Aruba 5-Day Itinerary - The Perfect Guide to One Happy Island
Aruba lives up to her name as the “One Happy Island”. Extremely safe and easy to get to, traveling to Aruba is accessible with direct flights from most east coast airports. It’s no wonder hoards of Americans flock here annually–some coming back year after year. While I personally can’t commit to traveling somewhere every year (I have too many other places to visit on my bucket list), I have been to Aruba several times and it is our chosen destination wedding location. We got married here on the Renaissance Island in July 2024!
Know Before You Go
Best Time to Visit
Another reason Aruba is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean is because it lies outside the hurricane belt and just above the equator. No matter what time of year you chose to visit this island, you can expect sun, wind, and high temperatures. The month-to-month temperatures fluctuate very little, and although peak season is technically mid-December through mid-April, the weather for the most part will be the same as any other month.
Aruba’s climate is technically a desert–peep the cacti everywhere–and even in the “rainy season” during the winter, the precipitation will average about 3.8 inches at its peak. What better place to host a wedding? ;)
How to Get There
I am a Going (used to be Scott’s Cheap Flight) stan, and since I first joined their newsletter, all our trips have been booked because of an email I received from Scott and his team. We booked first class for our most recent trip because it was our wedding, but the last time we visited and flew economy, our flights were $500 a person for a trip in February. If you have more time to plan your trip or score a cheap ticket on an off-week, you can score tickets as low as $300 from NYC or DC.
There are plenty of other ways to score cheap tickets on your own. I also use Skyscanner and play around with the dates in Google Flights. On Google Flights, there is an option to follow prices for specific dates/locations and get email notifications when the prices change.
Unfortunately, we accidentally chose a week with above-average flight fare for our wedding.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands
Aruba is a Dutch country and is actually a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The other countries under this designation are the Netherlands in Europe, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten (the other half of the island is Saint Martin and is French). Bonaire was part of the Netherlands Antilles until the country became a special municipality (officially, a "Caribbean public body") within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010.
Language
Papiamento is a Portuguese-based creole language spoken in the Dutch Antilles. It is the official language of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao–although Curaçao calls it Papiamentu. Papiamento is also spoken in the United States, Venezuela, and Brazil.
Papiamento is a very expressive language with a rich vocabulary. It is fun to learn a couple of words and the locals (who all speak English) appreciate it.
If you are planning a trip to Aruba, Bonaire, or Curaçao, I highly recommend learning a few basic Papiamento phrases. It will make your trip more enjoyable and you will be able to connect with the local people on a deeper level. Two must-know words are Dushi (pronounced DOO-shee) meaning sweet or yummy and can refer to a person, and danki (pronounced donkey), meaning thank you.
Here are a few basic Papiamentu phrases:
Hello: Kumbai or Konta
Good Morning: Bon dia
Good Afternoon: Bontardi
Good evening: Bonochi
Goodbye: Ajó
Dushi: Basically, the coolest word ever - ask a local!
Thank you: Danki
You're welcome: Di nada or na bu ordu
Special thanks to the local on Facebook who helped me out with these phrases!
Currency
Aruba's currency is the florin denoted by the letters 'Awg. ' but also widely known as 'Afl.' I have actually never transferred money when I travel to Aruba, because almost everywhere accepts dollars, and if they don’t, they will take a debit/credit card. 1 Aruban florin is equal to about $0.56 USD, but most restaurants and shops will price their items in USD.
Be mindful of foreign transaction fees if your card has any. American Express is widely accepted, but having a card that doesn’t tack on extra fees for foreign purchases will save you money.
Plugs
The plugs in Aruba have a standard current of 110-130 Volt at 50Hz, which is the same power plug as used in the US.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Safety
Aruba is extremely safe, and although some say it is because the Aruban economy relies heavily on tourism, I believe the Aruban culture of kindness and hospitality is a testament to the island’s way of life. Like anywhere else in the world, just have common sense and be cognizant of your surroundings. We always lock up/hide our valuables in our hotel and rental car wherever we travel, so as long as you keep your wits about you, you can expect to have a safe and happy trip.
