Welcome to the ultimate guide to Aruba, the Caribbean’s hidden gem waiting to be explored! The island is known to be on the luxurious side of traveling. That’s why people tend to think the only way to visit the island is by paying for very expensive all-inclusive resorts. I visited Aruba in a completely different way to show you how you could also do it more affordably. From the colorful streets of Oranjestad to the rugged beauty of Arikok National Park, Aruba has a story worth seeing. Now, to help you make choices regarding your trip, let’s talk about everything there is to know about this island.
- Arubans
- The temperature
- The best time to visit
- The food
- The activities – places to go
- The language
- Money currency
- Different transportation options
- Different accommodation options
- Insurance
Arubans
I’ve seen many communities in my past travels, and I’ve had many different interactions with locals. Arubans are definitely in my top 3 favorite ones, being loving, attentionate and very kind people. You will see waitresses in restaurants and think they are also on vacation because of how much fun they seem to have. The tour guides are the funniest people and will make sure your experience is perfect. Even the guard in the parking lot, no matter how late it is, will ask you how your evening went. I have not seen one mean Aruban. I love them!
The temperature
I might be the first person telling you this, but Aruba is sunny all year long! Temperatures are very high, in ranges from around 80°F (27°C) in the cooler months to 88°F (31°C) in the warmer months. That is very hot, considering the sun is always on your face in Aruba! But the magic temperature factor this island has is the huge amount of wind it gets. It is always windy in Aruba which cancels most of the heat. Make sure to wear sunscreen because the wind will trick you!
Rainy season? Not really… They say that minimal rainfall could occur between October and January, but I went in January and have not seen a drop. If they do happen, they are very short-lived and directly followed by sunshine.
The best time to visit
Since the temperature is always worth visiting, another factor we can look at is the business of the island. The high season is between November and March, while the low season is between April through October. The travel prices will be lower for the low season, but you can really go anytime if you don’t mind that.
The food
There is not one meal I did not like in Aruba. The prices in restaurants will vary from affordable to expensive. Sadly, there aren’t really some “cheap” options. You can always go grocery shopping and cook if your accommodation allows it, but it isn’t much cheaper. Maybe it would be if you do grocery shopping for a big family.
We tried so many different foods and restaurants, but the seafood was definitely a highlight. I tried Mahi Mahi fish for the first time and oh my god it is incredible.
Definitely check out Top 10 Best Restaurants In Aruba where I tell you about my favorite restaurants and foods to try.
The activities
Being such a small island, I didn’t think there would be so many things to do! Going from sports to relaxing on the beach or from museums to beautiful nature, there is something for everyone and all age groups. It can be the perfect place for a honeymoon as much as the perfect place for a family trip with young children.
Check out Top 10 Best Free Things To Do In Aruba to know more about all the amazing things to do in Aruba.
The language
Arubans actually learn 5 languages in school. Can you believe that? The spoken language is primarily Papiamento. It’s a Creole language derived from Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and African languages. It’s the most widely spoken language on the island and is used in everyday communication, business, and government. Additionally, English and Spanish are also commonly spoken, particularly in tourist areas and among professionals. They also learn Dutch and French! But since I spoke French from Quebec, they asked me what language I was speaking, not knowing it was French lol. They don’t really speak French but can surely understand when there isn’t a big Quebec accent involved.
Money currency
The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban Florin, AWG. It is commonly abbreviated as “Afl” or simply “ƒ”. However, the United States Dollar (USD) is widely accepted across the island, and many businesses, especially those catering to tourists, also accept major credit cards. We only paid in USD and so did most people. In restaurants, the prices are in USD more often than not, but sometimes in shops, you can see both options written down.
Different transportation options
The island is very small, but not small enough to do everything by walking. If you want to do all the best activities there are, you will need to move via transport no matter what option you choose. It’s essential to consider factors such as your itinerary, budget, and personal preferences when choosing the best transportation option for your time in Aruba. Here are all the options :
Renting a car: This is the option we chose, and it was perfect to visit the island at our own pace. I only wish we booked online in advance because we would’ve saved a lot of money. If you’re at the last minute like we were, there are many rental companies directly on the side of the road when you get out of the airport. You could be in bad luck and have none available but the biggest risk is only having the expensive ones available.
Taxis: They are available everywhere. They operate on fixed rates established by the government and can be a convenient way to get around if you don’t have a rental car, especially for short distances or when traveling at night.
Public buses: I never took one since we had a car rental, but I heard they cover most major tourist areas and towns on the island. They seem affordable and probably a way cheaper option than renting a car. It is just not as flexible.
Bicycle rentals: Some hotels and rental shops offer bicycles for rent, which can be a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the island. Sadly, there is no way you can do the whole island by bike but you could always pair it with bus rides and taxis.
ATVs and scooter rentals: For adventurous travelers, renting ATVs or scooters can be a thrilling way to explore Aruba’s rugged terrain and off-the-beaten-path locations. Several rental companies offer these options. ATVs are great if you want to explore the Arikok National Park.
Different accommodation options
Of course, you can go the easy way and look for all-inclusive resorts but they are pretty expensive! What we did instead was renting an AirBnb. You can find some crazy original stays! Most of the time it is equipped like an apartment, so you will have a fridge and a cooking space. It will be pricier, but you can save on eating out if you cook at your villa. It is a good option for families or if you are a big group of people. You can split the price, and it can be more fun than being all separate in hotel rooms.
Insurance
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