Is Aruba Safe For Visitors?

According to the United States Department of State, Aruba is a level-one country and is a very safe place for tourists and visitors.

This is the safest category of travel and means that you can exercise normal precautions when you travel to Aruba.

For travelers concerned about health risks, there is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for Aruba which details health notices and recommended vaccinations for travel. 

Due to Aruba’s tropical climate, the strong sun can pose a risk to your health.

The pleasant breeze that Aruba is known for can mask the strength of the sun.

Therefore, stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, which are 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., and don’t forget to wear sunscreen.

Since sunscreen is expensive in Aruba, bring your own biodegradable sunscreen from home. 

Another potential safety risk in Aruba is contracting tropical diseases from mosquito bites.

The best method to avoid infection is to wear mosquito repellant containing DEET and wear long clothes at dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active. 

Safety For Families And Solo Travelers

Aruba is safe for family and solo travel. As a solo traveler, it is particularly important to follow basic travel safety rules such as limiting a solo trip at night and not leaving valuable items unattended.

Don’t skimp on accommodation, because cheap accommodations may lack security or be located in isolated areas.

It is best to stay in one of the known tourist neighborhoods or in a gated community for enhanced safety measures.

There are many organized activity tours where you can join to meet other solo travelers such as snorkeling, UTV, and sightseeing.

Be sure to check online reviews to find reputable tour companies in Aruba.

When going out, it’s good practice to tell someone trustworthy where you’re going in case of an emergency. 

For family travel, there are many all-inclusive family resorts to choose from in Aruba. This option is the simplest because all transportation, food, and entertainment are arranged for you.

However, this can also be a costly option. If you feel comfortable renting a rental car, stay at a hotel or private home with a kitchen that will save you money on dining.

Aruba offers many family-friendly activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and swimming.

There are also great road trip destinations such as the Butterfly Farm, Donkey Sanctuary, and Archeological Museum. 

How About Safety At Night?

Aruba is generally safe at night. Other than San Nicholas (Sint Nicolaas), most other parts of this happy island are safe to explore after dark.

However, it’s still essential to exercise caution, particularly at night and in less populated areas.

Travelers should avoid walking alone in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas and consider using reputable transportation services, especially late at night. 

Uber is not allowed in Aruba. At night, opt for a taxi, but only ride in a taxi with an active permit.

You can easily spot a taxi with an active permit: the license plate will have the letters TX on it.

Taxis in Aruba do not have a meter; rates are fixed and should be checked in advance. 

If you are dissatisfied with your taxi experience for safety or other concerns, call or WhatsApp +297-594-8660 between 8am and 9pm.

Which Parts Of Aruba Are Safe Or Risky?

Most of Aruba is considered safe for travel. The main tourist areas of Oranjestad, Eagle Beach, and Palm Beach are safe to explore.

Local police regularly patrol tourist areas and provide reliable levels of protection.

Corruption does exist, but at much lower levels than found in other Caribbean islands, or locations such as Mexico and Central America.

Most of the island’s tourist destinations occupy areas safe for travel.

San Nicholas (Sint Nicolaas), the island’s second-largest city and one located at the southern tip of Aruba is the only portion of the island that requires a higher degree of vigilance for most tourists.

Bars, nightlife, and a red-light district may attract unfriendly attention to some visitors traveling through the area. Prostitution, legal on the island, is more common there.

With Aruba’s drinking age of 18, underage drinking is still possible. The bars there sometimes attract younger tourists who may let down their guard. 

Tourist destinations in San Nicholas, such as Baby Beach, are usually safe during daylight hours. However, drug use and incidents of theft tend to be more common there.

Therefore, as long as you avoid San Nicholas at night, petty crime is very unlikely.

If you must visit San Nicholas at night, do not go out alone, remain vigilant, and stay in well-lit areas. 

Is Aruba’s Crime Rate High?

Aruba has a relatively low crime rate as compared to other Caribbean countries.

Violent crimes are rare, but one of the most common crimes is petty theft such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is possible in Aruba.

Residential break-ins and theft from vehicles, hotel rooms, and rental units also occasionally take place.

Crime typically increases during annual celebrations such as Carnival, which takes place from January to March.

Take the following precautions to prevent the likelihood of petty crime: 

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

• Never leave valuables such as jewelry, cell phones, electronics, wallets, or bags unattended on the beach or in your vehicle

• Avoid unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches after dark 

• Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe

Is It Safe To Travel To Aruba?

According to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), it is safe to travel to Aruba for U.S. citizens who exercise normal precautions. 

US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country.

A visa is not required to enter Aruba. However, an Embarkation/ Disembarkation card must be filled out up to 72 hours before arrival to Aruba. 

Aruba has US preclearance, so you go through passport control in Aruba at the U.S. Customs & Border Protection facility.

After checking in at the airport in Aruba, pick up your luggage and go to the U.S. Customs & Border Protection facility.

A uniformed U.S. Customs and Border Protection official will then run a computer check and take your Customs Declaration form.

Once the official clears you to pass through, place your baggage on a conveyor that gets it onto your plane.

You then clear security, and walk to your gate. You arrive back in the United States as a domestic passenger and walk off the flight as if you were arriving from any point in the U.S. 

Since Global Entry is honored at the Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba, travel back from Aruba to the United States for Global Entry holders is even faster.

The simple process of travel to Aruba from the United States makes it a safe and ideal destination for travel. 

Is Aruba Swimmable?

Aruba is a desert island surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, which makes the island an ideal destination for swimming.

Aruba is one of the Leeward Antilles Islands located in the Southern Caribbean Sea.

The island is located about 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela and is part of the “ABC” island group which includes Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. 

