Island hopping between Aruba and Curacao is possible, but it’s not always easy. I’ve spent a lot of time researching how others do it, and I want to share what I learned. Some people have had good experiences. Others are discouraged. I’m not trying to scare you, but I want to make sure you know what to expect.
The distance between Aruba and Curacao is about 35 miles. That’s a short trip. But the way to make that journey depends a lot on the airline you choose. There’s no direct bus or train, so flying is the main option. You can also take a boat, but that’s less common and less reliable.
I tried to find clear information about the flights online. Many of the small airlines don’t have easy-to-navigate websites. Their information is often scattered. Some reviews are negative. People complain about delayed flights, lost luggage, or poor customer service. It can be a bit stressful to plan this.
Some people say it’s better to fly into one island and stay there. That’s a valid point. But I wanted to add a week in Aruba before my trip to Curacao. I don’t like to make plans last minute. I like to know what to expect, and I need to know how many bags I can bring. I have a carry-on and a checked bag. That’s a lot for a small plane.
Smaller airlines often have strict bag limits. Some say you can only bring a carry-on. Others say your bag must be under 22 inches. I’m not sure yet. I’ve seen different rules from different airlines. That’s one thing to watch out for. You need to be clear about the weight and size of your bags before you book your flight.
I thought about hiring a private transfer, either by plane or boat. I’ve heard that it’s more reliable and comfortable. That could be an option, but it’s more expensive. I don’t know if that’s worth it for just one trip. I’m trying to balance cost and convenience.
There are a few airlines that fly between the islands. The most common ones I read about are KLM and TransAir. KLM has more flights, but their website is not always clear. TransAir is a smaller airline. They have fewer flights, but they might be more straightforward. I need to be careful with the schedules and the connections.
One of the challenges is connecting from one island to the other. If you fly into Aruba in the morning and want to leave for Curacao in the afternoon, you might need to take a different flight. But it’s not always easy to find a direct flight at the right time. Delays can mess up your whole plan.
Another thing to consider is how the airports work. Both Aruba and Curacao have small airports. They’re not as busy as major airports, but they can get crowded at peak times. You need to be ready to check in early. The lines might not be long, but it’s still important to plan ahead.
I read that some people have had issues with their luggage. One person said their bag was lost and never returned. That’s a risk you have to be aware of. I don’t want to lose my things, so I’m planning to keep the most important items in my carry-on. Maybe I can leave the checked bag at the hotel in Aruba. That way, I know it’s safe.
There’s also the possibility of booking a round-trip ticket. That’s easier than two one-way tickets. Some airlines offer combined bookings that might be cheaper. But I need to check if that’s available for my dates. I don’t want to waste money on unnecessary options.
Some travelers say that it’s better to fly into Curacao first and then use a ferry or a private boat to go to Aruba. I’ve heard that ferries are regular but not always on time. The timing can be tricky. If you miss the ferry, you might have to wait a day or more. That’s a big inconvenience.
The private boat option is more expensive, but it gives you more control. You can choose the time and the route. That might be better for someone who’s planning a specific itinerary. But I need to find a reliable service. Not all companies are the same. Some reviews are mixed.
I also thought about the time it takes to get to the airport. Both islands have small airports, but it’s still important to leave early. You don’t want to rush and risk missing your flight. I read that some people get held up because of traffic or weather. That’s a reality you face when traveling on small islands.
Another thing I thought about is the cost of flying between the two islands. The price can vary a lot. Some days it’s cheaper, others it’s more expensive. I need to compare prices over a few days. I should also check for any promotions or discounts. Maybe I can find a better deal if I book early.
There’s also the question of what to do when you arrive. I already have a hotel in Curacao. But when I fly into Aruba, I need a place to stay. I should book a hotel in advance. That way, I don’t have to worry about availability. I’ve heard that some hotels are very busy during certain times of the year.
I’m also thinking about what to pack. I’m a chronic over-packer, so I need to be careful. I need to know exactly how many bags I can take. Some airlines don’t allow more than a carry-on. That means I’ll have to leave some things behind or check my bag at the airport. I don’t want to be stuck with extra luggage.
I’ve also heard that the airports can be quite basic. They don’t have a lot of amenities. You might not find a lot of options for snacks or coffee. That’s something to consider if you have a long layover or a connecting flight. It’s better to bring your own items.
Another thing is the language. People on both islands speak Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamento. That can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the languages. But most airports and hotels have English speakers. It’s still good to know a few basic phrases, just in case.
I’m also thinking about the best time to fly. I plan to go in February. That’s during the dry season. I’ve heard that the weather is usually good, but it can still be unpredictable. I need to be prepared for sudden changes in the weather. That can affect flight schedules.
Some people say that flying between Aruba and Curacao is better in the morning. That’s when the traffic is lighter and the weather is usually better. But I don’t know for sure. I’ll have to check the flight times and see what’s available.
I’m still a bit nervous about the whole thing. But I think I have a good plan. I’ll book the flights first and then make sure I have everything else ready. I don’t want to skip any steps. I need to be as prepared as I can be.
FAQ
How long does the flight between Aruba and Curacao take? The flight time is about 20 to 30 minutes.
Can I take a boat instead of a plane? Yes, you can take a ferry or a private boat. But the schedule and cost are different.
How many bags can I bring on a small airline flight? Some airlines allow only a carry-on. Others have weight and size limits. It’s best to check with the airline before you fly.
What’s the best way to plan an island hop? Plan early, check flight times, and confirm your luggage policies. Have a backup plan in case of delays.
Should I fly into Aruba first or Curacao first? It depends on your itinerary. Flying into Aruba first gives you time to explore before moving to Curacao.
What should I do if my flight is delayed or canceled? Contact the airline for updates. Try to book return flights with some buffer time in case of problems.
What are the travel considerations between the two islands? You need to plan your airport transfers, luggage, and connections. Be ready for unexpected changes in weather or schedules.
What is the best time to fly between Aruba and Curacao? The dry season is usually the best time. February is a good month, but be ready for possible changes in the weather.
Can I use a private transfer for my travel between the islands? Yes, but it’s more expensive. It offers more convenience and flexibility for your travel schedule.
What are some tips for an island hop? Book flights early, check luggage policies, plan your airport transfers, and be ready for changes in your itinerary.
References
Some information came from travel forums and blog posts. You can find more details on TripAdvisor or on Lonely Planet.
Flighting schedules and airline information are available on the websites of KLM and TransAir.
For more details on ferry services, Vlaardingen Cruises and Ferries.nl can provide more information.
Now is the time to start booking. You don’t want to miss the chance to explore both Aruba and Curacao. Plan carefully, but don’t let hesitation stop you from going. The islands have so much to offer, and with the right preparation, your trip can be amazing.
