MISC. CASH EXPENSE – $500
If you have a smaller budget, a good way to save money would be to skip on more expensive dinners. KFC, Wendy’s, and Dunkin Donuts are available on the island and can save you a few hundred bucks with their quick and satisfying meals.
You can also look into Spirit Airlines for cheap flights to Aruba. I took a connecting flight to Aruba from Chicago, stopping at Fort Lauderdale. FL. Although connecting flights don’t offer the most comfort, they are often times cheaper than a direct flight. Keep in mind, you are at risk of getting stuck at the airport due to flights delays and cancelations with a connecting flight.
Aruba vacation packing list
A list of items you don’t want to live without on an island.
- Sunscreen: You need need need to apply sunscreen daily when you’re in Aruba. I recommend an SPF 50 or stronger. It’s cheaper to bring sunscreen in your travel bag than to buy sunscreen on the island. These plastic travel bottles from Dollar Tree worked out perfectly to transport my sunscreen and other skincare products on the flight. Each bottle stores 2.7 fl oz of product, which is allowed by Customs.
- Comfortable shoes: An open-toe, breathable sandal is necessary on an island vacation. Opt for the Brooklyn Wedge Sandal by Crocs for a waterproof beach shoe that’s also comfortable and stylish. These sandals saved my feet! After getting blisters from another uncomfortable pair of shoes, the Brooklyn Wedge from Crocs kept me from developing any more painful blisters, and I ended up using these daily.
- Face masks: Although not everyone you see will be wearing a face mask, they are required in some places like hotel lobbies and small restaurants. A pack of 10 black, cloth face masks worked perfectly for me on this week-long trip. Cloth face masks are proved useful for shielded us from dust and bugs when we picked up speed on the UTV. This pack of face masks are among Amazon’s best sellers
- Snorkeling gear – Aruba has unbelievable snorkeling spots all over the island! If you don’t have your own equipment, you risk missing out on this unbelievable experience. You don’t need to pay for an expensive excursion in order to snorkel on the island. Keep reading this Aruba Travel Guide for a list of beaches where free snorkeling is possible. All you need is your own gear. My boyfriend and I had bought cheap snorkeling masks during a prior trip to Florida. We packed these in our luggage, and they were enough to enjoy sights under the sea.
- Portable speaker – Music is a must, especially when you’re getting ready in your room or having a wild time on the beach. My go-to portable speaker that I’ve been using for years is the Anker Souncore Bluetooth Speaker, which is now listed for under $50 dollars.
- Multiple swimsuits – I recommend 5-7 if you are spending a week in Aruba.
- Hat & Sunglasses
- Band-aids
Aruba Travel Guide – Airport Tips
Aruba flight duration
The trip to Aruba can be a painful one. Depending on where you’re coming from and the time of year, you could potentially face flight delays or cancelations.
~breathe~
I took a flight from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale, FL, which was about two hours. From Florida, we caught a connecting flight to Aruba on spirit airlines – another two to three hour trip.
Bring a set of headphones and download an audible audiobook or a movie on Netflix to keep yourself and travel partners entertained at the airport.
But really, the best thing you can do for yourself is to invest in comfortable luggage!
The strap to my Polo duffel tore at the airport, so I had to carry my bag like a sack of potatoes through security and across gates! Do yourself a favor – get luggage with wheels or a backpack. Something that’s easy on your arms and back so that you don’t suffer at the airport.
Aruba airport arrivals
There is only one airport in Aruba, so there’s no room for error. When you arrive at the airport, you will be so glad to finally be standing it the sun’s warm embrace!
~ you’re free ~
But before you exit the airport, you have the chance to purchase duty free liquor at the airport. This thread on TripAdvisor is full of people who claim buying alcohol bottles at the airport is cheaper than in stores.
Aruba airport transportation
From the Aruba airport, you can take a taxi to your hotel, resort, or airbnb. I didn’t have to wait long for a cab, and the ride was a great way to receive a welcome to the island. Our taxi driver stepped in as our Aruba travel guide to share fantastic recommendations for what to eat and do for our first-time trip. He also shared some history of the island and told us about his experience growing up in Aruba.
