Aruba, formally known as the country of Aruba, is an island located northwest of Curaçao. The southern Caribbean island is known for its beautiful beaches with turquoise waters and soft white sands. It is truly a gem of the Caribbean, which has made it a very popular tourist destination. This cluster of islands is a great travel destination for global adventurers due to its modern architecture, fresh cuisine and welcoming locals who speak multiple languages.
On top of these architectural and cultural benefits, Aruba has nearly crystal-clear waters that are perfect for marine observation. In fact, some of the most popular activities that travelers enjoy in Aruba are in the water. The waters there are nearly transparent, so marine animals like parrotfish, crabs, turtles, damselfish and hogfish are just a few of the common creatures that travelers can see clearly, even if they do not want to do a deep dive. The country’s warm waters are home to vibrant coral reefs that snorkelers will appreciate. Boca Catalina is one of the best snorkeling sites in Aruba that many tourists enjoy.
While the majority of tourists visit Aruba for its natural beauty and breathtaking scenery, there is also a lively party scene and historic landmarks near the city. The bustling destination is a popular place for tourists, but some travelers may be concerned about the safety level of Aruba. So we have assembled some of the top information for potential travelers who want to plan a safe and secure trip to Aruba.
Best Travel Advisories
Travelers looking to go to unfamiliar places abroad should be sure to do their research beforehand. Utilizing reputable resources that provide up to date and accurate information on specific destinations is a great way for travelers to prepare for trips to unfamiliar places. Safety is an important factor of traveling abroad and so is staying informed. These are the most reputable resources for assessing the potential safety threats of Aruba.
The U.S. Department of State has a travel advisory which categorizes and describes the safety level of individual destinations. Aruba, for example, is categorized as a level one destination. This means that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Aruba and there is not a significant risk in traveling there. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) also has a website page for Aruba. There tourists can read up on the countries’ environmental issues, history, government and transportation. Travelers can even view a country map and read up on travel tips through this regularly updated platform.
For travelers worried about health safety, there are specialized resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On the CDC’s website travelers will find information on travel health notices, available medicines, preventable illnesses, environmental health threats and even how to get medical care while traveling. On the World Health Organization’s (WHO) regional website, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), travelers will find a fact-filled profile of Aruba’s and its general health and wellbeing.
Is Aruba Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers?
Yes, Aruba is a safe destination for travelers. It is a secure place that is popular for its welcoming community, so it is no surprise that Aruba does not have rampant crime. It is actually considered one of the safest countries in the Caribbean for tourism, so even solo travelers have positive things to say about Aruba. But, of course, Aruba is not entirely crime-free. While the country has some crime that may give potential travelers pause, it is important to note that unlawful acts are relatively low in Aruba compared to other destinations. The most common crimes in Aruba are petty ones, including theft, drug use and underage drinking. So, if travelers stay in safe areas and do not become involved in illegal activity they should have a safe travel experience.
How to Stay Safe in Aruba
First and foremost, travelers should be sure to exercise baseline safety precautions. These include travelers ensuring their personal belongings are secure, never flaunting expensive things in public places and avoiding unpatrolled or poorly lit environments while abroad. Other than those basic precautions, there is not much else that travelers should be concerned about except navigating public transportation.
Public transportation abroad may spell danger for some travelers. That is why it is critically important to know what types of transportation to depend on and the proper precautions to take. Aruba’s bus system is a reliable and affordable mode of transportation that runs all throughout the day. For a small fee travelers can get around town. In downtown Oranjestad (Aruba’s capital city) there is a bus terminal which is central to most popular places. For around $3 (preferably in cash) travelers can get a single ride, but travelers that plan to primarily travel by bus may be better off purchasing day passes. These passes cost around $10 and cover unlimited travel on every route. Travelers that plan on only enjoying the downtown area of Aruba can use the free trolley to get around, but the area is mostly walkable.
Taxis and rental cars are also options for travelers. Taxis are mostly used by travelers that have booked tours at the main tourism locations but can be convenient since the rates for taxis are fixed in Aruba. In fact, most tourists use a taxi as their transportation from Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) to their accommodations. On the other hand a rental car is most appropriate for travelers that plan to get out of the central areas of Aruba. The more rural and off the grid areas of Aruba can be explored via a rental car. In general though, all of these modes of transportation are safe. Travelers should ensure they stay alert, secure their possessions and be especially careful at night while on public transportation.
Where to Stay in Aruba
There are a few areas that stand out as tourist friendly and very safe places. Oranjestad, the capital city, is a great place for first time visitors to stay in. It has some of the best shopping, nightlife and dining options of the island. It is a centrally located city with luxury, mid-priced and budget accommodation options. Eagle Beach is another community which is popular for tourists. It is a beach destination with easy access to local restaurants and shops. It is less crowded than some other Aruba beaches and is one of the top beaches in the world. The beach is incredible and looks like something off of a postcard. Eagle Beach is also a bit more secluded, so it is a great place for travelers that want to avoid crowds (that is common in the nearby Palm Beach area).
Best Time to Visit Aruba
Aruba is warm year round, so temperatures usually stay between 75 and 85 degrees. Regardless of the generally consistent temperatures, there is a preferable season for visiting the country. Between January through May is the best time to visit for weather since these months are the most moderately warm and dry. This means more beach enjoyment and soaking in the sun. But if travelers prioritize the most affordable prices, they should visit Aruba between April and August. For accommodation deals, late spring and early fall are when travelers will notice the best prices for resorts.
People Also Ask
What should tourists be careful of in Aruba? Pretty crimes like pickpocketing and theft from vehicles are the most prevalent concerns for tourists.
Is Aruba one of the safest islands in the Caribbean? Yes, Aruba is often referred to as one of the safest Caribbean islands for families. It has a great reputation as a welcoming destination.