Be aware of the sun's strength. The sun in Aruba is very strong, so it is important to wear sunscreen and a hat, and to stay hydrated.
Be careful when swimming. The currents in the ocean around Aruba are strong, so it is important to be aware of them and to swim only in designated areas.
Be careful when driving. The roads in Aruba are not always well-maintained, so it is important to drive carefully and to be aware of the speed limit.
Where to Stay in Aruba
Wherever you stay in Aruba, having a beach close is a MUST. The best areas of Aruba to stay in are in the Eagle/Palm beach area and near Oranjestad. If staying in a hotel or Airbnb, I recommend trying to stay near these areas.
Splurge: The Ritz Carlton, Aruba
This resort is about what you can expect with a Ritz. Their beach is absolutely stunning and is located in a sequestered part of Palm Beach providing much more privacy than the neighboring hotels. When my parents stayed here last year, they found the property to be a bit sleepy, but they said it was worth the money to stay here.
On my second visit to Aruba, we didn’t stay here, but we still came to have drinks at their bar and it was such a fabulous experience.
High-tier: Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa And Casino
I am obsessed with this resort and had the pleasure of staying here when I was seventeen. Their recently renovated rooms are chic and clean, while their beach and pool are out of this world. With a hefty price tag, staying here isn’t cheap, but it sure is nice! I highly recommend staying here if you have the chance.
Mid/High-Tier: Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Ahhhhh we love this hotel so much we chose it for our wedding venue! Here is where you should stay if you want to experience the magic that is Flamingo Island! The resort is split into two parts: the Marina Hotel Tower and the Ocean Suites with the Marina side being adults-only. Included in your room rate, you have access to the resort’s private island and amenities on both hotels. I personally think the rooms are a bit nicer on the Marina side, but the pool/beach area is much better on the Ocean Suites side. It is all about your preference, but I highly recommend staying here at least one night during your stay so you have access to the private island.
Budget: Holiday Inn Resort Aruba-Beach Resort & Casino
For those looking for more affordable accommodation in the center of all the action on Palm Beach then the Holiday Inn is perfect for you! This is hands-down the nicest Holiday Inn I have ever seen, and although I have not personally stayed here, my old boss did and said it was awesome. You really can’t beat this price in this location!
Budget: Airbnb
While most Airbnbs you can book on the island will not have their own private beach, many provide extremely close proximity to beaches and will also have a pool. I recommend doing this if you are on a budget and also renting a car. This will allow you to maximize your time on the island and see the long list of stunning beaches the island of Aruba has to offer!
Day 1 - Arriving to One Big Happy Island
Lunch at Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar & Restaurant
Very reasonably priced and located near the airport and across from the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort, Lucy’s is a must for lunch. With vistas of the marina, you can dine along the ocean listening to live music and the sounds of the waves crashing. Don’t forget to try their famous “Scorpion Shot”--if you dare….
Check in to your hotel and lounge about
No matter where you stay on the island, you are going to want to spend the majority of your time lounging on the beach or by the pool. Each resort or accommodation on the island will provide an excellent space for you to enjoy the fabulous weather that Aruba provides year round. Take this time to embrace vacation and sip on an ‘Aruba Ariba’ cocktail or crack open that book you packed with you.
Dinner at Barefoot
Have you ever dreamt of dining on the beach with your toes in the sand watching the most mystical sunset of your life? That’s Barefoot! Reserve a table far in advance to ensure you will be able to score a spot for dinner as this place books up very quickly. The food and drinks are so good and it will for sure be the most memorable dinner of your Aruba vacation. It was so memorable for us that we decided to host our wedding’s rehearsal dinner here.
Nightcap at the Casinos
Did you know that almost every resort on the island has a casino in it? Avid gamblers enjoy coming to Aruba for this main reason, and although I’m not too big on casinos, it was fun to check out the different spots around the island. Complaints are that allegedly there are not enough casinos with Craps tables. Many casinos closed Craps tables during Covid, but AlHambra, the Ritz, and the Hyatt all currently do have these tables in theirs.
