Welcome to Aruba—“One Happy Island”—a wind-brushed Caribbean gem just outside the hurricane belt. Once home to the Caquetío Arawak and later a Dutch outpost, the island moved from gold to aloe to oil before tourism took the helm. Today, steady trade winds and shining limestone coasts make beach days effortless and the sea stunningly clear.

Aruba keeps things easy: English is widely spoken, the U.S. dollar is accepted alongside the Aruban florin, and driving is on the right. With a rental car, you’re 15–45 minutes from nearly everything: pastel capital streets, cactus-studded desert in Arikok National Park, and calm turquoise coves for swimming and snorkeling. Bring reef-safe sunscreen—those breezes hide a strong sun.

Food here blends Caribbean heart with Dutch comfort. Try pastechi (savory pastries), keshi yena (cheese-stuffed chicken), freshly fried snapper, and batidos (fruit shakes). Stock your Airbnb from Super Food Plaza or Ling & Sons, then mix cooked-at-home dinners with nights out. This plan balances low-cost beach time with select paid adventures so your medium budget goes far—and the pace stays blissfully relaxed.

Oranjestad

Oranjestad is color and cadence: Dutch gables painted in sherbet tones, waterfront boardwalks, and a walkable core brimming with cafes and galleries. It’s perfect for your first days on island—get your bearings, stock up on groceries, and ease into the Caribbean rhythm.

Top nearby beaches include Druif Beach and Surfside, with thigh-deep, glassy water ideal for a twilight swim. Culture buffs can add the Aruba Aloe Factory nearby or the National Archaeological Museum downtown for a quick, air-conditioned history hit.

Days 1–2 (Mar 8–9): Settle In, Stroll, and a First Sail

• Arrival (Mar 8, ~3 PM): Pick up your rental car at AUA. Swing by Super Food Plaza (great deli, rotisserie, and fresh produce) or Ling & Sons for breakfast staples, snacks, and drinks. Drop bags, then catch sunset at Surfside Beach, where the water is flat and the vibe soothing.
• Downtown wander: Park along the linear park or in marked street spots (use meters). Stroll Caya Betico Croes for pastel facades, then the Marina walk at Renaissance Marketplace.
• Soft landing dinner:
  • The West Deck (on the water): jerk wings, creole shrimp, fried funchi, and local Balashi beer.
  • Barefoot (sand-between-your-toes dining): candlelit seafood and steaks by the surf; reserve sunset when you can.
  • Yemanja Woodfired Grill: Caribbean-meets-Mediterranean with grilled fish and wood-roasted veggies.
• Coffee and breakfast picks: Aruba Experience Café Patisserie (downtown) for Dutch-style pastries; The Pastechi House for flaky pastechi; Santos Coffee with Soul for strong espresso.
• Optional sunset sail to kick off the trip:
  Aruba Sunset Sail Experience

  

  Glide along the west coast with open horizons and steady breezes—an easy, memorable start without the crowds.

Local tips: Bring cash coins for downtown meters, or use the parking kiosks. Trade winds pick up mid-afternoon—great for a cooling walk along the seaside linear park.

Where to stay (if near Oranjestad): Browse apartments and homes near Surfside/Druif to stay central yet quiet.
VRBO Oranjestad | Hotels.com Oranjestad

Getting to Aruba: Compare flights to AUA on:
Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com Flights

Noord

Noord is beach-central—home to Eagle and Palm Beach, plus snorkeling coves at Malmok, Tres Trapi, and Boca Catalina. You’ll find easy self-catering, lively bars, and enough calm water to make daily swims a ritual.

Expect powdery sand, low-rise condos south at Eagle, and a livelier scene with shops and lounges at Palm. Early mornings are glassy; afternoons bring that trademark breeze and golden light.

Days 3–6 (Mar 10–13): Eagle Beach Time, DIY Snorkeling, Light Adventure

• Beach rotation:
  • Eagle Beach for wide, quiet sands; rent chairs/umbrella (from about $10–15 pp) or bring a foldable shade.
  • Palm Beach for a livelier boardwalk, watersports, and people-watching.
  • Arashi/Boca Catalina/Tres Trapi for clear-water snorkeling from shore; go mornings for calmer seas.
• DIY lunch and local eats: Stock picnic supplies from Super Food’s deli (grilled chicken, salades, fresh breads). For meals out:
  • Eduardo’s Beach Shack (Palm Beach): smoothie bowls and wraps after a morning swim.
  • The Local Store (Palm Beach area): burgers, wings, craft beer—casual and fun.
  • Wacky Wahoo’s (Noord): island-style fish dishes; go early or expect a wait.
  • Quinta del Carmen (Eagle area): historic house with refined Aruban-European plates.
• Snorkel or sail (pick one for the budget):
  Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba

  

  Gentle 2.5-hour outing with reef time, perfect for a first snorkel day.
• Or go extra-local with turtles:
  Turtle Snorkeling Tour in Tres Trapi, Aruba

  

  A short, shore-based tour focused on turtle spotting in calm, clear water.
• Optional adrenaline (choose one):
  Aruba Parasailing Experience from Noord

  

  for big views, or Jet Ski Waverunner Rental

  

  for a short, punchy thrill.
• At-home nights: Grill marinated chicken, toss a papaya slaw, and slice local gouda for a simple dinner. For dessert, swing by Bright Bakery or Huchada for pastechi de guava to warm in the oven.

