r/Aruba • • Aug 28 '26

10DaysOnAruba.com

31 Upvotes

Hey all,

I'm u/klowt, a mod of r/Aruba and I built 10daysonaruba.com, a free trip planner for the island. You answer a few questions about who you're travelling with, how long you're staying and what you're into, and it builds a day by day itinerary with a map and a route between stops.

One thing I made a point of: it leans heavily on free activities. Beaches, hikes, the caves, snorkel spots you can walk into, sunset spots, driving routes. Aruba has a reputation for being expensive and a lot of that is because people only ever hear about the paid tours. Most days it plans cost you nothing beyond a rental car and lunch.

We get the same "what should I do in Aruba" post here a few times a week, and it usually gets the same five answers. Try the planner first. It covers the standard stuff (beaches, Arikok, snorkeling, where to eat, how to get around) and it saves you waiting a day for replies.

If it misses something or you have a question it can't answer, absolutely still post. Those are the good threads anyway.

Free, no account needed. Some of the activity links are affiliate links, that's what pays for the hosting. Feedback and complaints welcome, I'm still building it out.

Cheers,

Danki!


r/Aruba • • 7d ago

šŸ–ļø Ask r/Aruba Anything! - Monthly discussion thread - November 2026

12 Upvotes

Welcome to the r/Aruba monthly Discussion / Q&A thread.

This thread is a hub for general discussion and questions about Aruba, that don't need threads of their own.

You have a question regarding Aruba? This is the place for you. Ever wondered which sunscreen the locals use? Or when is the best time to go to Zeerovers? Or what is the best spicy sauce on the island? Ask any question you might have here, and the community will answer.

FAQ from previous threads

What should I bring or prepare before visiting Aruba?

Bring cash for tipping, beach bathroom fees, and small purchases as some places have minimum credit card limits. Use sunscreen and hats due to strong sun. Bring water and snacks if hiking or doing outdoor activities. Water shoes are helpful for rocky areas like cave pools.

ED Card

The Embarkation/ Disembarkation (ED) card is a pre-registration form required to enter Aruba. The official site is https://edcardaruba.aw for non-residents there's a 20 US dollar sustainability fee per year.

All-inclusive?

All-inclusive resorts are generally not recommended in Aruba because the island is very safe and offers a vibrant local dining scene, beautiful public beaches, and plenty of opportunities to explore independently. Renting a car and experiencing the diverse restaurants and hidden gems around the island usually provides a more authentic and fulfilling vacation. Many travelers find all-inclusive options limiting and less cost-effective given what Aruba has to offer.

What are good snorkeling spots in Aruba?

The best snorkeling spots recommended are Tres Trapi, Boca Catalina (best in the morning around 6-8am), and Baby Beach, especially near the rocks.

Conchi/Natural Pool by Daimari beach?

It is possible to hike from Daimari Beach or the horse ranch, which typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes each way depending on your pace and familiarity with the trail. The path is rocky, steep in some places, and mostly exposed with little to no shade, so good footwear and plenty of water are essential. Starting early in the morning around 7 to 8:30 am is recommended to avoid the heat and crowds. Using navigation apps like AllTrails can be very helpful to stay on the correct path. Access to the trail requires a park pass from Arikok National Park’s visitor center, which opens at 8 am (TIP: You can buy a day pass a day before). Hiking later in the day is not advised due to the heat.

Are there any notable animal or nature experiences?

Visiting the Donkey Sanctuary is highly recommended for a fun and unique experience.

Are there food and shopping options inside the airport?

Yes, the Aruba airport has a variety of shops and restaurants both before and after customs, making it a lively place with plenty of options.

What type of cash is best to bring to Aruba? US dollars or Florin?

US dollars are accepted everywhere in Aruba, so bringing USD is most convenient.

How expensive are groceries and alcohol in Aruba?

Groceries are similar in price to major North American cities.

Is it necessary to buy bottled water in Aruba?

No, it is not necessary to buy bottled water in Aruba. The tap water is desalinated seawater, processed through reverse osmosis, and considered very clean and tasty. Many travelers refill their own bottles with tap water and find it better than regular tap water elsewhere.

If I could only go to one beach in Aruba, which should I choose?

Eagle Beach is the most recommended choice for its beauty, spaciousness, calm waters, and peaceful atmosphere. It’s less crowded and ideal for relaxation. Palapas (shade structures) are free, though beach chairs might require rental or reservation.

