Wondering how offshore oil drilling might change Aruba’s travel landscape? In early October 2025, Armstrong Oil & Gas announced plans for potential petroleum development off the island’s coast, with drilling possibly beginning in 2026 or 2027. Armstrong’s CEO described the offshore prospects as “the biggest undrilled field I have ever seen”, according to Hartenergy.com. For travelers eyeing a trip to the island, this raises practical questions about timing, access, and what to expect.
This article covers the drilling timeline, what’s actually planned, and how it might — or might not — affect your visit. Whether you’re booking a 2026 trip or looking further ahead, here’s what’s known so far.
The offshore geological structure spans approximately 200,000 hectares, reaching a depth of about 600 meters, and could be 15 times larger than the Ekofisk field in Norway.
Drilling is planned to start around April 2026, but the timeline depends on seismic survey results and regulatory approvals. For most travelers, the immediate impact on tourism is expected to be minimal during the exploration phase.
| Spot | Best For | Standout Feature | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Offshore exploration zone | Understanding the scale of the project | 200,000-hectare structure, 600m depth | Ongoing through 2026+ | Exploration is offshore; beach access unaffected during survey phase |
| Drilling timeline phases | Tracking when activity begins | Phased approach with clear milestones | Apr–Jun 2026 drilling window | Timeline is tentative — seismic results could shift dates |
| Aruba tourism landscape | Assessing impact on your trip | Minimal expected disruption to resorts | Ongoing | Book refundable accommodations for 2026 trips |
| San Nicolas refinery site | Understanding Aruba’s energy shift | Dismantling began this week | Ongoing | Marks the island’s move from refining to offshore exploration |
The Drilling Project — What’s Planned
Armstrong Oil & Gas signed a production and exploration agreement with the Aruban Petroleum Company (CAP) last year, following approval from the Council of Ministers on May 24, 2024. The plan involves an accelerated exploration program starting with a 3D seismic survey to identify potential oil-bearing areas. If the survey confirms commercial viability, the first exploration well could be drilled around April 2026.
Major international energy companies are watching closely. In recent months, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, BP, Eni, Repsol, and Occidental Petroleum have all reached out to Armstrong about potential collaboration. That level of interest suggests the geological structure is being taken seriously at the industry’s highest levels.
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Timeline — When Does Drilling Start?
The project follows a phased approach with specific milestones. Here’s the timeline as outlined in the government-approved plan published by 24ora.
Initial contract negotiations between the Aruban Oil Company and Armstrong Oil & Gas laid the groundwork for the exploration agreement.
Technical evaluation and seismic acquisition to map potential oil-bearing structures. A public tender for seismic work ran from May to July 2024.
Processed seismic data will inform a final decision on whether to proceed with drilling. This phase runs through late 2025 and into early 2026.
If the decision is positive, Armstrong will establish an operational base on the island ahead of drilling.
The first exploration well is scheduled to be drilled during this window, lasting approximately three months. This is the earliest realistic start date for active drilling.
The timeline remains tentative. It depends on seismic results, regulatory approvals, and Armstrong’s final investment decision expected in late 2025 or early 2026. If you’re planning active exploration of the island yourself — hiking Arikok National Park or snorkeling the north coast — a rugged GPS smartwatch like the Garmin Fenix 8 Solar offers multi-sport GPS tracking, a built-in flashlight, and solar-powered battery life that can last weeks between charges.
The timeline could shift. Repsol drilled a test well eight years ago in partnership with Total, investing about $80 million, but the results didn’t justify commercial production at the time. There’s no guarantee Armstrong’s exploration will proceed on schedule — or at all.
What Travelers Should Know
For most visitors, the practical impact of offshore exploration is expected to be minimal during the survey and early drilling phases. The operations are located offshore, and beach access, resort areas, and tourist attractions like California Lighthouse and the Conchi Natural Pool should remain unaffected. The Government of Aruba this week began dismantling the San Nicolas refinery, signaling a shift away from the island’s old refining infrastructure toward new offshore development.
