Honeymoon in Aruba

Aruba is a small but mighty country. Newlyweds can honeymoon in Aruba and expect dry tropical weather, photo-worthy scenery and a welcoming nation whose economy is largely dependent on tourism.

Aruba honeymoons always include these three things and more: sunshine, sand and the smiles of Arubans welcoming you to their country. And even after the sun goes down, you can still gaze at the stars on one of Aruba’s many beaches!

Aruba’s Geography

Aruba is a small island west of Curacao and very close to the north coast of Venezuela. It only takes about an hour to drive from the northern tip of the island to its southern end. And on clear days you can see Venezuela from the southern tip of the island.

The turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean sea surround it. It’s part of the “ABC” islands: Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire. Aruba’s capital city is Oranjestad, home to the island’s international airport.

The island has a varied landscape, from its white-sand beaches, to rock formations on land, caves underground and forests with heat-tolerant plants. Its national parks may be of interest to adventurous newlyweds.

History of Aruba

Aruba has a rich, long history. It was inhabited by Venezuelan indigenous people for centuries. Then the Spanish ruled for over a century, at the turn of the 16th century. The 17th century brought Dutch occupation and a short rule by the British in the early 19th century. Ultimately the Dutch seized control.

Today, Aruba is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who controls things like their national defense. Yet Aruba has their own government, which regulates things like currency and their laws.

Today, Aruba is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who controls things like their national defense. Yet Aruba has their own government, which regulates things like currency and their laws.

Languages spoken in Aruba

English is widely spoken in Aruba. However, the country’s official languages are Dutch and Papiamento. The latter has been spoken in Aruba for three centuries but was only added to Aruba’s official languages in 2003. Spanish is also regularly spoken in Aruba.

“Bon bini” is how locals enthusiastically say hello!

Aruba’s Time Zone

Aruba is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone and they do not observe Daylight Savings Time.

Currency

The currency used in Aruba is the Florin. Visitors sometimes keep a 50 cent coin as a souvenir because of its unique square shape. However, you can also use US currency on the island, which is widely accepted, or major credit cards. One dollar is equal to approximately Afl 1.80 (Aruban Florins).

Weather and Peak times to Visit for your Aruba Honeymoon

There’s never a bad time to visit Aruba based on the weather. Aruba’s climate is arid but it is favorable all year. Temperatures continuously hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season is from October through January, yet even then it only rains for a short time; Aruba’s annual rainfall is low. (It’s one of the driest Caribbean islands.)

They are luckily outside the hurricane belt so you can throw away any concerns about “hurricane season.” Trade winds provide relief from the heat during spring and summer – the winds are strongest May through June. But don’t let a breeze fool you: wear sunscreen! The sun in Aruba is strong.

High tourist season is mid-December through mid-April, when northern tourists flock to warmer areas to escape the cold. January, February and March brings the island’s Carnival with events happening throughout the festival.

Visiting during low season, mid-April to mid-December, may mean more affordable hotel rates and sometimes better honeymoon packages and offers for budget-conscious couples.

LGBTQ+ Community in Aruba

Aruba assures LGBTQ+ honeymooners that they welcome travelers to “…our Island with open arms and hearts.” Restaurants, resorts and nightclubs are LGBTQ+ friendly at this honeymoon destination island.

Same-sex marriages are legally recognized in Aruba.

Aruba and Covid-19 Travel Restrictions and Regulations

Couples visiting Aruba from the United States must provide proof of a negative PCR COVID test that was taken within 72 hours of arrival in Aruba. You may also have to provide a negative test result to re-enter the United States when you return. Check airline, federal, state and local restrictions before you travel.

Traveling to Your Honeymoon in Aruba

Passport, Visa and Entry Information for Couples Traveling to Aruba

Newlyweds can fly to Aruba and should be able to easily clear customs if they follow the requirements. Two things are needed to prepare for your arrival: a valid passport (it’s likely you’ll need it as soon as you check in for your outbound flight to Aruba at the airport anyway) and to fill out the ED Form.

Passports simply need to be valid for the duration of your trip, flight days included. US Citizens do not need a visa to visit Aruba.

You can fill out the ED form, or Embarkation-Disembarkation Form, online within 72 hours of your arrival in Aruba. Travelers who are a part of the Global Entry program can use it upon entry into Aruba.

Follow the above and you’ll both be on your way to your honeymoon resort very shortly after landing on the island!

Vaccinations for an Aruba Honeymoon

Routine vaccinations, including Chicken Pox, the Flu, Hepatitis A and B, Polio, and the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine are recommended. In addition to these, the CDC recommends travelers visiting Aruba also have the Typhoid vaccine.

Flights to Aruba

Flying to Aruba is affordable and flight options are plentiful. The international airport is named Queen Beatrix International Airport, code AUA. It’s located right near the capital and the longest amount of time it would take to drive from the airport to the furthest point of the island is about 30 minutes.