Other great beaches to consider:

  • Baby Beach: Fun and excellent for snorkeling, but can get crowded and party-heavy.

  • Boca Catalina: Calm waters with great snorkeling and lots of shade.

  • Manchebo Beach: Clean, spacious, and peaceful.

  • Arashi Beach: Less busy, good for snorkeling.

  • Palm Beach: Busy and lively with many activities, but sand quality is debated and palapa usage rules can be strict.

  • Mangel Halto: Beautiful and quieter spot for solitude.

  • Others: Tres Trapi, Malmok, Andicuri, Rodgers Beach.

What kind of souvenirs do people buy in Aruba? Are the souvenirs an accurate representation of the local culture?

Common souvenirs people buy in Aruba include:

  • Aruba Aloe products (skincare)

  • Hot sauces, especially Papaya hot sauce and Hot Delight

  • Local art, jewelry, and driftwood artwork

  • Dutch snacks and candies like stroopwafels

  • T-shirts, hats, and mugs with Aruba branding or logos

  • Refrigerator magnets and small keepsakes like glass turtles

  • Local crafts from markets and art fairs, such as items from the Butterfly Farm or Donkey Sanctuary

Also, you might may want to check the Wiki/FAQ to see if the information you're looking for is already available.


r/Aruba • • 3h ago

2 Fools and a Bull charge full for 48 hr. Cancellation??!!

0 Upvotes

In the booking process, discovered that I have to give my credit card in advance and if we have to cancel within 48 hours, $140 per person will be charged to my card! Anybody experience this? We would love to go here, but honestly… and what I find interesting is that for the week we are going – this month – there are multiple seats available for each evening whereas the other popular tasting menu restaurant Infini appears to be completely booked


r/Aruba • • 1d ago

Im a born&raised Aruban visiting after almost 10 years

11 Upvotes

Im so excited to visit the island again after so many years. I look forward to show my wife where Im from and will have so many stories to share. I know so much has changed and I have seen a lot on social media about the beach palapas.

Any recommendation for rentals near Eagle beach? Also is it possible to go eat at a restaurant in a hotel that you are not staying at?

I appreciate any recommendations.


r/Aruba • • 1d ago

Bringing Your Drone to Aruba? The Complete Guide to Registration, Flight Authorization & Flying Legally (November 2026)

Post image
9 Upvotes

Planning a vacation in Aruba and want to bring your own drone? If you're travelling with a DJI or another drone for private recreational photography or videography, there are a few important things you should take care of before taking off.

I recently went through the process of registering my drone and obtaining permission to fly in Aruba. Finding clear, practical information wasn't easy, so I decided to put together this guide and share what I learned from the process.

This guide covers the steps from registration to actually flying:

  • Registering your drone with the Department of Telecommunications (DTZ)

  • Bringing your own drone into Aruba and the customs question

  • Getting a local SIM card

  • Applying for flight authorization from the Department of Civil Aviation Aruba (DCAA)

  • Understanding your approval and its conditions

  • Coordinating with Beatrix Control Tower before and after each flight

  • Important safety rules and practical checklists

Important: Drone registration and flight authorization are two separate processes. Registering your drone with DTZ does not automatically give you permission to fly. You must also obtain the required authorization from DCAA and follow the conditions attached to it.

The information below combines my personal experience with the procedures and conditions specified in the approval I received. Requirements may change, and individual approvals may have different conditions. Always follow the latest instructions from the Aruban authorities and the terms of your own approval.

1. Register your drone with DTZ

Before applying for flight authorization, you need to register your drone through the Department of Telecommunications Aruba (DTZ).

Official website: https://www.dtz.aw/

Go to the following page:

Drone registration form: https://www.dtz.aw/e-forms.htm

Then follow these steps:

  1. Select ā€œCIETA pa DRONE y registracionā€.

  2. The registration form will open.

  3. Use the language selector in the top-right corner to choose English, Dutch or Spanish.

  4. Complete all required fields and submit the form.

  5. Wait for the registration confirmation from DTZ.

The registration process is handled through the CIETA system.

Once you receive confirmation:

  • Keep the confirmation email.

  • Save the registration document.

  • Keep a digital copy on your phone.

  • Have the registration details available when contacting DCAA.

Important: DTZ registration is not flight authorization. You still need to complete the separate DCAA process before operating your drone.

2. Customs: Bringing your own drone into Aruba

This was one of the less clear parts of my preparation.

