You’re searching for different Caribbean destinations, but Aruba keeps popping up! What’s so special about Aruba? You obviously love to snorkel, great beaches and lay in the sun. However, you’re still thinking – why go to Aruba? Is it worth it?
Here’s 50 obvious reasons why you should go to Aruba as soon as possible.
This article is a bit long, so reserve some time to read it!
First of all, you should go to Aruba because it’s the…
1. Safest Island in the Caribbean
Aruba has a low crime rate compared to other islands in the Caribbean.
I’m not saying “things” never happen. Just be cautious in Aruba. And you and your family will be A-okay!
For example:
- Don’t leave your wallet unattended.
- Drink responsibly.
- Leave large amounts of cash in a safe box at the hotel.
- Don’t walk in alone in dark places
Think about it, crime exist everywhere. So keep your guards up everywhere!
2. Caribbeans Sunniest Island
You’re guaranteed a sunny day while you’re in Aruba.
Just make sure to buy and pack your sunscreen and beach hat.
hello sunshine beach hat on Amazon.
3. Relax at the Beach
TripAdvisor ranks Aruba’s beaches among the top in the world.
Eagle beach and Palm beach are the most popular beaches.
But there are plenty of secret beaches still to be discovered.
4. Fun Water Sports
I dare you to go on a bouncy banana boat or tube ride.
Or try stand up paddle boarding, wake boarding, kayaking, jet skiing and parasailing.
You can also rent a water jet pack that literally allows you to fly over the ocean!
5. Coolest Beach Bars
Aruba is dotted with beach bars.
One of my favorites is Bugaloe Beach Bar.
You’ll find a beach bar that fits your taste and budget.
So, how about a beer or two, or more…?
6. Daily Happy Hours
Your hotel, the resort next to it, restaurants and local bars have happy hours.
Some places offer 2 drinks for the price of 1.
And others have special (reduced) prices on selected drinks.
Aruba is the perfect place to turn up!
7. Five Star Hotels
Luxurious complexes built to the highest levels. Quality finishes, bright spaces and all the details you could think of for your own dream house.
Whether you plan on staying at the low rise or the high rise area, you’re going to be blown away by the comfort of these resorts.
An unparalleled luxury experience awaits you!
8. 200+ Restaurants
With over 200 restaurants Aruba can provide the ultimate culinary experience.
You’re choices are almost endless.
Choose between dishes from America, Argentina, Asia, Belgium, Brazil, Caribbean, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dutch, France, Germany, India, Italy, Indonesia, Mediterranean, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Suriname and local dishes.
Welcome to foodie paradise….Yummy!
9. Fascinating Nightlife
With a great selection of bars, lounges, festivals, dance clubs, and casinos, you’ll be entertained all night!
After the sun sets, there’s live music, DJ’s and plenty of action!
10. Duty Free Winnings at Casinos
You get to keep everything when you win.
The government doesn’t tax you a cent.
They say the house always wins, but you’ll laugh to the bank when you cash out.
11. Golf Championship Courses
There’s an 18-hole PGA approved golf course designed by, Robert Trent Jones II. It’s located in Tierra del sol, on the north side of the island. The golf course features stunning dessert views of the north coast of the island.
There’s also a 9-hole course at the Divi village golf & beach resort.
You can play at both courses, no matter your skill level.
12. Island Excursions
Whether you want to discover the island by land, air or sea. Aruba has the leading excursions in the Caribbean.
Knowledgeable tour guides will educate you on Aruba’s history. You’ll leave a tour knowing more about Aruba than you ever thought you would.
13. Wreck Diving Sites
Aruba is home to one of the most wreck diving sites in the Caribbean region.
Divers from all over the world travel to Aruba to explore these wrecks – so remember to buy good snorkel gears!
Do you want to dive near a German cargo ship?
Or see the remains of a freighter, 250 feet below the waters horizon?
There’s also an oil tanker and an airplane wreck, to name a few underwater gems!
Snorkeling gear available on Amazon
14. Snorkeling Haven
Aruba has a beautiful marine life and colorful corals.
The waters are shallow and perfect for any skilled level snorkeler.
