Aruba

Aruba travel map - 600px

Aruba is a Caribbean|Caribbean island 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of the coast of Venezuela. The island is an autonomous dependency of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is 30 kilometers (19.6 mi) long and 9 kilometers (6 mi) across, at its widest point, with an area of roughly 184 km² (70 sq mi). This flat, riverless island is famous for its white sand beaches. Its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean. The temperature is almost constant at about 27°C (81°F). The yearly rainfall does not exceed 508 mm (20 inches). Aruba lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt.

Aruba is divided into the northeast and southwest coasts. The southwest has the white sand beaches, turquoise seas and warm waters. The northeast coast, exposed to the Atlantic, has a few white sand beaches, cacti, rough seas with treacherous currents and a rocky coastline. The time in Aruba is Atlantic standard time; it is the same as Eastern Daylight Savings time all year round. }}

Cities

The entire island has a population presence of just over 100 000, so the term "city" is relative here.

Oranjestad 12.516667,-70.033333 - Oranjestad, Aruba - Centrum Oranjestad -QQQQ3 Capital
Noord 12.566667,-70.033333 - Noord LighthouseArubaHHarsveld 02
Palm Beach (Aruba) | Palm Beach 12.566667,-70.033333 - Palm Beach, Aruba Palm-Beach-Aruba-2013
Savaneta 12.447222,-69.933333 - Savaneta

About Aruba

Weather in Aruba

The climate is tropical marine, with little seasonal temperature variation.Because of its location south in the Caribbean there is very strong sun, but a constant light breeze keeps the temperature friendly. (These persistent winds out of the east shape the island's distinctive, lop-sided divi-divi trees.)The divi-divi trees have become a signature tree to Aruba's landscape. The weather is almost always dry, with most rain showers coming at night and lasting only a little while.Temperatures in Aruba do not change dramatically. Between the months of January and March the temperatures stay around 24-29 °C (76-85 °F); this being their high season. However starting in April and through December thit is considered off season and temperatures do not change much beyond 26 and 31 °C (79 and 88 °F). It lies outside the zone affected by hurricanes.

Landscape=== The island is flat with a few hills, arid with mostly desert vegetation and negligible natural resources other than white sandy beaches.Highest point: Mount Jamanota (188 m).

History

Discovered and claimed for Spain in 1499, Aruba was acquired by the Dutch in 1636. The island's economy has been dominated by three main industries. A 19th century Gold rush was followed by prosperity brought on by the opening in 1924 of an oil refinery. In the last decades of the 20th century, tourism boomed. Aruba seceded from the Netherlands Antilles (Bonaire and Curacao and the Caribbean#Leeward Antilles|ABC Islands) in 1986 and became a separate, autonomous member of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Movement toward full independence was halted at Aruba's request in 1990.

Tourism is the mainstay of the small, open Aruban economy, with offshore banking and oil refining and storage also important (both ended in 2009). The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade has resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities. Construction has boomed, with hotel capacity five times the 1985 level.

Symbolism

Papiamento and the national flag, anthem and coat of arms are the most important national symbols. They stress the inhabitants' love for the island and the close connection to the Caribbean Sea and the multi-cultural composition of the population. The national anthem is played and sung on many occasions. The Dutch flag functions as a symbol of the unity of Aruba and the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles.

Electricity

Officially 120 V 60 Hz, which is identical to the US and Canadian standard. Outlets are North American grounded outlets, identical to standard U.S. and Canadian wall outlets. Occasionally non-grounded outlets may be found, which do not accept the third, round pin present on grounded plugs and require an adapter. Older North American outlets may not be polarized (with one slot wider than the other). Otherwise, adapters are available which accept a polarized plug and adapt it for use with a non-polarized outlet.

Travel to Aruba

Visa policy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean - 600px|Countries whose nationals do not require a visa for a stay for up to 90 days

Entry requirements

Countries eligible for a visa-free entry are shown in cyan on image to the right.

