Aruba is an adventure-packed island where you can enjoy snorkeling, kitesurfing, or go strolling through several beaches. However, it’s not just a cool vacation spot for sitting under the palm trees and sipping pina colada – there’s much more to explore and experience. And what all is that, we’ll learn in this brief guide. So, keep reading…

Worst Times to Visit Aruba

September to mid-December: This period coincides with hurricane season in the Caribbean, which can bring occasional storms and rain to Aruba. However, it offers significantly lower accommodation prices, making it an economical choice for risk-tolerant travelers.

Best Time to Visit Aruba

To be honest, there’s no such thing as a ‘Good time’ to visit Aruba as the weather is fairly consistent year-round. However, you can choose to visit from the months of April to August when the chances of tropical storms hitting the island are fairly low and the prices are quite budget-friendly.

About the history of Aruba

Arawak Indians were said to be the first inhabitants of the Aruba island. However, legends have it that the first time Spanish explorers discovered this island in 1499, they addressed it as Oro Huba which translates to there was gold – well, that’s a different thing that they never actually found any gold.

After a tough war between Spain and Holland, Aruba was taken under Dutch rule in the 1600s. Although it’s still a part of the Dutch Caribbean islands, Aruba became an independent nation in the year 1986. Today, you’ll find most Aruban citizens carrying a Dutch passport alongside themselves. 

The official language of Aruba

Dutch and Papiamento are the two official languages of Aruba. The schools here focus on making students learn English, Spanish, and even French to some extent. Hence, you’ll find most Arubans speak a minimum of four languages including Dutch and Papiamento, Spanish, and English. But the mother tongue of Aruba and the primary vernacular of all the citizens is Papiamento. 

Activities available in Aruba

As said at the very beginning of the blog, Aruba is an adventure-packed island with a whole lot of fun activities to enjoy. Let’s have a look at our top favorites.

• Bar Hopping Party Bus Tour 

This is one of the most exciting and fun activities you can enjoy in Aruba. Hop on the party bus for a lively evening of nightlife exploration. This is a 4-hour tour that will take you to the island’s hottest pubs and clubs making a night filled with excitement. The bus features a large dance floor with dancing poles, disco lights, and ropes to hold onto, creating a perfect atmosphere for you to showcase your dancing moves. 

• 4-Course Dinner Cruise

Experience romance and luxury on the Monforte III dinner cruise in Aruba. Here you can enjoy a 4-course gourmet meal, live music, and zesty cocktails while cruising along the island’s west coast. Rest, enjoy a peaceful time witnessing the beautiful sunset, sipping on unlimited premium beverages, and creating unforgettable memories under the starry Caribbean sky. 

• Adventurous Jeep Safari

Explore the hidden gems of Aruba with a Natural pool and an Indian cave-guided jeep safari tour. On this adventure-packed journey, you can enjoy a trip to historical sites of Aruba like Dos Playa Beach, Rock Formation Arikok National Park, Natural Park at Conchi, and Indian Caves. While riding through the rugged landscapes, soak in breathtaking viewpoints, and cool off in a natural pool. Led by a professional driver guide, this tour promises comfort, safety, and a thrilling safari experience.

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Popular attractions in Aruba

Here are some of the popular attractions in Aruba that are a must-visit.

California Lighthouse and California Dunes 

California Lighthouse was named after the S.S. California, which sank down the coast here. Standing at the northern tip of the island, the area around this beautiful lighthouse is rugged, covered with sand dunes (also called California Dunes) and cacti. Although the place is closed to the public, it makes for a great spot to enjoy a panoramic island view during the sunset. 

The Butterfly Farm 

If you’re a nature enthusiast or a budding photographer, give the butterfly farm a visit – you won’t regret it for sure. Herein, you’ll be invited to a lush, green tropical garden with beautiful butterflies fluttering all around you. 

For a more enriching experience, you can take the guided tours where you get to learn about different butterfly species, their habitats, and life cycles. The best part about this farm is that once you take the admission, you can visit as many times as you want during your stay in Aruba. 

Aruba Aloe Factory & Museum Tour 

Visit the Aruba Aloe factory, museum, and store to learn everything about the aloe plants. Herein, you can even watch a short film on the history of aloe in Aruba that explains aloe wonder plant was first introduced in Aruba in the 1840s and how the island soon became the world’s largest exporter of aloe. 

Meanwhile, you can also observe the aloe plants grow on the sandy soil, and learn how it can be beneficial for your health. While at it, don’t forget to join the walk through the factory where you can have a closer look at the entire production process of aloe products.

Philip’s Animal Garden 

Started by Philip Merryweather, a passionate animal lover, this garden is home to over 52 exotic animal species. Some of the popular residents here include kangaroos, ocelots, emus, snakes, and ostriches who also happen to share their abode with farmyard animals like goats, donkeys, and horses. 

If you’re traveling with kids, this is an amazing place to explore. You’ll only be charged a small entry fee a part of which goes to the animal care funds. 

Popular beaches in Aruba

Eagle Beach 

Eagle Beach is like a dreamy paradise covered in soft white sand and surrounded by tall Palm trees. It makes for the perfect spot to relax under thatched umbrellas and swim in the crystal-clear water. And if you’re up for some adventure, hop on for a jet skis ride at one end of the beach. Meanwhile, don’t forget to get a glimpse of those famous fofoti trees at the north end of the beach – they’re the ones you see in most pictures from Aruba. To relax and rejuvenate, you can check out this fancy resort called Bucuti and Tara Beach resort right by the waters. 

