Discover ARUBA
Discover Aruba Island by day
A stunning shoreline, safeguarded plants and wildlife, welcoming residents, and a vibrant arts community—it’s easy to see why Aruba is known as “one happy island.”
More than just the west
Most tourists tend to stay near the capital, Oranjestad, and along Aruba’s western beaches, but the island’s interior has much to offer as well. Explore Santa Cruz, a centrally located town known for its vibrant cunucu (countryside) houses—traditional Aruban homes featuring small windows and a roof with a distinctive peaked center. Down at the island’s southern end, San Nicolas is an artistic hub, boasting over 50 murals created by both local and international artists.
Getting around
Since the roads are safe, the quickest and most convenient way to navigate is by yacht or its tender. However, you can also opt to explore the island by renting e-bikes for a day during your yacht charter experience. With dedicated cycling paths circling the island, your journey may take a bit longer, but you’ll have more time to appreciate the stunning scenery along the way.
Beach daze
Each of Aruba’s many beaches has its own distinct features. Palm Beach, the island’s most popular resort area, is known for its high-rise luxury hotels, a long stretch of white sand, and numerous options for dining, drinking, or engaging in water sports. At the northern end of Palm Beach, Hadicurari Beach (also known as Fisherman’s Huts) is a favorite among kite and windsurfing enthusiasts. Tres Trapi, which means “three steps” in Papiamento, is a snorkeler’s haven and the ideal spot to encounter sea turtles, named after the natural staircase leading into the sea. Meanwhile, Eagle Beach, adorned with coconut palms, sea grapes, and Fofoti trees, is often regarded as one of the most tranquil and beautiful beaches on the island.
Food glorious food
Situated on the sands of Palm Beach, MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant (J.E. Irausquin Blvd 230, Noord) offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Another Palm Beach gem, Craft Aruba (J.E. Irausquin Blvd 348A), serves up tasty healthy dishes, lobster rolls, and burgers under the inviting shade of palm trees. For dishes like Curry Chicken Rotti, Guava Roast Chicken, or Balchi Pisca (Aruban fish cakes), visit O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen (Bernard van de Veen Zeppenfeldstraat 15, San Nicolas), a beloved Caribbean-Jamaican restaurant popular with locals.
Happy hiking
Arikok National Park (San Fuego 70, Santa Cruz) encompasses nearly 20% of the island, extending to portions of Aruba’s eastern coast. The hiking trails that traverse the park’s rugged terrain lead you past plantation ruins, old gold mines, and desert-like landscapes. Be sure to check out the petroglyphs and ancient carvings within the Ayo Rock Formations near Ayo village, as well as the Natural Pool, also known as Conchi in Papiamento. If you plan on taking a dip, don’t forget to bring water shoes.
Discover Aruba Island by night
Genuine local street food, exquisite dining, and a vibrant nightlife scene are all the essentials for an exciting evening on the island.
Two culinary favourites
In addition to its relaxed choices like beach shacks and food trucks, Aruba also boasts excellent fine-dining restaurants. Wilhelmina (Wilhelminastraat 74, Oranjestad) is a favorite, featuring a lovely tropical garden and offering a variety of dishes, including fish, meat, and several vegetarian and vegan options. Nearby, Taste My Aruba (Wilhelminastraat 57) is a sustainable, family-owned restaurant with a changing menu focused on seafood and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Taste the traditional
Aruba’s native cuisine is both diverse and flavorful, playing a significant role in the island’s culture. The Old Cunucu House restaurant (Palm Beach 150, Noord), set in a 150-year-old building, is an ideal spot to savor traditional dishes like pan bati (cornflour flatbread/pancake), carni stoba (beef stew), or keshi yena (chicken with olives, cashews, and raisins baked with Gouda cheese). For a delicious meal on the go, head to Saco di Felipe (St. Maarten Straat, San Nicolas), where locals from across the island flock for Caribbean favorites such as piping-hot fried chicken, ribs or chops, plantain, and hand-cut fries, all served together in a paper bag.
Dance the night away
Cage Dolls at Cage Night Club (Calle Harmonia 10, Oranjestad) is a spectacular Drag Show held every Thursday, showcasing performances across various disciplines. The show kicks off at 9:30 pm, and afterward, the dance floor is yours to enjoy. Named Aruba’s top bar/club three years in a row, Gusto Night Club Aruba (J.E. Irausquin Blvd 348A, Noord) features three dance areas, with both local and international DJs spinning tracks, along with a daily Happy Hour. For a more relaxed atmosphere, head to 5 o’Clock Somewhere (L.G. Smith Blvd 1, Oranjestad), a rustic outdoor bar offering signature cocktails, live music, and DJ beats. It’s located in The Renaissance Marketplace, an open-air venue with shops, restaurants, live music events, art fairs, a casino, and a six-screen cinema.
Sustalnable shuteye
Featuring 49 roomy casitas (tiny houses), two swimming pools, and a lush garden—all just a short walk from Palm Beach—Boardwalk Boutique Hotel (Bakval 20, Noord) stands out as one of Aruba’s charming boutique resorts. Meanwhile, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort (L.G. Smith Blvd 55B, Oranjestad) on Eagle Beach is the Caribbean’s sole certified CarbonNeutral resort, offering a luxurious experience without compromising on comfort. It could be an ideal choice for your stay after a yacht charter vacation.