Other countries require obtaining a visa, which is valid for Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Caribbean Netherlands and allows multiple entry for a maximum period of 90 days within 180 days. The maximum uninterrupted stay in one of the individual countries is 30 days. The visa is not valid for the European part of the Netherlands.

Travelers are not allowed to work during their stay in Aruba.

a passport that is valid upon entry and for the duration of stay in Aruba. If the tourist holds a passport from a visa required country (list A), he must have a valid visa sticker in his passport;
a completely filled-in and signed Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED-card);
a valid return- or onward ticket;
the necessary documents for returning to the nation of origin or to a country that he has the right to enter, for example a valid residence permit (temporary or permanent), a re-entry permit or a (entry) visa;
if so requested and the tourist has to be able to prove to the satisfaction of the migration officer that he has a valid reservation for an lodging in Aruba (e.g. hotel or apartment) or that he owns property in Aruba (a residence, condominium, apartment, timeshare apartment or a pleasure yacht moored in Aruba with a length of at least 14 meters measured on the water line);
if so requested and the tourist has to be able to prove to the satisfaction of the migration officer to dispose of adequate financial means to provide for hotel expenses (if applicable) and living expenses during his stay or that he has a declaration of guarantee from a legal resident of Aruba.

The final authorization for admission to Aruba remains with migration officer at the border-crossing/port of entry. The migration authorities at the border-crossing/port of entry have the authority to grant or refuse admission. Admission can be refused if not all admission requirements are fulfilled by the time of entering Aruba of if the tourist has been blacklisted.

Travel by plane to Aruba

Queen Beatrix International Airport IATA Flight Code: AUA 12.501389,-70.015278 on the Western side of the island - Queen Beatrix International Airport Queen Beatrix Airport 39661 Thit is the only airport that sees regular commercial traffic on the island.

Aruba no longer has a national airline.

American Airlines is a popular carrier that schedules Flights from Charlotte, Miami and Philadelphia. Other major carriers from the US include Southwest (Baltimore, Orlando), United (Chicago, Newark, Houston Intercontinental, Washington/Dulles), Delta (Atlanta, New York JFK) and JetBlue Airways (New York JFK, Boston).

First Choice Airways flies charter Flights from the London and Manchester in the UK and KLM-Airline Flights to Amsterdam connect to most of the rest of Europe. Avianca and Aires connect Aruba to Colombia.

Daily connections to Venezuela include Caracas, Maracaibo, Las Piedras and Valencia, by Aeropostal, Aserca, Santa Barbara Airlines and Avior.

 InselAir has several daily Flights to Curacao and from there to 11 destinations in South America including Medellín - Colombia and Valencia (Venezuela) and the Caribbean and Miami.

There is an office of the American Department of Homeland Security at the airport for those traveling to the United States.

Travel by boat to Aruba

Cruise ships can dock quite close to the downtown area, offering their passengers an easy walk to many stores and services.

Transportation in Aruba

Cabs are available at the airport and at hotels. Cost about $30 including tip from the airport to Eagle Beach. You can also hire a vehicle or jeep at the Queen Beatrix airport or through the hotel concierge.

Arubus is a great way to see the island and to travel from Oranjestad to the tourist hotels all for about $1.50. You can take bus to the far end of the island, have lunch at Street Nicholas, see how the 90,000 islanders live. The bus stops at 9PM.

You can find city/island buses at a main station right downtown. During other than "rush hours", friendly drivers and some riders will help you choose routes and provide commentary on stops and sights. Fares are quite modest. An economical way to get to the resort beaches.

Because Aruba is small, consider not renting a vehicle until you know what you want to do. Many activities are central to the resort area of the island and are within walking distance. Renting cars/jeeps is easy and many rental companies provide pickup service from area hotels.

If you do decide to hire a car, be aware that the local rental vehicle companies often rent older, higher mileage cars. It's mainly important to recognize that even the big brand rental vehicle agencies will rent you a vehicle in poor condition that may or may not function properly.

