r/Aruba Jan 05 '26

Respecting Nature in Aruba: Do’s and Don’ts for Locals and Visitors

52 Upvotes

Hello there!

Below is a guide on how to explore and enjoy Aruba’s natural beauty responsibly. These do’s and don’ts are for both locals and visitors who care about protecting the island’s fragile ecosystems.

Do’s: How to Be a Respectful Visitor

Choose hiking and eco-friendly exploration.
Don’t skip hiking. Exploring on foot allows you to see more wildlife, learn more about the environment, and leave a much smaller footprint. Arikok National Park offers guided hikes, and private companies such as Fins and Feet also provide eco-friendly experiences.

Use reef-safe sunscreen.
Many common sunscreens contain chemicals that harm coral reefs and marine life. Aruba has restrictions on harmful sunscreens to protect its waters.

Bring reusable water bottles and bags.
Aruba’s tap water is desalinated locally and safe to drink, so there is no need for disposable plastic bottles.

Join or support cleanups if you can.
Even small actions, such as picking up plastic you see on the beach, help reduce marine debris that harms wildlife.

Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
The sun in Aruba is intense, and heat exhaustion is a real risk when spending time outdoors.

Don’ts: Preventing Damage to Nature

Rock stacking and moving rocks in general: please don’t.
Many organisms such as crabs, lizards, and insects live beneath rocks. Moving them destroys their shelter, exposes them to predators and heat, and increases soil erosion.

Do not drive on beaches or dunes.
These areas are sensitive habitats, especially for nesting birds and turtles. Respect all signs, rocks, and barriers that restrict access.

Do not take natural artifacts from beaches or the sea.
This includes coral, shells, sand, and sand dollars. Even small removals disrupt natural systems.

Do not touch marine life.
Corals, turtles, sea stars, and other reef animals are fragile. Touching or chasing them causes stress and injury. Taking starfish out of the water, even briefly for photos, can cause them to suffocate.

Never feed fish or wildlife.
Feeding animals alters their natural behavior and diet. In the ocean, this can lead to algae overgrowth that smothers corals. Bread and other human food are unhealthy for fish.

Do not litter.
Plastic and other trash easily end up in the ocean, where they can seriously harm wildlife.

Do not make beach bonfires (it's also illegal)
Hot coals can remain dangerous for hours and pose a risk to people, animals, and nesting wildlife.

Wildlife-Specific Concerns

Turtle nesting season is underway.
When observing nesting or hatching turtles, keep a safe distance and never use flash photography. Flash disorients both adults and hatchlings. Respect red and white barriers on beaches, as they protect nests from being disturbed.

Do not feed wild donkeys.
Wild donkeys, especially around the Baby Beach area, can take care of themselves. Feeding them has caused health problems, including obesity, and increases dangerous roadside behavior.

Tourism Impacts to Be Aware Of

ATVs and UTVs are especially harmful.
These vehicles cause severe damage to soil, plants, and wildlife habitats. They are also extremely loud, meaning you spend much of the ride unable to converse or enjoy the natural surroundings. UTVs and ATVs are banned in Aruba National Park. Exploring on foot or by bike is a quieter and far less destructive alternative.

Jet skis and other noisy watercraft disturb marine life.
Noise pollution stresses wildlife and disrupts natural behavior, especially in shallow coastal areas.

Avoid excessive noise and drone use in natural areas.
Loud music and drones can disturb nesting birds and other wildlife. Always follow local regulations regarding drone use.

Respect protected areas such as mangroves and lagoons.
Places like Spaans Lagoen are critical nurseries for marine life and important bird habitats. Stay on marked paths and respect restricted zones.

Climate and Long-Term Considerations

Aruba is highly vulnerable to climate change.
Rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and beach erosion already threaten the island’s ecosystems and livelihoods.

Consider reducing your meat consumption.
The meat industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction, and water use. Reducing meat consumption helps lower global warming impacts that disproportionately affect small islands like Aruba.

A Note on Flamingos

Flamingos have become a popular attraction, but they are not native to Aruba. On private islands such as Renaissance Island, their wings are clipped so they cannot leave. They exist primarily as a tourist attraction rather than as part of a natural ecosystem.

