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Territory of Netherlands

Caribbean

ArubaTravel guide

Explore Aruba visa rules

Aruba is a flat, dry Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. It is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is known for its white-sand beaches. The southwest coast has warm, turquoise water, while the northeast coast has rough seas and dangerous currents.

Why go

  1. White-sand beaches and warm water on the southwest coast.

  2. Rock formations, caves and coastal landscapes in Arikok National Park.

  3. Snorkelling trips to Boca Catalina and the Antilla Shipwreck.

  4. Wide island views from Hooiberg and California Lighthouse.

  5. Local food, including the baked cheese dish Keshi Yena.

Best time to go: January to March is high season, with temperatures around 24–29°C. April to December is off season, with temperatures around 26–31°C. The weather is usually dry throughout the year.

Getting there

By air

  • Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) is the island's only airport with regular commercial flights. It is on the western side of Aruba.
  • Flights connect Aruba with the United States, Colombia, Amsterdam and London Gatwick. The source says fares are usually best from Colombia, Florida or New York.
  • There is no dedicated airport bus, but L2 and L3A buses stop on the highway outside. They accept backpacks and carry-on bags, but not suitcases.

By sea

  • Cruise ships dock close to downtown Oranjestad. Passengers can walk to many shops and services.

Customs

  • Travellers flying to the United States can complete United States Customs and Border Protection checks before leaving Aruba.
  • A new United States departure terminal and improved baggage handling opened in 2025. Most passengers using these checks will next see their checked bags at their final destination.

Getting around

  • Walking

    Many restaurants, beaches and shops are within walking distance of resort areas. You may not need a rental car for your whole stay. Decide what you want to visit before renting one. Some shopping areas outside downtown are not easy to reach on foot.

  • Bus

    Arubus connects Oranjestad with tourist hotels and resort beaches. A ride costs about US$2.60 or 4.50 Aruban florins. The main bus station is downtown. Outside busy travel times, drivers and other passengers may help you choose a route. Drivers accept United States dollars, but may give change in Aruban florins. Most buses stop running at 9 pm, except those along the western beaches.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available for places beyond walking distance. The source describes rides as generally short.

  • Rental car

    Most roads are paved and have two lanes. Oranjestad can have heavy traffic when the island is busy. Watty Vos Boulevard provides an inland route around Oranjestad for journeys from the airport to the north. Take a map, as road signs may not be easy to understand. Many rental companies offer hotel pickup. Both local companies and major brands may supply older cars in mediocre condition. At the airport, rental companies bring cars to the alley behind their offices, facing the terminal. Return the car to the same place. The Natural Pool requires an all-terrain vehicle or a four-wheel-drive vehicle rated for rough trails. Make sure the vehicle has a spare tyre.

What to see and do

  • Arikok National Park

    See lava, limestone and quartz diorite rock formations. The park covers 18% of the island.

  • Quadirikiri Cave

    Sunlight enters two rooms through openings in the ceiling. Harmless bats live in the darker corners.

  • California Lighthouse

    The lighthouse stands at the northernmost tip of Aruba and offers scenic views. Dirt trails nearby lead along the northern coast.

  • Casibari and Ayo Rock Formations

    Climb and explore the rocks for views of the countryside.

  • Natural Bridge at Boca Andicuri

    The largest bridge collapsed in 2005, but a smaller natural bridge beside it still stands.

  • Historical and Archaeological Museums

    The Historical Museum displays objects and paintings from Aruba's past. The Archaeological Museum shows ceramic, shell and stone objects from the island's early cultures.

Food and drink

  • Keshi Yena

    A spicy mixture of chicken, peppers, capers, olives and tomatoes, traditionally baked inside a Gouda cheese shell. It is often considered Aruba's national dish.

  • Nos Cunucu

    A local restaurant serving dishes such as traditional baked cheese and iguana soup.

  • Roadside bars and local restaurants

    Places serving local customers can offer good food at relatively low prices. Use normal caution when choosing where to eat.

  • Super Food Plaza

    The island's largest supermarket carries a broad selection of fresh fruit and vegetables imported from mainland North America.

  • United States restaurant chains

    Many familiar fast-food and other restaurant chains operate downtown and near large resort hotels.

  • Balashi Beer

    Aruba's national beer and the only beer brewed on the island.

Money

Aruban florin, also called the guilder in Papiamento. Its symbols are ƒ and Afl, and its currency code is AWG.