That said, travelers booking trips for 2026 or later should keep an eye on developments. If commercial production is confirmed, the island could see increased industrial activity, including supply vessels, support staff, and infrastructure development. For getting around the island comfortably with kids, the Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack fits a 14.1-inch laptop plus camera gear in 21.2 liters, with a luggage pass-through sleeve that makes airport transitions smoother.
Background — Why This Matters
Aruba has relied entirely on imported fuel since the San Nicolas refinery closed in 2012. The island’s energy dependence, combined with rising global demand, makes domestic petroleum development an attractive prospect for the government. The potential field could transform Aruba’s energy landscape and economy, but it also raises questions about environmental oversight and tourism coexistence.
Perla, a significant gas field, lies near Aruba’s coast but falls within Venezuelan waters, so it’s not part of this project. Armstrong’s focus is on the 200,000-hectare structure on the Aruban side of the maritime border. The involvement of companies like ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, BP, Eni, Repsol, and Occidental Petroleum signals that this is being taken seriously at the highest levels of the industry.
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Planning Your Trip Around the Drilling Timeline
Here’s what to consider when booking Aruba travel in light of the 2026 drilling start.
When to Book
If you want to visit before active drilling begins, aim for late 2025 or early 2026 before the operational base setup in January 2026. The drilling window starts in April 2026, so trips before that date are safest.
Where to Stay
Most resorts and hotels are concentrated along the west and north coasts, far from the offshore exploration zone. If you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on, this interactive map of the island’s hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare proximity to the beach or the trailhead.
Staying Informed
Monitor Armstrong Oil & Gas announcements and the Aruban government’s energy ministry updates for the latest on seismic survey results and drilling decisions. The decision program runs from October 2025 to January 2026 — that’s the key period to watch for confirmation.
The seismic processing phase runs from January to June 2025 — if results are promising, expect more concrete timelines by late 2025. Book refundable accommodations if you’re planning a 2026 trip.
Before You Go: Aruba Drilling Questions Answered
Will the drilling affect beach access?
The exploration is offshore, and beach access is not expected to be restricted during the survey or drilling phases. Most tourist areas are on the west and north coasts, away from the exploration zone.
Is it safe to visit Aruba in 2026?
Yes. Exploration drilling is a temporary, contained operation. There’s no indication of safety risks to tourists, and Aruba’s tourism infrastructure remains fully operational.
Should I cancel my trip because of the drilling news?
No. The project is in early stages, and no commercial production has been confirmed. If you’re concerned, book 2025 or early 2026 before the drilling window opens.
Could this affect flight availability or prices?
Not in the near term. The exploration phase won’t significantly change flight demand. If commercial production begins years later, it could boost business travel and potentially affect seat availability, but that’s speculative.
What’s the biggest downside for travelers?
The uncertainty around the timeline. If drilling is delayed or cancelled, travelers will have worried for nothing. If it proceeds, there’s a small chance of visual or noise impacts from support vessels near the coast.
Watching the Horizon
For now, Aruba’s offshore drilling plans are exactly that — plans. The timeline could shift, the seismic data could disappoint, or the project could move forward on schedule. For travelers, the smartest move is to stay informed and book with flexibility if you’re targeting 2026. Otherwise, the island’s beaches, wind, and sun aren’t going anywhere. For more on what makes Aruba worth visiting right now, check out this guide to discovering Aruba’s authentic soul beyond the resorts.
References
24ora. “Armstrong Oil & Gas shares encouraging outlook for Aruba’s future.” 24ora English, 2025. ↗
24ora. “Minister Glenbert Croes to start oil and gas exploration in the sea.” 24ora English, 2024. ↗
For more Aruba travel planning, our guide to affordable Aruba adventures covers the island’s best low-cost experiences, while the Baby Beach family guide details a spot that’s perfect for calm-water days with kids regardless of what’s happening offshore.
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