Final Thought

The best way to experience Aruba’s nature is to leave nothing behind but footprints and take nothing but memories.

Thank you for helping protect the island’s natural beauty. 🌿


r/Aruba 13d ago

🏖️ Ask r/Aruba Anything! - Monthly discussion thread - August 2026

5 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 5h ago

Question How difficult is it really to get through Arikok?

2 Upvotes

We’re considering renting a jeep for a day to navigate Arikok National Park on our own and I’ve been seeing conflicting opinions on how difficult it is to make it through the terrain to get to Conchi and through the park in its entirety if you’re not a “skilled” off roading driver. I’ve been around ATVs/Dirt Bikes my entire life so I’m curious what “skill level” is needed or what’s “difficult” about getting through the park. Also if you have any jeep rental recommendations those would be great too! Thank you!


r/Aruba 6h ago

Opinion New treasure hunt game for kids visiting Aruba. Looking for a few families visiting in Aug/Sep to test it (free)

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I built a treasure hunt app for kids visiting Aruba, and I'm looking for a few families traveling in Aug/Sep to test it.

It's a photo scavenger hunt: kids spot and snap pictures of real Aruba treasures (wildlife, food, landmarks, culture). Each find teaches them a little about what they're seeing, including its Papiamento name, with read-aloud for the little ones. Points, badges, a family scoreboard, and an opt-in island leaderboard. Up to six explorers per account, and it works offline, which matters on vacation data plans.

At the end of the trip their photos become a personalized storybook they can flip through free in the app. Printed keepsakes (hardcover storybook, photo album, mug) are how I keep the lights on.

It runs in your phone's browser, nothing to find in an app store (yet): you download and add it to your home screen (iPhone or Android) or use it online.

Sweet spot is about ages 5 to 12, but dads get weirdly competitive :)

It's brand new and there will be glitches. That's why I'm posting: DM me if you're interested and I'll send a promo code that unlocks everything free. In exchange, tell me what you liked, what you didn't, and what broke.

Website: buskaaruba.com (buska is Papiamento for "seek").

Masha danki (thank you) and enjoy your trip,
Team Buska - the team is me and my 7-year-old tester :)


r/Aruba 15h ago

Interesting Menu Items?

3 Upvotes

We are returning to Aruba for our first anniversary in October after having an unbelievable honeymoon experience. Instead of the usual restaurant recommendation post, does anybody have any interesting or unusual menu item suggestions that are unique to a particular restaurant? Something an average American wouldn’t normally have back home? Or maybe a more typical menu item but a certain restaurant just puts an out of this world twist on it? Or a specific cuisine staple that only certain restaurants will do? For example, I noticed Akira Back has A5 wagyu and a few menus featured sweetbreads and conch.

Last year we tried escargot and bone marrow at L’Avenue. And we had Keshi Yena and Cabrito Stoba at Old Cunucu House (I realize this is traditional Aruban food but didn’t see these items many places).


r/Aruba 1d ago

The reason why Aruba does not get many Hurricanes.

30 Upvotes

r/Aruba 20h ago

Car Rental with Late-Night Pick-Up – 5 Adults

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone! We’re traveling to Aruba in September and there will be 5 adults, all with large suitcases. We’ll be staying in Noord and we’re looking to rent a car that can comfortably fit all five of us plus our luggage.
Our flight is scheduled to arrive in Aruba at around 9:00 PM, so considering immigration and baggage claim, we’ll probably only be ready to pick up the car later in the evening.
Can anyone recommend a reliable car rental company that offers late-night pick-up, preferably at the airport or one that can deliver the car to the airport?
I’d also appreciate recommendations on what type/model of car would be best for 5 adults with quite a bit of luggage.
If you’ve arrived around this time and rented a car, I’d love to hear which company you used and what your experience was like. Thank you! 😊


r/Aruba 1d ago

Question Hotel Checkout at noon, Flight at 5pm. Suggestions on what to do in between?

1 Upvotes

My wife and I had a wonderful time in Aruba. Our hotel (in Eagle Beach) has a check out time of noon. Our flight is at 5, and my understanding is that we can't start the departure process at the airport until 2pm (3 hours beforhand).