Driving in Aruba

West Coast Highway, Aruba - panoramio - West Coast Highway

The most important thing U.S. drivers need to remember is that there are no turns on red. Also and there are several roundabouts (circles), which can be frustrating to some drivers but are quickly gotten used to. Aruba uses international road signs, which generally have no words or obvious relation to their meaning. Fortunately, tourist maps contain quick references to these road signs if you are unfamiliar.

The major road is LG Smith Blvd, on which people drive at about 40 mph, though that is a very rough guideline.Because the island is so small, everything of interest is close to everything else of interest and it takes special talent to get lost—if you don't know where you're going, you can basically just keep driving and statistically speaking you are likely to end up where you need to go eventually. Most of the roads are not identified by signage.

The lack of road signage can be mainly frustrating in downtown Oranjestad, so it might be best to park near the Renaissance Mall and simply walk to your destination. A cab might also be easier than navigating the narrow unmarked streets.

You should also be cautious when driving, as there are certain "bus only" roads that are not marked but that feature large pits in the road designed to trap normal cars while letting buses drive through.

Traffic rules

International road signs are used in Aruba. Foreign & international driver's licenses issued by a member country of the Geneva Convention, are valid. Car speedometers and road signs are in kilometres. The speed limit in urban areas is 40 km/h; out of town it's 60 km/h, unless a higher or lower speed is specifically indicated. Much of Oranjestad's traffic is one-way and at intersections, where there are no road signs, traffic from your right has the right of way.

Car hire Although the island has a half-decent transport system, you can take life on this laid-back island at a pace that suits you by using a vehicle hire vehicle. Take a map with you to determine what road signs mean because they are not instantly obvious. Thit is one of the easier holiday destinations to negotiate your own vehicle around so keep the pace easy and book ahead online.

Local Language in Aruba

Languages spoken are Dutch (official), Papiamento (also official, it's a creole of (Spanish), Portuguese and Dutch), Spanish and English (widely spoken).

What to See

Aruba June 2010 - Natural pool Guadirikiri Cave - Guadirikiri Cave Hooiberg 1 - Hooiberg

Natural Pool (Conchi) - On the northern side of the island and only accessible via ATV or Trail Rated 4x4. Thit is a small swimmingpool of water hidden in natural rock formation that jut into the ocean, just off the shore of Aruba. This location makes for a great day trip - make sure your vehicle has a spare tire.
California Lighthouse - On the northernmost tip of the island. Many scenic views and is also the location where you can access the dirt trails to travel down the northern shores of Aruba.
Our Lady of Alto Visto Chapel - On the northern side of the island. The chapel is very picturesque and historic.

Aruba Aloe Factory - – You can take a short tour and learn some interesting facts about aloe farming, production and uses.

Casibari Rock & Ayo Rock Formations – You can climb and explore these formations and the tops of which provide a great view of the nationside.
Natural Bridge Boca Andicuri – There are 7 "Natural Bridges" in Aruba. The original (biggest and most famous bridge that people are referring to when they say Natural Bridge) collapsed in 2005 leaving a pile of rubble in the bay. There is a smaller bridge right next to the fallen bridge that still stands.
Bushiribban Gold Mill / Smelting Station – The ruins of the smelting station are the way to the Natural Bridge. Climbing the ruins you can get great photos of the coastline.

Aruba Ostrich Farm - – The tour walks you around the ostrich pens and incubator. The Aruba farm is more for educating people, while the Meat that is used for food in Aruba actually comes from the sister island of Curacao. (Ostrich is a red Meat, which is high in protein and low in fat.)

