Hi everyone, my wife and I (40’s) will be in Aruba next week and now just realizing there will be some World Cup games going on, semis and finals !
Looking for a good spot with a fun, social atmosphere to watch them with wife. A place she will enjoy also, with good screens, and a crowd that's into the games Perhaps a place can have reservations so we can have a guaranteed spot? Any recommendations near Palm Beach / Hilton. Prefer convenience also.

Thx ! ⚽️

We love being at the beach and spending most of the day there, but the biggest thing for us is not having to play the towel game or wake up early just to get a decent chair.

For context, I’ve liked Secrets resorts because the Preferred Club beach areas usually make beach seating much easier. I’d gladly pay extra for reserved beach seating if it means avoiding that stress. Sadly Secrets Aruba doesn't have that feature.

Any Aruba resorts you’d recommend for someone who mostly cares about the beach and easy seating?

Here for the week in Aruba and my wife’s looking for some suggestions on restaurants with some vegan options. It’s our anniversary week so one nice place for that night would be great and possibly some others to check out. We have been to quite a few places and this is our 5th time in Aruba but just looking for the best ideas for some vegan options for my wife. I do know it seemed there was a few places that are no longer here but sometimes the information about these places is hard to find as well.

This is my first time in Aruba. First vacation in over a decade and it’s been grey the entire time. Rained this morning. I booked here because I was hoping to have one week of sun. Saved for years. Please tell me I’ll see the sun? The staff keep saying the sun will come out but so far I’ve mainly been crying indoors or swimming in the pool as it lashes with rain. I would literally pay someone to see a blue sky at this point. Maybe if I was a seasoned traveller it wouldn’t bother me as much but I have been looking forward to this for years and I’m crushed.

Is it always this humid in Aruba? I’m having a hard time enjoying much other than swimming because of hot how and humid it has been 24/7. I am from the southern US so I’m not a stranger to this type of climate but I guess I thought it would feel a little nicer. Is there a better time of year to come?

Just leaving Aruba (on the plane as I write this) and I have to say we’ve found our new favorite restaurant. Maybe I was asleep when it was talked about but I hadn’t heard a lot about Papiamento. WOW! 5 stars and then some.

Gorgeous surroundings, amazing atmosphere and one of the best meals of my life. This was our third trip and Papiamento is by far the best we’ve had.

Ordered dinner “on the stone” and it finishes cooking at the table. Waitstaff was great to kind of show us what to do and it was great. Can’t recommend it highly enough.

Hello everyone 👋 we are a family of 5 traveling to Aruba (my husband 1.5 year old, and my husbands parents) what are some restaurant recommendations? For context my husbands family is Jamaican, I’m Egyptian so we like food with protein and love fresh seafood. If you can please let me know if your recommendation is casual dining or fine dining that will help us make decisions. We are renting a car so getting around does not worry us.

Hey I’m coming to Aruba in August for vacation with my family. My sister (23) and I (27) are wanting to go to different bars each night. What do you suggest for night life ?? We aren’t huge fans of a dancing scene but we are very social and like live music/drinking/being out for the night. Thanksss!! Also anything you suggest for during the day,, we are very active and like to explore.

Debating between and leaning more towards Two Fools & a Bull or KOAL at the moment. I’ve also seen/heard good things about Ego and Fred Royal Aruba. The other restaurants that we are 100% for sure going to on our itinerary for dinner are…Lima Bistro, Wilhelmenia, Terra, Yemanja, Akira Back, and possibly Elements or Atardi for their beach/ocean view. We tried to get a mix of the best quality restaurants on the island and also a few with the best “view” on the island. Would really appreciate all your opinions, experiences and help! Thank you so much!!!

Hi! My husband and I are visiting the island for two days next week. We have decided not to rent a car since it is such a short stay and will use taxis when needed.

I know there is no Uber and Lyft. But is there a similar app to order a taxi on demand?

Also do most taxis take USD? Or should er take out Florin? Are cards out of the question?

Thank you!

Visiting next week with a family of 4. I’m trying to determine if to book a rental car from the big brands (Avis, Hertz etc.) or to use one of the local ones.

I a regular size sedan for the duration of the stay is what we need but I could use an SUV for 1 day when we go off roading.

Any recommendations?
Is getting CDW required?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: What is the deposit hold amount?

I read from the airport’s website that the places to eat once you have gone through customs when departing Aruba will be closed for renovations.

Does anyone know what is open after customs when departing?

Also, I’m looking at pre-ordering liquor for vacation to pick up that’s duty free. It looks like that stop is prior to customs. When looking at the customs regulations, it says you can only bring in 1L of liquor. Does this mean I can only buy 1L from the airport tax free? Or, did I read the regulations wrong?

Thanks in advance!

Me and my family are visiting Aruba for some days

I’m looking for a budget friendly place to Watch the colombia match. We have a 13yo with us so we should stay away from bars, so if anyone know a public beach with big screens cheap beer and where to sit and Watch the game I would be very thankfull

Any other recommendation on other maters are welcome

Visiting Aruba in late September. Usually when we visit Mexico or The Dominican Republic I always book a private transfer as that is what's recommended for those destinations.

But I was looking at the Taxi website and it indicates that a taxi for 2 passengers with 2 pieces of luggage is $37USD each way, but looking at Amstar they want $180 USD roundtrip.

Is it easy to get a taxi from the airport and back or should I be booking a private transfer. It's over a $100 difference.