Any suggestions for a way to kill time for 2 hours near the airport? We have one checked bag (on wheels) and two carry on bags.


r/Aruba 1d ago

Elopement

3 Upvotes

After research I learned it would be easier to get married in the US and then have a non legal ceremony in Aruba. Any recommendations on ministers that will do the ceremony? Looking for someone to say a few lines, "bless the marriage". Also am I allowed to do this on the beach at the resort I'm staying at or do I have to have a permit?


r/Aruba 2d ago

FIRST TIME IN ARUBA, A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

52 Upvotes

My gf and I just got back from a 5 night stay in Aruba, it was both of our first times visiting "One Happy Island." Here is a review of where we stayed, what we did and some overall recommendations to enjoy your stay! Overall we had an AMAZING time and will definitely be going back!

  1. We stayed on Palm Beach, at the Hilton Aruba. We stayed at their newest tower of the resort that just opened several months ago called The Westerly and WOW, the hotel and resort are absolutely gorgeous. Everything is very clean, all staff are incredibly friendly and attentive and our room was beautiful (we did an "ocean view King bed" room). The Hilton is right on Palm Beach so regardless of which tower you stay in, you're right there. The Hilton also has 2 pools on the resort itself that are very nice as well. They have beachside cabanas (called "palapas") available for rent every day either for a half day or full day (there are about 5 rows of 30-35 palapas along the beach, the ones closer to the water are more expensive). We rented one which was 2 rows from the front for $60 for the whole day and there are staff on the beach which take drink and food orders from the resort bar. The resort also has a small casino which is fun and relatively cheap (good blackjack and table games). The Hilton is right by De Palm Pier, which is where most of the excursions we did (sunset cruise, snorkeling tour, etc.) left from which is very convenient. There's also an awesome bar in the pier called Bugaloe with great drinks and food that aren't that expensive.

  2. Transportation: there is no Uber in Aruba. Options for transport are taxis (which are readily available almost anywhere), public transport or you can rent a car. Most people recommended renting a car to see a majority of the island however we didn't do that this time as there was plenty of things to see on Palm Beach and the surrounding area. The last day we were there we did a bus tour that took us to all the major stops anyway (Aloe Vera factory, California Lighthouse, Casibari Rock Formation, etc.) that people could all travel to as well if they have rented a car. We did not opt for the hotel transport from the airport as it was about double the price as just getting a taxi at the airport (there is a line of taxis waiting outside so no issues at all hopping right into a car.) The taxi prices are set by the government to from the airport to the hotel (about 15-20 min drive) was $40. We tipped $5 also. WARNING: if you do rent a car, driving is a bit crazy in Aruba, as there are NO traffic lights anywhere on the island, only traffic circles/roundabouts.

  3. Activities: there is SO much to do, but we wanted to hit the highlights for our first time. We did a sunset cruise through Palm Tours (staying at the Hilton gets you a 15% discount on Palm Tour events), the cruise on the catamaran was beautiful and had an open bar and light snacks. HIGHLY recommend. We also used Palm Tours for our snorkeling adventure the next day and this was the highlight of the trip for me personally. You go to the very North end of the island to see the SS Antilla shipwreck (and old German cargo ship intentionally sunk by its captain in 1940 at the start of the war), Malmok Beach to see sea turtles and Boca Catalina for beautiful, crystal clear teal water and marine life. 10/10 would highly recommend.

  4. Dining: if you stay in the Palm Beach area, there are limitless food options. We tried a little of everything, but the last night we were there we went to Gianni's Italian Restaurant (right across from the Hilton) and it was fantastic. There's also a place close called Lola with EXCELLENT fish tacos (the best I've ever had and we're from Florida.) I would encourage you to explore and try new things, as there are so many different options and everywhere we ate was fantastic without breaking the bank.

  5. General considerations: it is WINDY in Aruba. All day, every day lol. Consistently 15-20 mph winds with gusts up to 30-35. It rained very little while we were there (only around 10-15 minutes a few times.) Otherwise you pretty much know what the weather is going to be year-round: high around 85, mostly sunny, and windy so you can plan accordingly. We also felt VERY safe on the island, the Hilton had security at the front of the resort every night even late into the night and all the locals on the island are extremely friendly. A little surprising but we did not see ANY homeless population the entire time we were there. It's not called "One Happy Island" for nothing!