Caribbean Sea temperatures in Aruba are pleasant and warm, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 24°C to 29°C) throughout the year.

These temperatures make it ideal for swimming, diving, and other water activities.

Aruba has a tropical climate and enjoys a constant gentle breeze, which helps keep the heat bearable.

Rainfall is minimal, with the majority of it occurring in short, sporadic showers, mainly between October and January.

Aruba lies outside of the main hurricane belt, so it is less prone to hurricanes compared to some other Caribbean islands.

Therefore, the climate and water temperatures make Aruba perfect for swimming at any time of year. 

Is Aruba Expensive?

Aruba can be more expensive than some Caribbean destinations. Like other Caribbean islands, most produce, food, and other goods are imported from elsewhere and hotel rooms come at a premium.

It is difficult to find decent hotel rooms for under $200 per night, but you can offset accommodation costs by buying food at local supermarkets for breakfast and lunch.

Aruba has its own currency, the florin, but you can pay in U.S. dollars to most vendors.

The current exchange rate in 2024 is $1 = 1.80 Aruba Florin, but fluctuates at times. 

To make your trip to Aruba less expensive, book travel during off season from April through October.

To save money on airfare, fly a midweek round trip, such as Tuesday to Tuesday.

While traveling within Aruba, it is affordable and safe to use public transportation.

Spend less money on drinks by packing a refillable water bottle since tap water is safe to drink in Aruba. 

Why Is Aruba So Popular?

Aruba is a popular travel destination because it is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean.

Its geographic location outside the hurricane belt makes the weather a good idea to travel year-round. 

Aruba boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean with white powdery sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. 

Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are particularly famous for their beauty. The island offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kiteboarding, sailing, and deep-sea fishing.

Its unique geography includes both stunning underwater landscapes and rugged desert terrain for exploration.

Aruba is relatively easy to navigate, with English widely spoken and the U.S. dollar widely accepted.

Aruba offers duty-free shopping, particularly in Oranjestad, its capital city.

Visitors can find a variety of goods including jewelry, electronics, and designer clothing at competitive prices.

Arubans are known for their friendliness and hospitality towards tourists, contributing to the overall positive experience of visitors to the island.

Aruba also has a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and casinos offering entertainment into the late hours.

Aruba Safety Tips

Follow these 8 Aruba safety tips and detailed information you need to prevent becoming a victim of petty crime:

✓ Stay Alert: be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded public places, tourist areas, beaches, and shopping districts.

✓ Secure Your Belongings: Keep your belongings secure at all times. Use a money belt or secure pouch to carry valuables such as cash, passports, and electronics.

Avoid leaving belongings unattended on beaches or in rental cars.

✓ Avoid Flashy Displays of Wealth: Try not to draw unnecessary attention to yourself by displaying expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics.

Keep valuables concealed and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

✓ Use Safe Transportation: Stick to licensed taxis or reputable transportation services when traveling around the island for easy access, especially at night.

✓ Stay in Well-Lit Areas: When walking around after dark, stick to well-lit streets and avoid secluded or poorly lit areas.

Travel in groups whenever possible, as there is safety in numbers.

✓ Lock Doors and Windows: Ensure that doors and windows in your accommodation are securely locked, especially when you’re not present.

Use hotel room safes to store valuables when they’re not in use.

✓ Be Cautious With Personal Information: Be cautious when sharing personal information with strangers, especially in tourist areas.

Avoid disclosing details about your accommodation, travel plans, or financial information.

✓ Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or suspicious, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.

Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from local authorities or trusted individuals if you feel unsafe.

Anyone who is a victim of a crime should make a report to Aruban police, as well as report it immediately to the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao.

Do not rely on hotel/restaurant/tour company management to make the report for you.

Safe Places To Stay In Aruba

The safest places to stay in Aruba are the main tourist areas of Oranjestad and Noord.

The popular area of Eagle Beach is located in Oranjestad, and Palm Beach is located in Noord.

Here are some of the safe areas and great places to stay in Aruba!

1. Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort

⭐️ Rating: 8.7/10     📌 Location: Smith Boulevard, Oranjestad, Aruba   Check Rates Here

This upscale resort features two distinct properties, the Renaissance Marina Hotel, and the Renaissance Ocean Suites, both offering luxurious accommodations, a private small island, and access to the only private beach in Oranjestad.

2. Divi Aruba All Inclusive

⭐️ Rating: 8.5/10     📌 Location: Palm Eagle Beach, Aruba   Check Rates Here

Located on Palm Beach, this beachfront resort offers modern accommodations with stunning ocean views, multiple swimming pools, and access to a pristine beach.

3. The Ritz Carlton

⭐️ Rating: 8.8/10   📌 Location: Av. Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba  Check Rates Here

Situated in Palm Beach, this luxury resort offers elegant rooms and suites, multiple swimming pools, a full-service spa, and several dining options which is a popular place for relaxation.

4. Ocean Z Boutique Hotel

⭐️ Rating: 8.6/10   📌 Location: Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba  Check Rates Here

This charming and intimate boutique hotel features a small number of contemporary guest rooms with a swimming pool, beachfront dining options, and concierge services. 

5. Swiss Paradise Aruba

⭐️ Rating: 9.6/10   📌 Location: Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba  Check Rates Here

This cozy boutique hotel nestled amidst tropical gardens in Noord, Aruba, offers guests a tranquil and intimate retreat with Swiss-inspired architecture and personalized service.

 Is Aruba Safe? Final Thoughts

As you can see, Aruba’s reputation as one of the safest Caribbean destinations is well deserved.

With that said, it is always wise for visitors to remain aware of their surroundings and take standard travel precautions to ensure their trip is as secure and enjoyable as possible.

Safe Aruba travels!

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