Aruba holidays: the beaches, the national park and when to go
Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, has a trade wind almost every day and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. It is the island for sunshine without gambling on the weather.
Eagle Beach
Photo: Vera Wijermars / Unsplash
Aruba at a glance
The wind blows steadily from the east, and the fofoti trees on Eagle Beach lean with it, as they have for years. Aruba is a small, dry island about 25 kilometres off the coast of Venezuela. It is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and one of the ABC islands, with Bonaire and Curaçao.
The island lies south of the usual hurricane belt and gets little rain, which makes it a safe choice all year. The currency is the Aruban florin, but US dollars are used everywhere. For more islands, see our Caribbean guide.
Which area suits you?
Eagle Beach, for the best beach
Wide, white and calm, with low-rise hotels and plenty of space. It regularly ranks among the Caribbean's best beaches.
Palm Beach, for high-rises and nightlife
North of Eagle Beach are the big hotels, casinos and restaurants in a row. This is where the evenings are busiest.
Oranjestad, for the town
The capital has colourful Dutch colonial buildings, a marina and shops. Boats leave from here for Renaissance Island, a private island with flamingos for guests of the Renaissance hotel.
Arikok National Park, for nature
Around a fifth of the island is national park, with cacti, caves with rock paintings and the Conchi natural pool, reached by four-wheel drive or on horseback.
Arikok National Park
Photo: Darice de Cuba / Unsplash
When to go
December to April: high season, dry and around 28 degrees. Most expensive, especially at Christmas and February half-term.
May to November: still sunny with little rain, but lower prices. The island is largely outside the hurricanes' path.
Good to know
The wind is constant, which is welcome in the heat. The west coast has the calmest water.
From the UK, the usual routes are via Amsterdam or the US.
A hire car is easy and gets you to the north coast and the national park on your own.
Check entry rules before you travel. All visitors must complete an electronic entry form.
Where to stay
Eagle Beach has the smaller, quieter hotels, among them Bucuti & Tara, an adults-only resort that often tops lists of the Caribbean's best. Palm Beach has the big resorts. Nine hotels we recommend are in our Aruba hotel guide. For more winter ideas, see where is hot in February.
Frequently asked questions about Aruba
When is the best time to visit Aruba?
Aruba works all year. December to April is driest, while May to November brings lower prices.
Does Aruba get hurricanes?
The island lies south of the usual hurricane belt and is rarely hit, though passing storms further north can bring wind and rain.
What currency is used in Aruba?
The Aruban florin, but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere.
Which is the best beach in Aruba?
Eagle Beach for space and calm, Palm Beach for activities and Baby Beach in the south for shallow water for children.