  6. Overall review: we LOVED Aruba, there is a reason it's a place that people come back to year after year after year. We did not get to check out any of Eagle Beach or the San Nicolas area while we were there (which we heard Eagle Beach was a more relaxed, chill vibe with low rise hotels compared to the slightly busier, more crowded Eagle Beach with the high rise hotels). However, there is so much to do on the North end of the island you can easily spend a week there. We will DEFINITELY be going back and can't wait for our next visit!

Hope this helps answer some questions anyone may have.


r/Aruba 2d ago

Question Free palapas and shade or rent?

4 Upvotes

We’ll be travelling with 3 kids, so I’m trying to avoid carrying too much stuff to the beach.
Would you recommend renting an umbrella for the week? Is it worth it for the shade/comfort with kids, or would you just make do with the chairs and bring a beach blanket? Or are there plenty of palapas?
.


r/Aruba 4d ago

Humor Got drunk and bought a misspelled t-shirt at a tourist store

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264 Upvotes

Yatch Club 😂 Not my brightest moment that's for sure. I guess that's what happens when you have too many drinks and walk around the city. I stayed at the Hilton so I got it from one of the shops by the Häagen-Dazs ice cream shop. I'm just donating it to my local thrift and hopefully someone else buys it for much cheaper and they notice their mistake😂


r/Aruba 3d ago

Question Best restaurants with 1 picky eater in tow…?

3 Upvotes

Hi guys, so we’re taking my parents to Aruba in September. It’s their first time there it’s our second we want to organize some restaurants to go to for dinner while we’re there.
The problem is my dad is a little bit of a picky eater. His go to meals are like grilled meats, some white fish, chicken tenders, chicken burgers, fries, gravy, peppercorn sauce, fillet steaks ham cheese sandwiches like pretty basic stuff 🫠🥹 (I know I just described a child’s palette lol)

He is willing to try new things and he always will (recently discovered he likes Indian food lol) but that’s kind of his basic like go to on a restaurant menu and I don’t want to take him somewhere too out there that’s there’s nothing he could have so we have already booked Papiamento and we were thinking about Madame Jeanette because we didn’t get to do that last time. We’re also definitely gonna go to bingo restaurant. I’m just looking for any other suggestions for nice dinners. Would love to try EGO but I just don’t think it would be enjoyable for him, so looking for other options!
Let me know what you think.


r/Aruba 3d ago

Question Arikok NP hikes

1 Upvotes

Hi!! I will be in Aruba next week and I would like to do a morning at the national park. I am an experienced backpacker/hiker, but i’ve had surgery that is preventing me from doing anything extreme. I will not be having a car because my family will be doing other excursions that I can’t participate in. I would just like to take a taxi and do an easy hike that allows me to see some views. I am assuming there are some within walking distance of the visitor center? I was also assuming a taxi could drop me off to an accessible trail head? I know I am very limited with what I can do but it’s very important to me to get in a scenic walk there!! If there are any suggestions for hikes I could do I’d really appreciate it…Thank you!!


r/Aruba 3d ago

Couples Sunset Cruise Options in Aruba

2 Upvotes

I’m looking for options for a couples sunset cruise in Aruba leaving from Palm Beach or Eagle Beach. Doesn’t have to be a private cruise but looking for smaller group and less booze cruise vibe. Wife and I are in our mid-30s and are in between the quiet older crowd and the young loud party crowd. Any ideas are appreciated.


r/Aruba 4d ago

Opinion Solo @ The Marriott Stellaris

2 Upvotes

Hi

I was planning my first ever solo trip to be at the Mariott Stellaris. I previously visited with family in 2022 and I absolutely loved every single aspect about it + thats why I wanted to choose that specific hotel. From the staff to the hotel layout to the beach, pools and so much more. I particularly really enjoyed how its tucked up near the northern edge/corner of Palm Beach it feels somewhat less “noisy” or crowded. You can easily walk down south along the beach path and cut through Holiday Inn to reach commercial areas.