Where to stay (if basing in Noord): Look for condos within walking distance of Eagle or Palm to minimize driving.
VRBO Noord | Hotels.com Noord

Moving around: Oranjestad ↔ Noord is ~10–20 minutes by car depending on traffic. Leave by 8:00–8:30 AM for calm water and easy parking at the coves.

San Nicolas (South & East Aruba)

San Nicolas is Aruba’s soulful south: bold street art, old refinery heritage, and easy-going local cafes. Nearby are two of the island’s most beloved swim spots—Mangel Halto (mangrove-framed, great for snorkeling) and Baby Beach (a natural lagoon with shallow, calm water).

The east side grows rugged fast—limestone ledges, pounding surf, stone bridges, and hidden coves. This is where you tap the island’s desert heart in Arikok National Park.

Days 7–8 (Mar 14–15): Street Art, Baby Beach, and Arikok Adventure

• San Nicolas morning: Arrive by 9 AM to enjoy the murals in cool light. Breakfast at local bakeries, then coffee at a neighborhood cafe before beach time.
• Baby Beach: Shallow, turquoise, and perfect for lazy floats. Bring a picnic or grab grilled fish at a nearby beach shack.
• Mangel Halto (alternate day): Snorkel the reef shelf close to shore; the mangroves make for gorgeous photos at golden hour.
• Arikok National Park (pick one guided option):
  National Park Arikok Jeep Adventure

  

  hits Conchi (Natural Pool), caves, and wild beaches with minimal effort—great for a relaxed vibe.
  Or go Horseback Ride Tour to Natural Pool in Arikok National Park

  

  for a scenic route to Conchi with sea-bluff views.
• Casual eats in the south:
  • Zeerovers (Savaneta): order shrimp and the daily catch by weight; it’s fried to order with plantains and pan bati. Affordable and fun.
  • Flying Fishbone (Savaneta): toes-in-the-water elegance at dusk—book in advance for a splurge night.

Days 9–10 (Mar 16–17): North Coast Outcrops, Lighthouse Views, and a Happy-Hour Sail

• California Lighthouse & Alto Vista Chapel: A scenic loop for sunrise or late afternoon breezes. The north coast’s lava-rock shelves and crashing surf are photogenic.
• Choose your off-road day (if you skipped Arikok):
  Aruba UTV Tour with Natural Cave Pool and Cliff Jumping

  

  pairs rugged coves with a swim stop. If you prefer mellow, save energy for a sunset boat instead.
• Evening on the water (great for groups):
  Aruba Happy Hour Sunset Sail with Savory Bites and Cocktails

  

  comfy lounge seating, drinks, and small bites—ideal for a relaxing cap to an active day.
• Dinner ideas back in town: Wilhelmina (romantic courtyard, seasonal menu) or Po-Ké Ono (fresh bowls and sushi; casual, shareable).

Day 11 (Mar 18): Last Dips, Souvenirs, and Pack for Early Departure

• Morning: One more Eagle Beach swim and a slow coffee. Grab last pastries for tomorrow’s early flight.
• Souvenirs: Aruba Aloe store (lotions made locally) or a small ceramic house from downtown.
• Dinner: Keep it simple at home: pan-seared fish, rice, and sautéed veggies from the deli. Refuel the car and stage bags for a smooth 7 AM departure (Mar 19).

Where to stay (if basing south or day-tripping): You’ll likely keep one Airbnb, but if you want a few nights near Baby Beach or Savaneta:
VRBO San Nicolas | Hotels.com San Nicolas

Driving times: Noord ↔ San Nicolas ~35–45 minutes; Oranjestad ↔ San Nicolas ~25–35 minutes. Go early to beat the heat and secure easy beach parking.

Budget & pacing tips for a relaxing vibe

• Anchor your days with free beach time and DIY snorkeling; add 2–3 paid outings total (one snorkel sail, one Arikok day, one sunset cruise) to match a mid-range budget.
• Self-cater breakfasts and some dinners; use supermarket deli/rotisserie for ready-made mains. Try a “1 eat-out + 1 deli + 1 home-cooked” rotation across three days.
• Hydrate constantly; trade winds mask the sun. Wear water shoes at rocky coves (Tres Trapi, some Arikok pools).

With easy drives, warm water, and consistent trade winds, Aruba is tailor-made for a laid-back beach holiday with just enough adventure. From Eagle Beach mornings to Baby Beach afternoons and golden-hour sails, you’ll leave rested, salty-haired, and plotting a return.