Aruba Holidays
Overview
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With summer all year round, no rainy season and some of the most beautiful, pristine white beaches in the world, do you need more reasons to book a holiday to Aruba? January to March is carnival time and the island is jumping with parades and parties but whatever time of year you chose to travel, you can be assured of a great welcome from the inhabitants and the amenities of Aruba's world class hotels. Located in the heart of the southern Caribbean, Aruba holidays are an ideal beach retreat.
Aruba Highlights
Beaches: The beaches in Aruba are a sight to behold, with the cool constant trade winds, turquoise waters, pristine white sands and swaying palms providing wide shaded expanses. Along the west coast of Aruba you will find a 7 mile stretch of white sand beach and calm waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Along this stretch of coastline beaches are full of activities such as kite surfing, waterskiing, banana boating, as well as a variety of restaurants and bars a short walk away.
Shopping: In downtown Oranjestad the Royal Plaza Mall and the Renaissance Mall both offer a selection of designer shopping as well as local boutiques. For jewellery, souvenirs, clothes and linens head to Renaissance marketplace or Seaport Marketplace as it is locally known, but the fun doesn't stop there are a number of malls along Palm Beach such as the Palm Beach Plaza providing shopping and entertainment options for all the family.
Nature: For a family fun day out head to one of Aruba's farms or sanctuaries. Located at Palm Beach the Butterfly farm showcases different types of butterflies from around the world and tour guides will educate you on the life cycle of these beautiful creatures. The Osterrich Farm and the Donkey Sanctuary also located on the island provide guided tours and a chance to interact with these loveable animals whilst you learn.
Scuba Diving: Aruba has a wealth of coral reefs and ship wrecks just off shore for your exploration. One of the most notorious of the wrecks, the 400ft Antilla wreck, is the largest in the Caribbean. Below the clear waters you will also find a wealth of sea life from octopus to seahorses and turtles to stingrays, not to mention the various brightly coloured tropical fish. Arubas waters make for great diving from the beginners right through to the more experienced.
Sports & Activities: Where to start? For those looking to stay on dry land you have activities such as beach tennis, golf, hiking in Arikok National Park or horse back rides in one of various ranches. On sea is where the real action begins, due to the constant trade winds of the island it is no surprise that sports such as Kite surfing, sailing and Windsurfing are popular past times and well worth a try.
Aruba Factfile
When to go
Temperature Range: 24°C - 33°C
Most popular: January - March
Best value: April, May, June and September
Best weather: Year round
Travel Information
Direct flights: Thomson
Indirect flights: American Airlines and KLM
Visa information: None for British citizens
Health information: Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid recommended.
Time Difference: GMT -4 hours
When To Go
Best Value
To get the most for your money the best time to visit Aruba is the months of April to September as hotels can offer slightly reduced rates, however avoid the school holidays as you will see an increase in air fares. Because the island generally boasts year round sunshine you'll find that you'll avoid the larger crowds without the weather being compromised throughout your stay.
Best Time to Go
There is no real best time to visit Aruba due to its year round good weather so it all depends on the type of holiday you're looking for. During the high season of December to mid April you will find slightly more on offer in terms of tours, excursions and nightlife and with this more crowds and a buzzing atmosphere especially from January to March as this is carnival time, but this doesn't mean to say the island is lifeless during the low season. Tours and excursions may just be run less frequently and bars and restaurants less crowded with party goers and more filled with families and those looking for rest and relaxation.
Most Popular
Most people chose to visit Aruba from January to March. The island is full of life during these months as this is predominantly carnival time. Streets are filled with parades and parties and beaches abuzz with those looking to escape the harsh winters back home as well as an influx of spring breakers from the states during March.
Hottest
The hottest months in Aruba tend to be the months of May to October when average temperatures range from 27 to 33°C however, Aruba boasts trade winds throughout the year meaning the highest temperatures are not unbearable.
Climate
Aruba generally boasts great weather any time of year meaning it is a perfect year round destination. The island has a yearly average temperature of 28°C, the hottest months being May to October and the slightly cooler months being December through March. Aruba doesn't really have a rainy season, a few scattered showers may appear October to January but in general the sun is always shining making Aruba one of the most revisited Caribbean destinations. Aruba also lies under the hurricane belt meaning a chance of being hit or affected is very low.
Aruba Travel Information
Etiquette and Customs
Saying good morning / afternoon / night when arriving and also good bye when leaving is very important in Aruba, you will be considered impolite if you don't.
The legal age to drink in a bar is 18 and legal age to buy alcohol is 16.
Those found in possession or caught trafficking illegal drugs will face imprisonment.
Beachwear should really be kept for the beach, it is not considered suitable for main town areas.
Tipping
As in the USA, you should tip between 10 and 15% depending on the service. Some restaurants and hotels will automatically add a service charge but if in doubt, just ask.
Flight information
There are three main carriers offering flights to Aruba from the UK.
Direct Carriers: There is one direct carrier to Aruba from the UK which is Thomson seasonally from May to October from both London Gatwick and Manchester.
Indirect Carriers: American Airlines and KLM offer flights to Aruba from both London Heathrow and Manchester. KLM flights will go via Amsterdam and American Airlines flights via the States.
Visa information
British Passport holders do not require a visa to enter Aruba for tourist stays up to one month however your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after your date of return.