This Aruba travel guide does not require you to have a rental car for any any of the activities or exploring that is recommended. Instead, this Aruba travel guide promotes buses, taxis, bicycles and even UTVs as modes of transportation around the island.
However, if you feel most comfortable with having your own car, there are plenty of rental car option at the airport.
Holiday Inn Aruba hotel
The Holiday Inn in Palm Beach has everything you need for a comfortable stay in Aruba. Best of all, the hotel is steps away from the beach.
The airport taxi drove us to the front door of the Holiday Inn. Quickly, hotel staff swept out of the entryway to open my door and handle the luggage. For the entirety of our stay, we were greeted by doormen at the hotel, no matter the hour. Hotel staff and security are very attentive of who enters and exits the property, making you feel safe throughout the trip.
As soon as you walk in to the lobby of the Holiday Inn Aruba. you are in awe to be so close to the beach. The lobby is open concept so it opens right up to the tall Palm trees and white sand of Aruba.
Four reasons to book at the Holiday Inn Aruba
- Relaxing outdoor space with hammocks and cabanas.
- Hotel guests can check out bicycles for free from 8 am to 4:30 pm.
- The hotel beach bar serves food and drinks and plays music during the day.
- Hotel is steps away from the beach and allows you beach access at all hours of the day.
Places to party in Aruba
A list of places to drink and dance along the main strip, LG Smith Blvd. Below are 3 bars and restaurants that have an attractive atmosphere for late-night drinks in Aruba.
South Beach Aruba
South Beach Aruba is an outdoor bar with an all-white aesthetic. Enjoy a live DJ plaings music like Dip by Tyga and Go Crazy by Chris Brown and Young Thug.
The View
The View rooftop bar serves great drinks like the Aloe martini. Aloe is a product that is produced on the islands Aloe farm and is heavily sold in the area as skincare products.
My boyfriend and I celebrated his birthday at The View and enjoyed their rich Tres Leches cake. The music playing at this rooftop bar included Loco by Justin Quiles x Chimbala x Zion & Lennox and other similar sounds.
Yolo Cocktails & Tapas
I’m told that Yolo offers a brunch buffet, which you may want to explore. But my experience is with Yolo, the nightclub. Pink fluorescent lights on the dance floor, a live DJ spinning from an elevated booth – this is the last stop on a night out along LG Smith Blvd.
Food in Aruba that you can’t miss out on
There are so many yummy things to eat on an Aruba vacation, that I like to call it an eat-cation. The following are the best restaurants in Aruba listed in the order of “must-try” to “good option.”
Zeerovers – fresh fish on the water
I grew up near the beach in Acapulco, and seafood was a usual meal for me and my family. So whenever I I travel to to sea-side locations, I look forward to eating fresh fish. Zeerovers checked that box for me during our trip to Aruba.
All I saw when I walked into Zeerovers for the first time was an oder window. I thought, maybe this place doesn’t offer seating, only takeout. But actually, there is a seating area right on the water with amazing views, located at the back of the restaurant.
At the Zeerovers, you step up to the window to order raw fish in pieces or pounds, along with the sides the you want. I ordered an entire red snapper and my boyfriend ordered three thick slices of Tuna. We also shared a pound of shrimp, a side of fries and fried plantains. Our dinner cost only 35 dollars!
Zeerovers is cheap and delicious, putting this restaurant at the top of my list.
The red snapper came fried, and prepared just how I hoped it would. The fish was crunchy on the outside and flaky on the inside, seasoned to perfection. I like to shower my fish in lime and hot sauce, just like my parents taught me. The locally produced hot sauce is called Papaya Sauce, which is offered at most restaurants. Pair this dinner with a bucket of Chill Beers (the local brand) and you will have yourself a meal to remember.
Gianni’s Italian Restaurant – wow! spaghetti
Speaking of unforgettable meals – I am still talking about how much I enjoyed Gianni’s signature dish, the flaming spaghetti served in a cheese wheel. The actual dish is called Spaghetti al Formaggio Parmigianol, and it is an unforgettable in presentation and flavor!
