The Ultimate Travel Guide: A Week in Aruba
The second I set foot on the white sandy beaches of Aruba and saw the most crystal clear water I’ve ever seen, I immediately knew that this island was going to be one of my favorite destinations.
Aruba is a Caribbean island off the coast of South America and is known for its luxury resorts, white sandy beaches, aqua blue waters, and amazing year round weather but Aruba is also an island that is full of adventure. A week in Aruba is easily enough time to see everything this island has to offer and you can actually drive around the whole island in one day.
In this Aruba travel guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to have the perfect week in Aruba.
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Table of Contents:
When to visit Aruba
Aruba is an island in the Caribbean but due to its location close to South America, it sits outside the hurricane belt. Because of this, Aruba is not usually affected by the Caribbean’s hurricane season making it the perfect destination to visit year round.
High Season: December – April. These months fall in Aruba’s dry season. During this time you’ll find mostly sunny days and the highest prices on the island due to visitors coming from around the world to escape the winter months.
Shoulder Season: May – August. If you don’t mind windy days, the shoulder season is my favorite time to visit Aruba. Prices will be lower than the high season and there will be less tourists on the island. I traveled to Aruba at the end of August and was on an almost empty flight!
Low Season: September – November. The low season in Aruba is the best time to travel for the lowest prices and least amount of crowds. This is typically the rainy season in Aruba and you may experience less windy days but more rain and humidity.
How to Get to Aruba
Aruba is a pretty easy destination to travel to from the US. There are many direct flights from the following cities in the US: Boston, Miami, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, New York, Pittsburgh, and Fort Lauderdale/Miami. If you’re not flying from one of these cities, you will likely have a connecting flight in one depending on the airline. Most major US airlines fly to Aruba including American, United, JetBlue, Southwest, and Delta.
Photos from Embassy Suites Aruba
Where to Stay in Aruba
Aruba is known for its luxury beach resorts. If you’re planning to stay on the beach, you will likely stay on Eagle beach or Palm Beach. Resorts in Aruba can be expensive, but there are options for every price range. Personally, I recommend staying in Palm Beach because it is close to all the restaurants. It is much easier to walk to the restaurants at night or ride a scooter because parking in Palm Beach is limited.
Luxury: Ritz Carlton Aruba – If you’re looking for a luxury resort in Aruba, the Ritz Carlton is located on Palm Beach and a short walk to many shops and restaurants
Mid-Range: Embassy Suites Aruba – Embassy Suites Aruba is located across the street from Eagle Beach but has a tunnel going under the road to connect the resort to the beach. I stayed here for 3 nights during my week in Aruba and found it easy to walk or take a scooter between the resort and Palm Beach at night for dinner.
Boutique: Boardwalk Hotel – The Boardwalk Hotel is the cutest adults-only boutique hotel in Aruba. This resort gives guest access to the beach chairs at the Ritz Carlton so even thought it’s not directly on the beach, you can still enjoy one of Aruba’s best beaches – Palm Beach!
Overwater Bungalows: Aruba Ocean Villas – Did you know you can experience the luxury of an over-water bungalow right here in the Caribbean?! Aruba Ocean Villas is the ultimate luxury experience you can have in Aruba by staying in one of their luxurious over-water villas.
Explore more Aruba accommodations:
Best Beaches in Aruba
Aruba is home to some of the best beaches I’ve ever seen, including the #2 beach in the world! It’s no secret that Caribbean islands have soft white sand and crystal clear waters, but Aruba might have the best in all of the Caribbean! Luckily, if you have a full week in Aruba, you should have time to visit most if not all of the amazing beaches this island has to offer!
Eagle Beach – Eagle Beach is probably the most popular beach in Aruba. It’s also the #2 rated beach in the whole world and is definitely worth a visit during your week in Aruba! Eagle Beach is not only famous for its beautiful water and soft sand but is also home to the iconic Fofoti trees and amazing sunset!
