Aruba is small, sunny and simple, which is exactly why it works. The island is about twenty miles long, the beaches are public, and most of what first-timers want sits within a short drive of Eagle Beach, Palm Beach and Oranjestad. The planning question is not whether to go, but how to spend a limited number of days between sand, sea and the wilder side of the island.
What to book ahead
Four things are worth reserving before you arrive. First, a catamaran or snorkel sail: the Octopus Aruba trips from Pelican Pier on Palm Beach are on Tiqets, and the Antilla shipwreck and Catalina Bay cruise is on Viator, and the sunset options sell out in high season. Second, the Arikok National Park and Natural Pool jeep safari, which is the most popular tour on the island. Third, De Palm Island if you want the all-inclusive day, remembering that it is open Sunday to Friday and closed on Saturdays. Fourth, a table or two for dinner in high season. Everything else can be decided on the day.
Getting around
Aruba has public buses, plentiful taxis and easy car rental. If you plan to stay on Eagle Beach and Palm Beach with a couple of tours, taxis and the bus are enough. Rent a car for a day or two if you want to visit Baby Beach, the Donkey Sanctuary and the north coast on your own. The park roads are rough, so for Arikok and the Natural Pool a guided jeep safari is the practical choice. Beaches are public, so you never need to be a hotel guest to use them.
How many days
Three days covers the basics: a beach day, a boat day and a tour day. Five days lets you add De Palm Island, Oranjestad and the south side. A week is relaxed and gives you spare beach days. Because the island is compact, you rarely lose time to transit.
Where the headline sights fit
Start with Eagle Beach, the island's most famous stretch of sand, for calm water, the fofoti tree and sunsets. Use a morning for the Oranjestad historic walking tour, which covers Fort Zoutman, Wilhelmina Park and the archaeological museum. Take the Arikok jeep safari for caves and the rock pool, and the island highlights tour if you want the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista chapel and the ostrich farm. Add a catamaran sail and, on another day, Baby Beach and the Donkey Sanctuary on the south side. The Butterfly Farm is open daily and is a good plan for a windy or very hot afternoon.
Safety and comfort
The sun is strong all year, so bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and water. Stay inside the designated swimming areas on Eagle Beach, and be careful outside the sheltered bay at Baby Beach, where the current is strong. Do not disturb turtle nests or the protected fofoti tree.
A simple plan
Day one, Eagle Beach and a sunset dinner. Day two, the Arikok and Natural Pool safari. Day three, a catamaran sail. Day four, Oranjestad in the morning and De Palm Island on another day, then Baby Beach and the donkeys. Choose your base to match: Eagle Beach for calm, Palm Beach for convenience, Oranjestad for town.
