Date of publication 10/06/2025
Travel to the rhythm of the Caribbean: the best time to experience Aruba
Some places shine year-round. Visiting them means experiencing each season in perfect harmony with its rhythm, and discovering that there’s always something worth doing. From spring through winter, the Caribbean’s warm climate sets the pace for every journey: the seasons influence how fast you move, how you feel, and the kinds of plans you make. Begin where your vacation takes you the furthest. At the end (or the beginning) of the journey, one of Aruba’s most exclusive hotels is waiting for you.
Dry season (December to April): radiant sun and Caribbean celebrations
Eagle Beach: white sand and palm-fringed days
The sunny, pleasant days of the dry season invite you to unwind at Eagle Beach, one of Aruba’s top spots for disconnecting among white sand dunes, palm trees, and turquoise waters. This is where you’ll find JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, a new high-end resort designed to make you feel like you’ve truly arrived. Where exactly that is depends on what you’re seeking from your stay. Maybe you dream of sleeping in a suite with ocean views, a private rooftop pool, and butler service. Or perhaps your goal is to stay at a luxury hotel with a sustainable ethos—one that blends into paradise and stays attuned to your every need.
Oranjestad Carnival: color, rhythm, and tradition
Staying at one of the best family-friendly hotels in Aruba gives you easy access to explore the island from a prime location—just ten minutes from Queen Beatrix International Airport. If your visit coincides with the season, be sure to head over to Oranjestad, the capital (only five kilometers from the resort), to experience its Carnival, held between February and March. This joyful celebration blends Caribbean and European traditions into a vibrant, multicultural event. Don’t miss the Grand Parade of Lights—a dazzling spectacle for the senses.
Snorkeling at Arashi Reef: coral and marine life
There’s plenty to see in Aruba, but if you’re drawn to the ocean and marine life, set aside a day for snorkeling at Arashi Reef—a beach surrounded by coral reefs and known for its biodiversity. Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling doesn’t require certification or prior experience. Still, we recommend stopping by one of the nearby dive centers to get the most out of your adventure. As you stay active in the water, you’ll explore a fascinating underwater world just off the shore, where colorful fish, sea turtles, octopuses, barracudas, green moray eels, and even nurse sharks make their home.
Sunset at California Lighthouse: panoramic views
Aruba is a naturally romantic destination. Its surroundings and energy make it ideal for couples. Watching the sunset from the California Lighthouse with someone special is one of those moments that grounds you in the present and connects you with the essence of the “One Happy Island.” The 360º views offer a sensory experience like no other. There’s also an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a drink or share a scenic dinner after the sun goes down.
Shoulder season (May/June): underwater adventures and local culture
Antilla shipwreck: a dive into underwater history
The Caribbean Sea and Aruba’s local culture are at their most captivating between May and June, one of the most distinctive times of year to visit the island. As a unique starting point, consider a boat trip to dive at the exact site where the Antilla sank: a World War II ship that was intentionally scuttled by its captain on May 10, 1940, just off the coast. Today, the wreck has been reclaimed by marine life. Why was it sunk? You’ll find out during your visit.
Windsurfing at Fisherman’s Huts: a challenge on the waves
Fisherman’s Huts—also known simply as The Huts or Hadicurari Beach—is one of the best beaches in Aruba for surfing, windsurfing, and other adrenaline-fueled water sports. It’s also the site of the annual Aruba Hi-Winds competition, a major windsurfing event typically held in June that draws surfers from all over the world. If this is your passion, plan your vacation to coincide with the event. The beach’s clear, shallow waters also include calmer areas with lighter winds, where local families often come to swim year-round.
Food tour in Savaneta: authentic flavors
Whether it’s the quality cuisine at Aruba’s hotels or day trips to places like Savaneta—Aruba’s former capital and home to some of the island’s most traditional restaurants—Aruban food will captivate you with its bold, exotic character. Let the atmosphere, flavors, and aromas of this coastal town surrounded by mangroves draw you in as you stroll through its history-rich streets. You’ll also find the oldest house in the country here: a 150-year-old mud hut that’s still standing. You’ll have the chance to visit it after savoring a keshi yena and toasting with an Aruba Ariba.
Colonial route through Oranjestad: architecture and museums
What’s worth seeing in Aruba to better understand its past? Beyond its famous duty-free jewelry stores and tropical fruit trees, a walking tour of Oranjestad offers a closer look at the city’s colonial legacy. The colorful buildings, blending Dutch and Caribbean architecture, along with its monuments, museums, and the layout of its charming streets and plazas, will transport you back in time. Be sure to visit the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba, Fort Zoutman, the Parliament building, and—back in the present—La Casa de la Cultura, where emerging local artists exhibit their work.
