| Time difference / local time |
GMT -5 hours
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| Language |
Dutch. Most locals can also speak English and Spanish, and you’ll hear the local Papiamento.
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| Currency |
Aruban Guilder. US dollars are also accepted locally.
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| Highlights |
Arikok National Park
Discover indigenous wildlife including the Aruba rattlesnake and cat-eyed snake, Aruban whiptail lizard, and the Aruban burrowing owl and parakeet. See the limestone formation’s natural freshwater spring, the remains of early natives’ settlements and the ruins of a mine complex.
Natural Bridge
Aruba’s natural bridge is 100ft long and 23ft tall. It was formed over the years by the sea eating away at the rocks on the shore.
Rock formations
The Casibari Boulders are massive tonalite rock formations clustered north of Hooiberg – follow specially created trails for fantastic island views. The Ayo Rock Formations are mysteriously arranged in an area that the island’s first inhabitants deemed a sacred site. You’ll see ancient rock drawings and can explore on the pathways.
Caves
Fascinating stalagmites and stalactites are dotted along the island’s winward coast. Discover the Guadirikiri Cave’s two cavernous chambers, dramatically lit up by the sun’s rays streaming through its holes; and the Fontein Cave, where the ceiling is scattered with Arawak Indian drawings. The Huliba Cave has a charming heart-shaped entrance.
Gold mills
Adventurers used to search for treasure in Aruba, and the ruins of two historic gold mills remain. On the north coast, Bushiribana Gold Mill once processed mined ore during the 19th-century gold rush; while Balashi Gold Mill can be found by the Spanish Lagoon.
Aloe Museum & Factory
Aruba is the world’s biggest exporter of aloe vera, used in skincare products all over the world for its potent nourishing properties. Take a tour of the factory to learn how aloe vera leaf is processed and see ancient aloe tools ain the museum.
Alto Vista Chapel
Dating back to 1750, this bright yellow chapel was Aruba’s first Roman Catholic church. Make your way there up a meandering road punctuated with stations of the cross.
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| Beaches |
• Aruba’s west coast boasts lively, action-packed beaches where powdery white sands hem the turquoise Caribbean.
• While not suitable for swimming thanks to a strong current and waves, on the winward coast you’ll find stunning limestone coves and desert scenery.
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| Events and festivals |
January
Grand Final Tumba Contest
Local artists compete to be crowned Tumba King or Queen as they play this African-Caribbean style of music based on the rhythm of the tambour.
Aruba Carnival Celebration
The island comes alive during this month-long celebration, with street parties and parades showcasing spectacular costumes and music.
February
Tivoli Lighting Parade
This popular parade is illuminated by thousands of tiny lights on costumes and floats, with music from live bands.
March
Grand Carnival Parade
The island’s biggest carnival parade takes place on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday, and the partying continues well into the night.
Aruba International Half Marathon
Runners race the length of the island, passing beautiful scenery along the way.
April
International Aruba Piano Festival
Renowned classical musicians including pianist Lucille Chung, violinist Alissa Margulis flutist Nicaulis Alliey perform music by composers such as Chopin and Schubert.
May
Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival
Five days of inspiring soul music – previous artists who’ve performed include Wyclef Jean, Boyz II Men, Lauryn Hill and Chaka Khan.
June
Aruba International Film Festival
This eight-day festival kicked off in 2010 and attracted actors, producers and film-makers.
Dera Gai
Aruba’s harvest festival features the iconic red-and-yellow rooster, and celebrations include traditional singing and dancing.
July
Aruba International Triathlon
Competitors from around the world tackle a 1½km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run.
Aruba High-Winds
The Caribbean’s largest amateur windsurfing event makes the most of Aruba’s trade winds for some thrilling windsurfing and kite-boarding competitions.
August
Aruba Rembrandt Regatta
Yachts, windsurfers, kite-surfers and more take to the water for this two-day open sailing event, and spectators can dance the nights away with music and parties.
Aruba International Pro-Am Golf Tournament
Teams of five – one professional and four amateurs – compete at this annual 36-hole tournament.
