5 Reasons to Visit Aruba on Your Next Vacation
Aruba is home to one of the world’s best beaches, a lush national park, great swimming holes, top-tier snorkelling, and a rockin’ nightlife scene. You can already start to see that there’s something for everyone here, but if you need a little more convincing on why it’s the perfect spot for your next vacation, I’ve got 5 solid reasons to visit Aruba.
After visiting this beautiful place, I decided it’s one destination that every world traveler should experience at least once. I think you’ll agree once you see it for yourself! Here are 5 reasons to visit Aruba.
Like you needed another reason to plan on visting Aruba—but if you do, here are 5 that are hard to argue with! Disclosure: this post may include affiliate links that help me earn a commission if you click and make a purchase. I am so grateful for your support!
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Aruba
Maybe you’re making a logical, evidence-based pitch to a friend, spouse, or family member about why Aruba should be your next getaway. Maybe you’re leaning toward Aruba, but not sure it’s the place for you. Or maybe you’re just beginning to consider different destinations for an upcoming trip and need to know why Aruba belongs on the shortlist.
Either way, these reasons to visit Aruba should help firmly land you on Team Happy Island (the island’s nickname is One Happy Island, so let’s go ahead and consider that Reason #6)!
1. Aruba is home to one of the world’s best beaches. It’s called Eagle Beach, and it’s legitimately one of the most stunning shores you’ll ever lay eyes on (or stroll). One of the widest beaches in Aruba, it’s comprised of the softest white sand and dotted with picturesque Fofoti trees. Charming beach resorts line the back side and make perfect places to stay if you want these views right from you balcony (you do).
2. It’s a tropical paradise with all the European/American comforts you appreciate. Cars here drive on the right side of the road, the culture is familiar with Dutch, English, and African influences, and you’ll recognize many brand-name hotels and resorts here. Rooms usually have air conditioning, and everything from the tipping culture to the food served will be familiar enough to make you comfortable if you’re not a seasoned traveler.
3. There’s lots of adventure and activities for active people. If you prefer spending your vacations getting busy and making the most of each day, you’ll find plenty of things to do around Aruba. From horseback riding and off-roading adventures to hiking and scuba diving, there’s not much you can’t do in Aruba—except snow sports!
4. The food is great and there’s plenty of entertainment in Aruba. Aruban cuisine is diverse and delicious, with fare like grilled meats, fresh vegetables and fruits, and tasty Caribbean spice blends turning basic ingredients into a symphony of flavor. Entertainment options are abundant across the island, from live Mazurka and Tumba music to dancing, great nightlife, and cool cultural performances you can attend.
5. Everyone speaks English, so language barriers are not an issue. Learning a new language to visit an international destination can be a fun challenge, but if you’re hoping to visit somewhere that English is spoken widely, Aruba is a fantastic choice. From taxi drivers and hotel staff to restaurant workers and adventure tour operators, you’ll be able to communicate easily with people in Aruba as an English speaker.
How to Make the Most of Your Aruba Visit
For an island, Aruba has plenty to do for an adventure lover—or anyone who just wants to take this prime opportunity to relax and unwind somewhere gorgeous. Here are a few ideas to get you started and make the most of your visit to Aruba.
- Rent a Jeep or 4 wheeler and explore the island yourself.
- Go scuba diving—there isn’t a ton to see here in terms of reefs, but there are some cool wrecks scattered around the island.
- Spend the day on a pirate ship or catamaran snorkeling and sailing with Jolly Pirates.
- Rent a paddleboard or a bicycle and head down the coast.
- Charter a boat, go fishing, and have the Driftwood cook your fresh-caught dinner.
You’ll also want to visit Arikok National Park and the Caves. Almost a quarter of Aruba is taken up by Arikok National Park, a wildlife preserve that is home to many desert species and two large caves, which are home to a plethora of bats. I managed not to scare any, but I was nervous of having a horror movie bat surprise at any minute!
We explored the park and the western side of the island by ATV. After leaving the park, one of the main things to see are the wishing rocks at the old fort (photo at top of page). Then, we headed to see the Natural Bridge, a natural rock outcropping that had been eroded by the sea. Unfortunately, this landmark had just recently collapsed, but it is still a beauty to look at.
Check out the Natural Pool in Aruba while you’re there! I had heard about a local spot called the Natural Pools, unreachable except by ATV or horseback, which is right up my adventure alley. The pool itself is an area where the sea has carved out a circular area of rock off the shore that appears to look like a hot tub when seas are low.
Getting into the pool can be downright dangerous, like when we tried to go. You have to clambor over jagged rocks and fight the tide to swim to the pool. Either way, it will be an adventure you soon won’t forget. We chose to get there via horseback which made the exciting experience even better. Running a horse through the sandy beaches on the journey to the pool gives you a sense of real independence. Rancho Daimara is a great ranch to use and the oldest in Aruba.
Horseback riding with Rancho Diamara in Aruba
Best Places to Eat in Aruba
If you have done your due diligence and saved up some extra cash for your trip to Aruba, you will be pleased with the good selection of delicious (but pricey) restaurants. Here are a few you shouldn’t miss.
- Flying FishBone: Dine on the beach with your toes in the sand. Romantic with fresh and delicious seafood, just watch out for the camera flashes as the sun sets and don’t forget your camera.
El Gaucho: If you like steak, this traditional Argentine grill not only has some of the best steaks I have ever had but also fantastic service.
Best Places to Stay in Aruba
The main town area has a ton of name brand hotels like Marriott and Holiday Inn. Looking for a quieter experience, however, we chose to stay at the Divi Dutch Village across from the world-famous Eagle Beach. You can book all-inclusive stays, or if you’re like us, do the à la carte version and head to the grocery store for breakfast items.
Nice to see a post on Aruba that doesn’t just talk about flamingos – for a change!