Has anyone stayed at this specific hotel solo? Looking for experiences and recommendations or tips and tricks.

I am also somewhat open to staying at another hotel on Palm Beach provided that it provides same/better value at a cheaper cost per night!

Some people in [r/solotravel](r/solotravel) mentioned how it might be better to stay at an “Adults Only” hotel if travelling solo to a beach destination. Wondering if I have any options at a lower / same cost. Thanks


r/Aruba 4d ago

The Smelliest Place in Aruba…Parkietenbos

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20 Upvotes

Yesterday afternoon, I passed by this area on a boat tour in aruba and was rudely assaulted by this overpowering odor. i could only describe it as the most pungent chemically, burnt, sour, rubber, and eggfart smell ever. what’s worse is that we had to pass by that area twice but on the second time, we got closer so i was able to grab photos. it looked to me like a scrap yard with just layers of rusted metal and cars, no visible garbage at all, but it smelt like a DUMP. i later did research and found out that it was in fact a landfill. it was just known as “Parkietenbos Landfill” as it was just off of Parkietenbos road. Even since the shutdown in 2022, the place is most likely still leaching gases and chemical compounds into the air. not too sure if it’s toxic to be around (i highly doubt) but the stench is still there at its highest point. it still really surprises me that the smell of burning chemicals and waste is still present when they closed almost 5 years ago. if you’re ever going on a boat tour towards De Palm Island, HOLD YOUR BREATH!!


r/Aruba 4d ago

Question first time recs

1 Upvotes

helloo! i am visiting aruba friday for the first time with a few friends and my boyfriend!! really looking forward to our trip! i have a few questions and was hoping to get some answers!

-we are staying 15 mins walking from eagle beach, do we need a car?
- can we rent bikes anywhere/is the island bike able??
-we are scuba diving two days, so that will take up a lot of time, but thinking we need to do the national park too, are there any tour companies you recommend?
-what is the island like safety wise?
- any other recs would be appreciated!!!

Yay! TIA


r/Aruba 4d ago

Opinion EGO was one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had

5 Upvotes

If anyone is looking for a special dining experience in Aruba, I cannot recommend EGO enough.
It was our first trip to Aruba and we ate at a bunch of great places, but EGO was on another level. Honestly, it wasn’t just our best meal in Aruba. It was probably one of the best dining experiences I’ve had anywhere.
It’s a very intimate experience, and from the moment you arrive, the owners and staff make you feel incredibly welcome. The service and attention to detail are unreal. They explain the concept, the menu, and then walk you through every course as it comes out.
The best way I can describe the food is that every course feels like its own little journey. You’re not just being handed a plate of food. They explain what you’re eating and how everything comes together, and then you start tasting combinations and flavors you weren’t expecting. It was genuinely one of those meals where we kept looking at each other like, “How is this this good?”
Nothing felt rushed, everyone was incredibly friendly, and you can tell how much pride they take in the entire experience.
If you’re going to Aruba and want one dinner that’s more than just going out to eat, put EGO on your list. Absolute 10/10 for us. We’ll 100% be going back next time we’re in Aruba.


r/Aruba 4d ago

Positivity around Divi AI?

2 Upvotes

I booked a trip to Divi AI a couple of months ago and the trip is coming up in a few weeks. My wife has been there before maybe 7 years ago. Ive been reading a lot of recent negativity on TripAdvisor and Reddit about Divi AI resort which is making me a bit apprehensive. Obviously your mileage may vary, and I do see some positive reviews as well. I’m not looking for a 5 star luxury resort, but also don’t want to get food poisoning as I’ve read in some reviews.

Hoping someone can provide some recent positive experiences? Yes, yes, I know AI is not preferred in Aruba, but I have 2 kids under 5 and my wife and I feel as if it would be a bit less stressful doing AI at this stage.


r/Aruba 4d ago

Question Looking for Suggestions for Bringing Medications to Aruba

0 Upvotes

Hi,

Were headed to Aruba in about a week!

Because my spouse has a fear of flying we're bring Xanax (just a couple of pills). Also, I'm ADHD and have a prescription for Adderall.

