13 Aruba Travel Tips From Long Islanders Who Know The Island Best

Dreaming of a sunny getaway without the hassle of long layovers or complex travel plans? Aruba might just be your ticket to paradise. For Long Islanders craving a mid-winter escape, this Caribbean gem checks all the boxes—powdery white sands, turquoise waters, and a laid-back vibe that melts stress away.

And the best part? It’s only a quick direct flight from JFK or LaGuardia. After countless return trips, seasoned Long Island travelers have uncovered the tips and tricks that turn a great Aruba vacation into something truly unforgettable.

Want to know what they’ve learned? Let’s dive into the local secrets, favorite spots, and must-do moments that make Aruba feel like a second home in the sun.

1. Rent a Car

Freedom awaits when you rent a car in Aruba! The island is small (just 20 miles long) but packed with hidden gems that tour buses simply don’t reach.

Most roads are well-maintained, making navigation stress-free even for first-timers. Driving is on the right side, just like home, and most rental agencies accept your regular US license. Budget-conscious travelers should book early, especially during high season (December-April) when prices climb dramatically.

A compact car works perfectly unless you’re planning off-road adventures to places like Arikok National Park – then you’ll need a jeep or 4×4.

2. Explore Beyond Resorts

The real Aruba lives beyond those polished resort walls! San Nicolas, the island’s cultural capital, offers colorful street art and authentic local hangouts where tourists rarely venture.

The natural pools at Conchi showcase Aruba’s wilder side, with dramatic waves crashing against natural stone barriers. Arikok National Park covers nearly 20% of the island and houses caves with ancient Arawak Indian drawings.

Locals recommend early morning visits to avoid both crowds and the intense afternoon heat. Many Long Islanders say their most memorable experiences happened when they ventured off-property for at least half their vacation days.

3. Visit Baby Beach

Baby Beach earned its adorable name honestly! This crescent-shaped lagoon on Aruba’s southeastern tip offers shallow, crystal-clear waters perfect for families with young children or nervous swimmers. The gentle slope extends far from shore, creating a natural kiddie pool effect.

Unlike Palm Beach’s resort strip, Baby Beach delivers a more authentic experience where you’ll mingle with locals enjoying weekend picnics. Bring your own supplies as amenities are limited to basic restrooms and a few snack shacks.

Snorkeling here reveals colorful fish right from shore – no boat trip required. The calm waters make it ideal for beginners trying snorkeling for the first time.

4. Try Local Cuisine

The island’s food culture is as vibrant as its beaches, where dishes like Keshi Yena and freshly grilled mahi-mahi showcase Aruba’s multicultural roots.

Zeerovers, a waterfront spot in Savaneta, serves seafood so fresh it was swimming hours earlier. Order by weight and watch as they fry it up with local sides like pan bati (cornbread pancakes). Don’t miss trying pastechi – Aruba’s answer to empanadas – for breakfast.

These flaky pastries filled with cheese, meat, or seafood are the island’s favorite grab-and-go morning meal.

5. Book Sunset Cruises

Aruba’s sunsets transform the sky into a masterpiece of oranges, pinks, and purples that you simply can’t miss! Sunset cruises combine these spectacular views with the perfect vantage point – right on the water.

Many Long Islanders recommend smaller catamarans over large party boats for a more intimate experience. Most cruises include open bars and light appetizers, but the real highlight comes when the boat stops for swimming in the crystal-clear Caribbean as the sun begins its descent.

Prices typically range from $50-85 per person depending on the boat size and inclusions. Book at least two days ahead during high season, as the best cruises fill quickly with sunset being prime time.

6. Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Aruba’s sunshine packs a serious punch year-round! The island sits just 12 degrees north of the equator, making UV rays significantly stronger than on Long Island, even during winter months. Sunburns happen shockingly fast – often within 15-20 minutes of unprotected exposure.

Reef-safe sunscreen protects both your skin and Aruba’s delicate marine ecosystems. Look for mineral-based options with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients, avoiding oxybenzone and octinoxate which damage coral.

Apply generously before leaving your hotel and reapply every 80 minutes, especially after swimming. Even on cloudy days, the UV index remains dangerously high in Aruba, so don’t skip protection.

7. Avoid Cruise Port Crowds

Timing matters when planning your Aruba adventures! When massive cruise ships dock in Oranjestad, popular attractions suddenly swarm with thousands of day-trippers. Savvy Long Islanders check the cruise ship schedule online before planning excursions.

