The beaches of Aruba are the major draw of this Caribbean island, but you’ll also find a number of natural attractions, historic sites and cultural venues to explore during your visit. Aruba boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean – and the entire world – and many are easily accessible from the waterfront hotels and oceanside resorts. If you’re interested in water activities, head out on a deep sea fishing charter boat excursions, enjoy a few hours of scuba diving and snorkeling, or set off on a windsurfing adventure. Some of the resorts in Aruba offer packages that include water activities and beach amenities, but you can also find a number of outfitters and tour operators offering services by the hour.

During the day time, enjoy all types of watersports and activities on the beach with your traveling party. Indulge in some Caribbean and Arubian food before you head off to explore the party scene around the beach. Aruba’s nightlife scene is always abuzz with activity, and you’ll find everything from casinos, theater entertainment, Vegas-style shows, Caribbean music events and live music at some of the hotels, restaurants and outdoor venues in the area. Aruba’s nightclubs and bars stay open until the wee hours of the morning, and provide even more opportunities to socialize and enjoy great music, food and drinks.

Aruba is primarily a tourist destination, so you’ll find that many of the event venues, restaurants and other destinations cater to tourists. Almost everyone here speaks English but Dutch is the official language of the island.  If you want to learn more about the island’s history, head off on a tour of some of the old sugar mills or explore some of the caves and other natural wonders on the island.

Aruba Weather and Best Time to Visit

The island of Aruba boasts the highest repeat-visitor travel rates in all of the Caribbean, and many visitors choose to stay at some of the deluxe resorts, extended stay venues or beach vacation rental properties during their visit. The island remains relatively quiet during the summer months, and rates at most properties tend to go up during the winter months – Aruba’s peak season.

Aruba boats sunny skies and calm waters year round, but most people tend to flock to this part of the Caribbean during the late winter and early spring months. January through March are Aruba’s peak season, and April through August are the siland’s low season. You’ll find more affordable rates during the peak of summer, and summer temperatures are still relatively comfortable and bearable. Some hotels and resorts do increase their prices around major festivals, such as the Carnival celebration and the Aruba Music Festival.

Experience Aruba

The tiny island spans just about 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, and sits as the westernmost of the Dutch ABC islands. Everything revolves around the beaches of Aruba, but you can also find a number of interesting destinations and sites to explore around Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital and the largest city on the island. Most of the island’s hotels are located around Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. Don’t miss the chance to see the California Lighthouse, one of the iconic landmarks on the island, during your trip. The entire island of Aruba is called home to just under 100,000 residents, and many live right around the capital city.

You’ll find examples of traditional architecture in and around the capital city, but you’ll also find that many of the small neighborhoods and shanty towns located just five or six blocks from the waterfront are very run down. The low-rise hotel area, located about 20 minutes west of Oranjestad, is where you’ll find some of the smaller boutique hotels, timeshare properties and older villas and beach houses. This side of the island has a very laid-back feel, and many extended stay visitors choose to stay here because of the number of apartment-style accommodations available near Eagle Beach.

The glitzy resorts and upscale hotels are located around Palm Beach. Many of these hotels have onsite casinos, fancy restaurants, spas and offer room service and other deluxe amenities.

Take a break from island activities to enjoy a unique spa experience at one of the area resorts or independently-owned spas near the water. Some of the popular places to enjoy a massage, body treatment and other spa services include the Aruba Spa at The Westin Aruba Resort, Spa del Sol at the Playa Linda, Okeanos Spa & Fitness Center, and Larimar Spa at the Radisson.