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Rent a Car or Jeep
Rent a car or Jeep if you want to explore the island. Aruba has so much beyond the beaches, from hidden spots and local restaurants to scenic drives and quiet coves.
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From someone who actually goes
Aruba travel tips you'll wish you'd known.
Sunscreen rules, packing tricks, and the spots most tourists miss.
Reef-safe sun protection
The two sunscreens we won't fly without.
Aruba's reef-protection law is real, and customs does check what's in your bag. Anything with oxybenzone or octinoxate gets confiscated at the airport. Here are the two reef-safe sunscreens we won't fly without, one for face, one for body.
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FACE
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Face Lotion
Vegan, reef-friendly, and a sheer tint that doubles as light coverage. We throw it on without a mirror and skip foundation entirely at the beach.
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BODY
Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Mineral-based, no chalky white cast, and it actually holds up after a swim. Buy it before you fly. Local prices on the island can be double.
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Packing essentials
Carry-on only. Every time.
We never check a bag for Aruba. With the right packing setup, you can do a week of beach days, dinners out, and bar nights in a carry-on. Here's what we use to make it fit.
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ORGANIZATION
The packing cubes we won't fly without.
We can fit a full week of Aruba outfits in a carry-on with these. Separate cubes for swimsuits, beach cover-ups, evening clothes, and shoes. Customs takes 30 seconds because everything is already organized.
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Before you go
A few last things to sort.
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Travel Insurance
Get travel insurance. Yes, really. It is one of those things you hope you never need, but are glad you have when plans change.
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When you land
Two quick wins at the airport.
Skip the airport taxi line. Book transport in advance.
Pre-booked car services meet you at arrivals and save you 30+ minutes in line. The line moves slow when multiple flights land at once.
Cash isn't necessary. US dollars and cards work everywhere.
Florins are the local currency, but every restaurant, hotel, and shop takes USD and major cards. Don't waste time at the airport ATM.
Where to eat & drink
Our short list.
Noord, Waterfront
Sunset Cruise & Seaside Dinner at Pelican Nest
Sail Aruba's coast on a catamaran from Noord, watch the sky turn pink from the water, then sit down to a custom seafood dinner with a glass of wine right on the waterfront at Pelican Nest. Snacks and an open bar onboard before you eat.
Oranjestad, Harbour House
Lima Bistro
A relaxed, elegant fusion of Peruvian and Caribbean flavors at Harbour House Aruba. Daily fresh catches, handmade sourdough, and creative plates. Sit inside by the open kitchen, or outside for marina views and island breeze.
Noord
Azar Open Fire Cuisine
Contemporary firewood grill with standout food and inventive cocktails. The vibe leans more adult as the evening goes on, so earlier reservations work best for families.
Things most tourists miss
Two spots worth the detour.
De Palm Island packs a full day into one trip.
De Palm Island is one of Aruba's hidden gems for families and groups. Enjoy a full day of fun with snorkeling, water slides, banana boat rides, salsa lessons, food, drinks, and even flamingos. It is an easy way to pack a lot of experiences into one island adventure.
Conchi Natural Pool is worth the bumpy ride.
A hidden rock pool on the rugged north coast, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. You will need a 4x4 or a guided tour to reach it.