Boca Catalina and the Antilla Shipwreck – These are 2 of the many sites snorkel tours will take you. The Antilla Shipwreck is the remains of a scuttled 400-foot (German) cargo ship that was anchored off of Aruba during World War II. It was thought that this ship was supplying (German) U-Boats in the Caribbean and after Netherlands|The Netherlands was invaded in 1940 and the captain was given notice to surrender the ship. Instead of surrendering the ship to the Dutch Marines the captain sunk the ship by blowing up the boilers. (The crew swam to shore and were taken POW and shipped to Bonaire.) The joke you will hear is "They did not want to surrender the cargo and they also wanted to provide future tourists with a site to see." The remains are off of Malmok beach. After the war and the captain and his crew purchased their former POW camp and converted it into a hotel Today the site is the Divi Flamingo resort.
Arikok National Park - The park consists of lava formations, a quartz diorite formation and a limestone formation extending inward from the coastline. These formations have played a pivotal role in the history of Aruba.
Guadirkiri Caves
The Palm Island
Hooiberg (Haystack Mountain) a.k.a. "the Haystack" – Standing over 500 feet and the haystack is in the center of the nation and provides a breathtaking view of Aruba. People suggest going on a cool & clear day because it will be easier to climb the 561 steps required to reach the top and you can see the coast of Venezuela to the south!
Butterfly Farm - set in a tropical atmosphere, tour guides at the Butterfly Farm will elucidate butterfly habits and metamorphosis.
Bubali Bird Sanctuary - over 80 species of migratory birds reside in the sanctuary. Get the best view of the birds, by using the observation tower.
De Oude Molen/ Windmill It was built in 1804 in Holland then shipped to Aruba in 1906.

Donkey Sanctuary - Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - noon free A home for many rescued donkeys, who roam wild on Aruba and are often killed by cars or dogs. Staffed by volunteers who offer information about the donkeys and the sanctuary program. For a small fee, you can feed the donkeys pellets or apples--petting them is free! All proceeds from the feeding program and the small but well-stocked gift shop are used to care for and rescue the donkeys.

Submarine - , - Opening Hours: 11AM, noon, 1PM $105 adults, $79 children (4-12 years) An Atlantis-class battery-powered submarine for adventuring Aruba's coral reef. Thit is similar to Disney's former "submarine" ride at Disneyland and Disney World, but the submarine and coral reef are real. The submarine goes as deep as 150 feet. Passengers sit back-to-back and shoulder-to-shoulder, facing outboard with large portholes allowing a good view. Not for claustrophobes, though. Besides the natural reef, three derelict ships have been sunk as reefs along the route.

Muslim Travel Tips

Turtle at Antilla Wreck Aruba (2916429432) - Turtle under water

On and off the resorts:

Horseback Riding
Jeep Safari
Hiking
Cycle Tours
4 Wheeling Tours
Rock Climbing
Sailing
Scuba
Sea Trek
Snorkeling
Fishing
Kayaking
Kite Surfing
Windsurfing

Museums

Historical Museum- It contains a large collection of artifacts and paintings from Aruba's earliest through those reminiscent of colonial times up to the present day.
Archaeological Museum - The archaeological museum exhibits ceramic, shell and stone artifacts which portray the customs, beliefs and traditions of these first cultures.
Numismatic Museum- The museum contains over 35.000 different pieces covering over 400 countries.
Aruba Model Train Museum

Beaches

Baby Beach - Baby beach Palm Beach, Aruba - panoramio - Palm Beach

Baby Beach - Southern tip of the island.It's called Baby Beach because it is no more than five feet deep at any point - like a giant wading pool. This beach also has some of the best snorkeling on the island.
Boca Prins - Secluded beach within Arikok National Park. Swimming not recommended. Restaurant a short walk away.
San Nicolaas Beach
Eagle Beach – Often called "1 of the 10 best beaches in the world"
Hadikurari Beach a.k.a. Fisherman's Huts. Thit is where the High Winds Pro AM windsurfing world championship is held every June.
Palm Beach White sand and excellent swimming conditions in calm water. Nearby hotels allow you to use public areas for changing. Accessible by bus, vehicle or taxi.
Malmok Beach
Arashi Beach - Calm water, white sandy beaches with palapas and huts for shade.
Boca Catalina- Shallow waters with plenty of fish, good place to snorkel. White sandy beaches with some pebbles and stone.
Manchebo Beach- Gentle surf, long white beach. Hotels near by.
Andicuri- Not advised for swimming,tough currents and big waves. Thit is a good beach for someone looking to go surfing.
Druif Beach- Excellent for swimming with calm waters. Hotels near.
Surfside Beach- White sandy beach with some pebbles and stones. Calm water good for swimming.
Dos Playa- can get there by 4 wheeler, not good for swimming strong currents and big waves. A nice place to have a picnic to check out the view.
De Palm Island- Waterpark for kids, great place to snorkel, with shallow waters.
Mangel Halto - Shallow water. Can be reached by vehicle or taxi.
Santo Largo - Shallow waters, good place for picnic. Can be reached by vehicle or taxi.
Boca Grandi - Good for people who enjoy extreme sports, not good for swimming tough current.
Bachelor's Beach - A good beach for windsurfing or snorkeling. Not really good for swimming.
Rodgers Beach - Very calm water with white sandy beaches.

