Solo Trip To Aruba – The Complete, No-Nonsense Guide

Aruba is one of the most beautiful islands that you should add to your list of must-visit places in your lifetime. It is a small Caribbean island with wide beaches, calming winds, a beautiful nature, and a strong tourist system.

If you are planning a solo trip to Aruba, this guide will provide the facts and knowledge you need to travel safely, confidently, and happily. 

So, in this complete A-Z guide, you’ll find, 

• Quick facts about Aruba (location, language, currency, airport, safety)
• Entry and visa rules
• Flights and airport info
• Getting around the island
• Money and tipping
• Safety and emergency contacts
• Where to stay
• Top things to do
• Food and drink
• Health and medical care
• Daily budgets
• Packing essentials
• Sample itinerary
• Local customs and responsible travel
• Final checks before leaving

 And more, so tick around until the end, and don’t forget to leave a comment if you have any other concerts, and we’ll be glad to help you. 

Before we start, here is a quick overview, if you are a lazy reader.

Why Aruba is great for solo travellers?

As mentioned, Aruba is a small island, and that means you do not have to waste a lot of time travelling here and there to locate new places you visit, and at the same time, the roads are good, clean, and most people speak English, making it easier for communication. 

Another reason is that you can have sunshine, visit and enjoy beaches, join parties, and stay calm and alone if you want,  in Aruba, making it one of the best destinations. 

Also, Aruba is a great choice for someone travelling solo who wants simple planning, and the U.S. State Department rates Aruba at Level 1, which means it is one of the safest places to visit.

Now you know why Aruba is simply one of the best places to visit, and it is time to take a look at the facts you need to know before entering Aruba. 

What to know before you travel to Aruba? 

When to go and what the weather is like?

Aruba is not usually as wet as most of the Caribbean islands since it is not in the center hurricane belt. There will be lots of sunny days, and the average daytime temperature during the high season is between 82°F and 90°F.

The most appropriate time to visit will depend on the weather you like, the activities you like, and the amount you are ready to spend. Peak months are most of the time between December and April when most tourists visit. To avoid the crowds and get lower prices, you can travel between May and November; however, you can expect a little higher temperatures and humidity.

Entry, visas, and health rules

The majority of the United States, Canadian, and European travellers do not require a visa when they have short tourist visits. In case you are travelling in a country that requires a visa, you have to apply at a Dutch embassy or a Dutch consulate and then travel. You should never forget to check the official entry page. 

In 2022, Aruba eliminated the majority of COVID-19 entry requirements. There is no longer a need for travellers to provide evidence of vaccination or a negative test. Still, rules can change. Before you travel, check the official travel health pages of Aruba.

Getting there, and travelling inside

Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) near Oranjestad is the hub of most international flights, and has planned flights to major hubs in North and South America and to Amsterdam.

Flight choices will be based on your point of origin. When you have a connection in your visit, have at least 2-3 hours between flights. To update on the recent flight arrangements and terminal details, visit the airport website.

• Taxis – Readily available at the airport and around major hotels. Confirm rates before you ride.
• Public buses – Cheap and cover many routes. They run on the main corridors.
• Rental car – The best way to reach remote spots such as Arikok National Park and rugged beaches. If you rent, pick a local company with good reviews.
• Scooter or ATV – Available, but be careful on main roads and watch wind conditions.
• Walking and biking – Fine for short stretches, especially in hotel zones and Oranjestad.

Safety and emergency contacts

Aruba is generally safe. The petty theft occurs in all places that the tourists meet; thus, be cautious with simple measures. Keep your phone charged. Carry copies of important documents. Leave valuables in your hotel safe. Ambulance/fire: Local emergency numbers have 911. The police are 100. Keep these numbers in mind.

Money, cards, and tipping

Aruba uses Aruban Florin as its official currency, though US dollars are generally accepted, and credit cards are accepted in most places. ATMs are widespread in Oranjestad and the hotel vicinity, but it is important to inform your bank in advance before travelling to avoid card blockages. 

Tipping is optional, but it is customary to leave 10-15 percent in restaurants, though most bills have a service charge built in, and you do not need to add on top of it.

Where to stay as a solo traveler?

Choose a location to suit your interests. For social life and easy beach access, choose Palm Beach or Eagle Beach, and quieter, more local places, consider Oranjestad or the east coast towards Baby Beach. 

The island has a shortage of hostels, so for the best combination of cost, safety, and company, consider the little guesthouse or the mid-end hotels.

What to visit in Aruba? 

Eagle Beach

Eagle beach is known to be among the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are stretches of smooth and white sand, and expanses of open land, in which to walk, without difficulty. 

Relaxation alone is ideal because during the day the water is calm and safe to swim. Some of these individual travelers start their morning here by walking down the beach, or by reading a book under a palapa (thatched umbrella).

Compared to Palm Beach, the place is not as busy, and it can offer you peace and quiet and is within the reach of hotels and small restaurants. Another popular place in Aruba is the renowned Divi Divi trees in Eagle Beach that naturally bend westward by the constant trade winds and they make a great photo background.

Palm Beach 

When Eagle Beach is calm and quiet, Palm Beach is its opposite. Here you will find a lot of large resorts on the island, restaurants, and bars. Palm Beach has a social and exciting environment, which makes it a good place to visit if you love enjoying and have easy access to food and entertainment. 