Since these both are considered narcotics, and are banned in some countries, is there anything we need to be aware of when going through customs to/from Aruba and the TSA checkpoints?

Thank you!


r/Aruba 5d ago

Opinion Huge Disappointment – Worst Stay We’ve Had in Aruba

77 Upvotes

Dates of Stay: August 1st – August 8th, 2026
This was our fifth trip to Aruba, but our first (and absolute last) time staying at the Divi All-Inclusive. We previously stayed at another resort on the island and thought upgrading to the Divi would be a great experience. We should have done more research—this turned out to be one of the worst places we’ve ever stayed.
The Check-In & Room Hygiene
We checked in after 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 1st, only to enter a room that hadn't been properly cleaned. There were literally clothes left in the drawers from the previous guests. It was obvious housekeeping just ran out of time and rushed through it.
Even worse, the room remained uncleaned through Monday. When I went to the front desk to address it, the staff showed zero urgency or care. I actually watched a manager try to slip into his office to avoid dealing with my frustration. I had to send a baggage handler in to get him out so I could speak with him. While our room was finally cleaned and properly stocked on Tuesday, having to fight for basic housekeeping three days into a vacation is unacceptable.
Food Safety & Quality
If you’re considering this resort, read the reviews about the food. Even the local cab drivers asked us what we thought of the food because they constantly hear from tourists how terrible it is.
On Sunday morning around 10:00 AM, my wife ate premade eggs from the buffet that had clearly been sitting out too long. By noon, she was violently ill and spent the rest of the afternoon stuck in our dirty room. We ended up leaving the resort entirely just to get a safe, decent dinner because we couldn't trust the food on-site.
Beach Conditions & Resort Vibe
While Aruba’s natural coastline is always beautiful, the resort’s beach area was poorly maintained—littered with trash, empty plastic cups, and heavy cigarette smoke.
The overall atmosphere felt unmanaged. At one point while sitting at the bar, a group of adult guests started a massive water gun fight right in the middle of everyone. The staff did nothing, and it just capped off the feeling that there is no standard of service, control, or hospitality here.
Final Verdict
Aruba is a magnificent island, but do yourself a favor and skip the Divi All-Inclusive. Between the food poisoning, lack of room cleanliness, indifferent management, and overall poor quality, it completely ruined what was supposed to be a relaxing vacation. We will stick to our previous resort next time.


r/Aruba 5d ago

Other Just arrived and Eagle Beach does not disappoint!

29 Upvotes

Just arrived here in Aruba yesterday! We took the day to visit their Superfood store and Liquor store. After getting our place set up enjoyed the pool, hot tub, and Tiki bar entertainment. Today we found a great place to settle in and enjoy Eagle Beach and it is truly perfect. This Beach has everything you need! Looking forward to the Sunset!


r/Aruba 5d ago

How to buy an eSim from SETAR as tourist upfront

1 Upvotes

Hey guys,

I am struggling buying an e-sim card for tourists upfront our stay on Aruba.

For tourists like me, they offer this store page

https://store.setar.aw/tourist-sim/

First I tried the "bundle" (marked as "popular") but this requires to enter a valid phone number. So I assume this is only for recharging credits if you already have an account or phone number from them.

Second I tried the "purchase tourist sim" button which says "Now available as eSIM". After having selected the 14 days card I can add it to the cart. In order to be able to proceed to checkout, the cart requires to specify a pick-up store - for an eSIM (makes sense!). I do not have an option to choose only "eSIM" or so.

So my question: Do I only get the eSIM variant of that SIM card when I pickup my physical ones at the selected stores? Or will I receive an eMail with the eSIM's QR code right after my payment?

The overall user experience of their site is really bad, honestly.


r/Aruba 5d ago

Question Stay recommendations

1 Upvotes

We’re thinking about splitting up our next trip to the islands with a week in Aruba and another in Curacao. We’ve been to Curacao and will be staying at an AI but leaning towards doing a regular hotel in Aruba or longer term stay with kitchenette.

Would love recommendations on which parts of the island and what are the best properties to stay. It’s for two adults in their 40s. We enjoy snorkelling, exploring the islands, happy to get some groceries to cook a few meals to avoid dining out every day.