What to buy in Aruba

Money Matters & ATM's in Aruba

The currency used is the Aruban guilder or florin, denoted by the symbol "ƒ" or Afl (ISO currency code: AWG).

The official rate at which banks accept U.S. dollar banknotes is ƒ1,77 and checks at ƒ1.78. The rate of exchange granted by shops and hotels ranges from ƒ1.75 to ƒ1.80 per U.S. dollar. U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Aruba and banks may exchange other foreign currency.

Traveler's checks are widely accepted and there is no charge for using them in hotels, restaurants and stores. Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments while personal checks are normally not accepted.

Cash may be obtained with MasterCard, Visa and American Express cards at credit card offices, banks, in some casinos and via Western Union. ATM cards and credit cards are accepted by ATMs of Aruba Bank, Banco di Caribe, RBTT Bank and Caribbean Mercantile Bank. The card must have either a Cirrus or Visa Plus logo. ATM instructions are normally given in Dutch, English, Spanish and Papiamento. Cash is normally dispensed in local currency.

American dollars are accepted virtually everywhere at a nice exchange rate. If you have U.S. dollars and there is no need to change money into the local currency and the Aruban florin. The island is actually not duty-free, but merchants respond well to competition on other islands and duty free goods are offered by a few shops at the airport as visitors depart.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Aruba

Most stores open from 9AM to noon or 1PM and from 2PM to 6:30PM, although some remain open between noon and 2PM. Shops are open from Monday to Saturday. Hotel stores have varying open hours so check at your hotel for these.

Aruba Flea Market - Street market

Above all, it appears that Arubans are very aware that their economy is completely dependent on tourism - so Arubans are polite to tourists and even street vendors don't generally seek to rip off their clients (though as in all traveling, don't let advice like this lull you into a sense of complacency). This may be helped by the fact that Aruba is a expensive place to visit, so it tends to attract the reasonably well-off.

Oranjestad's waterfront has many vendors/stalls selling souvenirs. Many of these souvenirs are imported from the United States with island scenes/slogans, only to be purchased by Americans and brought back to America.

In Oranjestad and the Renaissance Mall contains various American and European major apparel brands (i.e. Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren, Gucci) at crucially the same prices as in the United States. The mall and the rest of the downtown area also hold numerous other types of stores catering to visitors, to include jewelers, souvenir shops, clothers and two modest grocers.

You'll find strip malls and grocers at modest (not easily walked) distances west of downtown and elsewhere. They offer most everything a visitor or resident might need for short stays or living there. Groceries and other supplies are all imported, so prices tend to be high. You can catch the bus from the hotel areas to the Grocery shops which are about 10 min from Eagle beach but before you get to Oranjestad, cost's $3 return just ask the driver.

With numerous cruise ships visiting, downtown stores offer buys in jewelry, etc., typical of that in other Caribbean cruise ports, some at "duty free" prices. For Cheese lovers, mild Dutch Gouda, in boxes or wheels, is a popular buy in super markets, though not the great bargain it used to be. Do ensure the integrity of the package seal from the maker to avoid spoilage and difficulty at customs inspection.