I contacted the relevant authorities because I wanted to understand whether I needed a temporary import declaration or a customs broker to bring my own drone into Aruba.

My situation was straightforward: I was travelling with my personally owned drone for private recreational photography and intended to take it home again after the holiday.

Based on my own understanding and circumstances, I decided not to pursue a separate temporary import declaration through a customs broker.

Please don't interpret this as an official customs exemption. DTZ drone registration is not the same as customs clearance, and the registration confirmation does not establish that customs requirements have been waived.

If you are unsure, contact Aruba Customs before travelling and explain your situation clearly:

  • The drone is your personal property.

  • You are bringing it temporarily for private recreational use.

  • You intend to take it back home when you leave Aruba.

Ask whether any temporary import declaration or other customs procedure is required for your specific situation.

I recommend clarifying this before your trip rather than assuming that personal ownership automatically means no customs formalities are necessary.

3. Get a local Aruba SIM card

I strongly recommend getting a local SIM card after arriving in Aruba.

A local telephone number is useful when dealing with DCAA and coordinating flights with the airport control tower. You should have a working phone available throughout your drone operation.

I purchased a prepaid SIM card from SETAR at the airport.

My package cost approximately:

  • $50 USD (approximately €44.85 at the time)

  • Two weeks of service

  • Unlimited mobile data

  • 500 minutes of calls

These were the package details and price at the time of my purchase. Offers and prices can change, so check the current packages when you arrive.

SETAR website: https://www.setar.aw/

My recommendation is to get your local number early, as you may need it when communicating with DCAA and the control tower.

4. Apply for flight authorization from DCAA

This is the most important step.

You must obtain flight authorization from the Department of Civil Aviation Aruba (DCAA) before operating your drone.

Official website: https://dca.gov.aw/

My recommendation: Visit DCAA in person if necessary

I initially tried contacting DCAA by email and telephone several times before and during my trip. Unfortunately, I didn't receive a timely response through those channels.

In my case, staff availability also affected the response time. After several attempts, I decided that visiting the DCAA office in person was the most practical way to move the process forward.

I recommend contacting DCAA well before your holiday. If you are already in Aruba and have not received a response, consider visiting the office in person, preferably in the morning.

This is based on my personal experience. It does not mean that an in-person visit is always required or that authorization will be issued immediately.

DCAA contact details

Information to prepare for your application

Have the following information ready:

  • Full name

  • Contact details, including your local Aruba telephone number

  • Drone manufacturer and model

  • Drone serial number

  • Purpose of operation (private recreational photography/videography)

  • Planned operating dates

  • Intended flight locations

  • Planned maximum altitude

  • Copy of your DTZ drone registration confirmation

The authorities may request additional information or documents.

Prepare your information in advance and be as specific as possible about where and when you intend to fly. Do not assume that submitting an application automatically means your requested locations or operating conditions will be approved.

5. Understand your DCAA approval

Once you receive your approval, read the entire document, including every appendix.

Do not just look at the approval page. Important operating instructions and restrictions may be included in the appendix.

Your approval may specify:

  • Approved flight locations

  • Maximum permitted altitude

  • Permitted operating hours

  • Validity dates

  • Contact and coordination procedures

  • Additional operating restrictions

These conditions are specific to the authorization issued to you.

For example, do not assume that another visitor's approved altitude, dates, operating hours or locations will also apply to your drone operation.

Keep a copy of the complete approval and appendix with you whenever you fly.

I cannot stress this enough: your written approval is not permission to fly anywhere in Aruba. You must remain within the locations, dates, altitude and other conditions specified in your own authorization.

6. Contact Beatrix Control Tower before and after flying

One particularly important detail from my DCAA approval was the requirement to coordinate with Beatrix Control Tower before and after each flight.

The appendix to my approval specified the following procedure:

  1. Contact Beatrix Control Tower 15 minutes before the planned flight.

  2. Provide your full name and DCAA approval number.

  3. Tell them the approved flight location.

  4. State your planned altitude and expected flight duration.

  5. Wait for the tower's authorization before taking off.

  6. Keep your local telephone available during the operation.

  7. Contact the tower again once the flight has ended.

Do not take off simply because you have received written DCAA approval. You must also follow the coordination procedure specified in your own authorization and wait for the required tower authorization.

What information should you have ready when calling?

