Solo Travel in Aruba

Types of Girl about the Globe – Beach GatG, Cuisine GatG, Golf GatG, Nature GatG

If you are planning to solo travel Aruba, below is our guide on how to plan a solo trip to Aruba including where to stay, things to see and do in Aruba and how to get around. Find out how to get from the airports and what to do in each place.

All companies included have been recommended by solo female travellers from our solo community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article.

* Before you plan your solo travel to Aruba, check what paperwork or visas are required for Aruba. 

N.b. By booking through this page for your Aruba solo travel, you are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable girls about the globe. Thanks for helping.

Contents

• About Aruba
• Aruba Tours
• Accommodation in Aruba
• Getting Around Aruba
• From The Airport
• How Long Do You Need?
• FAQs
• Plan a Trip To Aruba
• Map of Aruba

Solo Travel in Aruba

Is Aruba safe to travel alone? Aruba is one of the safest Caribbean islands and travelling solo in Aruba is so easy for women. That's why I've given it 4 out of 5 stars. Not only is the country open-minded and extremely tolerant but they are also very supportive of women.

They have dedicated events for ladies including golf lessons and wine seminars and even going out alone at night is perfectly safe here with dinner shows, bars, live music, party cruises and party buses. I travelled here solo and never felt unsafe. Other solo travellers have reported that that bartenders ask if they are alone and received some catcalls so each person's experience may be different. In my opinion, you will never be alone here unless you really want to be of course.

About Aruba

Aruba is by far one of our favourite Caribbean islands because it truly has everything that you need. There are so many reasons that it’s one of the most popular countries and attracts many visitors from Europe and the U.S. Although Aruba still has ties with the Netherlands, it remains its own country and is culturally diverse with 96 different nationalities.

Its vegetation isn’t what you would expect from the Caribbean although it still has miles of pristine white sand, it also has rolling landscapes and a rugged coastline. Being so close to the Equator means that Aruba is always hot with constant trade winds which create a year-round breeze.

Most of the population is multilingual and you’ll find a Latin American flair and warm hospitality in Aruba. Backpacking here isn't that common but you can still meet others. What is there to do in Aruba for solo females? Lots! We've included our favourite areas and the best things to do in Aruba below.

* Click here to discover all activities and top things to do in Aruba

Oranjestad is the capital and this is the best place for shopping in Aruba. You'll find restaurants, casinos, trendy clubs, and glittering shows. The downtown is cute with colourful buildings and a free tram that takes you around.

Things to do in Oranjestad are mooching around art galleries with Aruban crafts and local musicians playing at night. It’s a sociable area to meet others with evening entertainment which draws crowds to the area at night.

Take a tour of the Balashi Brewery – Aruba’s national beer or the Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum. For museum buffs visit the Historical Museum or the Archaeological Museum showing the cultural and religious practices of the Amerindians.

Aruba has some of the best shopping in the Caribbean with high-end international labels and locally handcrafted gifts. Most of the malls have restaurants and bars too so you can spend hours in one. But shops aren’t open past 6 pm here so keep your splurging to the daylight hours.

If you’re an adventurous solo there are plenty of Aruba attractions to keep you busy, whether you want to jump behind the wheel of an ATV and drive along the rugged coastline or get flung around in a giant yellow jeep (one of the fun things to do in Aruba and definitely recommended).

Aruba is the perfect Caribbean island to keep your inner child entertained, and any activity you can think of here you can do. From horse riding to just watching a sunset on top of a hill, Aruba has many rugged trails to hike. Hooiberg is one of Aruba’s highest peaks with 500 steps to climb.

Arikok National Park covers nearly one-fifth of the island and is an Aruba must see for the wildlife Girl about the Globe. The area is just so spectacular with different landscapes such as limestone cliffs and sand dunes. This is where you'll find donkeys, goats, lizards and local rattlesnakes amongst the many cactus plants. Explore the cave systems to see protected bats as well as drawings by the Amerindians, that are thought to be more than 1000 years old. 

For wildlife lovers traveling in Aruba, head to the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba which has more than 138 endangered donkeys. You can feed them and even adopt one! Then cruise onto the Ostrich Farm to feed one of these huge birds. If you prefer to see birds in the wild, Bubali Bird Sanctuary is a freshwater lagoon and nesting site or visit the Butterfly Farm instead.

Aruba has a lot of history such as the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, an abandoned gold mill from the 19th-century gold rush. Then there’s Frenchman’s Pass with the legend of a ghostly Indian tribe, from the invasion by French pirates in the seventeenth century.

Alto Vista Chapel is a bright yellow chapel built in 1750 and the island’s first Roman Catholic Church or visit Santa Ana Church constructed in 1776 with a Neo-Gothic altar.

