Aruba
“ONE HAPPY ISLAND” is more than a place—it’s a feeling. Year after year, Aruba draws families, couples, friends, and meeting planners looking for something refreshingly different from the typical Caribbean escape.
Home to one of the “Top 10 Beaches in the World,” Aruba is one of the region’s most revisited destinations, with more than half of travelers returning again and again. It’s an island of contrasts, where sun-drenched shores meet the rugged desert landscapes of Arikok National Park, and Dutch charm blends effortlessly with North American comfort. Adventure-seekers can cool off at the Natural Pool (Conchi), explore the Guadirikiri Caves, and wander among the Ayo Rock Formations—discovering natural beauty and island history at every turn.
Set on the outer edge of the hurricane belt in the southern Caribbean, Aruba spans 70 square miles (19.6 miles long and up to 6 miles wide). Its 108,000 residents live across six official districts—Oranjestad, Paradera, San Nicolas, Noord, Santa Cruz, and Savaneta—with Pos Chikito often affectionately called the island’s unofficial seventh.
Best of all, Aruba delivers year-round sunshine with an average temperature of 82°F, low humidity, and steady cooling trade winds. Visit our website
Dining
With so many restaurants to choose from—many within easy walking distance and others just a quick ride away by taxi, rental car, or bus—Aruba is a true foodie paradise.
From bold local flavors to global cuisine crafted by world-class chefs, dining here is an experience. Pair your meal with fine international wines, soak up the island’s inviting atmospheres, and enjoy the kind of warm, attentive service that makes every night out feel special.
The high-rise strip alone is home to roughly 150 restaurants (for a list of restaurants, recipes, and more, click HERE), surrounded by an energetic mix of shops, malls, and cafés. But don’t stop there—head downtown and explore beyond the main strips to uncover beloved local gems and stylish new hotspots. Wherever you dine, you’ll be greeted with genuine island hospitality and a delicious variety of ethnic and international favorites. Learn More
Quick Facts
Languages spoken: English, Dutch, Spanish and the native language of Papiamento
Currency: Aruban Florin (AWG); however, the USD is widely accepted and mainly used by visitors
Climate: Perfect year-round weather with an average of 82F, located below the hurricane belt
Electricity: Aruba operates on 115v electricity and is generated at 50 Hz (cycles) alternating current; adaptors are not required.
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time
Driving: Driving in Aruba is on the right hand side of the road; American driver’s licenses are accepted.
Activities
Aruba’s striking mix of landscapes creates a land-and-sea playground unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. Adventure-lovers can dive into the rugged heart of Arikok National Park—by off-road Jeep safari, or on foot, bike, or horseback—exploring more than 20 square miles of wild terrain filled with native flora and fauna. Along the island’s world-famous shores, the action shifts to the water, where windsurfers, kitesurfers, sailors, snorkelers, and divers find endless ways to play.
For those craving calm, Aruba delivers just as beautifully—whether it’s a restorative spa treatment or a leisurely day in downtown Oranjestad browsing upscale shops, historic museums, and vibrant art galleries. And when the sun goes down, the energy turns up with lively bars, casinos, and festivals that draw visitors and locals alike.
Rich in natural beauty and layered with history, Aruba offers enough sights and experiences to keep you exploring for days.
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Signature attractions include:
- Alto Vista Chapel Archaeological Museum
- Arikok National Park
- Aruba Aloe Factory
- Ayo Rock Formation
- Black Stone Beach
- Boca Prins Sand Dunes
- Bubali Bird Sanctuary
- Bushiribana Gold Smelter Ruins
- Butterfly Farm
- California Lighthouse
- Casibari Rock Formation Community Museum
- De Palm Island
- Diving Wrecks
- Donkey Sanctuary
- Downtown Oranjestad
- Fontein Cave & Ancient Indian Markings
- Frenchman’s Pass
- Historical Museum
- Guadirikiri Cave
- Jamanota (Highest Elevation)
- Natural Bridge Ruins
- Natural Pool (Conchi)
- Old Dutch Windmill
- Ostrich Farm
- Renaissance Island
- Shipwreck of the Antilla
Guests settle into a glamorous high-rise hotel overlooking the two- mile-long Palm Beach, opt for a stylish low-rise boutique hotel on Eagle Beach or choose one of the 25 luxurious villas, condominiums, beachside cottages or a quaint bed and breakfast on island.
Travel Essentials
Flight Information
There are many non-stop flight options from U.S. gateways to Oranjestad, Aruba from gateways like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, New York, Atlanta, Houston and Chicago. There are also a significant amount of one-stop connections, through Florida, the Northeast and the Midwest.
U.S. carriers to Aruba include American, Delta, JetBlue, United and Southwest Airlines.
NEW! As of July 9th, 2026, JetBlue is adding 4 additional flights from Fort Lauderdale – which means DAILY, non-stop direct flights!
On your return to the U.S., Aruba has U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) pre-clearance – so you can clear customs before you board. Do arrive earlier at the airport in Aruba for your return flight, so that you can clear customs before you travel.
Entry Requirements for Americans
Americans do not require a visa. Your valid American passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Aruba. You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket as well as proof of valid health insurance. Visitors are free to stay for a maximum of 30 days, and can apply for extensions of an additional 90-150 days. For extended stays, please email dimas@aruba.gov.aw for more information.
Visitors must complete the Aruba ED (Embarkation/Disembarkation) Card within 7 days prior to arrival and NO LATER than 4 hours prior to scheduled departure time to avoid denied boarding. Link for the Aruba ED Card.