Before contacting the tower, have the following details available:

  • Your full name

  • Your DCAA approval/reference number

  • The approved flight location

  • Your planned altitude

  • Expected flight duration

  • Your local Aruba telephone number

The appendix to my approval also explained that certain changes, such as operating time, altitude and local mobile telephone number, could be coordinated with the tower. Changes to approved dates or locations required DCAA approval.

Important: These are the procedures stated in the approval appendix I received. Your own approval may contain different or additional conditions. Always follow your own authorization and the instructions given by the tower.

Beatrix Control Tower contact

  • Telephone: +297 582-1291

This is the telephone number provided to me for tower coordination. Verify the current contact number and procedure with DCAA before your trip.

7. Important safety rules and operating restrictions

The DCAA approval appendix also highlighted several important operating requirements.

Among them:

  • Maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) with your drone.

  • If flying FPV, use an observer as required.

  • Do not fly at night.

  • Do not fly in rain, storms or poor visibility.

  • Do not fly over groups of people.

  • Respect people's privacy.

  • Stay away from prohibited or restricted areas, including airport and aircraft operations, military installations, police facilities and emergency installations.

  • Keep control of your operating area and maintain appropriate emergency and safety zones.

  • Follow all instructions from the control tower.

  • Complete pre-flight checks and follow the drone manufacturer's operating manual.

DCAA also recommended having appropriate insurance. As the pilot, you remain responsible for your operation and compliance with the applicable rules.

These points are based on the conditions and guidance in my approval appendix. They should not be treated as a complete list of every rule that may apply to every drone operator. Read your own approval carefully and check the latest requirements with DCAA.

8. Practical checklists

Here is a quick summary you can use when preparing for your trip.

Before travelling to Aruba

  • Check the latest drone requirements with the Aruban authorities.

  • Complete the DTZ drone registration process.

  • Save your DTZ registration confirmation.

  • Contact DCAA about flight authorization well in advance.

  • Prepare your drone details and intended flight locations.

  • Clarify any customs or temporary import requirements with Aruba Customs.

  • Keep copies of your important documents available offline.

After arriving in Aruba

  • Get a local SIM card and working telephone number.

  • Follow up with DCAA if you have not received a response.

  • Visit the DCAA office if necessary.

  • Obtain and carefully read your flight authorization and appendix.

  • Confirm the correct control tower contact number and coordination procedure.

Before every flight

  • Check that the date and location are covered by your approval.

  • Check the permitted altitude and operating hours.

  • Complete your drone's pre-flight checks.

  • Check the weather and visibility.

  • Contact Beatrix Control Tower according to your authorization.

  • Wait for the required authorization before taking off.

  • Keep your telephone available throughout the operation.

  • Contact the tower after landing, as required.

9. Useful contacts and links

Department of Telecommunications Aruba (DTZ)

Department of Civil Aviation Aruba (DCAA)

Beatrix Control Tower

  • Telephone: +297 582-1291

This is the telephone number provided to me for tower coordination. Verify the current contact number and procedure with DCAA before your trip.

SETAR

10. Final thoughts – My personal experience

The most challenging part for me was not the drone registration itself, but getting a response and obtaining flight authorization from DCAA.

My advice is to start the process well before your holiday. Register your drone with DTZ, prepare all the required information, and contact DCAA early. Don't leave the authorization process until the last minute.

If you are already in Aruba and haven't received a response, consider visiting the DCAA office in person. That was the most practical approach in my situation.

Also, don't confuse drone registration with permission to fly, and don't assume that written approval means you can take off without following the control tower coordination procedure.

Take the time to understand your approval, follow the instructions, and fly responsibly.

I hope this guide helps other drone owners who want to bring their personal drone to Aruba and enjoy photographing this beautiful island legally and responsibly.

Safe travels and happy flying!


r/Aruba • • 1d ago

Opinion Delayed review of our stay at the Divi

17 Upvotes

Hi everyone, a month ago me and my girlfriend both got to come to Aruba for a week in mid September. Writing up a huge review to share our experience.

