25 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Aruba
Everything I wish someone had told me before my first trip—from the constant trade winds and casual dress code to rental cars, beaches, and local tips.
When I visited Aruba for the first time, I spent hours researching beaches, restaurants, and things to do.
But there were so many little things nobody told me.
Like the fact that your hair won’t stay perfect for more than five minutes. That flip-flops are acceptable almost everywhere. Or that Aruba is much bigger than it looks on a map.
None of these things are deal-breakers—in fact, they’re part of what makes Aruba so special.
So here are 25 things I genuinely wish I’d known before visiting Aruba.
🌴 Packing
1. You really don’t need fancy clothes.
Aruba is incredibly casual. Nice shorts, a summer dress, sandals, and a few light outfits are all you’ll need for almost every restaurant.
Save the suitcase space for swimwear instead.
2. High heels are basically useless.
Unless you’re attending a wedding, you’ll probably never wear them. Most restaurants are outdoors, many streets are paved with brick or stone, and comfortable sandals are a much better choice.
Your feet will thank you.
3. The trade winds are real.
They keep Aruba wonderfully cool, but they also mean your hair probably won’t cooperate.
Pack a hair tie.
Or ten.
Trust me.
4. Reef-safe sunscreen isn’t optional.
The Caribbean sun is incredibly strong—even on cloudy days.
Because Aruba sits close to the equator, it’s surprisingly easy to burn without realizing it. Apply sunscreen often and, whenever possible, choose a reef-safe sunscreen to help protect Aruba’s beautiful marine life.
Your future sunburn-free self will thank you.
5. Bring a reusable water bottle.
Aruba’s tap water is among the cleanest and best-tasting in the world.
There’s no need to buy bottled water all week, and you’ll save money while reducing plastic waste.
Packing for Aruba? Don’t forget our complete:
🚗 Getting Around
6. Aruba is bigger than it looks.
Driving from Palm Beach to Baby Beach takes around 40 minutes.
It’s not a huge island—but it’s definitely bigger than many people imagine..
7. A rental car gives you so much freedom.
If you’re staying longer than four or five days, it’s one of the best investments you can make.
You’ll discover beaches, restaurants, viewpoints, and hidden corners you would probably never see otherwise.
8. Parking is easier than you’d expect.
Most beaches, restaurants, and attractions offer free parking.
Finding a spot is rarely something you’ll need to worry about.
9. Taxis aren’t cheap.
They’re great for airport transfers or the occasional night out, but costs can add up quickly if you’re planning to explore the island every day.
10. You don’t need a Jeep for your entire vacation.
A regular rental car is perfect for most visitors and can reach almost every popular attraction on the island.
If you plan to explore the rugged roads inside Arikok National Park, however, renting a Jeep for a day is definitely worth it. Many rental companies even let you combine a regular rental car with a one-day Jeep rental, giving you the best of both worlds.
Not sure if you need a rental car? Read our complete
🏖️ Beach Life
11. Every beach has its own personality.
Palm Beach buzzes with resorts and beach bars.
Eagle Beach feels spacious and peaceful.
Baby Beach is famous for its calm, shallow water.
Arashi is fantastic for snorkeling.
Mangel Halto feels like a hidden paradise.
Don’t just visit one.
12. The sun is stronger than you think.
Even when it doesn’t feel extremely hot because of the trade winds, the UV index is often very high.
Reapply sunscreen more often than you think you need to.
13. Early mornings are magical.
The beaches are quieter, the water is often calmer, and you’ll avoid the hottest part of the day.
Plus… you’ll get the best photos.
14. Always respect the ocean.
Most of Aruba’s beaches are wonderfully calm, but conditions can change.
Pay attention to warning flags, stay within designated swimming areas, and be extra careful at places like Baby Beach if currents are present that day.
The ocean always deserves respect.
15. You don’t need a boat tour to enjoy amazing snorkeling.
Some of Aruba’s best snorkeling is accessible straight from the beach at places like Boca Catalina, Tres Trapi, Mangel Halto, and Arashi Beach.
That said… boat tours are still absolutely worth it if you want to snorkel famous sites like the Antilla shipwreck or simply enjoy a relaxing day on the water.