Tip: If you’re planning to visit Aruba, book a sunset cruise to experience one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Caribbean!
Palm Beach – Palm Beach is similar to Eagle Beach and very close by. If you are staying at a beach resort in Aruba, it will likely be on Palm Beach. Palm Beach also has a town perfect for shopping and restaurants.
Tres Trapi – Tres Trapi Beach is a must visit on your week in Aruba! (pictured above) Tres Trapi means 3 steps and was named after the small staircase leading from the rocky shore down to a small sandy cove. I recommend going to Tres Trapi early in the morning to beat the crowds and bringing your own snorkel gear. This is a great free spot to snorkel and see tropical fish and sea turtles! (Remember to respect their space and keep your distance)
Mangel Halto – Mangel Halto is another must visit beach on your week in Aruba. This is a more local beach and less crowded than all the others that I went to. Mangel Halto has a dock that you can swim and snorkel off of or find some of the sandy areas nestled into the mangroves!
Baby Beach – Baby Beach is one of the most unique beaches in Aruba! It is called Baby Beach because of its extremely shallow water. You can swim out pretty far and will still be able to stand because of how shallow the water is here! There is a snack bar on the beach and cabanas can also be rented here!
Arikok National Park
If you’re looking for something adventurous to do on your week in Aruba, you need to set aside a full day to visit Arikok National Park! The national park is located on the east coast of Aruba and is completely different than what you are used to seeing on the west side.
If you plan to visit Arikok National Park, you will need to have either a rental car or go with a tour group. If you are planning to go to the natural pool, the only way to get there is with a jeep or on a jeep tour. Most rental car companies do not allow you to drive their jeeps to natural pool, so if you want to do this and want to be safe, it may be best to book either a Jeep or ATV tour!
Conchi Natural Pool – This natural pool located in Arikok National Park was a highlight on my trip to Aruba! This is the top tourist attraction on the island and only accessible by some sort of off-roading vehicle. The road to get to the natural pool is steep and rocky and it is really easy to pop a tire. If you aren’t used to driving in these conditions, I recommend booking one of the tours above! If water conditions are safe, you’ll be able to jump in and swim in the natural pool!
Dos Playa – Dos Playa meaning Two Beaches is an un-swimmable beach in Arikok National Park. This beach is popular with local surfers but the rough water conditions make it unsafe for swimming. It is still worth a visit for the breathtaking views at the top of the cliff overlooking the two beaches!
Quadirikiri Cave – A must see cave in the national park! The cave has two chambers where sunlight beams through the holes in the limestone. Be prepared – it is very hot and humid inside the cave but worth it to witness the illuminating light!
Fontein Cave – Fontein Cave is another cave in Arikok National Park, close to the Quadirikiri Cave. The Fontein Cave is popular for it’s drawings of Arawak Indians on the ceilings!
Tip: Baby Beach is located close to the exit of the national park and is the perfect spot to spend the rest of the afternoon after a long morning of adventuring!
Where to Eat in Aruba
Aruba has some amazing restaurants and it will be impossible to go to all of them, but if you have a week in Aruba here are a few that need to be on your itinerary!
Gianni’s Italian – My favorite restaurant in Aruba was Gianni’s Italian! This is a popular restaurant in Palm Beach and is popular for its Spaghetti Al Formaggio Parmigiano that they make right at your table inside a wheel of parmesan!
Amore Mio Pizzeria Napoletana – Another restaurant located in Palm Beach! This restaurant is known for its specialty pizzas and wine selection! We also loved their Caesar salad.
The Flying Fishbone – If you’re looking for some fresh seafood and a restaurant with ocean views, check out The Flying Fishbone. This restaurant is popular during sunset and famous for its tables in the water which have to be reserved in advance, otherwise, you can enjoy a table on the beach with your toes in the sand while you eat!
Craft – Craft Aruba is another restaurant in Palm Beach. They have all kinds of food at this restaurant and it is the perfect spot to have brunch on their outdoor patio!
