Experience Map

Experience . Explore . Discover
Aruba

General Information

Languages
Papiamento, Dutch, English, and Spanish. Learn more..

Currency
Aruban Florin. US Dollars accepted (conversion rate varies from 1.75 to 1.80). Major credit cards and traveler’s checks widely accepted. Personal checks from abroad not accepted. Learn more..

Temperature
Average 82 °F / 28 °C. Learn more..

Time
Atlantic Standard Time year-round

Population
106,000+ inhabitants, representing more than 96 nationalities. Learn more..

ATM Services
Widely available around the island, dispensing Aruban Florins, with some also dispensing US dollars.

Service Charge/Tips
Tipping is at your discretion. Some restaurants and hotels include a service charge that is shared among the staff. Learn more..

Taxes
Government taxes totaling 6% are either added to or included in the price of goods and services. Hotels have additional taxes and service charges (varying from 19 to 22%).

Drinking Water
Yes, you can drink tap water! Aruba’s drinking water meets the highest quality standards of the World Health Organization. Learn more..

Sun Protection
Although our trade winds are cooling, please protect yourself from the sun’s strong rays with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. To protect our coral reefs, please use mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreens. Learn more..

Transportation
Aruba‘s main bus terminal is located in downtown Oranjestad, with bus stops and regular service throughout the hotel areas. Taxis and car rental companies are widely available. Do not park in any of the yellow-lined spaces in the downtown area, as those are reserved for employees. Learn more..

Plastic Bag
Plastic bags are banned on the island. Please help keep our island clean and avoid using plastic cups and straws when possible. Learn more..

Speak our Language

Although most Arubans speak English, Spanish, and Dutch, it’s always fun to greet them with a few local phrases in our local language of Papiamento.  Learn more..

Bonbini Welcome
Un sunchi A kiss
Bon dia Good morning
Con ta bai? How are you?
Bon tardi Good afternoon
Mi ta bon I am fine
Bon nochi Good evening
Hopi Bon Very good
Danki Thank you
Mi ta felis I am happy
Di nada You are welcome
Bida ta dushi Life is good

Action & Adventure

With its laidback, island vibe, Aruba is certainly an ideal place to simply relax on one of our pristine beaches, but if adventure and exploration are part of your vacation agenda, the island offers many exciting activities by land and sea!

Land Activities

Golf
Aruba’s diverse landscapes and near-perfect weather set the scene for hitting the greens. Tierra del Sol’s desert-meets-sea, 18-hole course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II. The Links at Divi Aruba offers a par-three, nine-hole course in a lush, tropical setting. Learn more..

Yoga
How about some sun salutations in paradise? Whether it’s a sunrise or sunset session on the beach, or a class at one of our local studios, Aruba has a yoga experience for every level. Learn more..

Motorized Tours
Explore Aruba’s rugged countryside, coastline, and visit iconic landmarks on an organized tour. Enjoy an air-conditioned coach bus tour or get your adrenaline pumping on a UTV, ATV, or Jeep safari. Learn more..

Birding
Some 236 registered species of local and migratory birds flutter and frolic around Aruba. The Bubali Plas Bird Sanctuary is ideal for bird-watching. Learn more..

Attractions
Whether it’s discovering the flora and fauna at the Butterfly Farm, Ostrich Farm, Donkey Sanctuary, and Phillip’s Animal Garden or enjoying a day of fun in the sun at De Palm Island, Aruba has a diverse selection of attractions to visit. Learn more..

Sea Activities

Snorkeling & Diving
Aruba boasts several close-to-shore reefs that are ideal for snorkeling and shore diving. Divers can also explore a variety of shipwrecks and plane wrecks teeming with sea life. Learn more..

Sailing
There are several sailing vessels offering snorkel and sunset excursions along our stunning coastline. Learn more..

Sea Bob
Hydrodynamic underwater scooters allow riders to experience vibrant coral reefs. Learn more..

Jetlev
Soar 30 feet into the air and hover over the sea with a water-propelled jet pack. Learn more..

Parasailing
Take flight and enjoy a bird’s-eye view floating over the sea. Learn more..