Looking for the island’s best beaches? Explore our
🍹 Island Life
16. Aruba runs on island time.
Service isn’t slow because people don’t care.
Life simply moves at a more relaxed pace here.
After a few days…
You’ll probably love it too.
17. Reservations are worth making.
Especially during high season or if you have your heart set on a sunset dinner.
The most popular restaurants fill up quickly.
Pro tip: If you’re spending the afternoon on an all-inclusive catamaran cruise, consider making your dinner reservation a little later… or skipping it altogether. You’ll understand why once you’ve experienced the open bar and BBQ lunch. 🍹😄
18. Happy Hours are everywhere.
Whether you’re looking for cocktails, local beer, or oceanfront sunsets, you’ll find plenty of great Happy Hour deals across the island.
19. Sunset dinners are popular for a reason.
Dining while watching the Caribbean sunset is something you’ll remember long after your vacation ends.
Book ahead if it’s on your wish list.
20. Some of the best food isn’t at the resorts.
Some of my favorite meals in Aruba have come from local restaurants that many first-time visitors almost drive past.
Don’t be afraid to explore beyond the hotel zone.
Hungry already? Discover our favorite
💙 Little Things You’ll Appreciate
21. The locals are genuinely friendly.
Don’t be surprised if strangers smile, greet you, or happily help when you have a question.
Hospitality is simply part of Aruba’s culture.
22. Aruba feels incredibly safe.
Use the same common sense you would anywhere else, but most visitors are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they feel exploring the island.
23. Iguanas will become completely normal.
On day one you’ll stop to take twenty photos.
By day four you’ll casually walk past one on your way to lunch.
24. Your camera roll is about to explode.
Between the turquoise water, colorful sunsets, flamingos, street art, and beaches…
You’ll probably return home with hundreds (or thousands) of photos.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
25. You’ll probably start planning your next trip before this one ends.
It happens more often than you think.
People come to Aruba for the beaches.
They return for everything else.
Ready to Plan Your First Aruba Trip?
Everything you need to know before you go—from where to stay and how to get around to beaches, restaurants, local tips, and practical advice.
25 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Aruba
Everything I wish someone had told me before my first trip—from the constant trade winds and casual dress code to rental cars, beaches, and local tips.
When I visited Aruba for the first time, I spent hours researching beaches, restaurants, and things to do.
But there were so many little things nobody told me.
Like the fact that your hair won’t stay perfect for more than five minutes. That flip-flops are acceptable almost everywhere. Or that Aruba is much bigger than it looks on a map.
None of these things are deal-breakers—in fact, they’re part of what makes Aruba so special.
So here are 25 things I genuinely wish I’d known before visiting Aruba.
🌴 Packing
1. You really don’t need fancy clothes.
Aruba is incredibly casual. Nice shorts, a summer dress, sandals, and a few light outfits are all you’ll need for almost every restaurant.
Save the suitcase space for swimwear instead.
2. High heels are basically useless.
Unless you’re attending a wedding, you’ll probably never wear them. Most restaurants are outdoors, many streets are paved with brick or stone, and comfortable sandals are a much better choice.
Your feet will thank you.
3. The trade winds are real.
They keep Aruba wonderfully cool, but they also mean your hair probably won’t cooperate.
Pack a hair tie.
Or ten.
Trust me.
4. Reef-safe sunscreen isn’t optional.
The Caribbean sun is incredibly strong—even on cloudy days.
Because Aruba sits close to the equator, it’s surprisingly easy to burn without realizing it. Apply sunscreen often and, whenever possible, choose a reef-safe sunscreen to help protect Aruba’s beautiful marine life.
Your future sunburn-free self will thank you.
5. Bring a reusable water bottle.
Aruba’s tap water is among the cleanest and best-tasting in the world.
There’s no need to buy bottled water all week, and you’ll save money while reducing plastic waste.
Packing for Aruba? Don’t forget our complete:
🚗 Getting Around
6. Aruba is bigger than it looks.
Driving from Palm Beach to Baby Beach takes around 40 minutes.
It’s not a huge island—but it’s definitely bigger than many people imagine..
7. A rental car gives you so much freedom.
If you’re staying longer than four or five days, it’s one of the best investments you can make.