  • United States dollars are widely accepted. Visitors carrying them generally do not need to exchange them for florins.
  • Shops and hotels give different exchange rates. The source lists rates of ƒ1.75–ƒ1.80 for US$1.
  • Most businesses accept major credit cards. Personal cheques are normally not accepted.
  • Cash machines accept supported bank cards and credit cards with a Cirrus or Visa Plus logo. They normally give cash in Aruban florins.

Typical costs

  • Arubus ride: about US$2.60 or ƒ4.50.
  • Airport highway bus: US$2.60 or ƒ4.50 in cash.
  • Submarine trip: $105 for adults and $79 for children aged 4–12; the source does not specify the dollar currency.
  • Donkey Sanctuary: entry and petting are free, while feeding costs a small, unspecified fee.

Language

  • Dutch is an official language.
  • Papiamento is an official language, with roots in Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch.
  • English is widely spoken.
  • Spanish is also spoken.
Balashi Cocktail
A local expression for Aruban drinking water.
Sweet water
A local name for fresh drinking water.

Staying safe

  • Aruba is generally safe during the day and at night.
  • Avoid the area around the Citgo refinery in the southeast at night.
  • The northeast coast has rough seas and dangerous currents.
  • Drug possession laws are strictly enforced. Possessing cannabis is illegal.

Local customs

Do

  • Greet people properly when you meet them.
  • Ask permission before taking someone's photograph.
  • Respect nature, which is highly valued by Arubans.
  • Men should wear dress shorts or trousers to dinner.

Don't

  • Do not wear beach clothing away from the beach or pool.
  • Do not assume jeans are accepted for dinner; the source says most restaurants do not allow them.

Staying healthy

  • Apply plenty of sunscreen, as Aruba has very strong sun.
  • Drink enough water to avoid heat stroke in the hot, humid weather.
  • Tap water is safe to drink.
  • The main hospital has 280 beds, oxygen supplies and kidney dialysis services. Other medical clinics are also available.

Where to stay

  • Aruba has resorts, chain hotels, boutique hotels and local places to stay. Most hotels are on or near the beach, with others in downtown Oranjestad.
  • The Holiday Inn and Marriott are beside each other on Palm Beach, a long, narrow stretch of sand.
  • The Marriott has three bars in swimming pools, a lazy river, two gyms and a casino.
  • Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts has oceanfront rooms and suites on the widest stretch of Eagle Beach.

Outdoor adventures in Aruba

Aruba has white-sand beaches, warm water, snorkelling spots and short inland hikes. Its caves, rock formations and bird sanctuary offer more ways to explore. The northeast coast has rough seas and dangerous currents, so some beaches are for views rather than swimming.

  • Palm Beach

    BeacheSouthwest coast

    Reach the beach by bus, car or taxi. Nearby hotels allow visitors to use public areas for changing.

  • Eagle Beach

    Beache

    Visit the beach; transport details are not given.

  • Baby Beach

    SnorkellingSouthern tipnear San Nicolas

    Visit the sheltered bay near San Nicolas for shallow-water swimming and snorkelling.

  • Arikok National Park

    More to do

    Visit the park to see its rock formations, caves and rugged coastal scenery. Entry arrangements are not given.

    • The park's Boca Prins and Dos Playa beaches are not suitable for swimming.

  • Natural Pool (Conchi)

    SnorkellingNortheast coast

    Day trip Calm days for snorkelling

    Take a guided tour or use a suitable 4×4, ATV or UTV to reach the pool.

    • Snorkel only on calm days.
    • Carry a spare tyre if travelling by vehicle.

  • Boca Catalina and Antilla Shipwreck

    SnorkellingAntilla wreck off Malmok Beach

    Join a snorkelling tour that visits these sites.

  • Arashi Beach

    SnorkellingNorthern tip

    Sunset for coastal views

    Visit for snorkelling, calm water and sunset views.

  • Mangel Halto

    Kayaking

    Reach the cove by car or taxi. Kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkelling are described here, but equipment arrangements are not given.

  • Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations

    HikeIsland interior

    Short trails

    Follow the short trails and climb the rock formations for views of the countryside.

  • Hooiberg (Haystack Mountain)

    HikeCentral Aruba

    A cool, clear day

    Climb the 561 steps to the top.

    • Choose a cool day to make the climb easier.
    • Use sunscreen and stay hydrated in Aruba's heat.

  • Guadirikiri Cave (Quadirikiri Cave)

    CaveArikok National Park

    Daylight hours

    Explore the first chambers during daylight hours.