Popular snorkeling spots are Boca Catalina, Arashi, Tres Trapi and Baby Beach.
But there are other hidden snorkeling spots like, Mangel Halto and Spaans Lagoon, still to be discovered by snorkelers.
15.Watch Turtles Hatch
Between March and July leather-back turtles return to the shores of Aruba to lay their eggs. Believe it or not, they return to the exact location where they were born.
Experiencing a turtle laying eggs and watching baby sea turtles hatch, is a once in a lifetime experience.
This is your chance to witness baby turtles make their passage to the ocean for the first time!
16. Beautiful Sunsets
Aruba is home to one of the best sunsets in the Caribbean.
Purple skies. Different shades of blue. Sometimes the sky looks like it’s on fire.
Due to the island’s location in the Caribbean region you’re guaranteed a one of a kind vantage point of every sunset.
17. Inspirational Sunrises
Aruba also has one of the best sunrises in the Caribbean.
Watch the sun rise early in the morning at alto vista chapel.
Climb the Hooiberg for a one of a kind perspective.
Or watch the sun come up at the sunrise city (San Nicolas) at Baby Beach.
Sunrises on Aruba are magical and a must experience.
17. Yoga and Meditation
Vacations should be about the rejuvenation of your spirit, soul and energy!
If you’re into yoga and meditation visit Aruba for a yoga class with yoga girl.
Yoga girl (real name Rachel Brathen) is an internet yoga sensation living on Aruba!
So if you wish to break your daily routine, with some relaxation for a change, come do some yoga with yoga girl in Aruba.
18. Mountain Biking
What better way to explore Aruba’s dessert like terrain other then by car?
By mountain bike!
With a mountain bike you can reach places not accessible by car.
Rent a mountain bike for a solo journey through Aruba’s country side.
Or go with a group and book a guided mountain bike tour.
19. Hike Rocky Trails
Aruba has the perfect trails for hikers and mountains for rock climbers.
There are many mountains you can climb for a panoramic view of the island.
Some hiking trails can be challenging, so watch your footsteps!
20. Sky Diving
I dare you to see Aruba from 10.000 feet high.
As you free fall at 120 miles per hour, your view from the top is spectacular.
The coastlines of, Curacao and Venezuela, are visible on a clear day.
Sky diving in Aruba is a one of a kind experience and the ultimate adrenaline rush!
21. Go Bird Watching
Do you get a kick out of watching birds?
Then you should put bird watching in Aruba on your bucket list.
There are over 200 registered species of birds on the island, they have been photographed by the Aruba Bird Life Conservation and published on their book “Bird Wildlife of Aruba”.
Book available at Amazon.
22. World Famous Carnivals
Aruba sets the tone for other islands in the Caribbean when it comes to Carnival.
The fete starts in the first week of January with a torch parade.
Following with a month long of parades, parties, queen elections and road marches.
The highlight of the Carnival is the grand parade, which features more than a dozen bands and thousands of participants.
Come and dance with the locals and experience this unforgettable celebration.
23. Purchase Local Souvenirs
Everyone who visits Aruba usually leaves with a souvenir.
Because they make for interesting topics of conversations between friends and families back home.
And they’re a nice way to remember Aruba.
There are kiosks and flea markets, where local artist, sell hand made products.
You can buy mugs with Aruba printed on them, even hats, slippers, shirts, bracelets, carvings, paintings, license plates and many more interesting souvenirs.
Click here to find out where to buy authentic souvenirs made by local artists in Aruba.
24. Buy Foreign Products
Visit Aruba to buy dutch made stroop waffles, Gouda cheese, chocolate, local beers, newspaper, jewelry, a jar full of beach sand and sea shells.
Yes, it’s worth the trip!
25. Holiday Celebrations
During the month of December, you can really feel the Christmas spirit.
Local bands play Christmas music all over the island.
These bands are called gaita (pronounced guy-ta), in Papiamento (language in Aruba).
It’s also a tradition for locals to decorate their house with colorful lights which makes for some beautiful scenery at night.
On new years night the sky is literally lit with fireworks.
Holidays on Aruba are different.
You should come during the season to experience it yourself.
