Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel to Aruba, a fantastically happy island in the Caribbean. Aruba is an awesome beach getaway for the whole family, but there are some things that might surprise you on your first trip to Aruba.
Food in Aruba
I was shocked at how GOOD the food in Aruba is! Of course, the seafood in Aruba is fantastic. There are so many great varieties of seafood to try in Aruba. But it’s not just the seafood that is great! There are great restaurants of all kinds in Aruba. The steaks are delicious, and we had some excellent Italian food as well. Eating in Aruba restaurants is a great experience overall; good service and great food!
Prices in Aruba
Aruba is expensive! An Aruba trip is not a budget vacation destination. While the food is delicious, it also comes with a hefty price tag. The supermarket prices are a bit higher than in the US, but you can save some money by stocking up on groceries and getting a hotel room with a kitchen. Or look for a hotel that includes breakfast so you can eat a big meal at the beginning of the day. Just be sure to splurge on dining out in Aruba a couple of times while you’re visiting.
Aruba Chain Restaurants
We were shocked at how many fast-food chains we saw in Aruba. We saw all the usuals, in multiple. Burger King, McDonald’s, Subway, KFC…Aruba has them all. It feels a bit less exotic when you are driving around seeing all of these global chains, but they are surprisingly very busy. While eating at American chains isn’t usually our style, they do come in handy when all of the other dining options are super expensive. (We were spending around $200 per meal for a family of four, without alcohol, so yes, Subway does look pretty good sometimes!)
East Coast vs West Coast Beaches
You might think all beaches are the same on Aruba, but that’s not the case. They change drastically from the East Coast to the West Coast. The West Coast beaches of Aruba are postcard-perfect, with sandy beaches and calm water. These are the beaches for relaxing and taking in the sun. On the East Coast of Aruba, it’s very different. You’ll find rocky shores and big waves. It’s still beautiful, but much more rugged and I don’t recommend swimming on this side of the island unless you are a strong swimmer.
Nature in Aruba
Besides the beautiful beaches, Aruba actually has a lot to offer. There is natural beauty everywhere. You’ll see natural bridges that have been carved out by waves, and even cactus growing all over the island. There’s also a National Park in Aruba: Arikok National Park, which has hiking trails, caves, and beaches. The caves even contain cave paintings!
What to Pack for a Caribbean Vacation
Getting Around Aruba
It’s really easy to get around Aruba! I recommend having a car for at least part of your stay so you can explore the island at your own leisure. The whole island is only 19 miles long, and 5 miles wide, so you can easily drive around the entire island in one day. If you don’t want to drive, there are also some buses that go around the island. Your hotel can also recommend a driver for hire. Aruba tours are expensive, so we saved money by renting a car and doing our own Aruba tours.
Donkey Sanctuary
Stumbling upon the Donkey Sanctuary in Aruba was a fun surprise. It’s a fun stop as you drive around Aruba, especially if you’re visiting Aruba with kids. For a small donation, you can feed and pet the donkeys who live at the sanctuary.
New England Souvenirs
Everywhere we went in Aruba, we saw New England sports teams gear for sale. A lot of visitors to Aruba are from the East Coast, so they sell a lot of Giants, Jets, Patriots, and Yankees merchandise. If you’re a big sports fan, you’ll be able to catch any of the games, as they are big sports fans in Aruba.
Safety in Aruba
Many people wonder “Is Aruba Safe?” We felt very safe during our trip to Aruba. There are always so many tourists around, we never worried about exploring the neighborhoods of Aruba, even at night. Of course, as with any travel destination, you have to use common sense, but overall, Aruba is a very safe destination.
Baby Beach
Many people will recommend that you visit Baby Beach and it’s a beautiful beach. It’s shallow and calm, with some great tide pools, It’s a fun place to snorkel with kids. But the shock of Baby Beach is the oil refinery that sits right next to the beach; it’s definitely an unexpected sight in such a scenic place.
Oranjestad on Cruise Days
Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, gets so packed on days when the cruise ships are in port. If you’re planning to visit Oranjestad during your trip, you might see when the cruise ships are in and visit on a different day. Otherwise, be prepared for big crowds and long wait times if you are eating out or joining any Aruba tours. I would choose a day when just one ship is in port, as you might find fewer things open if there are no ships that day.
What NOT to Do in the Caribbean
Aruba Sunsets
No matter how many beautiful sunsets you’ve seen, you will still be shocked at how beautiful the Aruba sunsets can be. Pick a spot at any of the west coast beaches and settle in for a spectacular show. There are a lot of great restaurants and bars perfectly situated on the beaches, so you can enjoy a drink or a meal while the sun goes down. Catching the sunset each day became a priority on our Aruba trip.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Aruba really has something for every type of traveler! We enjoyed the amazing food, beautiful beaches, and natural attractions found all over Aruba. Aside from the high prices, we mostly found pleasant surprises on our Aruba family vacation. Want more tips for tropical family trips? Check out these blog posts: