Aruba is one of the gems of the Caribbean. Growing up, I saw photos of this region appearing to be some kind of a paradise. The water is so crystal clear, and the person in it seems so happy.
Aruba might have been marketed as a honeymoon destination. But in recent years, it has become more family-friendly and even a place many solo travellers want to visit.
When I was in Colombia, it felt like I was too close to the Caribbean, so why not visit it as well?
However, I didn’t want to just be there for a week; I wanted to see it all. I want to do more than just a boat tour or stay at the resort. So, I planned an entire 3 weeks in Aruba itinerary, and today, I hope that you find it helpful.
Spending three weeks in Aruba is perfect because you can enjoy both relaxing and exploring what it has to offer. While most people would go to places like Eagle Beach or Palm Beach, with 20 days on your hand, you can see so much more.
In this itinerary, I’ll show you the best beaches around Aruba. We’re going past the surface and enjoying the off-the-beaten-path of this gem of an island.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO ARUBA
Aruba is a territory owned by the Netherlands. It’s located in the Caribbean region and is known for beautiful beaches, fantastic diving and snorkelling spots, and it is the ideal destination for a beach holiday.
When is the best time to go to Aruba
Aruba enjoys a sunny and dry climate year-round. The best time to visit is during the off-season (April to June) when crowds are smaller and prices are lower. Hurricane season runs from June to November, but Aruba is generally outside the hurricane area.
The best time to visit Aruba is from December to April, which is the peak season. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for beach activities. Since this is the busiest time, expect higher prices and larger crowds, especially around the winter holidays and spring break.
The summer season runs from May to August, and while the weather is still great, the island is less crowded, and prices for accommodation tend to drop, but it can be extremely hot.
How to get here
Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) is the main hub for flights from major cities across the globe. You should be able to find direct flights from Miami, New York, or Amsterdam.
From Latin America, there are direct flights from many major cities, such as Bogota and Lima. This means that if you’re coming from cities not mentioned on this list, your flight will most likely connect to these cities.
Areas of Aruba
The Touristy Side: This is where you’ll find the high-rise hotels, stunning beaches, and exciting nightlife of Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. It’s an awesome spot for people who want lots of things to do but also access to conveniences, such as an easy way to get around resorts, shops, and restaurants.
The Quieter Side: This encompasses the rest of the island, including the rugged Arikok National Park, the charming capital of Oranjestad, and, of course, those secluded beaches we’re about to explore.
Are 3 weeks enough for Aruba
Yes, 20 days is plenty of time in Aruba. With this much time, you can really enjoy the island, get to know the culture, and might even feel like a local.
What to pack
Other than your best swimsuits, you should also bring good and reliable bug spray. Don’t forget your hat, sunglasses, and a lot of sunscreen.
If you’re diving or snorkelling, you can bring those from your home country, but renting or buying one in Aruba is very easy as well.
We have a 3-week packing list and a 3-week summer packing list – which both come with a printable checklist for free.
How to get around
Getting around Aruba is fairly simple due to its small size. The fastest option for travelling around is renting a car, but a car that can go on the rough roads of Aruba (something like a 4×4).
The main highway or regular roads are fine, but when visiting the beaches hidden behind rocky terrain, you need a durable car for that.
The cheapest option is taking the local Arubus, which covers most of the island and runs frequently, especially between the capital, Oranjestad, and the popular resort areas. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive.
There are no trains or metros in Aruba, but taxis and ride-hailing apps like Lyft or Uber are not available either. However, taxis are easy to find, and most hotels and resorts can arrange them for you.
If you’re mainly staying in one area, like Palm Beach, walking or biking can be a good way to get around locally.
Language and currency
The main languages in Aruba are Papiamento and Dutch, with Papiamento being the most widely spoken by locals.
However, English is also widely understood and spoken, especially in tourist areas. Most people in Aruba are multilingual, and you’ll find that English is commonly used in hotels, restaurants, shops, and for services catering to tourists.
Many locals also speak Spanish due to Aruba’s proximity to Latin America. So, tourists can easily get around the island using English, Spanish, or Dutch without any language barriers.
The official currency is the Aruban Florin (AWG), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. In terms of payments, credit cards/bank cards are also common, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.
Average travel cost for Aruba
Aruba is not an affordable destination. Most accommodations here are pricey, and many offer all-inclusive features. But to give you an idea:
For an affordable trip, costs might be around $2,500 to $4,000, covering budget accommodations like guesthouses or vacation rentals, simple meals, and public transportation or taxis.
A mid-range trip could cost between $6,000 to $10,000, offering stays in comfortable hotels or resorts, dining at mid-range restaurants, and renting a car for island exploration.
A luxury trip could easily exceed $15,000, including high-end beachfront resorts, gourmet dining, private tours, and exclusive beach experiences.
For a family of four, it depends if you’re going on a budget of $5,000 to $7,000), mid-range ($10,000 and $15,000) or luxury ($20,000 and up.)
These costs typically cover accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities. So, you also have to sit down and add the roundtrip flight.
Visa
Aruba’s visa policy is similar to that of Curacao, Sint Maarten, and the Caribbean Netherlands. U.S., Canadian, and European citizens generally don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days. This is also applicable to travellers from New Zealand, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore.
However, there is some paperwork that needs to be addressed. Find out when to fill out the Aruba ED Card to make sure you have crossed all your t’s and dotted all your i’s.
Other travel tips
- Gear Up: Unless you fancy a hike through cactus-studded terrain, rent a 4×4. Those hidden beaches aren’t called “hidden” for nothing. Make sure that you are wearing proper shoes where you can walk on sharp rocks and uneven trails.
- Pack Like a Pro: Think of it as a desert island picnic, minus the rescue boat. Water, snacks, sunscreen – the essentials.
- Leave No Trace: We’re talking footprints in the sand, not empty chip bags. Aruba’s beauty is worth protecting, so be a responsible beach bum and bring all the items back to your hotel – including trash.
- Weather the Storm: Aruba’s weather can be a bit moody. Pack for sunshine, but be prepared that a light showing and strong might come your way.
Where to book tours and accommodations
PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES IN ARUBA
Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google
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3 WEEKS IN ARUBA ITINERARY
Since Aruba is such a small island, I won’t be doing our usual “spend 3 days in this city”.
For Aruba, you can stay in the same accommodation for 20 days if you want. You can travel the islands from north to south in under an hour, so there’s no need to move around too much. This is a great plan if you’re planning to do an all-inclusive resort.
However, you can also plan to stay a week in this resort, then move to another resort for another week, and so on. This will help you spend more time in different areas and get to know Aruba more.
I personally moved between 3 resorts just to shake things up. If I didn’t do it this way, I knew that I’d be too comfortable and wouldn’t encourage myself to explore more of what Aruba has to offer than many tourists failed to do so.
Instead, I will mention areas you must visit on this itinerary. Then, you will see some information here about whether that place is worth staying in for more than just a day. In this way, you can decide if you want to spend a few nights there or not.
You can also check our compilation of itineraries for spending 3 weeks in Central America.
Oranjestad
This is the capital city, Aruba; it’s such a hub and can be busy, especially during the peak season or when a cruise just arrived.
There are a lot of things that you can do here, such as Museo Historico Aruba, Rose Alley, National Archaeological Museum Aruba, Queen Wilhelmina Park, and Plaza Turismo.
If you love a lively city, this is a nice area to stay during your 3 weeks in Aruba. But I must say, it gets a bit exhausting due to the crowd, and the prices here can be even higher.
Boca Prins
This spot is my ideal place because it’s on the other side of the island and much quieter. This is also where you’ll find Arikok National Park (there’s a $25 entrance fee), the biggest and main national park of Aruba.
There’s a swimming area in the natural pools, but it gets quite busy. Apart from the water activity, though, there are a lot of hiking trails that you can explore, as well as historical caves.
Getting to Boca Prins can be a challenge due to bumpy roads and narrow streets. But once you arrive, the beautiful white sand and blue waters are so worth the effort.
There are even limestone cliffs where you can do some cliff jumping – just make sure to swim around first and ensure that you’re not jumping on a shallow area with sharp rocks.
You can honestly spend an entire day here, but it also requires a 4×4 or a buggy ride to reach this place. So, make sure that you pack everything you need for the visit.
Daimari Beach
If you’re looking for a beach that feels like you are the first person to set foot there, Daimari Beach is the answer. It’s tucked away on the north end of Arikok National Park.
This secluded, small sandy beach can only be accessed via a bumpy dirt road, so a 4×4 is required again. However, it’s truly a nice little spot of heaven. Since it requires an effort to get here, it’s not so busy – it is really the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun and the quiet atmosphere.
Not to mention, it’s a spot that locals go to. If you’re visiting during the correct season, you might even see wild sea turtles near the shoreline.
Baby Beach
This is easily the most beautiful shallow beach on the island, in my opinion. Not to mention that there are stunning sandbars everywhere you look. It is located at the southern tip of the island.
Since you can walk far and wide and still be in a shallow area covered in soft sand, Baby Beach is perfect for families with young children where you can build sandcastles together. It’s ideal for swimming and snorkelling as well.
There are a few beach bars and restaurants nearby, so you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink while enjoying the stunning views. So, although it is a little more developed, it is still a far cry from the buzz of Eagle Beach.
There are actually plenty of accommodations near this beach, so if you’re looking for a place to go as part of your second week in Aruba, I recommend this area.
Mangel Halto
This spot is perfect for snorkelling and diving. The mangroves around the beach make it a beautiful home for many marine life. The waters are clear and calm, a nice spot for swimming and relaxing.
But what makes it stand out the most is the availability of a picnic table, lots of shade, and plenty of cabanas. If you’re travelling with your dogs, there’s a beach nearby that also allows pets on the beach.
There aren’t a lot of restaurants or shops here though. So, it’s important that you bring enough water, sunscreen, towels, and snacks with you.
Wariruri Beach
We’ve been talking about the south of Aruba for a while now; it’s time to travel a bit towards the north. The first place I want to recommend is Wariruri Beach. This might not be your typical Caribbean beach, but there’s something beautiful here.
Take your time walking around the shoreline, and you will find this big rock arching from the land towards the water. When the tide is a bit up, standing under the arch is a perfect spot for a beautiful photo, making it look like you’re in a cave.
Swimming is not recommended here due to the strong currents, but exploring the wild formations and enjoying the view is the best part of visiting this beach.
Don’t make the same mistakes that I did, and bring good shoes. You can climb the rocks for even better photo opportunities.
Black Stone Beach
Black Stone Beach, also known as Andicuri Beach, is another location where amazing geographical rock formations are found. As the on-the-nose name suggests, this beach is known for its black volcanic rocks.
The stunning black cliffs against the blue water make the view seem like something out of a painting. It’s located within the National Park, which means you need an ATV to get there.
However, if you’re up for an adventure, you can spend hours here walking from rock to rock and discovering various viewpoints along the way – just make sure that you’re wearing good hiking shoes and plenty of water.
Eagle Beach
This is the flagship beach of Aruba, and there’s a reason for that. The fine white sand on the beach is so soft and wonderful to walk on. There are also these remarkable trees that seem to grow just fine along the sand instead of the soil.
This is a fantastic spot for swimming because the shoreline is covered in sand, which makes it a safe place to swim. Since Eagle Beach is located in the northeast, it’s an ideal spot for the golden hour as well.
There are plenty of bars and restaurants for food and drinks while you enjoy the water and wait for the sun to set.