26. Drink Local Made Beers
Aruba has its own beer brewery.
And they produce two of the most delicious beers on the island.
Maybe even in the Caribbean!
One of them is called Balashi, a thirst quenching pilsner beer.
The second local beer is called Chill.
A smooth tasting beer that represents the island of Aruba.
I find it tastes better when you add a piece of lime!
27. Aloe Factory
Aloe grows abundantly all over the island.
And there is a Aloe factory that produces aloe products from aloe.
Like skin care products, hair care, deodorants, soaps and remedies.
The aloe sun tan lotion your holding in your hand was probably made in Aruba!
28.Soul Beach Music Festival
Soul beach music festival is an annual beach festival with performances by the worlds most renowned artists.
Performers like Fantasia, The Isley Brothers, Tony Rock, Affion Crockett and Miguel have performed during this festival.
It’s held during memorial day weekend.
Many magazines have called this the best Caribbean summer festival.
Come and join us during memorial day weekend for fun, sun and entertainment.
29. Electric Festival
Electric festival is the most leading dance music festival in the Caribbean.
During the festival you can attend Q&A’s, pop up parties and music master classes.
With artist like DJ Chuckie, Lil John, Afro Jack you’re guaranteed an electric vibe.
30. Aruba Film Festival
If you like movies, than you should visit Aruba for its annual film festival.
The goal of this film festival is to bring awareness to the international film community about Aruba’s culture.
And also to showcase the production of regional and local filmmakers.
Every year film stars such as Richard Gere, 50 cent, and Tyrese and many more celebrities visit Aruba for this red carpet event.
31. Summer Music Festival
Summer music festival is a three-day festival headlining Caribbean and Latin artist.
It’s the second time since 2015 that it’s being held.
And it’s proven to be a part of Aruban culture.
Aruba summer music festival attracts more than 10.000 international guests.
Are you joining this year?
32. Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival
Caribbean sea jazz festival is an outdoor festival featuring local and international jazz musicians.
While jazz is the main focus, there are other elements incorporated into the festival.
Such as dancing, poetry and art.
If you love Jazz, Latin, Soul, Funk and Blues, you must visit this festival!
33. Arikok National Park
Arikok national park, is Aruba’s one and only national park.
And it covers almost 20% of the island.
Arikok consists of beautiful flora and fauna, rugged terrains, dessert like hills with breath taking views of the islands coastlines.
There are guides to show you around, educate, and inform you about the geological, cultural and historical sites around the park.
You’re invited to explore Arikok National Park.
34. If You’re a Baseball Fan
Aruba has its share of baseball stars that have made it to the major league baseball.
Like Sidney Ponson, who played for Baltimore Orioles.
Calvin Maduro, Eugene Kingsale and Xander Bogaerts who’s currently playing for Boston Red Sox.
Come and witness Aruba’s baseball and rising major league stars.
35. Friendly Locals
Ask anyone who has visited Aruba, what they think about the locals.
They’ll say locals are the most friendliest people they have ever met.
Everywhere you go locals are sure to smile and are ready to help you.
Whether it’s by giving you directions or advice.
It’s just in our nature to be happy and pleasant to everyone we meet.
Especially to guests who choose to visit (or revisit) Aruba.
36. It’s a Happy Island
What makes Aruba, an happy island?
Well, many things.
The people, friendly locals that radiate a happy vibe.
And Aruba’s culture, heritage, food and lifestyle.
It’s hard to live on this “One Happy Island” and not be happy.
37. Perfect for Families
Aruba has a lot to offer families.
First of all, it’s safe!
And there’s plenty of family activities on the island.
Like water slides, lazy rivers, game rooms, bowling, water parks, animal gardens and more.
38. Perfect for Weddings (or Honeymoons)
Are you tying the knot?
There are hundreds of people who get married in Aruba every year.
And thousands who come to celebrate their honeymoon.
There are plenty of certified wedding planners who can make your special day unforgettable.
With a wide range of facilities and catering services, Aruba is the perfect spot to get married or enjoy your honeymoon.
39. Renewable Energy
Aruba is the leading island in the Caribbean when it comes to renewable energy.