Arashi Beach 

Arashi Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand leading up to the California Lighthouse. It’s a perfect spot for swimming and offers some of the island’s finest snorkeling opportunities right from the shore. Here, you can spot colorful fishes like blue tangs and butterfly fish among the rocks and soft corals. There are also water activities like windsurfing, sailing, and fishing available with options for Seabob rentals. 

Palm Beach

Palm Beach, located just north of Eagle Beach in Aruba, is a popular spot, often bustling with tourists. Backed by various hotels, restaurants, & souvenir stalls, and featuring water sports like banana boat rides, wakeboarding, and parasailing, it frames the heart of Aruba. If you prefer a cozy, comfortable stay, the Boardwalk Hotel Aruba, a charming boutique hotel is just a short walk away in tropical gardens. 

Manchebo Beach 

Manchebo Beach is a tranquil and secluded spot that is usually less crowded than the other popular beaches. It features wide stretches of white sand and clear turquoise waters, dotted with charming palapas. The absence of noisy motorized water sports makes it a peaceful alternative to the more famous Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. 

Baby Beach

Baby Beach, located about a 45-minute drive from the main tourist area of Palm Beach in Aruba, is a stunning crescent-shaped beach with soft white sands and a calming turquoise lagoon which is perfect for families with young children because of its shallow and silent waters. However, it is always advised to remain cautious of strong currents beyond the lagoon. The beach boasts sun tents, palapas, and a charming thatched snack bar. While there’s a refinery in the background, the bay views are breathtaking making it a perfect spot for clicking some memorable pictures. 

About the hurricane season

Hurricane season in Aruba and the wider Caribbean region starts in June and lasts till late November, with August, September, and October being the most active months of the season. On average, the season experiences ten tropical storms out of which 6 turn into active, mature hurricanes. 

However, as Aruba lies outside the Hurricane belt, it remains least affected by tropical storms. Nonetheless, just to be on the safer side as a tourist, make sure to:

• Keep yourself updated about the hurricane development. You can learn about it from TV & radio channels or government websites.
• Get extra supplies of all the essentials. Buy batteries for your torch or flashlight, charge your power banks (in case electricity runs off), refill your medicines, and keep yourself equipped with a first aid kit for any emergencies. 
• Make sure to store enough food and drinking water. 
• Keep all your travel and other valuable documents in a waterproof package. 

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How do I get to Aruba from India?

Aruba lies at a distance of 14847 km from India, which is extremely far – to be precise. Hence, the best and most feasible way to travel to Aruba is by air. For this, you can board a direct flight from either New Delhi, Bengaluru, or Mumbai to reach your destination. This will cost you anywhere around INR 50,000 – INR 1,50,000. 

Weather in Aruba

Aruba enjoys tropical weather with a fairly constant temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. The trade winds turn the island cool enough to enjoy basking in the sun on beaches a pleasant pastime. However, one must be careful as the sun can get extreme between 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. So, make sure to wear sunscreen with a minimum of 50 SPF and carry light breezy wear and hats along with you to the beach. 

Pros and Cons of Visiting During Off-Peak Season

While traveling off-peak might come with extra cost savings and fewer crowds, it also requires more than usual planning to make for the perfect vacation trip. Here are some of the pros and cons of visiting Aruba during the off-season. You can read and compare both sides to see what rightly fits your notion of the best trip:

Pros

• Save extra on hotel bookings, airfares, and entrance fees for famous attractions.
• Stroll freely without heavy crowds lurking around.
• Gain an opportunity to have a closer look at the traditional culture and enjoy an intimate experience at some of the best attractions of the area.

Cons 

• You might not experience the best of the Aruba’s weather.
• Many tourist attractions are likely to be shut.
• Nature-related activities like hiking, snorkeling & more might be limited.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

Q. Is Aruba safe to visit during hurricane season?

A. Aruba lies just outside the hurricane belt and remains the least affected by tropical storms and hurricanes. Hence, yes, it’s safe to visit Aruba during the hurricane season. 

Q. What are the must-see attractions in Aruba?

A. The Arikok National Park, Conchi Natural Pool, Butterfly Farm Palm Island & Orjensted are some of the must-see attractions in Aruba.

Q. How do I get the best deals on accommodations?

A. Before making your booking make sure to browse through websites like Tripadvisor and Trivago that offer a detailed comparison of tariffs for the same property by different agents. This will help you find and choose the best deal that fits your budget.

Q. What activities are available during the low season?

A. You can enjoy activities like sailing tours, windsurfing, scuba diving, horse riding, and more during the low season in Aruba.

Q. Can I enjoy water sports during hurricane season?

A. Although Aruba is very less likely to experience the effects of tropical storms and hurricanes, it is advisable to avoid water sports activities, if possible. However, it also depends on the weather and the surrounding conditions during the time of your visit. Hence, the best is to consult your instructor and learn about their take on this.

Q. Are there any cultural festivals in the off-peak season?

A. You can enjoy the Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival which is the biggest music festival of the year held during early October.

Q. What is the best time to book flights to Aruba for lower fares?

A. The cheapest months to fly to Aruba are from July to September. Herein, make sure to book your tickets at least two weeks before your departure to get lower than usual prices.

Q. How can I stay updated on Aruba’s weather forecasts?

A. You can listen to radio channels or visit government websites to keep yourself informed about Aruba’s weather.

Q. Are there any visa requirements for visiting Aruba? 

A.Yes, all Indian nationals require a short-stay visa for a stay of 90 days or less to visit Aruba.

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