You’ll discover beaches, restaurants, viewpoints, and hidden corners you would probably never see otherwise.
8. Parking is easier than you’d expect.
Most beaches, restaurants, and attractions offer free parking.
Finding a spot is rarely something you’ll need to worry about.
9. Taxis aren’t cheap.
They’re great for airport transfers or the occasional night out, but costs can add up quickly if you’re planning to explore the island every day.
10. You don’t need a Jeep for your entire vacation.
A regular rental car is perfect for most visitors and can reach almost every popular attraction on the island.
If you plan to explore the rugged roads inside Arikok National Park, however, renting a Jeep for a day is definitely worth it. Many rental companies even let you combine a regular rental car with a one-day Jeep rental, giving you the best of both worlds.
Not sure if you need a rental car? Read our complete
🏖️ Beach Life
11. Every beach has its own personality.
Palm Beach buzzes with resorts and beach bars.
Eagle Beach feels spacious and peaceful.
Baby Beach is famous for its calm, shallow water.
Arashi is fantastic for snorkeling.
Mangel Halto feels like a hidden paradise.
Don’t just visit one.
12. The sun is stronger than you think.
Even when it doesn’t feel extremely hot because of the trade winds, the UV index is often very high.
Reapply sunscreen more often than you think you need to.
13. Early mornings are magical.
The beaches are quieter, the water is often calmer, and you’ll avoid the hottest part of the day.
Plus… you’ll get the best photos.
14. Always respect the ocean.
Most of Aruba’s beaches are wonderfully calm, but conditions can change.
Pay attention to warning flags, stay within designated swimming areas, and be extra careful at places like Baby Beach if currents are present that day.
The ocean always deserves respect.
15. You don’t need a boat tour to enjoy amazing snorkeling.
Some of Aruba’s best snorkeling is accessible straight from the beach at places like Boca Catalina, Tres Trapi, Mangel Halto, and Arashi Beach.
That said… boat tours are still absolutely worth it if you want to snorkel famous sites like the Antilla shipwreck or simply enjoy a relaxing day on the water.
Looking for the island’s best beaches? Explore our
🍹 Island Life
16. Aruba runs on island time.
Service isn’t slow because people don’t care.
Life simply moves at a more relaxed pace here.
After a few days…
You’ll probably love it too.
17. Reservations are worth making.
Especially during high season or if you have your heart set on a sunset dinner.
The most popular restaurants fill up quickly.
Pro tip: If you’re spending the afternoon on an all-inclusive catamaran cruise, consider making your dinner reservation a little later… or skipping it altogether. You’ll understand why once you’ve experienced the open bar and BBQ lunch. 🍹😄
18. Happy Hours are everywhere.
Whether you’re looking for cocktails, local beer, or oceanfront sunsets, you’ll find plenty of great Happy Hour deals across the island.
19. Sunset dinners are popular for a reason.
Dining while watching the Caribbean sunset is something you’ll remember long after your vacation ends.
Book ahead if it’s on your wish list.
20. Some of the best food isn’t at the resorts.
Some of my favorite meals in Aruba have come from local restaurants that many first-time visitors almost drive past.
Don’t be afraid to explore beyond the hotel zone.
Hungry already? Discover our favorite
💙 Little Things You’ll Appreciate
21. The locals are genuinely friendly.
Don’t be surprised if strangers smile, greet you, or happily help when you have a question.
Hospitality is simply part of Aruba’s culture.
22. Aruba feels incredibly safe.
Use the same common sense you would anywhere else, but most visitors are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they feel exploring the island.
23. Iguanas will become completely normal.
On day one you’ll stop to take twenty photos.
By day four you’ll casually walk past one on your way to lunch.
24. Your camera roll is about to explode.
Between the turquoise water, colorful sunsets, flamingos, street art, and beaches…
You’ll probably return home with hundreds (or thousands) of photos.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
25. You’ll probably start planning your next trip before this one ends.
It happens more often than you think.
People come to Aruba for the beaches.
They return for everything else.
Ready to Plan Your First Aruba Trip?
Everything you need to know before you go—from where to stay and how to get around to beaches, restaurants, local tips, and practical advice.