If you've flown to the island and are returning home and the airport duty-free store offers some items at slightly better prices than downtown, e.g., a nice selection of rums.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Aruba

The most famous dish in Aruba is Keshi Yena. It is a spicy mixture of Chicken and peppers, capers, olives and tomatoes traditionally baked in a Gouda Cheese "shell". Thit is often considered to be the national dish of Aruba.

Many chain restaurants, both fast food and upscale, from the United States are present in Aruba (i.e. Texas de Brazil, Wendy's, Burger King (Please do not support Burger King as Burger King supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant),, Taco Bell (Please do not support Taco Bell as Taco Bell supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand), Pizzas Hut, Hooters, Subway, Tony Romas). You'll find some downtown and many near the large resort hotels.

The upscale restaurants near resorts vary in quality as there are a limited number of them and they have a steady stream of tourist clients, as they advertise in pamphlets available in the hotels. The fast food places are crucially no different than their American counterparts.

Also good are some of the local fare restaurants. While obviously relying on tourist income, good food can be had. Nos Cunucu is a good example of such. With meals like the traditional baked Cheese and some more interesting items such as Iguana soup. Don't be afraid to eat at random bars and such along the road, (with normal caution of course). Good food can be had for relatively low cost. These pander to local residents.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Aruba

Aruba - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Aruba, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Aruba. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Aruba and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Aruba. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Aruba. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Aruba: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Aruba.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Aruba: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Aruba, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Aruba.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Aruba, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Aruba, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Aruba and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Aruba, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Aruba, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Aruba without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Aruba is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Aruba.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Aruba is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Aruba, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Aruba Media: info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Aruba

Ramadan 2025 in Aruba

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are resorts all over the island. See the individual city articles for listings.

Aruba offers many options for sleeping arrangements. There are hotels in downtown, but the majority of them are on or near the beach. There is a Holiday Inn, a Marriott, other chains and smaller boutique hotels, such as Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts and local places. The Holiday Inn is next to the Marriott. They share a long, narrow stretch of beach known as Palm Beach. The Marriott is the only resort that offers a timeshare on its premises. There are two timeshare "clubs" apart from the Marriott. One is the ocean club which has been around for quite some time. The second is the surf club which. The Marriott includes three swim-up bars, a lazy river, two gyms and a casino. The Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts is a boutique hotel with oceanfront rooms and suites. It is on the widest stretch of Eagle Beach.

Study in Aruba

There are two private, but IMED approved, medical schools on the island that prepare students for training in the United States. These are Aureus University School of Medicine and Xavier University School of Medicine (XUSOM).

How to work legally in Aruba

A working permit is required to work in Aruba.

Stay safe in Aruba

Rush hour Aruba - panoramio - Rush hour

Aruba is generally a very safe place at any time of day or night, however it would probably be wise to stay away from the area surrounding the Valero refinery on the southeast part of the island at night (in the words of a Valero employee, "you will get some undesirables down there at night"). There is generally no reason for a tourist to go there at all anyway, so this likely will not be an issue.

While rarely enforced, all drug possession - including cannabis - is illegal.

Medical Issues in Aruba

The running water in Aruba is absolutely safe to drink. It is referred to as "Sweet Water" because it is very good.

Medical

The main 280-bed hospital is well-equipped with staff and equipment. Oxygen tanks and hemodialysis services are available. Hotels have doctors and dentists on call and appointments can also be arranged through your hotel Several other medical clinics also exist on the island.

Local Customs in Aruba

Nature is very cherished by the Aruban people. 18% of their island is dedicated to the Arikok National Park.

Baby Beach Aruba - Baby Beach

You should not wear beach attire anywhere but on the beaches or by the pool.
Make sure to properly greet someone.
Ask before snapping a picture of someone.
Men should wear dress shorts or slacks to dinner, no jeans allowed in most restaurants.

Where to travel next from Aruba

Curaçao
Bonaire

From Halal Explorer