October
Jazz Festival
Sway to soothing jazz rhythms as local and international artists perform at this outdoor celebration.
November
Aruba Heineken Catamaran Regatta
This catamaran race takes place off the beautiful coast of Palm Beach, followed by food and dancing on the beach.
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| Shopping |
• International brands are cheaper in Aruba, so shop for duty-free designer bargains by names including Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Rolex. As well as clothes and accessories, you’ll find jewellery, perfume, handicrafts and souvenirs.
• Downtown Oranjestad boasts several gleaming shopping centres and a myriad of side streets lined with shops.
• The high-rise district is also home to many malls, where you can browse shops, dine on a range of cuisines and even catch a movie.
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| Flying time to destination |
12¼ hours
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| Sports |
• Your Aruba resort may offer snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, tennis, beach volleyball and water polo.
• Tee off at Divi Aruba, a nine-hole golf course.
• Go fishing or head into the water as you dive along the reef or down to sunken shipwrecks.
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| Spa facilities |
Many of our Aruba resorts have spas where you can book a relaxing treatment. |
| Eating/Drinking |
Food
• Some traditional Aruban dishes include pan bati (a pancake-like side dish), stoba (lamb or goat stew), cala (bean fritters) and pastechi (meat turnovers).
• Arubans eat lots of fresh seafood including crab, barracuda, calamari, grouper, mahi mahi and snapper.
• Aruban cuisine has a distinct Dutch influence that harks back to colonial times - keeshi yena is baked Gouda stuffed with chicken or beef, spices and cashews, raisins and capers.
• Desserts are popular in Aruba, with local specialities including cashew cake and bread pudding. Sweet treats such as coconut candy and tamarind balls are also popular.
• Most restaurants serve Aruban dishes flavoured with coconut and Caribbean spices. Indonesian dishes are also very popular, and you’ll find international cuisine too.
Drink
• Tap water is safe to drink.
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| Good to know |
Religion
Roman Catholic
Dialling code
+297
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| Nightlife and discotheques |
• The southwest coast is dotted with friendly beach and pier bars where you can sip cocktails and make the most of happy hours.
• Set sail on a cruise from a Palm Beach pier, whether you want to party on the water or watch a romantic sunset.
• Head to one of the island’s resorts for a glitzy Las Vegas-style show or have a flutter in Occidental Grand Aruba’s casino.
• In the island’s high-rise district you’ll find endless after-dark fun, with karaoke bars, pubs, swanky restaurants, shops and cinemas.
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| Museums |
Numismatic Museum
One of the world’s top seven money museums, this remarkable collection of over 33,000 coins was started 50 years ago by the late Mario Odor.
Historical Museum
Housed in the iconic Zoutman Fort, Aruba’s oldest building, this museum’s exhibits include a collection of private historical documents.
Sports Museum
With 29 different sports and memorabilia including pins, trophies, uniforms, and certificates, this museum aims to honour the island’s past sporting heroes and inspire future athletes.
Museum of Antiquities
Discover Louis XV antiques at this museum, built using materials that date back to the 17th century. There’s a flea market here on the last Sunday of each month.
Model Train Museum
As well as model trains from all over the world dating back to 1895, here you’ll see model cars, buses and aeroplanes.
Archaeological Museum
Showcasing Aruba’s American-Indian heritage, parts of this renovated Ecury complex date back to the 1800s.
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| Excursions |
Butterfly Farm
As guides show you round, you’ll learn all about butterflies’ fascinating life cycle and metamorphosis – get there early and you might get to see some emerging from their chrysalis.
Ostrich Farm
Meet over 80 of these charming creatures, as well as emus, on a guided tour of the farm. There’s also an African art shop, restaurant and bar.
Donkey Sanctuary
Since opening in 1997, this sanctuary has provided a safe home to donkeys who might otherwise struggle to survive. There are now 40 four-legged residents at this Santa Lucia branch, where you can meet and interact with them.
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| Tipping |
Most hotels include a service charge in the bill. If not, tip 10-20%.
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