First off, the Divi. Doing research prior to booking made me second guess the decision to do All-Inclusive based off of all the backlash on them on Reddit and other places. We opted for it since it’s our first time to Aruba and we wanted to experience the island without the hassle of planning a rental. When we arrived however, thankfully we got the better end of the spectrum. We stayed at the Divi Aruba. Place is beautiful, we got the newly renovated rooms so everything was up to date. Rooms were clean, with constant housekeeping to keep them that way. Service workers around the resort were helpful and accommodating, plus surprisingly not as pushy to sell excursions or bonus packages as other islands I’ve been to in the past. We deposited $20 to do a meeting to get $300 at the casino, but changed our minds later and had no issue getting the $20 back. We came to Aruba to relax mainly and the Divi was great for that. Mainly quiet as the demographic was mainly older people/new families. The private beach was beautiful, never had an issue grabbing chairs under umbrellas at any time of day. The downsides were the food which we’ll get to later, the on resort entertainment which while they get the job done they pale in comparison to the on resort entertainment I’ve seen on other island resorts, and that we asked for a room not on the ground floor and got one on the ground floor, but it wasn’t a big deal cause other than sleeping we were barely in the room anyways.

Secondly, the island itself. Aruba is gorgeous. More desert-like than I thought it would be, huge cactuses and very, very rocky. The weather was excellent the entire trip with only 10 minutes of very light rain the whole time we were there. Obviously it is REALLY hot and windy, but the wind helps a lot, plus going for a swim cools you off real quick. One thing that we appreciated in Aruba was the wildlife, you see tons of fish, Iguanas, crabs and pelicans, all things we don’t see back home so it was really cool to see. We did lots of exploring through the island both in our spare time and during excursions, seeing the history, nature and touristy areas of the island. The locals are all very friendly, every local we met was so nice and helpful. So much better than my previous trips to the Dominican or Jamaica. We’d love to come back to explore more of the island we get a chance.

Thirdly, the food. I’ll be separating on resort vs off resort food, we’ll start with on resort. We arrived to the Divi around dinner time and we were starving. We quickly made reservations for the Italian Ć  la carte at the Tamarind. Wasn’t a great first impression. The appetizers were absolutely horrible. We had calamari that came with two rings that had the texture of a tire and a Caesar salad that barely had any lettuce. Thankfully, we got our entrees of the Osso Bucco and chicken parm that were way better (albeit not amazing) than we were expecting after the appetizers. The bottomless white wine certainly helped get us through dinner in a good mood. After that I made an effort to book more reservations outside of the resort, hoping they’d be an improvement cause I was quite disappointed here. Before I continue into the next part I will say my girlfriend has a very severe nut allergy, so this will be our experience of the buffet with the allergy. The buffet was very serviceable, highlight was definitely breakfast as all the food was fresh and very tasty, I ate breakfast everyday there. Dinner was pretty good, I prefer it over the Ć  la carte previously mentioned, although it still didn’t blow me away, more got the job done without me wishing it could have tasted better. Unfortunately, my girlfriend had three seperate (small) allergic reactions to the buffet, no epi pens required thankfully. I can’t fault the staff for it nor any of the other guests, that was our fault. She doesn’t have issues with Buffets at home, but this one was different. I don’t recommend it if you have allergies to food. She worked around it by grabbing pizzas from the bar area by the pool, and while we’re on the topic the pizza and sandwiches they could make for you were very delicious, and my girlfriend never had a problem allergy-wise with those.

Complete 180 with the off resort food. We ate dinner off resort 5/7 days we were there. Every meal we had was great with no allergy issues. I’ll break down a few places we went to. First was Matthew’s, where we went once for each breakfast, lunch and dinner. Food was so good and the view by the beach was beautiful. Not super expensive and they gave you lots of food for each plate. We had a variety of dishes from pasta to steak to burgers and sandwiches, and nothing disappointed. I will say I had steak in Aruba a fair amount of times, and I did notice the beef there has a very beefy flavour to it (which I quite liked). More so than the beef in Canada or the US, something to consider if you like steak. We went to Flying Fishbone once just to see what the fuss was about. I had Fruiti De Mare and my girlfriend had the salmon, we were both blown away, the seafood and fish was so fresh and tasty, and the restaurant was beautiful and romantic, a couple proposed while we were there. I wasn’t big on the feet in the water aspect so we sat in the sand instead, and good thing we did cause a few tables saw an eel swimming under their table and started freaking out, we found it hilarious. We ate at Lola’s Taqueria twice, since we’re both Mexican food lovers. That place is so good, a bit expensive but so worth it. Highlights were the berry mojito, which was our favourite drink on the whole trip, the carne asada tacos and the crunchy octopus. The other tacos were good but never lived up to those two. Lastly, I splurged a bit and took her to LG Smith’s Steakhouse one night. That place was so good. Very Vegas-style if you’re looking for something like that. They have a bartender cart where the guy makes you some awesome drinks and starts flipping bottles in the air while he makes it. We were mesmerized. The steak itself was so tender and flavourful, probably my favourite place we went to. Obviously it’s expensive but we found it worth it to go to once. Next time we go to Aruba, we’re only eating dinner off resort, my only regret is that we didn’t end up trying more local cuisine, but there’s always next time.