  • Fontein Cave

    CaveArikok National Park

    Visit the cave within the park to see its wall carvings.

  • Boca Prins and Dos Playa

    BeacheAtlantic coast, Arikok National Park

    Visit these park beaches for scenery and photography. Dos Playa can be reached by four-wheeler.

    • Do not swim here: strong currents and large waves make the water dangerous.

  • Andicuri

    Surfing

    Visit the beach for surfing; lessons and equipment arrangements are not given.

    • Swimming is not advised because of strong currents and big waves.

  • Hadikurari Beach (Fisherman's Huts)

    Surfing

    June for the High Winds Pro AM windsurfing championship

    Visit the beach where the windsurfing championship is held. Equipment and lesson arrangements are not given.

  • Bachelor's Beach

    Surfing

    Visit for windsurfing or snorkelling. Equipment arrangements are not given.

    • The beach is not recommended for swimming.

  • Boca Grandi

    Beache

    Visit the beach for its extreme-sports setting; specific sports and operators are not described.

    • Strong currents make this unsuitable for swimming.

  • Manchebo, Druif, Surfside, Rodgers and Santo Largo beaches

    Beache

    Santo Largo can be reached by car or taxi. Transport details for the other beaches are not given.

  • De Palm Island

    Snorkelling

    Visit the island for shallow-water snorkelling and its children's waterpark. Transfer arrangements are not given.

  • Natural Bridge at Boca Andicuri and Wariruri Beach & Bridge

    More to doWariruri is on a remote stretch of coastline

    Visit Boca Andicuri to see the fallen Natural Bridge and a smaller standing bridge. Reach Wariruri's shoreline and limestone bridges by 4×4.

  • Bubali Bird Sanctuary

    Wildlife

    Use the observation tower for the best views of the birds.

  • Butterfly Farm

    Wildlife

    Take a guided visit to learn about butterfly habits and how they develop.

  • Aruba Ostrich Farm

    Wildlife

    Join the walking tour around the ostrich pens and incubator.

  • Donkey Sanctuary

    Wildlife

    9 AM–noon

    Visit the rescued donkeys. Volunteers explain the sanctuary's work, and visitors can pet the donkeys.

    • Cost: Free entry and petting; feeding costs extra, with no amount given.

  • Coral reef submarine trip

    More to do

    Departures at 11 AM, noon and 1 PM

    Take the battery-powered Atlantis-class submarine to view the coral reef and sunken ships through large windows.

    • Cost: $105 adults; $79 children aged 4–12.
    • The close seating and enclosed space are unsuitable for people who fear confined spaces.

Airports, metros and trains in Aruba

Airports with scheduled flights

  • AUAQueen Beatrix International AirportOranjestadMain international airport

People and safety in Aruba

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian92%
  • No religion6%
  • Folk religions1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex couples can form civil unions, but not marry.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 26 of 100 countries can visit Aruba easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required26
  • Visa required74

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Americas17 of 19 countries
  • Europe3 of 4 countries
  • Asia2 of 9 countries
  • Oceania2 of 14 countries
  • Africa2 of 54 countries

Questions

Is Aruba part of Netherlands?

Aruba is a territory linked to Netherlands, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit Netherlands.

Does a Netherlands visa let me visit Aruba?

Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for Netherlands may not cover Aruba. Check the Aruba visa page for your passport.

When is Aruba's high season?

High season is January to March, when temperatures are around 24–29°C. April to December is off season, with temperatures around 26–31°C.

Can I take a bus from the airport?

L2 and L3A buses pass on the highway outside the airport. They accept backpacks and carry-on bags, but not suitcases, and cost ƒ4.50 in cash or US$2.60.

Do I need to rent a car?

Many restaurants, beaches and shops are within walking distance of resort areas. Buses and taxis can help you reach other places, so you can decide after choosing your activities.

Can I pay with United States dollars?

Yes, United States dollars are widely accepted. You may receive change in Aruban florins.

Will I be able to speak English?

English is widely spoken. Dutch and Papiamento are official languages, and Spanish is also spoken.

Which coast has calmer beach conditions?

The southwest coast has white-sand beaches and warm water. The northeast coast has rough seas and dangerous currents.

What local dish should I try?

Keshi Yena is often considered Aruba's national dish. It is a spicy chicken and vegetable mixture traditionally baked in a Gouda cheese shell.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes. Aruba's running water is safe to drink and is locally called sweet water.

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