What to Expect When You Arrive in Aruba

You’re planning your trip to Aruba and can already imagine your arrival. The anticipation of getting your Aruban passport stamp, being whisked away on a lush drive with views of palm trees and pregaming for some wild beach nights with the locals. Well, that imagery wouldn’t be accurate. How about scanning your passport through a self-serve kiosk and stepping out onto a bumpy terrain of cactuses? Aruba isn’t like any other island I have visited thus far. It is a laid-back desert island that is fitting for adventurous travelers. Here’s what you should know before visiting Aruba.

Immigration

To ensure a smooth visit to Aruba, complete Aruba’s Official Embarkation-Disembarkation card within 7 days of your travel date for approval. According to the official Aruba travel site, the ED card expedites the arrival process by preapproving its registration form. Once approved print that confirmation and bring it with you to the airport for check-in. Once you land in Aruba expect to use automated lanes to scan your passport as opposed to having it stamped. Queen Beatrix International Airport uses this method to speed up the immigration process.

Landscape

Once out of the airport and onto your hotel, you’ll notice a few things you may not have expected in a Caribbean island. Sandunes, cacti, and dry vegetation might not be what comes to mind on an island getaway but there is plenty of it in Aruba! Aruba is a desert island that offers a unique landscape that differs from the lush views one may find in say, Jamaica.

The variety in scenery I experienced in Aruba is a feast for the eyes. Whether it’s cacti studed hillsides or limestone coves I always felt like I was in untouched territory because of the island’s efforts to keep their land pristine. It’s a bumpy ride to get to these sites but well worth it.

Rent a Car

In order to view the natural desert beauty of Aruba, expect to rent a car. The island has an open space that lends to the calm atmosphere but that means you’ll need a car to get to the sites you want to experience. The best option would be a jeep, especially if you want to drive to the natural pool in Arikok National Park.

Rental car companies are conveniently located across the street from the airport. When you get your rental car you may wonder why you get an old scratched-up model. However, tourists come to explore the rugged landscapes of Aruba, where they’ll have to drive past caves, rock formations, and beaches. It wouldn’t make sense to sport a new shiny car so expect your rental car to be well-worn.

Language

Now you’re familiar with the landscape, have a car to get around, and are ready to chat with the locals. Will you get by with speaking English? Yes. You can also get by with Spanish, Dutch, and Papiamento. Dutch is one of Aruba’s official languages due to it being a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Papiamento is Aruba’s native language, a Creole language formed from various African languages, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch. This language makeup alone reveals a deep history that has led Aruba to be a melting pot. Expect to hear the rhythms of these languages dance off Aruban tongues all around you.

Culture

Chatting with the locals was never a disappointment. Arubans seem reserved and focused on their own affairs as opposed to what tourists are doing. However, if you desire to spark up a conversation they will warm up to you with open and friendly responses. Their polite nature even transfers to the music where even the lightest vulgar lyrics are muted on radio stations.

Food-wise, it was hard to spot authentic Aruban food. Despite that, the island presents a diverse range of cuisine from Cuban restaurants to pizza parlors. We at least got to try Dutch pancakes which are a delight! There are sweet and savory options and we wanted to try as much as we could and showed up to a pancake house each morning. The waiters who noticed our dedicated visits became friendlier with us on each return.

Expect affable exchanges with Arubans, plenty of cuisine options, and traditional values.

Te aworo!

The experiences on a desert island are unforgettable. From the black sand beaches to cactus forests, you’ll be immersed in landscapes you did not think were in the Caribbean. By the time you finish your trip you”ll be saying “te aworo” (see you later) because Aruba is an island you’ll never want to leave. You”ll be back!