Here’s the cost of flights to Aruba from three major US cities during the first week of November:

• NYC: $350 roundtrip per person, with about 4.5 hours of air time, nonstop.
• LAX: $490 roundtrip per person, with one stop and 10.5 hours of travel time.
• Houston: $450 roundtrip per person, with one stop and 7 hours of traveling.

Pre-arrange transportation to your resort in advance. Or, after landing at the airport, clearing customs, and grabbing your luggage you can either take a taxi or rent a car to get to your resort. (They drive on the right side of the road in Aruba.)

Romantic and Exciting Things to do in Aruba

There’s rest, relaxation and adventure available to all couples who visit Aruba.

(Don’t forget to add these suggested activities to your Honeyfund honeymoon registry!)

Horseback Ride

Wouldn’t it be romantic to ride along the beach as newlyweds on horseback? Or through an Aruban desert? This dream can become a reality on your honeymoon in Aruba.

Water Sports

Partake in one of the island’s many water sports on the south Caribbean Sea. This includes kite surfing, deep sea fishing, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, parasailing, snorkeling and Scuba diving. For a unique take on an ocean view, sign up for a sunset sail or catamaran excursion.

ATV and Jeep Tours

Take a vehicle off-roading as a guide helps you navigate Aruba’s countryside to natural pools and rugged landscapes.

Gamble at a Casino

There are many resorts and hotels in Aruba that have casinos attached to them. You can hotel hop to explore other resorts’ casinos as well, such as the Alhambra Casino or Casino at the Ritz Carlton.

Book Tee Time at a Golf Course

If you and your partner enjoy golfing there are myriad options on the island of Aruba. Among them is the Tierra del Sol at the Ritz Carlton Aruba, or The Links at Divi Aruba.

Visit Aruba’s Beaches

There are many beaches to visit during your vacation, including the following popular spots:

• Manchebo Beach, on the northwest part of the island.
• Eagle Beach, a white sand beach just north of Manchebo Beach.
• Palm Beach, also on the northwest part of the island yet further up than Eagle Beach.
• Druif Beach, on the east side of the northern tip of the island.
• Baby Beach, on the southern tip of Aruba.

Treatments at your Resort Spa

Of course, treatment at your resort spa is always a nice way to relax with your new spouse during your honeymoon. Be sure to ask any of them about a honeymoon package; many offer romance bundles or honeymoon perks.

Where to Stay in Aruba

The island’s small size works to your advantage no matter where you stay in Aruba.

If you stay on the south end it’s easy to travel north for any activities or sightseeing you wish to do as newlyweds. And even if you stay at just one of the honeymoon resorts below you’re able to bounce to other properties to enjoy some public amenities, including restaurants and casinos.

Most resorts in Aruba are on, or incredibly close, to the coastline. This allows tourists easy access to sandy beaches and Caribbean waters.

Remember, the weather in Aruba is hot and sunny, which means resorts in Aruba benefit from daily blue skies and sunshine. Expect to take many dips in one of your hotel’s swimming pools, or wade in the Caribbean Sea (which is probably just steps from your resort room or suite).

• Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino has its own private island that is accessible with its complimentary water taxi and beach with flamingos.
• Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has an adults-only area and adult pool. (Perfect for couples who want to avoid environments with children during their honeymoon.)
• Hotel Riu Palace is an Aruba all-inclusive resort with plenty of beachfront lounging, a breathtaking central pool with a swim-up bar, spa and several restaurants.
• Ritz Carlton Aruba is a popular resort that offers couples six dining options, stunning ocean views, and amenities including a 24-hour casino and an onsite spa.
• Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba are two sister Aruba all-inclusive resorts. They have several pools and bars on-site, culture performances and multiple restaurants.
• Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort has a steel drum player every night to add to the island vibe at one of the Caribbean’s best honeymoon destinations. One of the special dining options is to enjoy a romantic sunset or moonlight dinner on the beach.
• Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is a colorful boutique resort with various casita options, two pools and access to the beach and Caribbean waters.
• Manchebo Beach Resort is a special oceanfront resort that, as their website states is, “an official part of Aruba Tourism Authority’s ‘Happily Ever After Guarantee’ a postponable destination policy for couples dreaming of booking a 2021 wedding or honeymoon, but are worried about coronavirus affecting future travel.”

Discover more resorts in Aruba with Honeyfund’s Honeymoon Resort Directory.

Honeymoon Registry for your Aruba Honeymoon

Register for your honeymoon in Aruba and let family and friends contribute to a dream beach resort stay, flights and all associated activities. Still not sure if an Aruba honeymoon is for you? Take our fun Caribbean Island honeymoon quiz. And then get started with our sample Caribbean honeymoon registry.