Travel Kuoni

Aruba Holidays

See a different side of the Caribbean on Aruba, with its idyllic palm-fringed beaches, picturesque Dutch colonial-style architecture and appealingly multicultural culinary scene.

Pristine beaches of pillowy white sand, a brightly painted capital with a distinctly Dutch appearance and a starkly dramatic interior: Aruba is the Caribbean with a characterful twist. This tropical island just off the coast of Venezuela is below the hurricane belt, with a paltry 18 inches of rain a year – and it shows. Instead of lush, humid rainforest, Aruba’s interior is strikingly arid, the ancient rocky landscapes of what is now a national park punctuated by sculptural cactuses and hardy succulents. There are no rivers to speak of, just a sparse spider’s web of streams, which helps to keep the reef-edged ocean around it crystal-clear for epic snorkelling and diving adventures.

With cloudless skies almost every day of the year, there’s never a bad time to come to Aruba, even if all you want to do is soak up the sun on a coral-built beach in reach of sleek bars and boutiques or a tucked-away cove on wilder shores. But that benign climate is also an invitation to explore. Wander around the streets of the charming capital to admire the pastel-hued historic architecture, browse designer stores and lively flea markets, and discover upmarket eateries and local food trucks. Hike or ride the trails through protected landscapes in search of cave paintings and unique wildlife, and finish at a natural pool that’s all but inaccessible any other way.

Call us today and let us help you build your dream Aruba holiday, from the perfect place to stay to the experiences that will immerse you in island life.

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Aruba Hotels

Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Aruba

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba

Set your watch to island time for an adults-only sandy-footed luxe escape.

Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa

This small slice of heaven on Aruba’s most coveted beach pulls in a stylish crowd looking for pea...

Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Palm Beach

A spectacular stretch of sand. A multi-million-dollar renovation. Casual Caribbean luxury. This z...

Divi Aruba All Inclusive

When you want relaxation combined with plenty of activities and a choice of places to eat and dri...

Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive

Warm breezes gently rustle the lofty palms that watch over a pristine, white-sand beach dotted wi...

Aruba Snorkelling Cruise

Explore the beautiful waters of Aruba on a half-day snorkelling trip aboard the Palm Pleasure, a 70-foot catamaran. You’ll stop at the Antilla shipwreck, Boca Catalina, and Arashi Reef to spot sea life and colourful coral reefs beneath the surface. Relax and enjoy the views while sipping a refreshing drink from the open bar when sailing between locations.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to 1pm
• Daily departures\ • Operates year-round
• Group experience

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UTV Adventure

Experience the wild beauty of Aruba with a professionally guided off-road adventure in a UTV vehicle. Visit the hidden Blackstone Beach and other popular stops like Three Bridges Formation, Baby Natural Bridge, Alto Vista Chapel, and California Lighthouse. The adventure also includes passing by the Andicuri Trail, Ayo Rock Formation, and Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins while learning about Aruba's natural wonders and history from knowledgeable guides.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9.30am to 1pm or 2.15pm to 5.45pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Discover Aruba

See Aruba through the eyes of a local on a full-day island tour. Take a ride in an open-air off-road vehicle, seeing everything from the rocky north shore to beautiful Baby Beach.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
• Daily departures\ • Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Aruba's Underwater Discovery

For those looking for an unforgettable adventure in Aruba, a trip in a submarine offers a remarkable opportunity to experience the island's mesmerising marine environment. You’ll board one of a fleet of state-of-the-art submarines, the largest passenger fleet in the world, approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. With the capacity to reach impressive depths, this experience will leave a lasting impression.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Start time: 11am, midday or 1pm
• Daily departures\ • Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Get to know Aruba and those important practicalities when planning your perfect holiday.

Capital
TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT -5 hours

CURRENCY

Aruba florin/guilder

FLYING TIME TO DESTINATION

12¼ hours

RELIGION

Aruba has no official religion but the majority of people are Roman Catholic

LANGUAGE

Papiamento and Dutch

Where is Aruba?
The island of Aruba lies in the southern Caribbean Sea, about 18 miles from the north coast of Venezuela. Curacao and Bonaire, the other members of the ABC Islands as they’re known, lie to the east. This far-flung part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is just 20 miles long and six miles wide, and well-maintained roads make it easy to explore by hire car, taxi, bicycle or even public transport. The international airport just outside the capital Oranjestad has regular services from the UK (with a short pause in Antigua), as well as from North and South America and the nearby islands.