A cook comes to your table and lights the giant cheese wheel on fire before tossing the Spaghetti in with melted Parmesan. Order the Italian Sausage to accompany your spaghetti, which I also recommend.
You can expect to spend at least 100 dollars on a dinner for two at Gianni’s Italian Restaurant, but it’s worth visiting at least once when vacationing in Aruba. The wait staff at this restaurant is very accommodating. My boyfriend and I didn’t like the first table where we were seated and they accommodated our request to move with no issues. Our waiter even offered us Prosecco on the house after a fight broke out near the restaurant, scaring us and other guests out of our seats.
Pastechi in Aruba – a local treat from street vendor
Pastechi in Aruba are very similar to empadanas, but are more spongy than the empanadas typically made in a Mexican kitchen.
Pastechi recipes involve savory fillings like cheese, seasoned lamb, chicken, or a meat and potato combination. Pastechi make for a great breakfast item that pairs well with coffee.
The best pastiche in Aruba, in my opinion, are sold by a street vendor on Palm Beach. She sets up every morning starting at 7 am near Eduardo’s Beach Shack. Keep your eyes peeled for this vendor because her platter of pastiche goes fast! By 9 am, we could get the cheese pastiche, all others were gone!
The Pastechi street vendor shared with me that her grandmother makes the dish, her grandfather makes the spicy sauce that’s offered on the side, and she comes to the beach to sell their product. Her family’s recipe is so good; we came back for more the following mornings. The street vendor sold each pastechi for two dollars, which is likely the cheapest breakfast you can find in Palm Beach.
Mi Boca Dushi Shacks Resturant also sells tasty Pastechi, in case you aren’t able to locate this street vendor.
Whacky Wahoo’s – great bartenders and flavorful seafood
Our taxi driver said Whacky Wahoo’s has best fish on the island, and I have to agree it’s pretty good. This restaurant is small in space. With 20 tables to less, you may have to wait to be seated for dinner. But that shouldn’t be an issue, considering you can wait with drinks at the bar.
The bartender at Whacky’s makes a mean Pina Colada, and his wife kept me good company while I waited for a table. Like many others on the island, she moved to Aruba from Venezuela and spoke Spanish with me. She even advised me to return to the restaurant on Friday night for live Mariachi music.
Order the Chef’s Special and enjoy a variety of seafood, including Baracuda, meaty crab, plus rice, vegetables, and plantains. The quality of the food is far superior than the seafood sold in the states.
Eduardo’s Beach Shack – convenience that satisfies
Eduardo’s Beach Shack is a great little spot along the beach where you can get smoothies, acai bowls, and poke bowls. I highly recommend both the tuna and ceviche poke bowls. They are so delicious that chose this dish as my last meal before leaving the hotel for our flight back home.
Eduardo’s is only steps away from the water, making it a convenient location to grab a bite while you’re enjoying your time at the beach. After all, swimming can work-up quite the appetite!
Lola’s – $1 Tacos on Tuesdays
We could not pass up dollar tacos at Lola’s on Tuesday, and you shouldn’t either. Dollar tacos are a perfect lunch special, and you can get that with appetizers like chips, salsa, and ceviche.
A local described Lola’s as a place where “you feel like you’re in a nightclub, but in a restaurant.” I suppose you get that vibe from the music playing over the speakers, but the place is definitely too small to dance.
Gelatissimo – fun gelato flavors
Gelatissimo is an Instagram-worthy gelato truck with unique flavors like coconut and chocolate! And yes, this flavor results in a black scoop of gelato that hilariously stain your teeth.
Best things to do when in Aruba
4 of the best beaches in Aruba
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There are numerous beaches in Aruba, and each offers its unique charm. Here are four beaches too add to your itinerary:
- Palm Beach – Clear waters, tall palm trees, and white sand. Palm Beach is steps away from the Holiday Inn Hotel, many of the best restaurants in Aruba, an outdoor shopping mall, and shops.