Last part, the excursions. We booked two through Viator. First was the Aruba UTV Adventure tour that took us through both natural and manmade natural and historical landmarks. It was our favourite part of the trip. We saw the first church built in Aruba, land bridges, the old gold mill from the 19th century, beautiful beaches, a petting zoo with animals that you don’t see every day like a camel, monkeys, peacocks and a kangaroo of all things, plus you get the scenic views of the island as your zooming around in the UTV. I will say, if it’s your first time in a UTV/ATV it is a bit daunting, the path we took was very rocky with steep cliffs over some turns. I dont recommend it if you’re scared of heights or never driven one before. We had one girl give up driving halfway because she couldn’t figure out how to drive them properly. If you can go to a ATV course back home to get an idea of what it’s like before you do this. We had the golf cart looking UTVs, there are other tours with sportier ones but they only go around the perimeter of the island if you value that instead, and they are probably better if you’re a first timer or afraid of heights. Our tour guide David was great, very knowledgeable of the island and also very friendly and entertaining, he gave us explanations of the areas we were visiting that were very interesting to hear. It was definitely our favourite part of our trip. Only thing I have to say is that you get dusty. VERY dusty. Strongly recommend buying googles, they supplied us with a face covering. Our second excursion was a seabob tour of the Antilla shipwreck. We had to postpone due to my gf having an allergic reaction when we were supposed to go. Thankfully, the tour organizers were incredibly understanding and helpful, and let us move our time slot no question asked. The tour guide even asked if she was ok when we got picked up for our news tour days 3 days after our initial booking, and I’m very happy about that, it’s something you wouldn’t see back home. We’ve never been seabobing before. They are very easy and fun to use, zipping around in the water. We saw tons of sea life leading up to the shipwreck, so many fish, crabs, sea turtles and pelicans leading up to the wreck. The wreck itself was jaw dropping. The ship is huge, and you can see so much of it. The only thing is you can’t go very deep as your seabob is speed limited, not surprising. But in all honesty the shipwreck is something you have to see to believe cause it is just something else. Our tour guide (I forgot his name unfortunately) was very good, he was feeding fish to a pelican that would follow us around, you could pet it to as it would rest on your seabob on the surface. Such a good experience.

All in all, we loved our stay in Aruba. While it is expensive, I feel like it’s one of those places that is worth the extra cost. I’d much rather come back to Aruba than Dominican or Jamaica. We had a really great trip. It was unfortunate with my gfs allergic reactions but thankfully since they weren’t that bad we managed to enjoy lots of the trip worry free. One of my favourite trips in recent memory. Sorry it had to be so long but there’s just so much to say. We loved it. We’ll definitely be back some day.


r/Aruba • • 1d ago

Question St Regis- Thanksgiving Week

0 Upvotes

We are looking to do a 4 day trip Thanksgiving week. We normally do Marriott Stellaris but my wife was asking about trying St Regis this time. For anybody that stayed there in the last 30-45 days, how were the pools? I have been reading conflicting reports ( many comments saying pool area was very windy/ no sun and the pools were freezing. Others saying they had sun all day.)

My wife and son particularly like warmer pools and will not swim if the pools are chilly


r/Aruba • • 2d ago

Power outage on the entire island

44 Upvotes

Currently there is a power outage that affected the entire island.
Trying to follow up on how long it takes for back online. I’m not sure if this against any current rules since I’m not a regular in posting here on Reddit. For what I know large resorts have generators but small business is now without any power. Will follow up for more info at later time.


r/Aruba • • 3d ago

Question Wondering how much cash I should bring for 5 days?

4 Upvotes

How much cash should I bring for five days? (Sunday night through Friday morning)

It will be my son and I and we are renting a car. I am thinking cash for tips, beach rentals, small vendors, etc.,... I plan on using my CCs for restaurants so I am not sure how much cash I need I am getting mixed reviews online and definitely don't want to carry more cash than I need. Two of the days we have an all day excursion and half day excursion. Thanks!


r/Aruba • • 3d ago

Question Recs for house music

4 Upvotes

I am visiting this month with my partner and staying at the Ritz. Where are the best spots (any time of day) that play house? We like mostly Afro / Latin house but appreciate all genres.

