Aruba
Aruba is the island that trades on sunshine and keeps its promise.
A dry, breezy Dutch Caribbean outpost just off the coast of Venezuela and outside the usual hurricane track, it pairs miles of soft white sand on Eagle Beach and Palm Beach with a rugged, cactus-studded north coast, a national park of caves and rock pools, and a pastel Dutch-colonial capital in Oranjestad. This guide books Aruba properly: a catamaran snorkel sail to the Antilla shipwreck, the Arikok National Park and Natural Pool jeep safari, a full day at De Palm Island, an island loop to the California Lighthouse and Alto Vista chapel, and a walking tour of Oranjestad. It pairs those with the free essentials, from the fofoti tree on Eagle Beach to the calm shallows of Baby Beach and the Donkey Sanctuary, and then matches you with the right hotel, from adults-only luxury on Eagle Beach to a resort in the heart of town, because on a small island where you sleep decides your beach.
Eagle Beach
Aruba's most photographed stretch of sand: a wide, low-rise beach with soft white sand, calm turquoise water, a famously crooked fofoti tree and a turtle nesting season. Public, free and open to everyone.
Arikok National Park and the Natural Pool
Aruba's wild side: a rugged national park of caves, cactus plains and limestone cliffs, ending at a sheltered rock pool by the sea. The off-road jeep safari is the easiest way to see both.
Aruba Donkey Sanctuary
A free, friendly stop on the south side where rescued donkeys come to the fence for carrots and apples. No admission fee, donations welcome, and a favorite with children.
Baby Beach
A sheltered, shallow lagoon at the island's southern tip, with calm, warm water that is knee to waist deep for much of the bay. The best beach for small children and nervous swimmers.
FreeAruba's most photographed stretch of sand: a wide, low-rise beach with soft white sand, calm turquoise water, a famously crooked fofoti tree and a turtle nesting season. Public, free and open to everyone.
Aruba's wild side: a rugged national park of caves, cactus plains and limestone cliffs, ending at a sheltered rock pool by the sea. The off-road jeep safari is the easiest way to see both.
The classic Aruba day on the water: a catamaran or trimaran sail from Palm Beach with snorkeling at Boca Catalina and the Antilla wreck, lunch, an open bar and a sunset option for the evening.
A focused snorkel cruise to two of the island's best underwater sites: the shallow Antilla shipwreck and sheltered Catalina Bay. About three hours, gear included, and a sensible choice for first-time snorkelers.
The Dutch-colonial capital on foot: Fort Zoutman, Wilhelmina Park, the archaeological museum and pastel streets, with tastings along the way. A shaded, cultural change of pace from the beach.
A private island day trip with an all-inclusive buffet and open bar, snorkeling, slides, banana boats and a kids water park. Open Sunday to Friday and closed on Saturdays.
A four-hour loop of the island's landmarks: the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista chapel, the Natural Bridge area and Bushiribana gold mill ruins, plus an aloe factory and an ostrich farm.
FreeA free, friendly stop on the south side where rescued donkeys come to the fence for carrots and apples. No admission fee, donations welcome, and a favorite with children.
FreeA sheltered, shallow lagoon at the island's southern tip, with calm, warm water that is knee to waist deep for much of the bay. The best beach for small children and nervous swimmers.
A tropical garden where hundreds of butterflies fly free around you, with a short guided tour and a free return visit during your holiday. Open daily and good in any weather.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Eagle Beach
Aruba's adults-only boutique beach resort on Eagle Beach: full breakfast included, no resort fees, a beachfront restaurant and a serious sustainability record. The splurge for couples.
Rates on Expedia →Eagle Beach
A beachfront Eagle Beach resort with a spa, four restaurants, daily beachfront yoga and Green Globe Platinum certification. A relaxed mid-range base with real wellness appeal.
Rates on Expedia →Palm Beach, Noord
A full-service Palm Beach resort with a casino, the ZoiA Spa, several restaurants and a lively beachfront. The easy choice for families and groups who want everything in one place.
Rates on Expedia →Oranjestad
A waterfront resort in Oranjestad with a 40-acre private island for guests, free-roaming flamingos, three pools and two casinos. The best base for town and easy day trips.
Rates on Expedia →Noord
Budget-friendly studios and apartments in Noord with a pool and a restaurant, close to the beaches and the bars. The practical choice for stretching an Aruba budget.
Rates on Expedia →What to book ahead in Aruba, how to get around the island, how many days you need and where Eagle Beach, Arikok, the catamarans and De Palm Island fit.
A guide to Aruba's main areas, Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Oranjestad and Noord, with five hotels matched to different budgets and travel styles.
