Overview of Aruba

Aruba is an island owned by the Dutch just off the coast of Venezuela, and is part of the island chain known as the “ABC Islands” – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. The climate in Aruba is more desert-like than other Caribbean islands, but with an almost constant breeze, ideal for windsurfing. There are numerous “divi divi” trees on Aruba, very unique trees which always appear to be leaning to one side due to the tradewinds.

The constant wind can be deceiving, however; the sun is very intense due to Aruba’s proximity to the equator, so be especially careful to apply a strong sunscreen liberally and often.

Cruise ships dock in the capital city of Oranjestad within easy walking distance to town. Aruba is more “Americanized” than most Caribbean islands – there are all the usual fast food restaurants, etc.

Here is a map of the island.

Check out this video from the Aruba Tourism Authority.

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What language is spoken in Aruba? Do they speak English?

The official language of Aruba is Dutch, but English (and Spanish) is widely spoken and is required to be taught in schools on the island. The natives have a strong accent and use many slang expressions that may be difficult to understand at first. For example, “please” is “por fabor”; “welcome/hello” is “bon bini”; “thank you” is “danki” and others.

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What is the national currency used in Aruba?

The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban Guilder/Florin (AWG). The approximate exchange rate is 1.75 AWG to 1 USD.

Do they accept US Dollars around the port?

Yes, dollars are accepted just about anywhere. However, US bills of $50 or $100 can be hard to cash. Therefore, be sure to have smaller denominations on hand when going ashore.

Where can I get or exchange money?

If your card has the Cirrus or Plus logo, you can withdraw cash in Aruban currency at ATM’s throughout the country. Currency may also be exchanged at local banks. However, there is not much need to exchange money on Aruba – the USD$ is widely accepted around the island.

Note – you must call your bank before leaving home to be sure that your PIN will work in Aruba at their ATM machines.

• Banks closest to Port: Aruba Bank is adjacent to the cruise ship terminal. Note that they accept MasterCard only; they do not accept VISA.
• ATMs closest to Port: ATMs are extremely easy to locate in Aruba – there is one at the cruise ship dock itself, as well as in every casino.

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How do I get around Aruba?

Walking

The downtown area of Oranjestad is very near to the dock, and is an excellent place to explore on foot. The city is clean, safe, and offers every type of shopping experience one could need.

Taxis

Taxis are quite expensive on Aruba (tariffs are pre-determined by Ministry of Tourism and Transportation). Hailing a cab from the street is not generally done – you need to call a cab or find one at a restaurant, casino, store or hotel. Taxis on Aruba do not have meters – be sure to inquire about the full fare before accepting a ride.

Buses

There is a public bus ($1) system, known as Arubus, in Aruba, but it covers only the main resort areas and the downtown area – if you want to explore other areas, you should consider renting a car for the day. The buses run approximately every 30 minutes between downtown and the resort zone.

Rental Car

Car rentals from all the major car rental agencies are available on Aruba and you can reserve on-line before your trip. Both Thrifty & Hertz have offices at the dock itself. Driving is on the right hand side, and it is simple to explore the island as there is only one main road, Rte. 1A, running from one end of the island to the other. Be aware that many rental cars on the island are standard shift only, and that the open-air Jeeps usually rent quickly when a cruise ship is in port.

Bicycle, Scooter, Motorcycle rental

Bicycles ($25), scooters ($30), motorcycles ($45-$100), and even Harley Davidson motorcycles ($85-$150) are readily available for rent while in port. To insure that there is one available for you, consider reserving before leaving home.

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How can I stay in touch with home while in Aruba? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

Wi-fi internet service is available in many places on the island, including at the cruise ship terminal and most hotel lobbies.

How can I call home? Are there call centers?

Prepaid calling cards are available from grocery stores for about $6 and can be used to make international calls. International calls can also be made from the numerous Internet cafes on the island. Some Internet cafes even have Skype calling or video chat.

Where are the Internet cafes?

There are many Servicio di Telecomunicacion di Aruba (SETAR) locations on the island where you can make phone calls, send a fax, or connect to the internet. The closest location is on Irausquinplein St., less than a mile northeast of the port; so it is a long walk or short taxi ride away.

What are the cell phone rates?

Verizon is $1.99/minute and AT&T is between $1.69 and $1.99/minute. Contact your cell phone provider for international roaming rates.

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What are the must-sees in Aruba? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• The Aruba Aloe Factory, just outside the downtown area, is a unique spot. Aloe has been gathered and processed on Aruba for the past 160 years, and this is quite possibly the only place in the world where you can learn all things aloe! If you already have a sunburn when you visit, ask the guides for a free sample and they will be happy to oblige. The factory/museum is located 2 miles north of the port (see map.)
• Experience Aruba Panorama, a 22-minute feast for the eyes, is a wonderful way to get an overview of what to do and see on the island. Shown on five large screens, you will see everything that Aruba has to offer, beginning with an historical overview, a tour of the natural beauty of the island, and a peek into the festive Carnival events held every year. This is shown at the Crystal Theater in the Renaissance Hotel, walking distance from the dock, about 500 yards due west (see map.)

Also worth a visit: The Aruba Ostrich Farm, The Aruba Donkey Sanctuary, and The Aruba Butterfly Farm

Check out this video of The Aruba Butterfly Farm.

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Beaches

A map overview showing the locations of the numerous beaches on Aruba can be found here.

All beaches on Aruba are public, but the lounge chairs and thatched huts are for hotel guests only and are generally policed carefully by the resort staff. Topless bathing is illegal on the island, and is very offensive to the native people.