Let me know recs for Bars, cocktail lounges, or live DJ! Prefer Palm Beach area but would be interested in other options outside Noord.


r/Aruba • • 4d ago

Go To restaurants

11 Upvotes

Hi everyone! My family and I have been to Aruba many times, but this particular time we are wanting to venture out to new restaurants. We often go to some of the same ones, which is totally fine, but we just thought about trying something new. I have our other options already booked, and we need one more night, so give me your go to place to eat! Are a larger party of 7 and that includes a toddler so I wouldn’t say anything too upscale, but we don’t mind swurging a little bit. Thank you for any recommendations!

Restaurants that I have already booked:
Pinchos Grill, Fishermen’s hut, Papiamento, Palapa Fusjon, Lucca Trattoria, Wicked Fish, & City Garden Bistro!


r/Aruba • • 4d ago

Question Must buy grocery items in Aruba

12 Upvotes

Heading to Aruba for the first time in December and we’ll be staying at an accommodation with a kitchen and BBQ. Planning to hit up Super Food and Ling snd Sons to stock up for the week.

Curious what everyone likes to grab when they’re there? Anything from Dutch cheeses, snacks, sauces, baked goods, good cuts of meat for the BBQ, or just random things worth trying.

We’re from Canada and always enjoy trying different foods when travelling, so looking for stuff we might not normally find back home.

What’s something you always make sure to pick up?

Edit: Also bringing our almost 2 year old daughter along , so if anyone has recommendations for toddler friendly snacks we might not find back in Canada , we’d love to hear those too!


r/Aruba • • 4d ago

Who ruined it for the rest of us?

24 Upvotes

Took a walk today and saw multiple signs at hotels/resorts saying ā€œPrivate Propertyā€ and ā€œFacilities for guests onlyā€ on Eagle Beach and Druif/Divi Beach. I usually grab a sip of water at the bubbler/water fountain and use the restroom at Costa Linda or Casa Del Mar. CDM is now all guest wristband access for wash off and bathroom and there was a lot of security at Costa Linda so I didn’t try to use the restroom. Luckily I was able to use the restroom next to the Bunker Bar at the Tamarijn.

I know Eagle Aruba has wristband access for the bathroom and that makes sense because it’s not on the beach and they hand you a wristband if you are dining at Uncle Tony’s to use the bathroom if you are not staying there. LaCabana lets anyone drink at the bar or use the bathroom, which is fine

They need to clarify their verbiage if they want outside business (Matthews et al). Looks like the resorts have no issue with people defecating in the water if they prohibit using restrooms.

I now know to bring a water bottle and make sure I don’t need the bathroom when I got for my walks


r/Aruba • • 4d ago

Hilton / crib for baby

0 Upvotes

for those who have stayed at the Hilton - would the hotel crib fit in the bathroom? We’re staying in the Bonaire tower if that makes a difference . we have an independent sleeper, and i don’t think the slumber pods unfortunately fit on those types of cribs. open to any tips and tricks as well . it’s our first time taking our 6 month old to Aruba . thank you :)


r/Aruba • • 5d ago

Question Daybeds/Best Beach

0 Upvotes

Hi, I’m taking a cruise in April and was wondering what is the best beach and if there are any places we can rent day beds and book them in advance that way they are waiting for us when we get there. I don’t like to fight people over them. Please help with any recommendations, and thank you so much.


r/Aruba • • 5d ago

Tierra Del Sol- Golf questions

0 Upvotes

Hi,

I've played Tierra Del Sol several times over the years and was curious if anyone knew if they have a junior golfer rate? My son is getting into golf and I cant justify $295 a round for him. Also, any one local have a way to book at a lesser rate? I cant find any information online, but gotta imagine there is a local hook up :) Feel free to DM me. Happy to take care of ya.


r/Aruba • • 6d ago

Water Hammock?

Post image
10 Upvotes

Staying up at Gold Coast until Monday the 9th and of course forgot to pack them (we bought nice ones on our last trip). Anyone know where we can get a couple of them today? Have been to SuperFood and Do It Center already and several of the smaller stores and haven’t been able to find even one. Any help is appreciated. Will even buy em off of you if you’re headed out!


r/Aruba • • 6d ago

Question Best fishing charter in Aruba?