Water sports available in the daytime include paddleboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing, and in the evening, right after sunset, the beach is lively, full of music and cocktails, and you will find lots of places to sit and have a drink as the sky transforms color. 

Palm Beach is the best place to find people to talk to in case for a solo traveler, since there are so many group tours and activities that depart here.

Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park occupies nearly 20 percent of Aruba and presents a very different face of the island. It is not the sandy beaches that you usually visit because here you will have rugged hills, cactus plants, caves, and a dramatic coastline. 

Hiking or jeep tours are also good to do in the park since most of the rocky trails can only be accessed using 4×4 vehicles. You may visit caves that have ancient rock drawings, discover natural pools concealed among the rocks, and have look-out points with great ocean views.

When you are alone or you do not feel like driving in rough areas then it is better to be part of a guided tour. Guides tell the history of the park, plants, and animals, and this makes the visit more interesting.

Snorkeling and Diving

Aruban waters are clear, warm, and rich with sea life. This keeps the island among the best snorkeling and diving areas in the Caribbean. The easiest snorkeling areas are right off the beach, like the Boca Catalina, and there are deeper ones that you can access by boat. 

Aruba is known to have shipwrecks that are a source of attraction to divers all over the world. Most of the tour companies provide beginner lessons and group trips, in case you are new to snorkeling or diving. 

These tours are safe for solo travelers and offer them an opportunity to visit the ocean and to find people with whom they share interests.

Flamingo Island

 Flamingo Island is one of the most photographed places in Aruba, which is officially a part of the Renaissance Island. The Renaissance Hotel privately owns the island, which is home to flamingos that walk on sand. Its beaches are serene and therefore perfect to go swimming or sunbathing. 

However, access is limited, and visitors to the Renaissance Hotel are free to visit, but otherwise may be required to buy a day pass, assuming it exists. Since the number of passes is restricted, it is better to read the regulations and make a reservation. The visit may be expensive, yet a lot of visitors consider it to be worth the opportunity to swim next to flamingos.

Visit Oranjestad (the capital)

The capital of Aruba, Oranjestad, is vibrant and can be visited on foot. The city has a happy appearance with Dutch colonial buildings painted in vivid pastels. You will find small museums, local shops, and open-air markets selling crafts and souvenirs here.

It is an excellent place to take a half-day stroll, take pictures, and have a cup of coffee in a nearby cafe. Cruise ships are also found in the harbor and thus can be busy with tourists. As a solo traveler, Oranjestad is secure, strollable, and has a blend of culture, shopping, and food.

Try Aruba’s cuisine 

The food of Aruba is a mixture of Caribbean, Dutch, Latin, and local island. You can eat pastechi- a fried pastry stuffed with cheese, meat, or fish, as a snack. Keshi yena is also one of the most popular ones, which is a baked dish of cheese filled with meat and spices, which you must give it a try. 

Most of the small restaurants and beachside grills serve fresh seafood, including mahi-mahi, grouper, and shrimp. Street-food stands provide affordable food, whereas restaurants and fine-dining establishments are international.

Enjoy nightlife

The nightlife in Aruba is not hectic or excessive, but easy-going. There are bars and live music bars as well as casual beach parties in the Palm Beach area. Most of the large hotels are equipped with casinos where you can play a few games during the evening. 

Participating in a sunset catamaran tour is one of the most common solo-friendly activities where you get to listen to music, have drinks, and chat as the sun sets into the sea. In case you like to keep it to yourself, just sit on the beach and enjoy the sunset. It is one of the most appropriate ways to spend the end of the day on the island.

Money planning and daily budgets

Solo travelers in Aruba may have to spend varying daily rates depending on their style. An economy traveler will spend between 70 and 120 dollars per day. That is the cost of basic accommodation, local meals, and bus tickets.  

Mid‑range travelers will have to spend a budget of $150 to $300 each day. That provides them with a nice hotel, a rental car for a few days, guided tours, and the possibility to eat out.  

In high-end travel, you begin with $350 a day. This includes resorts, personal tours, and fine dining, and other activities like scuba diving, multi-day boat tours, or high-end restaurants tend to be additional expenses.  

The amount of money you will spend on the trip depends on the comfort, activity, and luxury you wish to have.

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Final tips and conclusion

Solo travelling is always thrilling and enjoyable when you are safe and have planned the trip well. So, reserve your first night’s accommodation in advance, and have physical and electronic copies of the hotel information. 

Remember to bring a photocopy of your passport and keep a copy in your email or cloud. And inform your bank about your travel dates to have a smooth card. Don’t forget to bring some U.S. dollars for taxis, tips, or small expenses.  

If you have a Travel insurance, make sure you’ve renewed it before leaving because it protects you from health issues, accidents, and unexpected cancellations. 

Save local emergency numbers on your phone: 911 for ambulance and fire, 100 for police. 

Pack light, breathable clothes, reef‑safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and sturdy sandals or sneakers for walking, and store valuable things in the hotel safe and leave the majority of your money elsewhere.  

Stay relaxed because Aruba is one of the safest Caribbean islands, so do what you think is right, go to places with a lot of light at night, and participate in small tours or activities to make friends with other travelers.