Aruba is one of those destinations that stays with you long after you leave. With its stunning beaches, relaxed island atmosphere, and warm, welcoming locals, it’s an ideal getaway for anyone—especially first-time travelers. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or planning a more extended stay, there’s something about this island that keeps you coming back for more.
My personal journey with Aruba began in 2018, and since then, I’ve had the chance to visit three more times, each trip offering a new perspective and deeper appreciation for this Caribbean paradise. I’ve explored the beaches, ventured out on boat tours, taken in the island’s more rugged side, and, of course, eaten at some incredible restaurants along the way. But with each trip, I’ve also learned valuable travel lessons that are especially useful for those visiting Aruba for the first time.
If you’re considering a trip to Aruba but aren’t quite sure what to expect, this guide — based on my own experiences — will help you navigate your journey. From where to stay and what to do to how to avoid common mistakes, here’s everything I’ve learned from my first four trips to One Happy Island.
Trip #1: My First Time in Aruba (January 2018)
The first time I visited Aruba, I was traveling with a group of buddies I play hockey with, and we were all eager to soak in as much of the island as possible. The trip started off in a bit of a chaotic fashion, as we had played a hockey game the night before, and by the time I got home at 2 a.m., I barely had time to grab my bags before heading to the airport at 4 a.m. Running on almost no sleep, we flew from Omaha to Atlanta to Aruba, finally arriving around 3:00 p.m. Despite being exhausted, I was immediately struck by the warm Caribbean air and the relaxed, friendly vibe of the island.
After picking up our rental car, we made a quick stop at a local supermarket to stock up on supplies before checking into our Airbnb. This was my first experience staying in an Airbnb rather than a hotel, and I quickly realized how much I preferred it. Staying in a house away from the busy tourist areas made it feel like we were living on the island rather than just visiting.
The first full day, we took our time adjusting to island life, spending most of the morning relaxing at the house before heading out in the afternoon to explore some local beaches. One of our first stops was Malmok Beach, which had a much more secluded, local feel compared to the bigger tourist beaches. That night, we had dinner at Wacky Wahoos, which would later become one of my go-to spots whenever I returned to Aruba. The food was fresh, the portions were generous, and the atmosphere was exactly what we were looking for.
The following day, we decided to take a Jolly Pirates snorkeling cruise. It seemed like the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, until disaster struck. A little more than half way though the cruise, I lost my balance, fell, and broke my arm, (my left humerus), which meant I had to spend the next several hours in the hospital instead of enjoying the rest of my trip. Unfortunately, the injury forced me to fly home a day early, cutting my Aruba experience short. Despite the unfortunate ending, I already knew I wanted to return to the island someday.
Trip #2: A Return to Aruba (January 2024)
It took me six years to make it back to Aruba, but when I finally did, I was determined to experience the island without a hospital visit this time. This trip was another hockey buddy trip, and since we had all been to Aruba before, we already had a good idea of what we wanted to do.
As soon as we landed, we picked up a rental car and made our usual stop at Super Foods, the main grocery store in Aruba. When you’re staying in an Airbnb, having groceries on hand is a great way to save money and cut down on eating out for every meal. Our Airbnb this time was another house in Noord, a quiet neighborhood that was conveniently close to some of our favorite beaches and restaurants.
One of the highlights of this trip was our early morning fishing trip on our first full day. Being out on the water at sunrise was an incredible experience, and it was a great way to kick off the trip. Afterward, we stopped at MooMba Beach Bar for lunch before heading back to our place to relax for the afternoon. Later that evening, we watched the Detroit Lions playoff game at Local Store, our favorite local neighborhood bar, which made for a fun and lively atmosphere.
Over the next couple of days, we revisited some of our favorite beaches, including Eagle Beach and Baby Beach, and ended the trip with dinner at Wacky Wahoos. By the time we left, I was already looking forward to my next visit.
Trip #3: Exploring More of Aruba (June 2024)
By my third trip to Aruba, I was comfortable navigating the island and wanted to see more of it beyond the main tourist areas. This time, I traveled with my two sons (20 and 18), and I made a point to explore places I hadn’t seen before.
We kicked off our trip by heading north to see the California Lighthouse, a historic landmark that offers panoramic views of the island. After that, we stopped at Boca Catalina Beach, a small but beautiful spot that’s perfect for snorkeling. The next day, we took an ATV tour that took us to the more rugged eastern side of the island, a completely different landscape from the smooth, sandy beaches of the west.
Another highlight of this trip was doing the Jolly Pirates Cruise again, but this time, I managed to avoid any injuries. In addition to all the outdoor adventures, we also tried some new restaurants, including Brutto Aruba, which had a great atmosphere and delicious food.
Trip #4: A Quick Getaway (November 2024)
This was my shortest trip to Aruba, lasting only a long weekend, but we still managed to fit in plenty of activities. I traveled with my oldest son, and we stayed at Aruba’s Vacation Life Residence, a three-story condo with a pool in Noord. On the way to our Airbnb, we experienced a rare Aruba event—three inches of rain in two hours, which led to some minor flooding around the island.
Since we only had a few days, we prioritized Eagle Beach, which remains one of my favorite spots in Aruba. We also drove around the northern part of the island to see different neighborhoods and ended up at Anker Fish Company for dinner. That night, we stopped at MooMba Beach Bar, Local Store and Café 080 for some drinks before heading back to our place.
One of the unexpected highlights of this trip was stumbling upon a Christmas parade, which was a fun way to experience some of the island’s local culture. Even though this trip was short, it reaffirmed why I love visiting Aruba so much.
Final Thoughts and Tips for First-Time Travelers
Over the course of four trips, I’ve learned a lot about what makes Aruba such a special place. If you’re visiting for the first time, I highly recommend renting a car so you can explore more freely. While taxis are available, having your own transportation makes it easier to get around—especially if you’re staying in an Airbnb rather than a hotel.
When it comes to must-visit spots, Eagle Beach and Baby Beach should be at the top of your list. Both offer clear turquoise water and soft white sand, making them perfect for relaxing. If you’re up for some adventure, consider taking an ATV tour or booking a boating excursion like the Jolly Pirates Cruise.
Aruba is slightly more expensive than some other Caribbean destinations, so budgeting wisely is key. Buying groceries instead of eating out for every meal can help you save money, and you really don’t need to pack much—just a couple of swimsuits, a few shirts, shorts, and sandals.
No matter how many times I visit Aruba, I always find something new to love about it. If you’re thinking about going for the first time, just book the trip—you won’t regret it.