Day 2 - Flamingo Beach
Morning - Breakfast at Dutch Pancake House
Depending on if you are staying at the Renaissance or not, you may want to skip breakfast due to time constraints. However, if you are lodging locally, or you are big on breakfast, definitely go to the Dutch Pancake House. People are always lined up to eat here because Dutch pancakes are extra fluffy and it provides the perfect place to fill up before a long day at the beach or exploring the island. I recommend going early, because who wants to wait in line on their vacation? Not me!
Getting to Flamingo Beach
There are two ways to access the iconic Flamingo Beach in Aruba, either by staying at the Renaissance Hotel, or by getting one of the 20 day passes that go on sale each Sunday morning for the week. Depending on if this is a ‘must-do’ for you, I recommend staying at the Renaissance for at least one night to guarantee you will be able to access the famous island.
To physically get on the island, you will take one of the Renaissance’s boats from either the lobby of the Marina side or the docks on the Ocean Suites side. The boat ride is only about 5-7 minutes, but you have the possibility of getting wet depending on how rough the waves are. To ensure any expensive electronics or fancy hairdos don’t get ruined, I recommend sitting under the roof.
Iguana Beach
There are two separate beaches located on the private island owned by the Renaissance. The first beach you will see when deboarding the boat is Iguana Island. This beach is larger than Flamingo Beach and provides more shade for guests lounging around. This beach is family-friendly, unlike that of Flamingo Beach, but children are able to visit the other beach and its pink feathered residents once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
If you ended up skipping breakfast like we did, there is a snackbar on this beach that serves incredibly yummy food and drinks. Wait staff will also be walking around to serve you directly from your lounger—ahh the good life!
Flamingo Beach
For adults looking to steer clear of kids running around on their vacation, the Flamingo Beach is for adults only. They are not too strict on the age requirements, because we saw several well-mannered teenagers enjoying the beach with us.
This beach is also home to the stunning flamingos that you probably have seen all over travel blogger’s media. There are places to purchase food for the flamingos and the best time to get a picture with them is either early in the morning or right before the island closes. These beautiful animals are used to the attention from visitors, but do not harass them just for your perfect Instagram shot. They are still wild animals and tbh, they will probably wander next to you at some point throughout the day anyway.
There are less places for shade on this side of the island, so we recommend taking the plunge and renting a cabana.
Renting a Cabana
At a whopping price of $475 for a 4 person cabana (or $550 for a 6-person cabana), you can enjoy Flamingo Island in the most luxurious way possible. For hotel guests only, there are cabanas on both Iguana and Flamingo beach available for rent for the day. Although the price is steep, I ended up surprising Noah with this as his Christmas gift and now we can never go back to not having one. The second our wedding coordinator announced that they were for sale on the day of our rehearsal, our friends and family booked out all of the cabanas on the Flamingo side.
Fair warning, if this is something you want to do (and I totally recommend it), the cabanas sell out months in advance. To ensure you will have a cabana available the day you plan on visiting Flamingo Beach, make sure you book it as soon as you know your travel dates/itinerary.
One of the many turtles we saw eating some dinner at Playa Piskado.
Dinner in Oranjestad
Check out the best places to eat in Aruba that are located in Aruba’s capital: Oranjestad. This little island has one of the best culinary scenes in the Caribbean, with world-renowned chefs and restaurants right at your fingertips. We loved Wilhemina!
Day 3 - Noord Exploration Day
Morning - Eagle/Palm Beach
Divi Divi Tree
The famed Divi Divi Tree can be found on all the ABC islands and some of the other islands in the Lesser Antilles and parts of South America. Aruba's natural compass, the Divi (or Watapana) tree is always pointing in a southwestern direction due to the trade winds that blow across the island. The most famous of these trees on Aruba can be found on Eagle Beach. Just type in “Fofoti Tree” in Google Maps and you will be directed to the perfect spot for a quick photo.