THINGS TO DO IN ARUBA
- Quadirikiri Cave
- Sand Dunes of Boca Prins
- Explore Fontein Cave
- Natural Pool (Conchi)
- Hiking or cycling around in Arikok National Park
- Birdwatching at Boca Prins
- Off-road jeep tours
- Exploring ancient Arawak petroglyphs
- Horseback riding tours
- Snorkelling at nearby beaches
- Cave exploration at Guadirikiri
- Aruba Aloe Factory
- Alto Vista Chapel
- Oranjestad Shopping
- Visit Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
- Windsurfing at Hadicurari Beach
BEST ACCOMMODATIONS IN ARUBA
Most hotels are located in Oranjestad or between Palm Beach and Eagle Beach – which are around the northern region of Aruba. However, there are also accommodations in the south. But they are with low reviews and often not in the best condition.
Oranjestad
- Affordable: Kamerlingh Villa or Mammaloe
- Mid-range: Wonders Boutique Hotel or Juanedu Suites
- Luxury: Hyatt Place or Victoria City Hotel
Palm-Eagle Beach
- Affordable: Sandcastle Beach Apartments or Aruba Beach Apartments – Adults Only or Sandpiper Beach Apartments
- Mid-range: MV Eagle Beach or Carinas Studio Apartments
- Luxury: Eagle Aruba Resort or Holiday Inn Resort or Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort or Radisson Blu or The Mill Resort and Suites
MUST-TRY ARUBAN DISHES AND DRINKS
Aruban cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, such as Caribbean, Dutch, Latin American, and African flavours. Like many Caribbean islands, Aruban dishes include seafood and fruits.
Plantains, cornmeal, and fresh fish are very common, similar to neighbouring islands like Curaçao and Bonaire. The Dutch influence adds European-style pastries and cheeses to the mix.
There are a lot of dishes that I loved eating while in Aruba. With 3 weeks in Aruba, you will have plenty of time to try our local dishes. Perhaps the following food and drinks will be something you’ll like as well:
- Keshi Yena – A savoury dish made of melted Dutch cheese stuffed with spiced chicken or beef, often baked until golden.
- Pastechi – Fried pastry filled with cheese, meat, or fish, often eaten as a snack or breakfast.
- Balchi di Pisca – Fish balls seasoned with herbs and spices, usually served with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Cabrito Stoba – A slow-cooked goat stew seasoned with spices, onions, and tomatoes, offering a rich and hearty flavour.
- Sopi di Pisca – A traditional fish soup made with fresh catch, vegetables, and flavorful herbs.
- Funchi – A cornmeal side dish similar to polenta, often served alongside stews or grilled meats.
- Pan Bati – A flatbread made with cornmeal and flour, typically served with savoury dishes.
- Aruban BBQ Ribs – Tender, marinated ribs grilled to perfection, often served with local sides like rice and beans.
- Pan Bollo – A sweet and moist bread pudding made with local spices and raisins.
- Bolo di Banana – A banana cake with a rich, moist texture, often topped with caramel.
- Cocada – A coconut candy made from fresh coconut, sugar, and condensed milk, offering a chewy texture.
- Aruba Ariba – A fruity and potent cocktail made with vodka, rum, Coecoei (local liquor), and fruit juices.
- Balashi Beer – A refreshing, locally brewed beer, perfect for enjoying on a hot day.
- Awa di Lamunchi – A local limeade made from fresh lime juice, water, and sugar, offering a sweet and tangy flavour.
SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN ARUBA ITINERARY
So, there you have it. Spending 3 weeks in Aruba isn’t too much, if anything, you’ll end up wanting to stay for more. The number of beaches to visit here is just incredible. They are, after all, some of the most magnificent beaches in the world.
Whether you’re thinking of going on beach holiday, planning a honeymoon, or just want a quick getaway, Aruba is truly a win-win destinations.