Aruba

Island
Hopper
GUIDES

Dive Aruba’s reefs and wrecks for amazing marine life

Dropping onto the deck of the SS Antilla at 60 feet, you’re swimming through the largest accessible wreck in the Caribbean — a 400-foot German freighter that Aruba’s marine life has turned into a vertical reef. Schools of silversides spiral in the cargo holds, green sea turtles glide past the hull, and the whole thing sits in water so clear you can see the bow from the surface. The SS Antilla is approximately 400 feet long and widely regarded as the largest accessible wreck dive in the Caribbean, lying in 15 to 60 feet of water off Malmok Beach.

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Discover Aruba’s best happy hours, from Palm Beach to Oranjestad

Aruba offers a fantastic array of happy hour options, perfect for unwinding with delicious drinks and soaking in the island atmosphere. Whether I’m seeking a lively beachfront spot or a cozy, hidden gem, the “One Happy Island” has many welcoming bars and restaurants ready to serve. Palm Beach is a popular area for these enjoyable evening rituals, but I’ve found great spots scattered across the island too. Palm Beach Delights Palm Beach is definitely the heart of the happy hour scene in Aruba, with many venues lining its famous shores. The energy here is infectious, especially as the sun

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Your Aruba Casino Guide: Fun for Everyone

Heading to Aruba means exploring its vibrant casino scene, a key part of the island’s entertainment for visitors. I’ve found that while many come for the beach and sun, a good portion of my time has been spent discovering these energetic spots. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking for some fun, there’s a place for everyone. Remember that many casinos have age restrictions, so it’s always good to check beforehand. Some venues even offer free gaming lessons, which I’ve seen really help newcomers feel more comfortable trying their luck. High rollers will find plenty of options too,

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Your Embassy Suites Aruba Stay: More Than Just a Room

Aruba offers a bright, sun-filled escape, and I found that staying at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort provided a comfortable and value-driven experience. It’s a newer resort, opened in 2023, designed with leisure travelers in mind. I was pleasantly surprised by the space in my suite and the amenities offered, making it a good option for those seeking a resort feel without the typical high price tag. Island Location and Access The resort is situated between Aruba’s busier high-rise hotel strip and its more relaxed low-rise zone. This location provides a good balance, offering proximity to amenities

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Explore Aruba’s stunning beaches for your honeymoon

Aruba: A Caribbean Escape Aruba truly lives up to its “One Happy Island” slogan. This Dutch Caribbean island offers a delightful mix of stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and year-round sunshine, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon or a romantic getaway, Aruba provides a beautiful backdrop for creating lasting memories. I always appreciate destinations that provide a good balance of natural beauty and accessible amenities, and Aruba certainly delivers. The island’s location below the hurricane belt ensures consistently pleasant weather, which is a significant draw for many visitors. From the

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Discover Aruba’s beaches, culture, and desert terrain

Aruba offers more than just beaches; its landscape, culture, and activities provide a full vacation experience. Island Beaches Explored Palm Beach is often the first image that comes to mind when thinking of Aruba. The sand here is incredibly fine, like powder, and the water is calm enough for easy swimming and floating. It’s a lively spot where you’ll find many visitors enjoying the sun and sea. I’ve noticed that while it’s great for people-watching, it can get quite crowded, especially mid-morning. If you’re looking to relax, arriving earlier or finding a spot towards the edges of the main

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Explore Aruba’s Oranjestad Shopping Scene

Aruba welcomed 427,343 stayover visitors in the first quarter of 2026 — an 8.9 percent increase over the same period in 2025, with Oranjestad’s shopping scene drawing a growing share of those travelers. Oranjestad’s compact, walkable core is lined with pastel Dutch colonial buildings that house everything from glossy luxury boutiques to open-air souvenir stalls. The city benefits from Aruba’s duty-free status, which makes watches, jewelry, and designer goods noticeably cheaper than back home — and that’s before you factor in the lack of sales tax. If you’re planning a day or two away from the resort beach, the

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Discover Aruba’s LGBTQ-friendly welcome and exciting adventures

Aruba stands out as a Caribbean destination that welcomes a diverse range of visitors, including families. Its reputation as “One Happy Island” reflects a general sense of openness and a laid-back atmosphere. While it’s a place many come to for its beaches, exploring beyond the sand offers a chance to discover the island’s natural beauty and local character. Getting there involves flights, and once on the island, navigating its relatively flat terrain can be done in several ways. Getting to and Around Aruba Reaching Aruba is typically done by air, with Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) serving as the

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Relax on your own private island in Aruba

For those spending a day in port, seeking an all-inclusive experience with sun and fun is a priority. De Palm Island offers a private island escape just a short distance from the main shore. It’s about a 20-minute drive from the cruise port, making it an accessible option for a full day of enjoyment. The island provides a variety of activities, from relaxing on the beach to more active pursuits, all within a contained and convenient setting. Getting to De Palm Island My journey to De Palm Island began with a comfortable, air-conditioned bus ride. The transportation offered is

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Dining experiences near Aruba’s resort areas

As I explore Aruba, my focus is on experiencing the local flavors, especially those easily accessible from the main resort areas. While I didn’t have a car on this trip, I made sure to find places within walking distance of where I was staying, aiming for a mix of casual bites and more substantial meals. I find that many of the most enjoyable travel experiences, especially culinary ones, come from simple discoveries right around the corner. Beachside Bites Near the resort strip, I discovered a few casual spots perfect for a relaxed meal. Scott’s Brats, located right on the

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