I am considering purchasing the VIP package for Aruba airport. I will be traveling with my significant other, our toddler and 7 year old. I am worried the airport might be packed and. I’ve read the airport can be particularly busy on Sunday’s and with it being the day after 4th of July and people taking vacation, I am assuming it will be busier than usual. Hopefully someone can assist. Thanks

Welcome to the r/Aruba monthly Discussion / Q&A thread.

This thread is a hub for general discussion and questions about Aruba, that don't need threads of their own.

You have a question regarding Aruba? This is the place for you. Ever wondered which sunscreen the locals use? Or when is the best time to go to Zeerovers? Or what is the best spicy sauce on the island? Ask any question you might have here, and the community will answer.

FAQ from previous threads

What should I bring or prepare before visiting Aruba?

Bring cash for tipping, beach bathroom fees, and small purchases as some places have minimum credit card limits. Use sunscreen and hats due to strong sun. Bring water and snacks if hiking or doing outdoor activities. Water shoes are helpful for rocky areas like cave pools.

ED Card

The Embarkation/ Disembarkation (ED) card is a pre-registration form required to enter Aruba. The official site is https://edcardaruba.aw for non-residents there's a 20 US dollar sustainability fee per year.

All-inclusive?

All-inclusive resorts are generally not recommended in Aruba because the island is very safe and offers a vibrant local dining scene, beautiful public beaches, and plenty of opportunities to explore independently. Renting a car and experiencing the diverse restaurants and hidden gems around the island usually provides a more authentic and fulfilling vacation. Many travelers find all-inclusive options limiting and less cost-effective given what Aruba has to offer.

What are good snorkeling spots in Aruba?

The best snorkeling spots recommended are Tres Trapi, Boca Catalina (best in the morning around 6-8am), and Baby Beach, especially near the rocks.

Conchi/Natural Pool by Daimari beach?

It is possible to hike from Daimari Beach or the horse ranch, which typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes each way depending on your pace and familiarity with the trail. The path is rocky, steep in some places, and mostly exposed with little to no shade, so good footwear and plenty of water are essential. Starting early in the morning around 7 to 8:30 am is recommended to avoid the heat and crowds. Using navigation apps like AllTrails can be very helpful to stay on the correct path. Access to the trail requires a park pass from Arikok National Park’s visitor center, which opens at 8 am (TIP: You can buy a day pass a day before). Hiking later in the day is not advised due to the heat.

Are there any notable animal or nature experiences?

Visiting the Donkey Sanctuary is highly recommended for a fun and unique experience.

Are there food and shopping options inside the airport?

Yes, the Aruba airport has a variety of shops and restaurants both before and after customs, making it a lively place with plenty of options.

What type of cash is best to bring to Aruba? US dollars or Florin?

US dollars are accepted everywhere in Aruba, so bringing USD is most convenient.

How expensive are groceries and alcohol in Aruba?

Groceries are similar in price to major North American cities.

Is it necessary to buy bottled water in Aruba?

No, it is not necessary to buy bottled water in Aruba. The tap water is desalinated seawater, processed through reverse osmosis, and considered very clean and tasty. Many travelers refill their own bottles with tap water and find it better than regular tap water elsewhere.

If I could only go to one beach in Aruba, which should I choose?

Eagle Beach is the most recommended choice for its beauty, spaciousness, calm waters, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s less crowded and ideal for relaxation. Palapas (shade structures) are free, though beach chairs might require rental or reservation.

Other great beaches to consider:

• Baby Beach: Fun and excellent for snorkeling, but can get crowded and party-heavy.
• Boca Catalina: Calm waters with great snorkeling and lots of shade.
• Manchebo Beach: Clean, spacious, and peaceful.
• Arashi Beach: Less busy, good for snorkeling.
• Palm Beach: Busy and lively with many activities, but sand quality is debated and palapa usage rules can be strict.
• Mangel Halto: Beautiful and quieter spot for solitude.
• Others: Tres Trapi, Malmok, Andicuri, Rodgers Beach.

What kind of souvenirs do people buy in Aruba? Are the souvenirs an accurate representation of the local culture?

Common souvenirs people buy in Aruba include:

• Aruba Aloe products (skincare)
• Hot sauces, especially Papaya hot sauce and Hot Delight
• Local art, jewelry, and driftwood artwork
• Dutch snacks and candies like stroopwafels
• T-shirts, hats, and mugs with Aruba branding or logos
• Refrigerator magnets and small keepsakes like glass turtles
• Local crafts from markets and art fairs, such as items from the Butterfly Farm or Donkey Sanctuary

Also, you might may want to check the Wiki/FAQ to see if the information you're looking for is already available.

Hi!
I’m heading to Aruba solo for the first time two weeks today and I have a few questions for you experts!

I’ll be staying right near Palm Beach and would love some recommendations on restaurants or anything fun to do in the area!

Some things I’d love to get input on:
The weather calls for lots of wind. How windy are we talking? Will I be able to read a book or study outside without the pages flying everywhere?

How much cooler is it at night? Will I need a light jacket or sweater?

Does Aruba have lots of mosquitos? Ticks? Bugs LOVE me so I want to be prepared with bug spray if necessary.

Anything else I should know? Am I okay drinking tap water?

I know a lot of this is Google-able, but I wanted some advice from real humans! Thank you in advance and I am so excited to visit soon!