There's a reason Aruba's licence plates read "One Happy Island." Sitting just 29 kilometres off the Venezuelan coast and comfortably below the hurricane belt, Aruba delivers what every Canadian dreams about during February: guaranteed sunshine, warm water, and a permanent vacation state of mind.
But Aruba is far more than a beach destination. This compact island packs an outsized punch with dramatic desert landscapes, a vibrant culinary scene, surprisingly rugged adventure, and a welcoming culture that makes visitors feel like locals from day one.
The Beaches
Eagle Beach
Consistently ranked among the world's best beaches, Eagle Beach is Aruba's crown jewel. Wide, white, and impossibly soft underfoot, it stretches for over two kilometres with calm, crystal-clear water perfect for swimming. The iconic fofoti (divi-divi) trees, permanently bent by the trade winds, are the most photographed subject on the island. Unlike some Caribbean beaches, Eagle Beach never feels crowded — there's always space to claim your own patch of paradise.
Palm Beach
The livelier counterpart to Eagle Beach, Palm Beach is where the high-rise resorts line up along a gorgeous stretch of sand. This is the heart of Aruba's resort strip, with water sports, beach bars, and non-stop energy. If you want beach chairs, cocktail service, and jet ski rentals at your fingertips, Palm Beach delivers.
Baby Beach
On the island's southern tip, Baby Beach is a crescent-shaped lagoon with water so shallow and calm it barely qualifies as the sea. It's perfect for families with small children, snorkelling beginners, or anyone who wants to float in bathwater-warm water without a care in the world. Pack a cooler and spend the day.
Arashi Beach
A local favourite near the island's northwest tip, Arashi offers excellent snorkelling right from shore. The reef is close and healthy, with sea turtles, parrotfish, and colorful coral just a few metres from the sand.
Beyond the Beach: Adventure and Nature
Arikok National Park
Covering nearly 20% of the island, Arikok National Park is Aruba's wild side. The landscape is strikingly different from the beach strip — think cacti-studded desert, volcanic rock formations, ancient caves with Arawak petroglyphs, and a coastline where waves crash against jagged cliffs. You can explore by Jeep tour, ATV, horseback, or on foot. The Natural Pool (Conchi) — a sheltered swimming hole carved into volcanic rock by the sea — is the park's most rewarding destination.
California Lighthouse
Perched on the island's northernmost point, the California Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding desert terrain. Recently renovated and opened for climbing, it's a perfect sunset spot.
Underwater Adventures
Aruba's warm, clear waters make it excellent for diving and snorkelling. The Antilla shipwreck — a German freighter scuttled during World War II — is the Caribbean's largest wreck dive and is accessible to both divers and snorkellers. Other highlights include the Pedernales wreck and the vibrant reef at Mangel Halto.
Food and Drink
Aruba's dining scene punches well above its weight for an island of 110,000 people. The cuisine blends Dutch, Caribbean, Latin American, and international influences, and the restaurant quality is consistently high.
- Zeerovers — A no-frills waterfront fish market where you pick your catch and they fry it fresh. Pair it with funchi (cornmeal) and a cold Balashi beer. The most authentic Aruba dining experience.
- Passions on the Beach — Candlelit tables on Eagle Beach. As romantic as dining gets in the Caribbean.
- The Old Man and The Sea — Waterfront dining in Savaneta with fresh seafood and local flavours.
- Papiamento Restaurant — Fine dining in a restored 19th-century cunucu house. The setting alone is worth the visit.
Don't miss keshi yena (stuffed cheese), Aruba's national dish — a hollowed-out ball of Gouda filled with spiced chicken or beef. It's unique to the island and genuinely delicious.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Aruba has the most active nightlife in the Southern Caribbean. The Palm Beach strip comes alive after dark with bars, lounges, and clubs. Highlights include:
- Gusto — A beachfront nightclub that draws both tourists and locals
- Stellaris Casino at the Aruba Marriott — The island's largest casino with table games, slots, and live entertainment
- Local Thursdays at San Nicolas — The island's second city hosts a weekly street party with live music, food vendors, and Aruban culture on full display
Practical Tips for Canadians
- Direct flights — Air Canada and WestJet offer direct flights from Toronto to Aruba (approximately 5 hours). Seasonal service from Montreal is also available.
- Currency — The Aruban florin is the local currency, but US dollars are accepted everywhere. Canadian dollars are not widely accepted, so exchange before you arrive or withdraw USD from ATMs.
- Language — Papiamento is the local language, but virtually everyone speaks English and Spanish. Communication is never an issue.
- Best time to visit — Aruba is warm and dry year-round (average 28°C), so there's genuinely no bad time. January through April is peak season with slightly higher prices. May through November offers better deals and slightly less crowding with virtually the same weather.
- Hurricane risk — Almost none. Aruba sits well below the hurricane belt. It's one of the safest Caribbean destinations during the June-November hurricane season.