Aruba has implemented a $20 Sustainability Fee for visitors (aged 8 and older) arriving by air to the island. This fee has been integrated into the Online Ed Card system (only credit card payments are accepted) and must be completed prior to receiving your ED card approval. This only needs to be paid out once per calendar year per passport number (should you get a new passport during the calendar year, a new fee will be required). Any questions related to the sustainability fee can be directed to AWSS.
For additional information, consult your Travel Advisor or follow this link: US State Department/Aruba
Getting Married
To plan your dream, romantic wedding in Aruba, it is suggested that you work with local wedding planners who can assist you in navigating the forms, the location of the wedding, flowers, photographer etc. Click here for a list of our Wedding Island Partners.
To be legally married in Aruba, the following documents must be sent via mail or courier at least one month before the desired date of the wedding. Wedding Requirements
The following documents are required:
- Long Form Birth Certificate, with parents names, of Bride and Groom. These birth-certificates must have a raised seal. When the raised seal is secured, the documents need to be submitted to the Secretary of State Office for an Apostille (a separate document authenticating the certificate and the employee who signed the certificate).
- Certificate of No Impediment for Bride and Groom (also known as “single status report” or “negative statement for marriage”). This certificate is obtained at the Bureau of Vital Statistics or (for England at the department of Commonwealth) that states that Bride and Groom are single and eligible to marry. For Americans, the couple that have never been married before can get a sworn statement from a Public Notary or Lawyer.
- If married before, a Final Divorce-Degree with an Apostille; or Death Certificate with an Apostille is required.
- Copies of photo ID of the passport picture page of Bride and Groom. Bride and Groom must both be 18 years of age or older.
- Copies of photo ID of the passport picture page of two (2) Witnesses, minimum 18 years of age. If the bride and groom are traveling alone, witnesses can be provided locally by a wedding planner
- The Aruba Declaration of Marriage Intent Form of Bride and Groom (application form provided by your wedding planner).
- The Aruba Declaration Single Status Form of Bride and Groom (application form provided by your wedding planner)
Civil ceremonies are primarily organized during the weekday; however Saturdays may be available at an additional cost. See the website for times and dates.
Please note that bathing suits, shorts, cut-offs and slippers are not allowed at the civil ceremony.
With adequate planning and submission of required documentation, religious ceremonies can also be performed on the island.
Cultural/Annual Events
Aruba is not just a tropical paradise. It’s a center of Caribbean art and culture. Aruba offers a calendar jam-packed with traditional holidays and celebrations as well as international festivals, cultural happenings and athletic events. Every month brings something new and different – from food, film and fashion to Carnaval, music, beach tennis and regattas. Expect lively music and dance, colorful crafts and literature, and influences from all corners of the world. Whether you’re an art lover or a history buff, there really is something for everyone. And it’s all here for you to explore. Learn more
PUBLIC AND/OR GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS:
The Government of Aruba observes the following holidays each year:
(Some services may be impacted with reduced hours, or there may be full closures on these days)
2026 Public Holidays
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
Sunday, January 25, 2026 – Betico Croes Day
Monday, February 16, 2026 – Carnival Monday
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – National Anthem & Flag Day
Friday, April 3, 2026 – Good Friday (Stores closed)
Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Easter Sunday
Monday, April 6, 2026 – Easter Monday
Monday, April 27, 2026 – King’s Day
Friday, May 1, 2026 – Labor Day
Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Ascension Day
Friday, December 25, 2026 – Christmas Day
Saturday, December 26, 2026 – Boxing Day
Medical & Dental Information
Aruba has medical centers and a state-of-the-art hospital to handle any emergency. More information is available on their website. Learn More
Emergency Services:
Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital, Oranjestad
Hours: 24/7 including emergency services
Phone: +297 527-4000
Centro Medico in San Nicolas
Hours: M-F 8am to 12pm and 3pm to 5pm; emergency assistance is available 24/7
Phone: +297 524-8833
Urgent Care Aruba (UCA), Noord Medical Center
Hours: M-F 8am to 11pm, Sa 8am to 5pm, 24/7 on call support for after-hour care; no appointments needed
Phone: +297 586-0448
Essential Health Supplies
Phone: +297-587-0940
Email: info@essentialarauba.com
EMERGENCY DENTAL SERVICES:
Dental Solutions Aruba: PH: 297-585-3255
Aruba Dental Clinic: PH: 297-280-9850
Dental Wellness: PH: 297-587-9982
FOR DIVERS:
Divers should be aware that there is a hyperbaric chamber in Aruba, located adjacent to Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital in Oranjestad.
Accessibility
Please ensure that your airline is aware of any special needs travel prior to departure from the United States.
Airport Services
Aruba / Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) offers the following:
- Accessible parking
- Accessible restrooms with wheelchair access
- Wheelchair Assistance: available at the airline counters
- Elevators and ramps
Medical Equipment & Health Supplies
There are several equipment suppliers on Aruba where you can buy or rent medical equipment such as oxygen tanks, bath & safety supplies, wheelchair rentals, beach wheelchair rentals, mobility scooter rentals and other mobility products.
Labco Medical & Homecare Service N.V
Phone: +297-582-6651
Email: labcolabcomed@hotmail.com
Learn more
Essential Health Supplies
Phone: +297-587-0940
Email: info@essentialaruba.com
Learn more
Transportation & Activities:
LiteLife Medicab Aruba provdes professional door-to-door medical transportation with trained driver-attendants for those in need of wheelchair and specialized transportation (vans with hydraulic lifts and one with a ramp).
Phone: +297-585-9764
Email: litelifemedicab@hotmail.com
Adapted Happy Wheels rents beach wheelchairs that easily maneuver through sand and float in a pool or the ocean.
Phone: +297-565-4787 or +297-600-4787
Email: adaptedhappywheels@gmail.com
For Accessibility information at hotels located in Aruba please consult the hotel’s individual websites.
