Aruba is famously known as “One Happy Island” — and, quite simply, that’s exactly what it is. I recently traveled to Aruba with my family to celebrate my sister’s 30th birthday. I’ve also visited Aruba in the past with my boyfriend, escaping the cold winter here in New York. Both trips were incredible, as we enjoyed the turquoise blue waters, white sandy beaches, and swaying palm trees. My favorite day was spent snorkeling with Sea Turtles at Tres Trapi! Here is the perfect Aruba Travel Guide!
Where to Stay?
I highly recommend staying at the Marriott Aruba Resort & Stellaris Casino. We had an incredible experience and cannot recommend it enough. The pool was exceptionally relaxing, and the resort’s prime location right on Palm Beach made our trip even more memorable. It is also a short drive to Tres Trapi, Arashi Beach, and Boca Catalina.
- 24-hour Stellaris Casino
- 5 dining options
- Outdoor swimming pools and spa
- Hot Tub
- Beachfront
- You can order a Pina Colada from the Beach
- Adults Only Pool Area
-My family has stayed at the Renaissance Hotel in the past and also had a lovely time. They have flamingos roaming freely at this hotel!
Search for More Hotels & Budget Friendly Options Here!
Tips:
- Best Beaches: The best beaches in Aruba include Baby Beach, Arashi Beach, Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, Boca Catalina, and Mangel Halto.
- Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear: You can snorkel at Baby Beach, Boca Catalina, and Arashi Beach. All you have to do is bring your own snorkel gear!
- Book Tours in Advance: If you want to see Sea Turtles at Tres Trapi Beach, I recommend booking a tour. Popular excursions can fill up quickly, so reserve your spots early.
- Carry Cash: While credit cards are widely accepted, some small vendors and local markets prefer cash. I needed cash to buy my Aruba Beach Bag!
- Bring a Waterproof Bag: Perfect for beaches and water activities to keep your valuables dry.
- Relax and Enjoy: Aruba’s laid-back vibe is all about enjoying the moment — so unwind and soak it all in!
When to Visit?
Aruba is located outside the hurricane belt, so hurricanes are extremely rare. The island enjoys year-round sunshine, with average temperatures ranging from 78°F to 88°F. The rainy season runs from October to January, but rain showers are typically short-lived.
Where to Eat?
We had the most amazing meals during our recent trip to Aruba. Our favorite was a beachfront restaurant called Atardi where we could literally sink our feet into the sand and truly soak in the relaxing atmosphere. Watching the sunset along the beach while sipping a delicious margarita and enjoying a perfectly cooked steak was undoubtedly the highlight of our trip! Below is a list of restaurants that we made reservations at and enjoyed.
Other Recommendations:
- Atardi: Seafood on the Beach
- Gianni’s Ristorante: Italian Food
- Oak Restaurant Bar & Grill Steakhouse
#1: Tres Trapi Sea Turtle Snorkeling-
I have NEVER seen so many sea turtles in my life. This bucket list tour should NOT be missed if you ever go to Aruba! BOOK THE TOUR!
#2: Jeep Tour through Arikok National Park and Natural Pool-
This tour takes you to several highlights within Arikok National Park, including the Indian Caves and the natural pool called Conchi. Sometimes, the waves at Conchi are too rough for snorkeling, so the tour will instead take you to Baby Beach, which is renowned as one of the best beaches in Aruba. That was our experience on the day of our trip. Additionally, the tour includes a visit to an aloe farm, where you’ll learn how aloe is cultivated and processed. There are also extra stops at Dos Playas Beach and a few other scenic spots. I thoroughly enjoyed this tour and highly recommend it. BOOK THE TOUR!
#3: Horseback Riding to Natural Bridges-
Horseback riding through the cactus-filled desert landscape, alongside natural bridges and overlooking the water, was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever. BOOK THE TOUR!
#4: Mangel Halto Sea Bob Snorkeling–
The first time we visited Aruba, I booked the Mangel Halto sea turtle snorkeling tour, and it was truly incredible. We had the amazing opportunity to see several sea turtles swimming in the clear, turquoise waters. BOOK THE TOUR!
#5: Palm Island Day Trip-
The Palm Island day trip in Aruba was honestly perfect. The island offered a wide variety of activities, from riding a banana boat to snorkeling in the clear waters. You could enjoy water slides, unlimited drinks, and a delicious barbecue. Additionally, you can even visit the flamingos on the beach and capture iconic photos with these beautiful birds. BOOK TICKETS
We shared the Aruba Travel Guide. Overall, I absolutely loved my trip to Aruba and would return year after year without hesitation.
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