Malmok Beach/Tres Trapi
Drive down the road to my favorite snorkeling spot, Tres Trapi. We parked our car at Malmok Beach and took in the stunning vista we were blessed to see. Below us in the cerulean sea, we could clearly see scuba divers exploring the reefs underneath us.
Tres Trapi is such a cool beach because carved into the rocks that touch the sea are stairs that allow you to access a tiny beach. We flew our drone overhead and took some super cool pictures from the sky. When we dove into the water, we saw sea turtles and stingrays! Definitely bring snorkeling gear when you come here because there is as much to see under the water as there is above.
California Lighthouse
Just past Tres Trapi, you will drive up a large hill to reach the northwesternmost point on the island and find the California Lighthouse. This spot is a quick detour, but provides a fantastically scenic overlook that allows you to see panoramic views of the island. You can enter the lighthouse for $5 and it is a great place to visit at sunset.
Alto Vista Chapel
A must-visit on any road trip around Aruba is the Alto Vista Chapel! As an Aruban icon, and the first church I visited outside of the United States, it holds a very special place in my heart. I always try to light a candle for my cousin in any church I visit while on my travels so he can explore the world he never got the chance to see.
Built in the 1700s by a Spanish missionary, the Alto Vista Chapel has become a staple on the island for locals and tourists alike. This tiny and charming chapel is a beautiful reminder that God is everywhere, and while traveling it is important to be thankful for this world.
Peace Labyrinth
Hidden behind the Alto Vista Chapel, do not miss this serene little spot. While we heard the hustle and bustle of tour groups on the grounds of the chapel, we wandered behind it to the Peace Labyrinth where not one of the people on the tour even came near. We had this special little spot to ourselves and it provided some really nice pictures and a second to breathe.
Dinner on Palm Beach
There are so many places to choose from to eat here, so I recommend exploring my guide on the best places to eat in Aruba.
Evening - Kukoo Kunuku
For a night of silly fun and a little partying, book a bar-hopping tour with Kukoo Kunuku. This iconic bus blowing an obnoxious horn with people hanging out of its windows with maracas has been in business for over 25 years. We made so many friends and had such a good time on this tour that we decided to do it for our bachelor/bachelorette night the week of our wedding. They offer several different tours that can cater to exactly how you want to experience Kukoo Kunuku.
Day 4 - Island Exploration
Santos Coffee With Soul
Fuel up for the day at one of the three locations of Santos Coffee With Soul. They offer a delicious menu of hearty breakfast foods and beverages to get you hyped for the day.
Casibari Rock Formations
Start your day of exploration by visiting the Casibari Rock Formations. These giant, wind-carved boulders offer stunning views of the island and are a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and photography.
To get there, simply type “Casibari Rock Formations” in Google or Apple maps and you will be brought to the central part of the island, near the village of Paradera. They are easily accessible by car, and there is a free parking lot on site.
Arikok National Park
Arikok National Park is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Aruba. Encompassing nearly 20% of the island, it's a treasure trove of natural wonders, cultural heritage sites, and breathtaking landscapes.
Planning your visit:
The park is open daily (closed only on January 1st) from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (San Fuego entrance) or 8:30 am to 3:00 pm (Vader Piet entrance).
Entrance fees apply, with proceeds used for park conservation and educational programs.
A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for exploring the park's rough terrain, and a 4x4 is necessary for off-road trails. ATVs, UTVs, and motorbikes are strictly prohibited.
Guided tours are a great way to learn about the park's history, ecology, and culture, and ensure you don't miss any hidden gems.
Additional tips:
Bring sturdy shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Download a park map beforehand to help you navigate the trails and attractions.
Pack snacks and drinks, as there are limited food options within the park.
Be aware of your surroundings and stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost.
Respect the local culture and be respectful of the environment and wildlife, and leave no trace behind.