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Oranjestad
Aruba’s vibrant waterfront capital is brimming with high-end restaurants, designer shops and sleek malls, but its scenic palm-edged streets also provide an intriguing insight into this compact harbour city’s past. Walk down streets lined with fabulously gabled colonial-era houses that could have come straight from the Netherlands – apart from the colourful shades they’ve been painted. Stop off at Fort Zoutman, the island’s oldest surviving building; explore the next-door historical museum; and head further back in time at the fascinating National Archaeological Museum. For a dash of popular culture, you can haggle for everything from Aruban cigars to local crafts at one of the two bustling flea markets, the busier of which overlooks the harbour.

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Beaches
The island’s most popular beaches are concentrated towards the north on the sunset-facing side. At the northernmost of these, Arashi, the gentle swell and powder-soft sand attract local and visiting families, and there’s excellent snorkelling right offshore. To the south, Hadicurari is a magnet for wind and kite surfers, with several schools where you can take a lesson. Nearby Palm Beach, backed by glossy resorts and equally glossy boutiques and restaurants, has almost two miles of pristine sand, calm water and watersports galore; neighbouring Eagle Beach is a little quieter, gloriously photogenic and a nesting site for several species of sea turtle. Escape the crowds on Baby Beach, at the southernmost point of Aruba, a half-moon stretch of sand sheltered by an almost circular bay.

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Arikok National Park
Covering around a fifth of the island, Arikok National Park protects some of Aruba’s most extraordinary landscapes. Venture through rugged hills studded with candelabra cactus, past mysterious rocky outcrops, to the windswept coast where the waves have carved out spectacular cave systems and deep sand-edged bays from the coral limestone. Its most celebrated attraction is Conchi, a natural coastal pool only reachable by 4x4, on foot or on horseback. Other sites, such as Fontein Cave – decorated with pictographs by previous Arawak inhabitants – offer a dash of history with the geology. The park’s varied habitats and microclimates provide a haven for a surprising range of flora and fauna, some found nowhere else. Look out for Aruban burrowing owls, colourful indigenous iguanas and the wonderfully named Hummelinck’s vesper mouse.

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Eating & drinking
From its traditional cuisine’s melting pot of influences from Holland, South America and the Caribbean to the international delights brought by more recent visitors, Aruba is a food lover’s dream. There are an estimated 250 places to eat crammed into its 69 square miles, ranging from fine-dining restaurants in restored historic houses to relaxed waterfront cafés and rustic shacks where street-food favourites are served up in brown paper bags. Thanks to the kaleidoscope of global options, you could start the day with breakfast tacos or Dutch pancakes, graze on sushi at lunchtime and round it off with sublime southern Italian creations. Be sure to try local specialities such as the richly flavoured stoba stews, hearty fish chowder and fudge-like cocada made with coconut and lime.

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Best time to visit Aruba

If you’re after reliable sunshine, white-sand beaches, and a year-round breeze, Aruba rarely disappoints. It sits safely outside the hurricane belt, making it one of the most dependable Caribbean destinations. Whether you come for adventure, culture, or a cocktail in the shade, there's no bad month to visit, just different flavours of brilliant. The best time to visit Aruba depends on your travel style. From December to April, the island is at its sunniest and liveliest, perfect for escaping a British winter. For fewer crowds and better deals, the shoulder season between May and August brings steady sun and excellent snorkelling conditions. September to November is the quietest time, with warmer air, higher humidity, and the occasional tropical shower, but also the best prices and room to breathe.

Aruba Weather

Nov - Mar

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October
November
December

Aruba Weather by Month

Aruba in January 

Start your year with a splash of sunshine. January falls right in the heart of Aruba’s dry season, bringing daytime highs near 29°C and an abundance of golden rays. It’s prime time for visitors, so while prices may rise, so does the island’s energy. Carnival season begins to stir, with music, pageants, and parades hinting at the bigger celebrations ahead. Steady trade winds keep things pleasantly breezy, and rain makes only the briefest of appearances. For warm days and a lively vibe, January is hard to beat.

