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Solar Panel Shade and Electricity outlet in front of Tourist Information Office in San Nicolas Aruba

The island of Aruba and sustainability

Aruba strives for sustainable prosperity; nurturing the quality of life of our people, our environment and our economy.

Windmills at Vader Piet in Aruba

The pursuit of happiness and wellbeing is the cornerstone of Aruba’s approach. Ultimately, we hope to be the model for a low-carbon, sustainable and prosperous economy that can be replicated in other island nations. As this vision comes to fruition, Aruba is on track to be both the happiest and most sustainable island nation in the world!

Praised for our unparalleled sustainability efforts, Aruba was named the National Geographic World Legacy Award Winner for “Destination Leadership” in 2015 at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism convention. The government of Aruba is aggressively promoting the use of renewable energy, most notably solar and wind energy. With more than 5,000 wind and 2,500 solar hours annually, Aruba has tremendous potential for sustainable energy generation.

Today, we receive nearly 20 percent of our energy from clean power. The Vader Piet wind farm generates 20 percent of the island’s electricity needs. We have completed our largest solar park at the Reina Beatrix International Airport, providing a total of 2,238.3KW.

Many of our hoteliers are focusing on sustainability and adopting energy efficiency measures across their properties:

  • As the Caribbean’s first certified carbon-neutral hotel, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort leads the charge with certifications and worldwide awards including EarthCheck seal, LEED, Green Globe Platinum.

  • Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa also Green Globe certified with an EarthCheck platinum seal.

  • Of the 85 hotels in the Caribbean awarded with the EarthCheck seal, 10 percent are located in Aruba, including: Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, La Cabana Beach Resort & Casino, Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Divi Aruba All Inclusive Resorts including Golf Course, Hyatt Regency Aruba, Aruba Marriott Resorts, and MVC Eagle Beach Resort.

  • In 2017, all single use plastic bags were banned from stores and restaurants. Paper bags and reusable bags are now the norm.

  • The island is transitioning to a total single-use plastic and styrofoam ban for 2020.

  • The community is also transitioning to a ban of sunscreens that contain the coral reef-damaging chemical oxybenzone by 2020.

Additionally, several of our partners are, or are aspiring to be, EarthCheck certified.

Turtle Nesting Season

Volunteers from Turtugaruba devote many hours watching over, protecting the nests and educating us during the season.


The journey to becoming an eco-friendly destination is never-ending. Even with the many green-friendly endeavours that the Aruban community and tourism industry are making, sustainability is about constantly adapting and finding new ways to take care of our environment. New ways of generating green energy, but also reducing waste and creating legislation to protect the beautiful island of Aruba and the rest of the world.

Featured Activities

Adventure

Arikok National Park

Families

Bubali Bird Sanctuary

We’re just getting started with the amazing effects Aruba has to offer. Dig into your trip details below to unlock a Caribbean experience that will leave you sunnier, happier, and (of course) a little more tanned.

Discover the Aruba Effect