- Eagle Beach – A short distance from the hotel area, riding a bike to Eagle Beach makes for a delightful day-time activity. The waves at Eagle Beach are taller than at Palm Beach.
- Andicuri Beach – You need to rent an ATV/UTV to get to Andicuri Beach because it’s through the rocky, desert terrain in Aruba. There are few people on this beach, except for local swimmers, and the excursion groups that pull in every few minutes. The waves at Andicuri Beach is adrenaline-inducing! This beach is a better option for more experienced swimmers.
- Baby Beach – On the Southeast end of the island, baby beach calm and shallow. It’s a great beach for first timers in snorkeling because you get magnificent sightings of a variety of colorful fish, big and small. You can’t miss out on this!
DOWNLOAD the Arubania app to see a list of beaches and popular attractions in Aruba. It’s an excellent tool for navigating the island.
Jolly Pirates Snorkeling Booze Cruise
The four-hour Jolly Pirates excursion is the only group excursion featured in this post. Usually, we tend to avoid group activities with strangers while on vacation, but this booze cruise is fun either way.
Take off on a Pirate-themed boat at 8 am and get back at noon feeling happy, happy! Jolly Pirates takes you snorkeling over a sunken WW2 shipwreck and two other spots where sea turtles and fish are easily visible. Then, everyone is encouraged to use the rope swing to jump off the boat and into the water!
The Jolly pirates snorkeling booze cruise includes an open bar and a meal. We were served a tasty bbq chicken and rice dish that hit the spot after a morning of swimming and drinking. The boat captain and crew are friendly, and they set the right tone for a great time.
Rent a UTV/ATV
Arubiana ATV/UTV rentals are a great option, and the vendor has their own app that makes it easy to navigate the island.
When you rent with Arubina, a driver picks you up at the hotel and takes you to the rental garage to pick up the ATV/UTV. Rentals are offered for 8 hours, and that’s plenty of time to drive from one point of the island to the other and back.
Aruba ATV/UTV tours are also available. However, I recommend a DIY ATV/UTV tour where you have the liberty to explore the island at your own pace, prioritizing attractions that interest you.
Some off-roading attractions to put on your list include Aruba landmarks like Goldmine Ruins, the natural bridge and natural pools (pictured above).
Take a bus to Oranjestad
Buses run up and down LG Smith Blvd every few minutes. Big yellow buses that say “Arubus” and white cargo vans are standard public transportation.
Bus fare in Aruba is two dollars per passenger, so it’s an accessible mode of transportation for those that choose not to rent a car.
Don’t be afraid to take a ride from the white cargo vans that pull up at the bus stop. Although they are unmarked, the cargo vans are safe and tourist-friendly shuttles to Oranjestad. There, you will find a local market, gorgeous architecture, and a mall with lots of designer stores.
Get a custom shave at a barber shop
My boyfriend highly recommends this to any guys out there who want a fresh cut while on vacation. We stumbled upon C-Jam Barbershop while exploring Oranjestad. The barber, originally from Venezuela, played reggaeton music videos not he TV and danced back and forth between passes with his razor.
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Aruba, going to C-jam barbershop is that experience. My boyfriend says he got the best cut of his life at C-Jam Barbershop in Aruba.
Dance on the beach at night
Romantic nights not the beach make for unforgettable memories from your trip to Aruba.
My boyfriend and I took to dancing under the moonlight on several nights while on vacation. We picked up a bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label Whiskey at the convenience store and made this a BYOB beach party for two. The portable speaker I packed for the trip really came in handy for beach nights.
Watch a new release at the movie theater
A movie on vacation may seem like something that’s not worth your time because you can do this activity pretty much anywhere. But trust me, there will be nights when you want to take it easy and rest.
The sun and swimming in Aruba can tire you out! If that is the case, visit Caribbean Cinemas at Paseo Herencia and relax in a reclining seat while you watch a new release.
We caught Marvel’s Eternals while on vacation.Movie tickets cost eleven dollars per adult, cheaper than movie tickets in most Chicago theaters!
