Recommendations for Accommodations, Restaurants, Entertainment and Helpful Tips & Information When Visiting "One Happy Island"

Aruba

The Ultimate Aruba Travel Guide 

Aruba is referred to as "one happy island” best known for stunning white sand beaches with turquoise waters, friendly locals who speak four languages fluently (English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento the native creole), chill vibes, and great food! Aruba is the safest island in the Caribbean and is also located outside of the hurricane belt so that means year-round adventures and consistently beautiful weather!

- La Granja: Great casual place set up like a cafeteria that offers BBQ, Colombian, Caribbean, Peruvian, and Latin.

Don’t bring any fruits or meats through US customs as they will more than likely make you throw them away. Wait to buy food once you get to your gate, so you do not risk throwing out a meal you just bought in the Aruba airport PRIOR to going through US customs. Highly recommend getting global entry so you can breeze through the US customs area.

You must have a valid, non-expired passport and fill out an online Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) card up to 6 days prior to arrival in Aruba. 

The ED card can be found here: https://edcardaruba.awAirline attendants will ask you for your green check mark confirmation from the ED card during the check in process before you will be given a boarding pass.

There are currently no covid-19 restrictions or mandatory requirements to travel to Aruba.

Arrive 4 hours before your scheduled time leaving Aruba as the airport is small and gets very busy and backed up. You will clear US customs in Aruba so when you land in the United States you do not go through US customs again (yay)!

At the Aruba airport you will check in, go through Aruban customs and security, pick up your luggage you checked in back up, walk through US customs, drop your checked bags off again and then go through another TSA security line – after this you can finally go to your gate.

- Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino

- Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

Resorts in Eagle Beach                    

Located on the private Renaissance Island where pink flamingos roam. Cabanas can be rented for the day for a more luxurious experience.

Voted #1 beach in the Caribbean in 2023 by TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice. The widest beach on the island and is famous for pristine, soft white sand and endless ocean views. There is a lot of parking here and a variety of water sports are available.

Locals love this beach and are often here on Sundays! Located in Noord and near the California lighthouse. Arashi has beautiful turquoise waters and stunning white sand perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. There are waves and gentle currents that make it great for snorkeling or other water activities. Plenty of parking is available and a beach bar on site.

Located near San Nicolas and a famous beach in the southern part of Aruba. Is half-mooned shaped and like a calm lagoon with turquoise waters. The water is very shallow and perfect for swimming or just hanging out in. Great snorkeling spot as well but be sure to stay within the marked area as the rip currents can be very strong outside of the lagoon/marked area!

Located in a tiny cove and is a 10-meters long beach accessible by three steps carved into rock hence the name Tres Trapi meaning “three steps.” This beach has beautiful white sand and beautiful turquoise waters. Situated around a rocky cove, Tres Trapi is a snorkeler’s paradise. Sea turtles are usually straight ahead, starfish to the left and large schools of fish to the right. You are mostly always guaranteed to see amazing sea life here.

Located in Savaneta and is known for having Mangroves and being secluded. This beach is great for snorkeling with calm, shallow, turquoise waters filled with a lot of sea life.

Located on the Malmok beach area and is small and secluded. Has crystal clear, calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Popular with people who prefer a more private and calm beach experience.

Located near San Nicolas and is a hidden gem in Aruba. Another beach that locals love. This beach has clear swimming water, white sand and is very peaceful. Fisherman anchor their boats here as they are protected by the calm bay waters. There is a cool dock in the water you can sit, lay on or jump off of for fun!

Located on the low-rise hotel area. A long, oval-shaped beach with white sand. The crystal-clear waters are usually calm and are great for swimming!

2-mile beach where the high-rise hotels are located. The most populated and lively beach on the island and filled with tourists. This beach has a variety of entertainment, restaurants, and bars. Most of the catamaran and boat tours leave from Palm beach.

Popular beach amongst the locals and hosts various bars and restaurants like Barefoot and Reflexions Beach club. This city beach is located right outside downtown Oranjestad and close to the airport. Surfside has calm waters and is perfect for relaxing and swimming.

- MooMba Beach Bar &Restaurant (especially Sunday nights)

- Pika’s Corner Aruban Cuisine:  Great Aruban cuisine and other Caribbean food.

- Alfie’s in Aruba: Known for having the best burgers on the island.

- Bright Bakery: Great local bakery that has amazing quick bites for breakfast and lunch with great snacks and sweets.

- Wacky Wahoo’s: Locally owned restaurant that has amazing seafood – they do not take reservations and seating is limited so show up early!

- Café Restaurant Yanti: Awesome local spot with Indonesian and Surinamese food.

- Kamini’s Kitchen: Great local spot serving Caribbean food in San Nicholas. A great option when heading to Baby Beach!

- O’Niel Caribbean Kitchen: Delicious Caribbean and Jamaican food in San Nicholas. A great option when heading to Baby Beach!

- Bingo Café & Restaurant: Delicious food and has a variety of options from local cuisine, American, Dutch and European international.

- The Dutch Pancake House: Known for their delicious Dutch pancakes.

- Bugaloe Beach Bar: Located right on the water in Palm Beach and is a great spot for happy hour and entertainment! Has casual breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

- Zeerover: Seafood restaurant located on a fishing pier with an ocean view in Savaneta. The freshly caught fist is served finger food style and straight from the ocean to your personal basket. Note: all seafood is fried here.

- Los Cafeteros: Serves traditional Colombian and Latin dishes.

- Flying Fishbone: Popular on-the-beach dining experience where some tables are in the water. Beautiful sunset views. Mix of local cuisine, French, Caribbean and seafood.

- Sole Mare Ristorante Italiano: Great option for authentic Italian.

- Old Man and the Sea: Located in the old capital city of Aruba, Savaneta at the Aruba Ocean Villas. A great romantic option that has a wonderful ambiance. International/seafood menu.

- Lima Bistro: Great Peruvian cuisine with beautiful views of the cruise port.

- Wilhelmina Restaurant: Located in a beautiful speakeasy city garden in downtown Oranjestad and close to the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. Offers a unique A La Carte menu with Caribbean, seafood, European and international fusion options.

- Papiamento: Located at a 100-year-old Cunucu house with filled with antiques from Europe, accompanied by a beautiful garden and around a pool has trees with lights. Great ambiance. Local cuisine, seafood, and Caribbean.

- The Old Cunucu House Aruba: Located in a traditional Cunucu house that was built over 150 years ago. Authentic Aruban cuisine with wonderful local hospitality.

- Elements Restaurants Aruba: Ranked #2 restaurant in the world for Date night by 2021 Travelers Choice Awards. Adults only restaurant located at the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. Awesome culinary experience with a beautiful ocean view. European, Caribbean and Seafood.

- Barefoot Restaurant: A beautiful dining experience on Surfside beach or under a large palapa. Local cuisine, seafood, and Caribbean.

- Oak Restaurant & Bar: Nice restaurant with great vibes located in Noord and only few minutes from the beach. Mostly seafood options.

- Head to San Nicholas to check out the art murals, Baby beach, Rodger’s beach and grab a cocktail at Rum Reef. On the way, you may see wild donkeys.

- Rent a car to explore the whole island.

The Ultimate Aruba Travel Guide

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