Aruba, an island where a desert landscapes meet picturesque beaches, is unique among the Caribbean. Located 15 miles north of Venezuela, Aruba doesn't fit the standard vision of tropical beauty.
Aruba's unusual climate and landscape make this island a natural paradise, fit for escape and exploration. For more detailed information, visit the official Aruba website or VisitAruba.com.
| Currency | The official currency of Aruba is the florin, denoted by the letters "Afl." Aruban currency is floating, so be sure to check the exchange rate before your departure. |
| Languages | Dutch is the official language of Aruba, but Arubans also speak Spanish, English, and the island blend Papiamento. |
| Electricity | Aruba uses the same electrical system as the U.S. and Canada, 110 - 120 volts. Other visitors will need adapters for their appliances. |
| Population | Aruba is home 105,455 residents. In addition, Aruba hosts about 691,000 tourists annually, 64 percent of travelers visiting from the U.S. |
Size |
Approximately 75 square miles in area, Aruba is one of the smaller Caribbean islands. |
| GDP Per Capita | The annual income per Aruban household is roughly $21,800 (USD). Most families on the island rely heavily on the tourism industry for their daily bread. |
Getting There
Travelers to Aruba come by sea and air, air transportation being the most popular means onto the island. Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad is the island's only major international airport. This state-of-the-art facility serves 2.5 million commercial jet and charter plane passengers each year. The airport is large enough to accommodate a Boeing 747 jet and hosts various commercial airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, US Airways, Air Canada, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. All in all, Queen Beatrix provides a royal welcome for tourists.
If flying isn't your preferred mode of travel, try the classic maritime option that sparked the tourism industry in Aruba: the cruise. Choose from a variety of cruise types (from value to luxury) and from a host of cruise lines, including Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. Or, if you're living the lifestyle of the rich and famous, take your own personal yacht to Aruba. If you don't have your own ship, boat rental options allow you to explore the island and its surrounding waters by yourself or with a captain and crew.
Entry Requirements
All tourists entering Aruba are required to present the following documents: a valid passport, a completely filled-in and signed Embarkation and Disembarkation card, a valid return or onward ticket, and documents necessary to return to country of origin. Citizens of Canada, the U.K., and the U.S. are not required to provide a visa, however visitors from many other countries are.
Climate
Aruba's climate is unusual when compared to other Caribbean islands; dry and arid, the island gets little rainfall and enjoys steady and pleasant temperatures. January sees typical lows of about 76 and highs of around 85, where July sees lows of approximately 79 and highs of about 88 (degrees in Fahrenheit), making the climate relatively uniform year-round. For more information on the weather in Aruba and other Caribbean islands, visit our weather guide.
Geography
Because rainfall is so sparse on Aruba (averaging only 16 inches per year), the island isn't as lush as other Caribbean islands. Aruba is flat and dry with a desert landscape, but the beaches are refreshing and beautiful. The sea around Aruba is mostly calm and clear, but the northeast coast is rugged with jagged rock formations and coral cliffs. Northern Aruba is also home to some of unique, indigenous vegetation such as the divi-divi tree, Caribbean cacti, and Aruban aloe. Arikok National Park comprises 18 percent of the island and is a major eco-tourism site.
Health and Safety
Tourists should have few health concerns while traveling in Aruba. Medical services are available and, if Aruba can't provide the needed medical services, airlifts to a nearby facilities in Curaçao are also available. Furthermore, the world's second-largest desalination plant is located on Aruba, so water is fit for consumption. The only medical requirement for entry into Aruba is a yellow fever vaccination for people aged six-months and older who are traveling from an infected location. The vaccination certificate doubles as legal proof of vaccination.
People
Unlike other Caribbean cultures, geography and tourism - not slavery and injustice - have shaped Aruban culture. Arubans are a happy people who embrace the island's slogan of "One Happy Island." Arubans have a fondness for music, especially merengue, soca, and the local mix known as socarengue. They also take pride in education, using 17 percent of the national budget for education costs. Arubans are well-versed in many languages, including Dutch, Spanish, English, and the native blend called Papiamento, which is a mixture of various other tongues.
Knowing what to expect from your destination is one simple way to ensure that you're prepared.
