Is Aruba a good holiday destination?

Aruba is consistently ranked among the top Caribbean destinations — beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine, very safe, excellent food and activities. Great for couples, families and solo travellers.

What is Aruba most famous for?

Aruba is famous for Eagle Beach (regularly voted one of the world's best), constant trade winds, year-round sunshine outside the hurricane belt, water sports, and the iconic divi-divi trees.

How many days do you need in Aruba?

5–7 days is ideal — enough to visit the top beaches, do a catamaran cruise and jeep tour, explore Oranjestad and relax. 4 days works for a shorter focused trip.

Is Aruba safe for tourists?

Yes — Aruba is one of the safest Caribbean islands. Tourist-targeted crime is very rare. The main precaution is standard awareness in quieter Oranjestad streets at night.

Aruba Packing List 2026: Everything You Need to Pack...

Aruba packing list is one of the most popular topics for visitors planning a trip to Aruba. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Arashi Beach Aruba clear turquoise water snorkelling — Packing for Aruba — reef-safe sunscreen and snorkel gear are essentials

Aruba is one of the easiest Caribbean islands to pack for — the weather never changes, the dress code is almost always casual, and you can buy most things you forgot at the supermarket. Here’s exactly what to bring, what to leave home, and what to buy when you arrive.

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Clothing: Keep It Light

Aruba is warm year-round (80-88°F). The dress code at almost every restaurant and activity is casual. You do not need to pack heavy clothes, formal wear, or rain gear.

✅ Bring: Swimwear (2-3 sets — they take a day to dry), light cotton or linen shirts, shorts, sundresses or light trousers, one slightly smarter outfit for a nicer dinner, a light layer or cardigan for air-conditioned restaurants and boats (the trade winds on sunset cruises can be cool), sandals/flip flops for the beach, comfortable walking shoes for Oranjestad and Arikok, water shoes if you plan to snorkel from rocky beaches (Boca Catalina, Arashi).

❌ Leave at home: Jeans (too heavy and hot), heavy coats or jackets, formal clothing unless attending a specific event, umbrellas (you won’t need them).

Sunscreen — The Most Important Item

Aruba takes reef protection seriously. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential — non-reef-safe products are harmful to Aruba’s coral reefs and many operators and shops won’t sell or allow them. Bring enough for your trip; reef-safe options are available on the island but at premium prices.

✅ Reef-safe brands to bring: Thinksport SPF 50+, Raw Elements, All Good, Badger, Stream2Sea. SPF 50+ recommended — the Caribbean sun is intense.

⚠️ Avoid: Any sunscreen containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, or octocrylene — these are the chemicals most harmful to coral reefs.

Tech and Documents

📋 Documents checklist:
• Valid passport (required — expires after your return date)
• Aruba ED Card approval email (complete at edcardaruba.aw before you fly — $20 fee)
• Travel insurance documents and emergency contact number
• Return flight details
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Credit cards + some small USD bills for tips and cash-only spots

📱 Tech to bring:
• Waterproof phone case or dry bag (essential for beach, boats, and water activities)
• Portable charger/power bank
• Universal adapter (Aruba uses US-standard 110V/60Hz — same as the US, no adapter needed for American devices)
• Underwater camera or GoPro if you snorkel/dive

Health and Toiletries

💊 Medications: Bring all prescription medications plus extras. Aruba has pharmacies but specialty prescriptions may not be available. Motion sickness medication if you plan boat tours.

🧴 Toiletries: Most are available at Ling & Sons supermarket and pharmacies. Bring: reef-safe sunscreen (already mentioned), insect repellent with DEET for evenings (mosquitoes exist, though fewer than many Caribbean islands), aloe vera gel for after-sun care (or buy Aruba Aloe brand on the island — authentic local product).

Beach and Water Gear

🤿 Snorkel gear: Bring your own if you plan to snorkel from shore at Boca Catalina, Arashi, or Malmok. Rentals are available ($15-25/day) but your own gear is more comfortable and hygienic.
🕶️ Quality sunglasses: Polarised lenses make a real difference on the water.
👒 Wide-brim hat: Essential for beach days and any outdoor activities in Arikok National Park.
🛍️ Reusable beach bag: For carrying gear to the beach without spending money on a new one.

What to Buy in Aruba

Some things are better bought on the island:
• Aruba Aloe products — Authentic local brand, much cheaper in Aruba than imported elsewhere
• Balashi beer — The local lager. Enjoy it there rather than trying to bring it home
• Local food experiences — Pastechi from bakeries, fried fish at Zeerovers, keshi yena at Gasparito

What should I pack for Aruba?

Light summer clothes (swimwear, shorts, sundresses), reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ (essential — bring enough), a light layer for boats and AC, walking shoes, snorkel gear if you plan shore snorkelling, valid passport, and your Aruba ED Card approval email. Leave heavy clothes, umbrellas, and formal wear at home.

Do I need to bring an adapter for Aruba?

Not if you are from the US or Canada. Aruba uses the same 110V/60Hz standard as North America with the same two-flat-pin outlets. European and UK visitors need a US-style travel adapter.

Is reef-safe sunscreen required in Aruba?

Not legally required, but strongly expected and enforced by many tour operators and snorkel companies. Non-reef-safe sunscreen (containing oxybenzone, octinoxate) harms Aruba’s coral reefs. Bring Thinksport, Raw Elements, or All Good.

Can I buy sunscreen in Aruba?

Yes — reef-safe sunscreen is available at pharmacies and the Ling & Sons supermarket. However, it is significantly more expensive than buying in the US before your trip. Bring enough for your stay.