Paradise Found: My Aruba Adventure
Just returned from a magical getaway to Aruba, and I'm still basking in the island vibes! If you're looking for your next tropical destination, let me share why this "One Happy Island" should be on your radar.
This blog post contains affiliate links. For more informations, see my disclosures here. I will never recommend something I haven’t tried myself & would recommend to those closest to me!
Island of Endless Summer
Visiting in early May 2025 blessed us with absolutely perfect weather. One of Aruba's most remarkable features is its consistent climate—temperatures barely fluctuate 5 degrees from morning to night, keeping you comfortably warm throughout the day.
The island's desert climate means minimal rainfall, so we enjoyed nothing but sunny skies during our stay. Be prepared, though: Aruba is famously windy! Those constant breezes keep the heat manageable but will definitely tousle your hair in every vacation photo.
Underwater Wonders
The highlight of our trip was definitely the guided snorkeling excursion. We explored four different snorkeling spots, each offering its own underwater treasures. Swimming around a shipwreck felt like stepping into a National Geographic documentary, while spotting sea turtles gliding effortlessly through crystal-clear waters was pure magic. The vibrant coral formations and colorful tropical fish made every moment underwater a delight.
Pro tip: Bring reef-safe mineral sunscreen to protect the beautiful marine ecosystem!
Check out the best snorkeling excursion here!
Island Tour Extraordinaire
We lucked out with our island tour guide, David, who showed us that despite Aruba's compact size (just 6 miles wide and 20 miles long), it packs incredible diversity. From the dramatic, rugged eastern coast with its imposing cliffs to the serene, turquoise waters of the western beaches, the contrast is striking.
The island interior surprised us with its desert landscape dotted with towering cacti—not what you typically imagine for a Caribbean paradise! We explored fascinating ruins left by previous colonizers and visited sites connected to the island's indigenous peoples, adding rich historical context to our island getaway.
Want to check out the tour we took? Check it out here! (And ask for David!)
Culinary Delights
Our local tour guide’s food recommendations were spot-on! Some standouts:
Fisherman's Hut - Conveniently located near our hotel, this spot delivered exceptional seafood with ocean views.
Old Cunucu House - Worth the short trip outside the tourist zone for an authentic dining experience in a charming setting.
Zeerovers - This casual waterfront spot offers the freshest seafood sold by the pound, fantastic sides, and a perfectly laid-back atmosphere.
Pika’s Corner - A wonderful blend of local flavors that attracts both tourists and locals—always a good sign!
Travel Tips for Future Aruba Visitors
A few insights from our experience:
The constant wind combined with humidity means clothes don't dry completely—pack accordingly!
Most locals speak an impressive four languages: Dutch, English, Spanish, and Papiamento (the local Creole language), making communication effortless.
Don't forget towel clips! The persistent breeze will send your beach towel flying without them.
Bring an inflatable float (deflated for travel, of course). The calm waters on the south side beaches are perfect for leisurely floating.
Adventure seekers will find plenty to do: ATVing through desert terrain, windsurfing (perfect with those constant breezes), kayaking, hiking, and more.
Getting There
One of Aruba's major perks for East Coast travelers: it's just a 4.5-hour direct flight from Washington DC—closer than flying to the West Coast! Upon arrival, taxis are plentiful and easy to navigate, though renting a car gives you freedom to explore this compact island at your own pace.
Where to Stay
The island has some impressive accommodation options. The St. Regis and Ritz Carlton maintain a friendly rivalry for top luxury spot, with St. Regis often edging out the win according to locals. We were impressed by the Hyatt's expansive property with its unique tropical gardens—a verdant oasis contrasting beautifully with the island's desert landscape.