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Aruba in February

February brings Carnival to life. This is one of the most exciting times to visit Aruba, with dazzling costumes, steel pan bands, and street parades lighting up Oranjestad and San Nicolas. The weather continues to impress. Think dry, breezy, and warm, with barely a cloud in sight. Beaches are popular, hotels fill fast, and the energy is high. 

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Aruba in March

March in Aruba offers a welcome escape from the UK's lingering winter. With daytime temperatures around 30°C, low humidity, and minimal rainfall, it's an ideal time for sun-seekers. The island enjoys a steady breeze, keeping the heat comfortable and the skies clear. While it's still high season, the atmosphere is relaxed, attracting a mix of international visitors. The waters are calm, perfect for snorkelling, paddleboarding, or leisurely boat trips. If you're looking to unwind under the sun before the Easter rush, March is a brilliant choice.

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Aruba in April

April marks the end of high season, but not the end of the good weather. Skies stay clear, rain remains rare, and prices begin to dip. The island feels a touch calmer, but still lively enough for sunset cruises and atmospheric waterside dinners. 

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Aruba in May

May marks the start of Aruba’s laid-back shoulder season. Crowds thin out a touch, but the sunshine holds strong, with daytime temperatures lounging around 31°C. The ever-present trade winds keep things refreshingly breezy. It’s an ideal time for relaxed adventures: quieter beaches, shorter lines, and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for diving or snorkelling. Easygoing travel doesn’t get much better than this.

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Aruba in June

June stays reliably warm and dry. Long, sunny days and barely a hint of rain make it a great time to soak up the outdoors. Thanks to its southern location, Aruba stays safely out of the Atlantic hurricane zone, even as the season begins elsewhere in the Caribbean. Late June often brings a burst of energy to Hadicurari Beach, as the Aruba Hi-Winds windsurfing and kiteboarding event gets underway, adding a sporty spark to the island’s summer scene.

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Aruba in July

July is warm, windy, and ideal for watersports. Strong trade winds make it perfect for sailing and windsports. Temperatures reach the low 30s, but the breeze keeps things comfortable. Summer holidaymakers begin to arrive, but the island still feels spacious. With lively local events, great underwater visibility, and beautiful beach days, it’s a fabulous choice for adventurous travellers.

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Aruba in August

August turns up the heat in all the right ways. With daytime highs around 32°C, plenty of sunshine, and warm, calm seas, it’s spot-on for swimming, snorkelling, or setting off on a breezy boat trip. There’s a bit more humidity and the occasional quick shower, but nothing that puts too much of a dampener on things. It’s still the school summer holidays, so there’s a cheerful buzz around the resorts, but it never feels overcrowded. 

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Aruba in September

September turns the volume right down. It’s the warmest and most humid month on the island, with a higher chance of short, steamy showers, often gone before you’ve finished your coffee. The beaches are blissfully quiet, the pace is unhurried, and the sea stays deliciously warm. If you’re happy swapping buzz for stillness, it’s a brilliant time to slow down, stretch out on the sand, and enjoy Aruba at its most peaceful. Just bring your hat, your SPF, and a healthy respect for the midday sun.

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Aruba in October

October brings a few more showers, often in the afternoon, but most days still pack in plenty of sunshine. With highs around 31°C and everything looking a little greener from the rain, it’s a lovely time to explore beyond the beach. Think cave tours, hiking trails, and bumpy off-road adventures. It’s quieter, and the odd bit of rain just adds to the tropical charm. Bring a light rain jacket, just in case, but your flip-flops will get far more use.

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Aruba in November

November is typically Aruba’s rainiest month, but don’t be put off. Rain usually falls in short, tropical bursts, with plenty of sunshine in between. Humidity starts to drop mid-month, and the island begins to stir with pre-festive energy. Water clarity improves, making this a good time for snorkelling and diving just before high season kicks in. 

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Aruba in December 

December brings festive sparkle and near-perfect weather. Early in the month, it’s still calm and affordable, but things pick up quickly as Christmas approaches. The dry season returns in full force, with clear skies, gentle breezes, and highs around 29°C. Expect beach parties, fireworks, and a joyful energy that lasts all the way through New Year’s Eve. If you want sunshine for Christmas, book early, as Aruba in December is in very high demand.

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