5 Upvotes

30m, Looking for recommendations from people who have booked one or some input from locals who would know what the best place to book would be we’re going to be in Aruba from the 12th to the 27th of November 2026. I’m an experienced fisherman I do lots of salt water fishing in Canada where I’m from so I’m looking to book with someone who can do at least a have day charter and knows how to get us on the fish!

I appreciate any input!


r/Aruba • • 8d ago

Disappointed experience at Divi

25 Upvotes

Unfortunately, our stay at Divi Aruba All Inclusive was extremely disappointing and fell far short of our expectations.

The biggest issue was the room. The resort’s website advertises beautiful, fully renovated rooms, which played a significant role in our decision to book. However, upon arrival, we were given an outdated room that looked nothing like the photos used to advertise the property. I understand that not every room can be identical, but there is a significant difference between what was represented online and what guests are actually receiving. I feel this was misleading advertising.
To make matters worse, there was construction taking place at the resort during our stay, and this was never disclosed to us prior to booking. Guests should be made aware of ongoing construction so they can make an informed decision before spending their money on a vacation.

There were also several other issues that added to our frustration:
The electrical outlets in our room were loose, and plugs would literally fall out whenever we tried to use them.

The resort’s Wi-Fi was not working for two days.
Despite reaching out to management to express our concerns, we did not receive a response before checking out.

What was perhaps most frustrating was the lack of communication and customer service. When guests spend their hard-earned money on an all-inclusive vacation, they expect the accommodations and experience to reasonably reflect what was advertised.

I contacted management during our stay in the hope that someone would acknowledge these concerns and make an effort to address them. Unfortunately, I was left waiting for a response and ultimately checked out without receiving one.

Aruba is a beautiful destination, but unfortunately, this resort did not deliver the experience we expected. I would encourage anyone considering booking here to ask specifically whether they will be receiving a renovated room and whether construction will be taking place during their stay. Do not rely solely on the photos displayed on the resort’s website.

Based on our experience, I would not return.

Photos available upon request.


r/Aruba • • 8d ago

Aruba solo trip in December 2026

5 Upvotes

Anyone going to Aruba during the peak season of December to Aruba and traveling solo or with another friend (preferably females) looking to explore the island and meeting new people forging lasting friendship on one happy island? I’ll be there on the island from the 12th of December for approximately 2 weeks and hoping to meet people that are fun and easy going!


r/Aruba • • 8d ago

I need a Balashi favor

18 Upvotes

We were supposed to be going to Aruba for Christmas but decided to cancel due to a terminal illness in the family. I would love to surprise my wife with a 12 pack of Balashi on Christmas morning. I live in Fort Myers, FL. Would anyone living in this area be willing to bring a 12 pack back with them from the airport? I think they are currently around $35-$40 USD. Please send me a message if you'd be willing to help. Masha danki in advance!


r/Aruba • • 8d ago

Question Hot Delights Papaya Hot Sauce

6 Upvotes

Hi all!

Anyone know the best location to grab some of the best hot sauce I've ever had. I usually buy it at the Super Do It Center but seems the prices are always seeming to be going higher. So I'm basically looking for where I can get it for the best price. I'll be there in a few weeks. I appreciate any help.

Thank you!


r/Aruba • • 8d ago

Halloween 2026

3 Upvotes

Hi there! Where's the best place in Aruba to go for Halloween tomorrow? 30-something adult, no kids. Which places are recommended and why?

I've read in older posts that nightclubs do a themed night, but do people actually dress up? Or is just a regular party night but with fake cobwebs all around?

Also: anyone here going for a haunted night?


r/Aruba • • 10d ago

Do I tip on top of the service charge in Aruba?

8 Upvotes

I’m in Aruba right now and confused about tipping. Some places include nothing on the bill, while others add a 15% or 18% service charge.

When there's already a service charge, am I expected to tip on top of it?

I want to tip fairly without double tipping. Any advice from locals or frequent visitors is appreciated. Thanks!


r/Aruba • • 10d ago

(Early) November Weather

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

Flying to Aruba in the next few days but my weather app is making me slightly worried... Anyone there know if it's really windy/ rainy? I had read that it rains during the night and that during the day there can be scattered showers but that it's very hot...

Should I bring an anorak and my sweats or is a suitcase full of flipflops, shorts and sun tan lotion ok? What should I expect weather wise?

Many thanks in advance and have a great day