Aruba: One Happy Island
- Meredith Peters
- Mar 20, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 10
Aruba, also known as, One Happy Island, is the kind of place that captures you from the very first moment. With sun-drenched beaches, rugged desert landscapes, and an inviting Caribbean spirit, it truly lives up to its nickname: One Happy Island. Whether you crave long, lazy days on the sand or off-road adventures in the cacti-studded countryside, Aruba lets you set the pace.
Flamingos on the Beach
One of Aruba’s most photographed experiences is a visit to Flamingo Beach. While the flamingos are not native to the island, they roam freely on the private island owned by the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort.
If you stay at the Renaissance, access is included. If you’re at another hotel, you can try to purchase a limited number of day passes to the island. Watching bright pink flamingos stroll across the white sand and turquoise water is unforgettable and worth the effort to plan ahead.
Diving and Snorkeling in Aruba
Beneath Aruba’s warm, clear waters lies a treasure trove for divers and snorkelers. The island is often called the wreck diving capital of the Caribbean. A must-see is the SS Antilla, a German cargo ship that sank during World War II. Resting just 18 meters down, parts of the wreck can even be spotted while snorkeling.
The Antilla is only the beginning. The surrounding waters hide oil tankers, tugboats, and even two small airplanes that have found their resting place under the sea. If you prefer calmer waters, bring your snorkel gear to Malmok Beach where tropical fish, starfish, and sometimes turtles glide past in the shallow reefs.
Beaches to Explore in Aruba
Aruba’s beaches are as varied as they are beautiful. You can devote an entire day to beach-hopping, soaking in the unique character of each:
Palm Beach – lined with high-rise resorts, restaurants, and nightlife, this is Aruba’s most famous and energetic stretch of sand.
Eagle Beach – consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world, with wide, soft sand and the famous fofoti trees.
Baby Beach – calm, shallow waters perfect for wading and snorkeling.
Surfside Beach – lively and close to Oranjestad, with plenty of beach bars and cafes.
Druif Beach – wide stretches of soft sand with fewer crowds.
Hadicurari Beach – popular with windsurfers and great for people-watching.
Each beach offers a different slice of island life, from lively fun to peaceful escape.
Dining Under the Stars
Few things compare to dining on the beach at sunset in Aruba. Picture yourself at a table in the sand, toes in the powdery shore, as the sun sinks into the horizon and the sky glows pink and gold. Freshly caught seafood, tropical cocktails, and fruit-filled desserts complete the experience.
Whether it’s a romantic dinner under the stars or a lively beachfront gathering, the island’s culinary scene reflects its Dutch and Caribbean influences in the most delicious way.
The People of Aruba
Aruba wouldn’t be called One Happy Island without its people. The locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality, welcoming visitors with warmth that feels genuine. With Dutch, Caribbean, and Latin influences, the culture is as colorful and vibrant as the island itself. Many Arubans speak multiple languages, English, Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamento, making it easy to connect and feel at home.
Outside the Hurricane Belt
One of Aruba’s biggest advantages is its location outside the hurricane belt. While much of the Caribbean faces storm risks during hurricane season, Aruba enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round with very little disruption. This makes it a reliable choice for travelers who want peace of mind knowing their vacation plans are less likely to be impacted by severe storms.
Why Visit Aruba One Happy Island?
Aruba has a way of balancing pure relaxation with adventure. One day you might be lounging on Eagle Beach, the next exploring volcanic rock formations or setting out on an ATV tour through Arikok National Park. The island’s compact size makes it easy to experience so much in just one trip, all with the cheerful welcome of the Aruban people, who embody the One Happy Island spirit.
If Aruba sounds like your kind of paradise, I would love to help you plan a trip that combines the best of its beaches, culture, and adventure.
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