There is so much nature here too. One of Aruba’s biggest highlights is the Baby Natural Bridge, or explore the Triplet Natural Bridge as you drive past the biggest rock formations on the island. Watch the sunrise on the north of the island sits the California Lighthouse named after an American steamship which was shipwrecked off the shore in the 1800s.

You simply can’t come to Aruba and not experience an Aruba beach. The beaches here are free and the seven-mile strip along the west coast is busy with resorts and more Aruba activities than you’ll have time to do. For more secluded beaches head to the Windward Coast to see the limestone coves and craggy terrain, but with strong undercurrents, it’s not advised to swim here.

Boca Prins is on the northeast coast and is a great spot to sunbathe, or there's Eagle Beach Aruba in Oranjestad with its wide public beach. Enjoy some rays at Manchebo Beach; a private beach or windsurf and kitesurf on Hadicurari Beach.

Some of them are only accessible on a 4×4 such as Andy Curry Beach (yes it really is called that) so you’ll have to take a tour to reach them. Baby Beach is one of the snorkel spots and is a shallow cove protected by a natural barrier. Or just watch local fishermen anchor their colourful boats at Rodgers Beach.

The visibility in the sea here is so clear that you don’t even need to snorkel but if you do you could power snorkel or try Snuba; a cross between diving and snorkelling (a must do in Aruba if you've never tried it before), or even Sea Trek in a diving helmet on a 375-foot walkway.

In fact, there are so many ways to explore the sea here that you won’t know which one to pick. Head to the west or east side of the island to find the best beach in Aruba for snorkeling.

Then there’s the decision between the water sports activities above the water too: sailing, JetLev, parasailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, birding, skydiving and SUP yoga on a stand-up paddle board.

Or if getting wet isn’t really your style, how about getting an underwater view in a semi-submarine instead. At night a sunset sail on a catamaran with an open bar is a great way to see the coastline and meet others. For the big kids in us, catch the bus to De Palm Island – one of the top attractions in Aruba but be prepared to be sharing the island with families.

Being solo in Aruba in the evenings is no problem either. With the island being so safe, there’s no need to worry about going out alone and Aruba nightlife is geared up for solos. Choose to mingle with the other tourists in bars such as Senor Frogs or Gusto or just wander along the casual beach bars at Oranjestad.

You’ll soon get to know the people and bartenders. You’re guaranteed to find a happy hour somewhere, a cocktail party or a sunset cruise. There are plenty of casinos if you fancy a flutter and at Alhambra Casino, they even teach you how to play.

Or just choose to watch the colourful fountain lights at Paseo Herencia or one of the themed performances held at the amphitheatre. On a Thursday, head to the Carubians Festivals for a steel band performance.

I hope that this guide has helped you discover the best thing to do in Aruba for any type of Aruba sightseeing. Travel to Aruba for great service, outstanding cuisine and some of the happiest people in the Caribbean. Plus you may pick up a few phrases of Papiamento whilst you’re here. It’s not called One Happy Island for nothing. Bom Bini to Aruba…

Aruba Tips

Aruba is on the itinerary of most cruise lines in the Caribbean so expect more tourists if you visit between October to April.

Be careful of crashing waves on the Windward Side of the island if you are planning any water activities in Aruba.

Aruba Tours

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and day tours in worldwide destinations including Aruba. Choose from a natural pool ATV tour quad biking around the island, an afternoon sailing trip with snorkelling and an open bar, an Aruba sunset cruise, or an Arikok National Park and beach horse riding private tour.

There are many Aruba excursions to choose from including Aruba jeep tours and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online.

* Check all tours, prices and availability for Get Your Guide Aruba tours

Viator Aruba – Viator is another platform that offers things to see in Aruba and the best places to go in Aruba on a group day tour. Choose from an island ultimate jeep safari, an Aruba champagne breakfast and lunch cruise with snorkelling, an Aruba half day island tour and many others whether you prefer land or sea.

There is also a dinner and nightlife tour where you visit 3 local bars and enjoy a starlight dinner; great for solos to meet others!

* Check all tours, prices and availability for Viator Aruba tours

Accommodation in Aruba

There are plenty of places to stay in Aruba solo. If you’re travelling on a budget and backpacking Aruba, choose a self-catering apartment where you can cook your own meals or stay in Monserat, a more local area which won’t cost you as much as the beach hotels. 

For a stay in Aruba you’ll probably want to be on the beach but if you prefer to be in Oranjestad to wander around the capital city (it’s not that big), Wonders Boutique Hotel is a good 3-star option for solos. Palm Beach is one of the best beaches in Aruba and one of the best places to stay if you want to be near the ocean. The beachfront is lined with luxury and all-inclusive Aruba hotels.

Plus there’s Airbnb which offers rooms in Aruba with local and rental accommodation on a short-term basis. You can stay in a private room in a local's house or rent their whole apartment. 

All of the accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. For all other accommodations in Aruba whatever your budget, click on the link below.