About 20% of the islands energy is generated by windturbines.
The Government has a goal to generate 100% ( or close to it) of the islands energy by renewable energy in 2020.
We’re an example to many countries in the world right now.
40. Buy Time Share
Are you looking for a place that you can get away from once a year (or more often)?
Buying timeshare on Aruba is a good option!
Owning timeshare in Aruba means you’ll always have a happy place where you can retreat to.
How would you feel owning a piece of Caribbean that you can visit anytime you wanted?
I know…
It sounds incredibly good.
41. Pink Flamingos
Have you ever seen pictures of flamingos on your Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook?
I bet you want to take a selfie with these beautiful creatures…
Here’s your opportunity…
These birds reside on flamingo beach, a private beach on Renaissance island.
If you’re not staying at the Renaissance hotel you can buy a day pass for a 100$ bucks and a boat will take you there.
Its totally worth it!
42. Best Drinking Water
Aruba has one of the (if not the most) largest desalination plant in the world.
The production plant produces one of the worlds most best tasting water.
I dare to say even better then most popular brands of bottled water.
When in Aruba skip buying bottled water and refill your durable water bottle with Aruba’s water.
It’s the perfect thirst quencher!
43. Caves and Indian Paintings
Find your excitement off the beaten path….
By exploring the caves of Aruba.
Crawl through underground chambers to encounter bats and Indian paintings.
Don’t forget to bring your flashlight to see where you’re going!
44. Cool Trade winds
Aruba is windy….
You might think the wind will be too much you…
But the trade wind is a must on the island – it keeps you cool in the sun.
However, the wind is strong here on the island, enough to blow away plastic cups, bags, beach towels or your other personal belongings.
Keep your beach towels from blowing away with these handy towel clips available on Amazon.
Available on Amazon.
45. If You Love Animals
Aruba has a habitat for rescued exotic animals.
It’s a pet collection foundation called, Philip’s animal garden.
They focus on rescuing exotic animals in Aruba and the Caribbean region.
They have, llamas, pigs, camels, giraffes, crocodiles, monkeys, eagles, snakes, (baby) goats, donkeys, peacocks and more wild animals…
When you visit the animal garden, you get a bag of carrots and kibbles so you can feed the animals right out of your hands.
This is a perfect spot to relax for families!
46. Bon Bini Festival
Every Tuesday night at, Fort Zoutman, a museum near the downtown area, there’s an introduction held for tourists to get to know Arubas culture, facts and history..
There is also a dancing show and local food for you to taste.
It’s fun for families looking for something to do in the evening.
They also teach you to speak Papiamento (local language in Aruba).
47. Local Food
Visit Aruba to taste our local cuisine.
People from all over the world travel to Aruba to savor our local dishes.
Like pan bati (a thick sweet, corn bread like pancake) or sopi (different type of soups made of goat meat, fish, pork, chicken, greens, onions, oyster, or iguana).
There is a whole lot of delicious food to taste from.
You can even learn a few recipes to take a “piece of Aruba” with you home!
48. Swim in a Natural Pool
Aruba has a secret, hidden pool, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
It’s a natural cove surrounded by huge rocks with waves crashing into them as you swim in a protected, calm pool.
If you’ve never seen or swam in a natural pool before, then this one is a must visit.
49. Join Reef Care Project
Every year there is a clean up of our beaches, dive and snorkel sites.
The reef care project attracts both locals and tourists.
The goal of this project is to preserve our beaches and help raise awareness about the importance of protecting our precious environment.
Want to be part of one of Aruba’s largest volunteer environmental initiative?
Here’s your chance!
50. Aruba Love Festival
Aruba love festival is a house music fest.
It’s a tribute to the roots of house music, which started in Holland.
During this festival there are more than a dozen dj’s from different countries showing their skills and love for house music.
It’s a free festival held on the beach.
So bring your flip flops and dance the night away…
Why Go To Aruba…
Because, it’s time for you to try something new.
The Dalai Lama once said, “once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before”.
And Aruba is the perfect go to place!
Even if you’ve been to Aruba before, it’s always a good idea to revisit!
Besides, life’s too short to not to try anything new.
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