“One Happy Island” is plastered all over the Island and for good reason. Aruba certainly has it all. Whether you are looking for some much needed R&R, an exotic adventure, or a beautiful seafood dinner right in the water. You’ll find it on the happiest island we have had the pleasure of visiting. Not only are the Arubans exceptionally accommodating and pleasantly happy but something about 80 degrees, sunshine, and that perfect Caribbean breeze really can turn a frown upside down. 🙂 Want to know more about Aruba and things to do? Check out our 5-day Aruba itinerary!
Overview
Aruba is a fairly small island measuring only 20 miles (32 KM) long and 6 miles (10KM) wide. It’s often referred to as being a member of the ABC Islands, joining Bonaire and Curacao which are all known for some spectacular scuba diving. Aruba is one of the four countries that form the Kingdom of the Netherlands which provides all citizens with a Dutch nationality (and passport). The geography is actually quite diverse across the island. You will find beautiful white sand beaches and a desert landscape all within a few miles from one-another.
Climate
The climate, however, is quite consistent. Aruba is one of the few islands outside of the Hurricane Belt, making the temperature consistently in the low 80’s all year long with a rare chance of rain on any given day. Due to the ideal climate, tourism is huge in Aruba making up roughly 3/4 of the Gross National Product.
Currency
Aruba’s national currency is the Aruban Florin. American Dollars
An added bonus of not exchanging money for Aruban currency is getting some extra time to relax in one of the two Priority Pass Lounges found in Oranjestad Reina Beatrix International airport. There are a handful of credit cards nowadays that offer lounge access like the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Hilton Aspire to name a few. When departing Aruba, if you’re headed to the United States you actually go through customs after going through Aruba’s airport screenings. This can take up to 4 hours on the weekends (3 hours on weekdays). The free drinks and food in the lounge after standing in all of those lines is certainly a nice reward after the extended wait!
Safety
As for crime rates, it’s hard to find any information on that topic. While we were visiting Aruba, we did not feel unsafe at any point in time. In fact, we didn’t see any impoverished areas and were not approached by any peddlers as we have encountered in other Caribbean countries. Our Aruba itinerary below shows our travels in which we rented a car, UTV and even walked around at night freely without any hesitation.
One Happy Island
Aruba really is “One Happy Island” with so many fantastic aspects and reasons to visit. Based on our research, the top things to do in Aruba are:
- Visit the Famous Flamingo Beach
- Take views on Eagle Beach (#3 Ranked Beach in the World – TripAdvisor 2019)
- Rent a UTV and explore Arikok National Park and take a dip in the Conchi Natural Pool
- Marvel at a sunset aboard a Trimaran Sailboat
- Scuba Dive (or snorkel) the spectacular 400 foot “Antilla” shipwreck
- Sing along on a Karaoke Party bus that explores Aruba at night
- Eat a healthy and delicious Acai bowl at Eduardo’s beach shack
- Start your day off with a classic Dutch Pancake at Diana’s Pancake Place,
- Enjoy a delicious sunset dinner with your feet in the water at Flying Fishbone.
5 BASIC Days in Aruba
This Aruba Itinerary will pack in all of the top things to do and see in Aruba into 5 days. There is special consideration to proximity and you will find that we have clustered activities based on their location on the island.
Day 1
- Breakfast at “The Dutch Pancake House”
- A picture with famous “I Love Aruba” Sign
- Visit Flamingo Beach and eat Lunch on Island (Assuming you are staying at the Marriott Renaissance hotel for access to Private Island)
- Dinner at “Barefoot” Aruba Restaurant (Great Sunset Views)
Day 2
- Breakfast at Renaissance Marina or Ocean Suites Resort
- UTV Morning Guided Excursion through Around Aruba Tours
- Lunch at “Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar”
- Relax on Renaissance Beach (Located behind Ocean Suites)
- Dinner at “Cuba’s Cooking”
- Karaoke Party Bus with a nightcap at Soprano’s (Our favorite Piano Bar)
Day 3
- Breakfast at Diana’s Pancake Place (Famous Dutch Pancakes)
- Drive up to the California Lighthouse to take in those views
- Eagle Beach for R&R and photos with Divi-Divi Trees
- Lunch at Eduardo’s Beach Shack (Try the Mermaid!)
- Sunset Sail on the Famous “Octopus”
- Dinner at Madame Janette’s (Almond Herb Crusted Grouper Filet is as good as the reviews say. Also the Salmon was fantastic.)
Day 4
- Breakfast at Renaissance Marina or Ocean Suites Resort
- Scuba Diving 2 Tank Dive through Redsail (Make sure that the “Antilla” is one of the stops)
- Lunch at Gilligan’s Seafood Shack
- Dinner Under the Stars on Renaissance Island (Only offered Wednesday Evenings)
Day 5
- Breakfast on Renaissance Island
- Relax on Flamingo Beach
- Lunch on the Island
- Check out the Street art in San Nicholas!
- Sunset Dinner at Flying Fishbone (Save the best for last!)
- Make sure to ask for a seat IN the water and on the edge! Make a reservation early!
Let us know if you have any questions on a trip to Aruba! We loved our time there and are looking forward to helping you plan your own journey!
Be sure to check out our other Aruba Articles:
- Top Credit Cards
- Learn how to utilize credit card points with our Basic Travel Course
- Basic Guide to Aruba’s Top Things to do and a 5 day sample Itinerary
- 6 days in Aruba for only $502
- Basic Guide to Renaissance Island & Flamingo Beach!
- Guys Telling Stories PODCAST Featuring our Trip to Aruba!
- 7 Reasons why we love Octopus Arubas Sunset Sail
- 5 Reasons to ride UTV’s with Around Aruba’s Tours