* To book, check prices or availability for all accommodation in Aruba

The Palm Leaf Apartments

Located in Noord, these stylish apartments come with a comfortable bed, an equipped kitchen, a living room and a patio and have everything you need for a stay in Aruba. The hosts are really helpful and can help with anything you may need. If you’re looking for a clean, quiet, private place to stay, these modern apartments are a great choice. Palm-Eagle Beach is approx 2.5 miles from the apartments so you may want to hire a car if you stay here (or take taxis to the beach which can be a more expensive option).

• Prices from £84 / $119 USD per night for a one-bedroom apartment
• To book, check prices or availability for The Palm Leaf Apartments 

Divi Phoenix Beach Resort

The Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach is perfect for solo females and gives you the space for as much or as little privacy as you need from a resort. Situated in Palm Beach, one of the island's sandy beaches, there are plenty of sun beds and thatched-roof cabanas to soak up some rays before taking a dip in the clearest of seas. The rooms range from studio suites to a three-bedroom penthouse suite all with a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and coffeemaker and a flat-screen TV and DVD player. There’s a spa for some pampering and a choice of Divi Phoenix restaurants to dine in, and the staff are really friendly and introduce themselves to you with their name. Read my full review here. 

• Prices from £214 / $303 USD per night for a studio suite
• To book, check prices or availability for Divi Phoenix Beach Resort

Renaissance Island Aruba Resort

If you prefer to stay on a private island, choose Renaissance Island Aruba Resort and Casino. This 40-acre island has Aruba's only private beaches and is reachable from Oranjestad. Hike the nature trail and see flamingos at the famous Flamingo Beach, swim in one of the three pools, or scuba or kayak. There are many places to eat on the island and an adult side so you can avoid the family side as a solo. It isn’t cheap but if you are a flamingo lover, this is a must see in Aruba. The resort has a minimum of 2 nights stay.

• Prices from £476 / $674 USD for 2 nights for a resort room with a king bed
• To book, check prices or availability for Renaissance Island Aruba Resort

Getting Around Aruba

To take a taxi in Aruba, you need to call ahead instead of trying one flag down on the road. Taxis here don’t have metres and you pay a fixed rate based on distance. On Sundays, holidays and also between 23:00 and 7:00 am each day Aruba taxi rates have a U.S. $3 surcharge.

Getting around Aruba without a car does limit being able to see all of the island. Aruba public transportation includes the Aruba bus service that runs daily between some of the hotel areas and larger districts. You’ll find the main bus station in downtown Oranjestad.

You can also buy day passes: for U.S. $10 for unlimited transportation on the Arubus routes across the island. De Palm Tours can also arrange chartered transport for you. Check the Aruba bus map and schedule here.

When you're traveling to Aruba alone, car rentals are easy to organise and you don’t even have to fill up the tank. Just pull into a petrol station and an attendant will fill it up for you. You do need to be 25 years old for car rental Aruba and if you are looking to explore the north coast then you'll need an off-road vehicle.

Getting around in Aruba is easier with a car as you have the freedom to stop where you like. The island is easy to drive around too. You can pick up vacation rentals from the airport when you arrive and drop it off before you fly home. * Check prices for all rentals Aruba here 

From The Airport

There is a bus which calls at the airport (except on Sundays) and costs $3 for the 15-minute ride to Oranjestad but a taxi is a much easier way to get from the airport. An Aruba taxi will cost approx US $30 to the Eagle Beach hotels which is a 15-minute drive and less if you are staying in the Oranjestad area ($20).

If you pay for a taxi you are only allowed one piece of luggage and will be charged U.S. $2 for any additional luggage. Hoppa is a service that offers Aruba airport transportation so you have someone waiting for you when you arrive. They arrange Aruba transportation from airport to hotels or into the city. You can pre-book here. 

How Long Do You Need?

When you're traveling to Aruba, you'll need at least a week whether you want to just lounge around and de-stress or experience all the activities that the country has to offer.

Where can I go from here? You can travel from Aruba to these destinations. The timings are based on how long it takes to fly there.

• Curacao – 40 mins
• Bonaire – 45 mins
• Colombia – 1 hr 50 mins

FAQs

• Can I drink the water? Aruba has the world’s second-largest seawater desalination plant so yes you can definitely drink the tap water here.
• Is tipping expected? A tip is not expected but 15% is well received. A tip is shared between servers and the kitchen staff.
• Fixed price or barter? Fixed Price.
• Any ATMs? Yes, lots and some in the hotels too.
• Which side of the road do they drive? The right-hand side.
• Good for vegetarians? Yes, and there are a few vegetarian restaurants.
• Any seven wonders of the world? No.
• Is Aruba safe for solo travel? Yes, it is one of the safest Caribbean islands for women that's why I recommend solo travel in Aruba.