Downtown shopping areas and Eagle Beach become particularly congested between 10am-3pm on ship days. Instead, head to quieter spots like Mangel Halto or Baby Beach, which rarely see cruise crowds.

If your heart’s set on a popular attraction, visit early morning (before 9am) or late afternoon (after 3pm) when ships’ passengers typically return to their vessels. Some restaurants also become impossibly busy during lunch hours on port days, so consider dining slightly earlier or later.

8. Snorkel at Mangel Halto

Hidden between residential neighborhoods, Mangel Halto remains one of Aruba’s best-kept secrets! This snorkeling paradise offers easy shore access to vibrant reefs teeming with tropical fish, without the crowds found at more famous spots.

Mangroves line the shoreline, creating a unique ecosystem where you might spot seahorses hiding among the roots. The water depth increases gradually, making it suitable for snorkelers of all experience levels. Locals recommend visiting during morning hours when the water clarity peaks and winds remain calm.

Pack water shoes for easy entry over the rocky patches, and bring your own gear as there are no rental facilities. The small parking area fills quickly, so arrive early for the best experience.

9. Stay Hydrated

Aruba’s desert climate sneaks up on you! The constant trade winds create a deceptive cooling effect that masks how quickly dehydration sets in. Many visitors don’t realize they’re becoming dehydrated until headaches or dizziness strike.

Tap water in Aruba is actually some of the cleanest in the Caribbean – it comes from the island’s desalination plant and is perfectly safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle to fill at your hotel rather than wasting money on plastic bottles.

Aim for at least 50% more water than you’d drink at home. Balance alcoholic beverages with water, especially when enjoying Aruba’s famous rum cocktails, as alcohol accelerates dehydration in the tropical heat.

10. Reserve Restaurants Early

Aruba’s top restaurants book up lightning-fast, especially during high season! Spots like Flying Fishbone (where tables sit right in the water) and Passions on the Beach often fill 2-3 weeks in advance. Long Islanders recommend making dinner reservations before even packing your suitcase.

Sunset dining times (6:30-7:30pm) disappear quickest, so consider earlier or later slots for better availability. Many restaurants offer online booking systems that make securing tables easy, even months ahead. When making reservations, request special seating like beachfront tables or mention celebrations.

Aruba’s restaurants often go above and beyond for birthdays and anniversaries with complimentary desserts or prime table locations when notified in advance.

11. Bring Water Shoes

Water shoes might seem unnecessary until you step on a hidden sea urchin! While Aruba’s famous beaches like Eagle and Palm feature soft, white sand, many of the island’s most spectacular swimming spots have rocky or coral-strewn entries that can be downright treacherous barefoot.

Natural Pool (Conchi) requires navigating slippery volcanic rocks, while Mangel Halto’s sharp coral fragments make water shoes essential. Even popular Arashi Beach has occasional rocky patches that surprise barefoot visitors. Lightweight, quick-drying water shoes with rubber soles provide the perfect balance of protection and comfort.

They pack easily and typically cost $15-25 – far less than the medical attention needed for a serious cut or urchin spine removal!

12. Shop Local Markets

Skip the cookie-cutter souvenirs and discover authentic Aruban treasures! The twice-weekly Aruba Artisan Market in downtown Oranjestad showcases handmade items you won’t find in typical tourist shops. Local artisans sell hand-painted ceramics, driftwood art, and jewelry crafted from local materials.

Santa Cruz Farmers Market offers the island’s freshest produce alongside homemade hot sauces, tropical jams, and Aruban baked goods. It opens early (around 7am) and sells out quickly, so morning visits yield the best selection.

When shopping, look for items with “Authentic Aruba” labels – this government certification guarantees products are genuinely local, not imported knockoffs. Many Long Islanders say these unique finds become their most treasured vacation mementos.

13. Learn a Few Papiamento Words

“Bon bini!” That’s “welcome” in Papiamento, Aruba’s colorful local language that blends Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and African influences.

Though most Arubans speak excellent English, using a few Papiamento phrases instantly transforms you from tourist to welcomed guest. Start with simple greetings: “bon dia” (good morning), “danki” (thank you), and “dushi” (sweet/nice – a word you’ll hear constantly).

Locals genuinely appreciate visitors who make this small effort to respect their culture. Papiamento also helps when shopping at local markets where vendors might offer better prices to those who attempt the local language. Even just saying “con ta bai?” (how are you?) with a smile can create connections that enhance your entire Aruba experience.