• Baby Beach is by far the best known and most popular beach on Aruba. Perfect for families with children, Baby Beach offers extremely shallow, crystal clear water, perfect for wading and snorkeling. Refreshment stands and thatched roof huts are available. Baby Beach is on the southeast tip of the island, approximately half an hour away from the dock (see map.) This is an approximately $40 taxi ride from the port, one way.
• Eagle Beach, often rated one of the top 10 beaches in the world, is extremely lively, with every type of water-sport equipment available for rent. The resorts in that area have restaurants, bars, changing areas, etc. You may spot the little green parakeets that flock to the rocky area on one side of the beach. Eagle Beach is about 3.5 miles away from the port (see map.) This is approximately a $10 taxi ride, one way.

Check out this video 360 degree view of the beach.

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Shopping

• Closest to the cruise ship dock is the Royal Plaza Mall, which is just across the street (see map.) An extremely large mall, the Royal Plaza offers great views, a variety of restaurants, and shops for the bargain shopper, as well as, luxury items.
• The Renaissance Mall & Marketplace is within walking distance, about half a mile west-southwest of the dock (see map.) It offers a theater, sushi bar, and casino.

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Golf

• The Tierra del Sol Spa, Resort and Country Club (greens fees and tee times) has the only 18-hole golf course on Aruba. This course was designed by Robert Trent Jones and offers golfers a diverse landscape – cactus, desert, and ocean views. The golf course is 9 miles north of the port, which is about a $25 taxi ride away (see map.)
• Divi Links Course (greens fees and tee times) is a 9-hole golf course surrounded by the luxury vacation villas at the Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort. It is just 2 miles northwest from port (see map.) This course offers scenic ocean views and beverages are available at both the third and sixth holes.

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Scuba

Aruba is famous among divers for the variety of its wrecks, from a German freighter to cargo planes and barges. Less well-known are the beautiful reefs along the South Coast.

• Dive Aruba offers a variety of classes, dives and packages. They are located at the Renaissance Marina (see map.)

SNUBA is a great alternative to Scuba for novice divers. SNUBA is a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving, where the heavy air tanks stay on the surface, allowing the diver more freedom and comfort without being weighed down by the tanks.

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Tours

• Aruba Heli Tours has many tour options, ranging from a beach tour, to a full island tour, to a “fly & dine” tour which includes either breakfast or lunch at a restaurant with exceptional golf course views. The tours fly out of the Seaport Helipad located half a mile west of the port (see map.)

  Check out this video of an Aruba Helitour

• Renaissance Island is a 40-acre spot ideal for a day-trip. There are a variety of activities available here – snorkel equipment, jet skis, kayaks, a restaurant and bar, etc. Or if you prefer, a few hours in a hammock between two palm trees, sipping a frozen cocktail? The Island can be reached by water taxis available at the Renaisance Resort & Casino, which is within walking distance north of the cruise ship dock.

  Note: When you exit the water taxi, the beach area to the right is “European style”; meaning that clothing is completely optional. Pink flamingos are the sign that you are in the right (or wrong . . .) place.

  Click here for photos and more details about what to see and do on Renaissance Island

• Atlantis Submarines Aruba – go below the water’s surface while staying dry and comfortable inside the submarine or their semi-submarine. Both offer a close-up view of Aruba’s many tropical fish and beautiful coral reefs. They are located about 750 yards west of the port, by the dock of the Renaissance Marina Hotel (see map.)

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What are the must-eats in Aruba?

• Pastechi, while in Aruba, is a must. It is similar to an empanada or meat turnover.
• Keeshi Yena – similar to a chicken pie, is made with gouda cheese, chicken, onion, peppers, celery, green olives, raisins and cashews is distictly Aruban.

Where are the best places to get them?

• The Pastechi House in downtown Oranjestad, just 3/4 miles west-northwest of the port (see map), offers various types of Pastechi.

• The Old Cunuco House is an original Aruban home that is more than 150 years old. Located at Palm Beach 150 (near the high-rise hotels, just outside downtown Oranjestad), this restaurant offers the unique Aruban specialty, Keeshi Yena. It is a five mile ride north of the port (see map.)

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What are the must-drinks in Aruba?

• Balashi Beer, a combination of Scottish malt, German hops and Aruban water, is extremely popular and available in most bars.
• Rum Palmera is another unique Aruban beverage. It’s used to make their famous Aruba Ariba cocktail, a deceptively fruity drink that nevertheless packs a quite a punch. Made from rum, vodka, Grand Marnier, and a combination of various fruit juices, it is best enjoyed while swinging in a hammock between a couple palms trees.

Where is the best place to get them?

• For the adventurous, stop for a drink at Charlie’s Bar in the San Nicolas area, out near Baby Beach. Every square inch of the bar is covered with memorabilia of some kind, from flags and train tickets to postcards. It is in a fairly rough part of the island, and a little difficult to find – a visit there is best enjoyed during daylight hours.
• A delightful restaurant is Ruinas del Mar (Ruins of the Sea), located at the Hyatt Hotel in the high-rise area. Built from local stone, and resembling an old fort, it is surrounded by waterfalls and black swans gliding by as you dine. Ask for a table on the outdoor patio – breakfast is served from 7 am to noon; dinner from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. The atmosphere at night is enhanced by lit torches flickering on the water. It’s just 5 miles north of the port (see map.)
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Which souvenirs should I buy in Aruba? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

Aruba Aloe products, sold at the Factory as well as several shops in the downtown area.

$25-$75

MopaMopa masks, made from a specific type of resin found on the island and decorated with bright colors. These masks were originally made to ward off evil spirits, and can be traced back over 1,000 years. Buy them at The Mask Store in the Paseo Herencia Mall (see map.)

Over $75

Although Aruba is not a duty-free island, however there are still a variety of luxury items available in downtown Orangestad, from Cartier watches, at 11% below US retail pricing, to Bulgari rings at 15% below US pricing.

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What is the weather like in Aruba?

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall

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