Wind season (July/August): water sports and encounters with nature
Kiteboarding at Boca Grandi: steady winds
For thrill-seekers, one of the must-try water sports during Aruba’s wind season is kiteboarding at Boca Grandi. In this part of the island, the trade winds blow with particular strength, especially between July and August. Thanks to the climate and the landscape, this semi-wild beach is home to some of the best wave-riding spots. Here, surrounded by emerald waters, soft white sand, and coastal shrubs, you can challenge yourself on the board while taking in the rugged beauty of the setting. Just keep in mind that strong currents make swimming inadvisable—head to other equally stunning beaches like Eagle Beach or Baby Beach for a safer swim.
Snorkeling and turtle spotting at Boca Catalina
Before you even leave the water, here’s another way to dive deeper into the Caribbean’s magic from Aruba’s family-friendly resorts: snorkeling with sea turtles at Boca Catalina. Snorkeling with kids is one of the best ways to observe these gentle creatures ethically in their natural environment. Several endangered species nest along Aruba’s beaches during the season, including hawksbill, loggerhead, and green turtles. If you’re lucky, you might witness hatchlings breaking through their shells and racing toward the sea, flapping their tiny flippers—just be sure to keep a respectful distance so as not to disturb them.
Sunset stroll on Palm Beach: nightlife and cocktails
Summer sunsets on Palm Beach deserve a toast with your favorite cocktail in hand. As the vibrant colors of the sky fade into a starlit canopy and the sun dips below the horizon, a walk along this beach becomes a moment of true connection with yourself and the present. It’s also the perfect way to ease into the evening without straying far from Aruba’s top hotels. Just steps away, you’ll find a lively scene of bars and clubs. Palm Beach is only five minutes by car from Eagle Beach—or about fifteen minutes by bike, or a half-hour walk.
Excursion to Conchi Natural Pool in Arikok
Now that you know what to do in Aruba during the summer months, it’s time to slow down and embrace the gentler rhythm of early autumn rains—something that won’t get in the way of diving into natural pools like Conchi, located within Arikok National Park. This tide pool, connected to the sea and surrounded by ancient volcanic rock formations, is a testament to the Caribbean’s natural wonders. To reach it, you’ll need to follow a narrow trail, either on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle (regular cars can’t access the area). The most sustainable option is the hiking trail that begins at the park’s visitor center and ends, after about two and a half hours, at the rocky cliff overlooking the pool. From there, a staircase leads you down to the water. Nearby, you’ll usually find a few food and drink stands where you can refuel after the hike.
Mild rainy season (September/November): tranquility and untamed trails
Relax at Baby Beach: shallow waters
Autumn’s calm sets the perfect tone for enjoying the sea and sun at an unhurried pace, leaving the clock behind and embracing peace as the main priority. Baby Beach is one of Aruba’s best spots for unwinding and swimming in shallow waters, making it ideal for the whole family, even for babies seeing the ocean for the first time. This beautiful, crescent-shaped beach is easily accessible and located near the town of San Nicolas. It’s fully equipped for a safe and comfortable beach day, with nearby beach clubs, traditional food stalls, and a few local shops.
Arikok National Park trails: trekking and discoveries
Arikok National Park will keep you in a constant state of discovery. Among its many nature-based activities, you can swim in its natural pool, marvel at the views of forests and mountains, watch native birds in flight, like the Aruban parakeet, explore rock formations over 1.5 million years old, and venture into ancient caves while hiking or trekking. Its trail network and cave systems lead to almost-hidden corners, where the only sound is the blended melody of wildlife, flowing water, and rustling vegetation.
Carubbian Festival in San Nicolas: Caribbean fusions
Food-focused plans in Aruba are a (delicious) way to dive into the island’s traditions through its flavors, especially in autumn. The Carubbian Festival in San Nicolas takes place every Thursday at 8:00 p.m. in the city center, which lights up with colorful displays for the occasion. In addition to savoring the richness of local cuisine, you’ll have the chance to buy handmade crafts directly from artisans, enjoy live music and folk dance performances, and even join the parade—no need to wait for Oranjestad’s Carnival.
Visit to Seroe Colorado Lighthouse: a scenic route
To reach the Seroe Colorado Lighthouse (also known as the Cerro Colorado Lighthouse) in Oranjestad, you’ll climb a small hill overlooking the sea, located between Boca Grandi and Bachelor's Beach. The original structure, built in 1880, was made of wood; it was later renovated and reinforced with stone in 1925. Today, this nautical viewpoint still serves to guide ships, but also offers one of the island’s most breathtaking panoramic views from its elevated position. It’s the kind of view you’ll want to return to again and again, just like the new JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, already one of the most sought-after hotels in Aruba.
