Aruba

Aruba, a tiny Dutch Caribbean island located 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, has dry, sunny weather, blond beaches and gentle surf. Constant trade winds bring cool breezes and cause the divi-divi trees to slope southwesterly. European influence shows in architecture that features Dutch gables painted in tropical pastels. It’s also evident in language, with English, Dutch and Spanish spoken alongside the local tongue, Papiamento.

The island is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across, with a total area of 70 square miles.  It is located just below the hurricane belt, and unlike many islands in the Caribbean, the climate is dry, so they rarely have a rainy day. On the south and west coasts of Aruba, you’ll find Oranjestad, the capital city, and miles of beaches that have been named some of the best in the world. Here, you’ll find most of the resorts in Aruba, and Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA).

In the interior of the island, you’ll find Arikok National Park, a desert like preserve with a variety of wildlife, cacti and dramatic rock formations. You’ll also find some of Aruba’s most striking views, as the ocean crashes against the rugged shoreline below.

On the northeast coast, along the windward shore, you’ll see our island’s unofficial mascots, the fofoti trees. The constant trade winds have permanently sculpted them into graceful, southwesterly bending forms.

Palm Beach, Aruba

The renowned two-mile-long strip known as Palm Beach, Aruba is home to glamorous high-rise hotels and dotted by water sports, concessions, piers, beach bars, restaurants, and shops. Calm waters make this a comfortable haven for swimmers and snorkelers.

A walk along the coast at dawn or sunset is perfect for exercise and quiet reflection during your Caribbean vacation. Taking in the magnificent tangerine sunset or enjoying candle-lit, barefoot dining on the beach in Aruba can be the perfect finale to a lazy or exciting day of sun and sea.

After sunset, the Palm Beach area just off the beach comes to life as buzzing clubs and casinos offer an upbeat nightlife. Two of the largest shopping malls in Aruba cater to the needs of those on a shopping spree and also offer cinema theaters, water fountain shows, bowling, and spa facilities.

Marriott Resort & Casino, Aruba

A LUXURY ISLAND RESORT IN ARUBA OVERLOOKING THE POWDER-WHITE SANDS OF PALM BEACH.  

Set on Palm Beach, this modern beachfront hotel lies near the end of the hotel strip providing privacy yet close enough access to beach bars and nightlife.  Fully renovated guest rooms offer adults sweeping vistas from private balconies. 

This Palm Beach Aruba hotel offers premium amenities, including some of the finest restaurants in Aruba. Enjoy yourself at Ruth's Chris Steak House, the Balinese-style Mandara Spa and the 24-hour Stellaris Casino. Experience the fresh and playful Aruba Marriott Beach Resort: Aruba's Playground for all generations.

The hotel has 6 eateries and 2 bars, including 1 poolside. There are also 2 outdoor pools, as well as beach access, a casino, a spa and a gym.

Aruba, a tiny Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela, has dry, sunny weather, blond beaches and gentle surf. Constant trade winds keep things cool and cause the divi-divi trees to slope southwesterly.

One Happy Island

Things to Know:

  • Passport is required for visitors entering Aruba.  You must have 3 months left until passport expires.  No visa required for US passport holders
  • US passport holders will be clearing customs leaving Aruba, not when entering the US.  
  • Weather: For February the average temp is 79° Fahrenheit (dry and desert like climate)
  • US Dollars are accepted throughout Aruba
  • The official language in Aruba is Dutch with the mother tongue being Papiamento but English is spoken island-wide.   
  • Aruba has pure, refreshing tap water, distilled in the world's second largest saltwater purification plant, and is completely safe to drink.