The Segmental Info System

Welcome to Aruba

The Aruba Guide is your best resource for all the information you'll need to plan your vacation on one of the most unusual islands in the Caribbean. It features everything from casinos to scuba diving, beautiful beaches dotted with palm and divi divi trees, colorful desert landscapes, stunning rock formations, and a warm and friendly people who go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome.

 

Vacationers can expect weather that is tropical but not extreme, with an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. This desert island lies below the Hurricane Belt, so there is rarely a threat of tropical storms. In the vast majority of cases, the island continues to offer beautiful sunny skies, even if other parts of the Caribbean are experiencing well-publicized stormy weather. Check out our detailed, month-by-month weather guide so you'll know exactly what to expect during your visit...

January May   September
February     June October
March July November
April August    
December

 

If you are interested in colonial history, Aruba is the place for you.  There are numerous natural attractions and museums to explore during your trip to the island.  Relaxing days can be spent on the beautiful beaches, and nights are easily gambled away...

Casinos

Aruba is known as the birthplace of Caribbean Stud Poker.  If you are over the age of 18, you can take your chances and try the game at one of the 11 casinos on the island...

Beaches

Palm Beach is Aruba's main beach front area, with shaded picnic areas and shallow waters that attract families.  Note that Manchebo Beach is top-optional, which is not as family-friendly in the eyes of many American visitors...

 

Your dream vacation is closer than you think. We've got tips to help with everything from planning to purchasing. Let us help you make this dream a reality...

When to Go

Aruba's high season is between January and March, though there are still plenty of vacationers on the island between April and December...

Clothing and Attire

Beachwear is considered to be inappropriate in Aruba unless you are actually on the beach.  Read our guide to Clothing and Attire in Aruba to learn what clothing is considered normal and acceptable on the island...

 

The Queen Beatrix International Airport is one of the most modern airports in the Caribbean. But, for those who feel that traveling there is half the fun, Aruba boasts one of the most frequented cruise ports in the entire Caribbean...

 

There is more to Aruba than fruity drinks and lounge chairs.  Spend one day at an annual event like Carnaval, the next swimming with local marine life, and the next shopping for souvenirs.  There are plenty of activities to choose from.  Make sure to get out on the town for at least one night of your vacation and party like an islander...

Diving and Snorkeling

Some resorts will rent diving and snorkeling equipment to their guests for free, though the average traveler will spend between $20 and $300(USD), depending upon the equipment they need and their level of experience...

Fishing and Chartering

Sailing and fishing are both extremely popular past times in Aruba.  You can get in on the action by chartering a boat, and do some fishing while you're on it...

Golf

Despite the abundance of golf courses, there are only 27 regulation holes in Aruba.  Tierra del Sol in particular is the island's only regulation golf course...

 

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Before heading to Aruba on vacation, take some time to learn about some customs and facts that will be important to you during your stay on the island.  Topics include tipping etiquette, information on languages spoken in Aruba, and the hours of operation for most businesses...

Currency and Credit Cards

The Aruba Guilder/Florin is Aruba's official form of currency, though the United States Dollar is accepted at many establishments.  Exchanging your money can easily be done at local banks and credit cards are widely accepted...

Customs

Traveler's can purchase up to $800(USD) worth of goods in Aruba and bring them through customs duty free.  Make sure to have all purchased items and reciepts readily available as you go through customs...

 

 

Hotels and resorts of all styles, shapes and sizes color the coastline and dot the interior of the island. Whether you want to be taken care of at a 5 star hotel or fend for yourself in a rental property, you'll find Accommodations to suit your tastes. There's even a breathtaking National Park full of Eco-Tourism opportunities...

 

Culinary Styles

Most travelers will be eager to sample the island's local fare, in addition to the many international dishes that are offered. Seafood is a staple, and local fishermen provide a great variety of regional fish including red snapper, mahi mahi, and grouper. Another popular dish featured throughout the island is shark. Fast food restaurants are becoming more and more popular in Aruba, allowing visitors to enjoy a little comfort food in an unfamiliar surrounding. As a perfect complement to any meal, vacationers will enjoy a variety of interesting European and Caribbean beverages...

Restaurants

A diverse selection of restaurants provide options for all types of visitors. While most establishments are very accommodating, and the comfort of guests is usually their main concern, certain attire can be required during the busy season. Detailed information is provided in our comprehensive dining guide, so you can easily plan ahead...

 

Deterred by its desert landscape, early European colonizers barely touched Aruba. When the Dutch gained control from the Spanish in 1636, it was a peaceful takeover. Today's travelers will be impressed by the same tranquil atmosphere that has prevailed throughout Aruba's history. In the past, the local economy has been based upon gold mining and oil production, but now the economic mainstay is tourism...

History

The Arawak tribe known as the Caquetios were the first settlers in Aruba, although the Spanish would take over in 1499 and enslaved many islanders as workers in Hispaniola's mines.  Pirates frequented the island, stashing their gold in caves...

Economy

Though the Spanish originally thought that Aruba was an agricultural wasteland, the discovery of gold in 1847 allowed the island to prosper.  Today, tourism, oil, and banking are the countries top money makers...

Crime

Although Aruba is considered one of the safest islands, it is always best to take precautions to protect yourself and your valuables.  Learn how with our guide to Crime in Aruba...

 

Paved, well-marked roads and the abundance of car rental agencies make getting around Aruba on your own easier than many other islands in the Caribbean.  Even if you don't feel comfortable behind the wheel in another country, public transportation is excellent on the island as well...

Taxis

Taxi fares are set by the government, making the cost taking a cab more affordable than many other Caribbean islands.  Be warned, however, that travel with more than five passengers or on holidays will cause the price to go up...

Buses

Vacationers have the option of traveling from place to place aboard the public Arubus or one of 40 privately owned mini-buses.  Whether private or public, buses are the most affordable forms of transportation in Aruba...

Ferries and Boats

The only ferry service available in Aruba runs each day to De Palm Island, which is one of the area's premier snorkeling spots.  If traveling between Aruba and other nearby islands is on your agenda, air travel will have to do...