Aruba Travel Tips

The Most Useful Aruba Travel Tips

Aruba is one of the easiest Caribbean islands to visit — good infrastructure, excellent English, reliable weather, and very low crime. But there are still things that separate an average trip from an exceptional one. These tips come from repeated visits and local knowledge.

Before You Go

Book the jeep safari and catamaran tour before anything else

These are the two experiences that define what Aruba is — and they sell out. In peak season (December–April), the Natural Pool jeep safari can be fully booked 2–3 weeks out. Book them before your flights if possible. Both have free cancellation.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen from home

Chemical sunscreens are restricted on all catamaran and snorkel tours to protect the coral. Mineral SPF 30+ is what you need. It’s harder to find and significantly more expensive on the island. Pack it before you leave.

US dollars work everywhere

Aruba’s official currency is the Aruban florin but US dollars are universally accepted at a roughly 1:1.8 rate. You don’t need to exchange currency. Cards are accepted everywhere.

The east coast is not for swimming

Aruba’s east coast has dramatic scenery — volcanic rocks, crashing Atlantic swells — but dangerous currents. Every swim-worthy beach is on the west coast. Don’t be confused by the map.

On the Island

Arrive at beaches before 9am

Eagle Beach and Arashi Beach are genuinely different places before 9am compared to after 10am. Arrive early and you’ll have them largely to yourself. Sunrise at Eagle Beach with almost nobody there is a top-5 Caribbean experience.

Rent a car for at least two days

A rental car unlocks Baby Beach, Arashi, the north coast, Arikok National Park, and Oranjestad’s backstreets. The major tourist corridors are walkable from Palm Beach but everything worthwhile requires wheels.

Eat at Zeerovers at least once

A fish counter in Savaneta where they fry whatever was caught that morning. Cash only, plastic chairs, incredible fish. This is where locals eat. Go once — you’ll go twice.

Tip at restaurants (10–15%)

Service charges are not always included. 10–15% is standard and expected.