Bushiribana Ruins
The Bushiribana Ruins, also known as the Bushiribana Gold Smelter Ruins, are a fascinating testament to Aruba's gold mining history and offer a unique blend of history, adventure, and scenic beauty. Perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the rugged north coast of Aruba, the ruins offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.
Natual Cave Pool
Right next to the Bushiribana Ruins, you can find a mini cliff-jumping spot that allows you to jump into crystal blue water in a cave along the ocean. It is pretty easy to spot and you will see several tour groups congregating by the ladder. Be super careful while walking down into the caves and try to wear Tevas or Chacos so you have decent mobility on the rocks.
Natural Bridge/Pool
There are multiple ways to access the Natural pool in Aruba, but the most popular way is through an ATV tour. Before Hurricane Katrina in 2005, there was a stunning natural bridge located next to the swimming hole, but that has since broken off into the sea.
It is still worth it to experience the natural pool, so you can either take a guided tour that takes you there or attempt to get to the pool yourself. We opted for the latter in our tiny rental car, and I would NOT do that again. We saw another group of dummies that got their rental car stuck at the bottom of the hill. I am so shocked we did not get a flat tire, so I am not even going to share how we got to it. We hiked a couple miles and made it there and back to tell the tale, but we easily could have crashed or gotten stuck, so your best option is to play it safe and book the tour.
Dinner at Wilhelmina
There are so many delicious places to try in Aruba, that you will never be able to try them all in just one trip. Wilhelmina opened in 2015 and since then, it has been a traveler and locals favorite for a great place to enjoy international cuisine with a Caribbean flair. The atmosphere is electric and its outdoor patio is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploration.
Day 5 - Baby Beach and the Quadirikiri Cave
Baby Beach
When I picture paradise in my head, usually an image of Baby Beach comes to mind. Now Baby Beach may be at the furthest point of the island, it should not be missed and is worth renting a car for the day to visit. With the calmest waters created by a natural inlet, this beach is perfect for those who want to sway in the waves of the ocean. This place is also perfect to bring children to, and that is where it got its name from!
You can snag a spot in the shade if you arrive early in the morning, or you can purchase tents and loungers from one of the vendors on the beach. There is also a very yummy snack bar/tiki hut that has awesome drinks and food. No need to pack lunch when heading to Baby Beach!
Lunch at Big Mama’s Grill
There are a couple of places to eat near Baby Beach, but why not dine with a view of the ocean? You are in Aruba after all! For some light bites check out Big Mama’s Grill next to the beach and either head back to soaking up the sun on the beach, or continue on to the next stop.
Fontein Cave
Within Arikok National Park, there are various caves you can visit including the two most popular: Fontein and Quadirikiri (or Guadirikiri) caves. Inside the famed Fontein Cave, you can actually see ancient Amerindian petroglyphs left by the native Arawak tribes from long ago before they were wiped out by European colonizers.
Quadirikiri Cave
Down the road from the Fontein Cave, and also located in Arikok National Park, you will find the largest cave on the island. Quadirikiri Cave is famed for its photogenic sunlit alcove that houses two chambers. The name of the caves originates from the Arawak language and are accessible to the public during the day between opening hours of the national park (8:00 - 4:00 pm).
Dinner at Flying Fishbone
For your final night on the beautiful island of Aruba, you will enjoy a truly special dining experience at Flying Fishbone. Located a bit further from the main resorts and capital area, drive to the area of Saventa to find this local eatery. Ranked eighth in the “21 Best Beach Restaurants Around the World”, you will find a wide array of fresh seafood and steak creations made into stunning plated presentations. Like Barefoot, this restaurant allows you to dine with your toes in the water–also, they were the first restaurant on the island to do it!
Well that wraps up our Aruba trip!!! Aruba is full of exciting experiences for anyone looking to enjoy a vacation filled with relaxation and adventure. Whether you want to explore the island’s pristine natural beauty or relax in the sand with a cocktail in hand, Aruba will fulfill all your wanderlust dreams. The next time you visit ‘One Happy Island’, be sure to check out the activities I shared so that you can get the most out of your stay on the beautiful island of Aruba!