Submarine
Atlantis Submarines takes passengers to depths of 150 feet to explore brilliant reefs and sea life. Learn more..

Deep Sea Fishing
Aruba’s waters are home to a variety of game fish, including sailfish, marlin, amberjack, and wahoo. Half- and full-day excursions can be chartered. Learn more..

Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
Aruba’s clear, calm seas and steady trade winds make Aruba a top destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Learn more..

Kayaking & SUP
Organized kayaking and paddle boarding tours can be enjoyed at scenic spots like Spanish Lagoon and Mangel Halto. Learn more..

Wakeboarding
The Bucuti inlet is a popular spot for this thrilling sport. Lessons and equipment rental available. Learn more..

Recommended Beaches

The following beaches are popular for relaxing, sunning, and swimming:

Arashi
Touted for its crystal-blue water, sugary white sand, well-kept public palapas, and picturesque view of the California Lighthouse. Learn more..

Malmok
Located along the northwest coast’s limestone terrace, the snorkeling at this beach is excellent. Learn more..

Baby Beach
Wrapping around a shallow, calm lagoon, this beach is ideal for families. Learn more..

Mangel Halto
Named for its dense network of mangroves, the beach here opens to an inviting expanse of shallow, clear water. Learn more..

Palm Beach
This popular beach is home to a variety of diving and watersports operators, piers, and beach bars. Learn more..

Eagle Beach
TripAdvisor’s #3 beach in the world features crystal clear waters and immaculate sand that stretches for miles. Learn more..

Boca Catalina
A popular snorkeling spot with excellent underwater visibility and a close-to-shore reef to explore. Learn more..

Rodger’s Beach
This local beach skirts a reef-protected bay that proves ideal for swimming and lounging in a peaceful atmosphere. Learn more..

Hadicurari/Fisherman’s Huts
This beach is one of the best flat-water windsurfing locations in the world, with several board-sports operators offering lessons and rentals. Learn more..

Museums & Tours

Aruba  Aloe
Tour a working Aloe Vera factory to see firsthand how these curative plants are processed into a collection of beauty and sun-care products. Learn more..

Archeological Museum
Located in the historic Ecury building, the three periods of Amerindian inhabitation on Aruba are documented here. Learn more..

Fort Zoutman Historical Museum
Fort Zoutman, together with William III Tower, houses exhibits about the early history and development of Aruba. Learn more..

Museum of Industry
Housed in the historic San Nicolas Water Tower, the past and current industries on Aruba are detailed here through artifacts, memorabilia, and personal accounts. Learn more..

San Nicolas Community Museum
Features collections curated to share a slice of the everyday lives of past generations in our island community. Learn more..

Carnival Euphoria Exhibit
Discover the history and cultural impact of Aruba’s Carnival through displays and gorgeous costumes of past Carnivals.

Desalinization Plant Tour
Aruba’s famed drinking water is produced with seawater at WEB Aruba. Enjoy a free tour of the plant with an advance reservation.

Balashi Brewery Tour
Aruba’s national beer is produced in a fully-automated brewery. Take a tour and enjoy a brew! Learn more..

Aruba Downtown Walking Tours
Stroll through historic downtown Oranjestad in the company of a knowledgeable local guide, enjoying tastes of our local cuisine along the way. Learn more..

Aruba Mural Tours
Downtown San Nicolas features a fascinating street gallery of murals painted on dozens of buildings and structures. Learn more..

Arikok National Park

Sprawling across 20 percent of Aruba's land area, Arikok National Park—a protected habitat for many wildlife species—features an incredibly varied landscape ripe for exploration. The Visitor's Center provides a map and information on the many sites within the park to facilitate navigation. Hike the numerous marked trails or journey by automobile (four-wheel drive recommended). Popular attractions include Daimari, a functioning 17th-century coconut plantation; Cunucu Arikok, a partially restored Aruban traditional adobe farmhouse; Boca Prins and Dos Playa, two stunning north-coast beaches; Natural Pool, a barrier of large rocks that form a picturesque pool; Yamanota, the highest elevation on the Island at 189 meters, the caves of Guadirikiri and Fontein; and Hofi Fontein, a freshwater spring. Learn more..

Cultural Pursuits

Bon Bini Festival
Every Tuesday evening, the Bon Bini Festival regales guests with a folkloric celebration at Fort Zoutman. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy traditional dance performances and steel pans, browse local arts and crafts, and sample local foods. Learn more..

Island Fest
On the last week of most months, locals and visitors come together to celebrate the sights, sounds, and tastes of the island’s culture and heritage. Engaging performances, live music, and a taste of Carnival are featured. Learn more..

Shopping

From the resort areas and upscale malls to the store-lined streets of the City Center, Aruba offers a bountiful selection of modern shopping complexes, as well as a potpourriof unique boutiques and emporiums. Here is your guide to making the most of our shopper's paradise!

City Center Oranjestad
Oranjestad, the island's original shopping mecca, is livelier than ever. Hop on one of our trolleys and journey through City Center’s vast selection of shopping venues. Learn more..

Royal Plaza
The Royal Plaza’s signature pink and white Dutch Caribbean architecture houses three levels of shops and dining. Learn more..

Renaissance Mall
Home to elite luxury retailers, dining, and a casino. Learn more..

Renaissance Marketplace
Anchored by the City Center marina, a lively atmosphere prevails in an al fresco venue that features an array of shops, dining, and entertainment. Learn more..

Main Street
Luxury retailers and quaint boutiques line this street's historic architecture. Learn more..

High-Rise Area
There always seems to be a buzz in the air–especially in the cooler evening hours when the streets are filled with strolling vacationers and locals.

Paseo Herencia
A gorgeous fountain featuring nighttime liquid fireworks is surrounded by international and local retailers and restaurants. Learn more..

Palm Beach Plaza
This striking three-level outdoor mall is the largest of its kind, featuring retailers, dining,and entertainment options. Learn more..

The Village
The Village is a colorfully captivating collection of stylish shops and restaurants. The courtyard bustles with souvenirs and local crafts for sale in a festive market setting. Learn more..

South Beach Centre
This outdoor plaza comes to life after dark with live entertainment mingled with shopping and dining. Learn more..

Low-Rise Area

Alhambra Casino & Shops
This breezy outdoor plaza invites visitors to stroll amongst an array of unique boutiques and dining options. Learn more..

My Promise to Aruba

We are so glad you are here! We are asking our visitors to join our local community to help keep Aruba’s environment and treasured culture and heritage preserved for future generations to enjoy. Please keep the following in mind while experiencing all that Aruba has to offer:

I will help preserve this island for generations to come and be a mindful and responsible visitor

I will respect land, sea, and nature, leaving only footprints that wash away

I will move around safely, attentive to all rules and norms, being sensible to all who call this island their home

I will honor the local culture and embrace the One happy island spirit I will behave sensibly on social media and will share with care

This is my promise to Aruba

Take your pledge on aruba.com/promise to help protect our island

Emergency Numbers

Fire Department 911
Police 100
Ambulance 582-1234
Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospitaal 527- 4000
Airport Reina Beatrix 524-2424

Points of Interest

Sorted alphabetically:

Alto Vista Chapel - Learn more..

Arikok National Park - Learn more..


Aruba Logo At Linear Park - Learn more..

Ayo Rock Formations & Indian Cave Drawings - Learn more..

Boca Grandi - Learn more..

Bushiribana Gold Mill - Learn more..

California Dunes - Learn more..

California Lighthouse - Learn more..

Casibari Rock Formation - Learn more..

Daniel Leo - Learn more..

Donkey Sanctuary - Learn more..

Dos Playa - Learn more..

Fofoti Tree - Learn more..

Fort Zoutman - Learn more..

Hooiberg - Learn more..

Mangel Halto - Learn more..

Natural Bridge Seroe Colorado - Learn more..

Natural Pool - Learn more..

Plaza Daniel Leo - Learn more..

Red Anchor Seroe Colorado - Learn more..

San Nicolas Street Art Murals - Learn more..

Trio Bridge - Learn more..