Aruba, Dutch Territory
Caribbean
Sunny 365 days a year, outside the hurricane belt, and the best beach bar scene in the Caribbean
Aruba sits below the hurricane belt and gets less than 20 inches of rain per year — it is genuinely sunny almost every single day. The constant trade winds keep temperatures at a comfortable 82°F year-round. Eagle Beach is routinely ranked the best beach in the Caribbean for families: wide, uncrowded, with calm water and plenty of shade from the famous divi-divi trees. Aruba is low-hassle, safe, and exceptionally well-set-up for visitors.
4.5 hr direct flight from JFK or EWR · Passport required
Why Grandparents Love It
It is sunny every single day — no weather anxiety, no checking forecasts, no rained-out plans
Eagle Beach has a wide, flat, hard-packed sand walk at the waterline — genuinely accessible for mobility concerns
The trade winds make 82°F feel like 72°F — you will not overheat even in midsummer
Eagle Beach: wider, less crowded than Palm Beach, with calm water, divi-divi trees, and brilliant white sand
Arikok National Park covers 20% of the island — caves with petroglyphs, rugged coastline, natural pool in the rocks
The ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) have world-class snorkeling and diving with 100-foot visibility
Oranjestad capital: Dutch colonial architecture, open-air market, and excellent waterfront dining
Top Free Pick
Eagle Beach
The widest beach in the Caribbean, with brilliant white sand, calm water, divi-divi trees for shade, and far fewer crowds than the Palm Beach hotel strip. Free public beach access from multiple points. The beach bar at Manchebo Beach Resort serves drinks at the waterline.
Top Activities (4)
Arikok National Park
All ages (Conchi pool requires 4WD or guided tour)Twenty percent of Aruba is protected national park — dramatic desert landscape with cacti, donkeys, natural pools, caves with Arawak petroglyphs, and a rugged northern coastline with blowhole rock formations. The Conchi Natural Pool is a calm seawater pool inside rocks at the park's north tip.
Grandparent note: Rent a 4WD and drive yourself, or book a UTV/4WD tour. The road to Conchi Natural Pool is unpaved and rough — the guided Jeep tours are genuinely fun. Caves are easy to enter and cool.
Snorkel & Sea Turtle Tour
Ages 6+ (confident swimmers)Aruba's west coast has calm, clear water with healthy coral and sea turtles that are reliably visible at several snorkel sites. Pelican Adventures and De Palm Island both run excellent half-day tours. The visibility is typically 60–80 feet.
Grandparent note: The west coast snorkel sites are much calmer than the wild north coast. Sea turtles at Boca Catalina and Malmok Beach are common sightings. Glass-bottom boat options available for non-swimmers.
Oranjestad Walking Tour
All agesAruba's small capital has Dutch colonial architecture, a compact waterfront lined with colorful buildings, an excellent Archaeological Museum (free), and a fresh market on the waterfront. Easy flat walking — the whole downtown is five blocks.
Grandparent note: The free Archaeological Museum on J.E. Irausquin Blvd is surprisingly excellent — displays on the Arawak people who lived here for 2,500 years before Europeans. Completely flat and air-conditioned.
Baby Beach
All ages (perfect for ages 2–8)A circular, completely sheltered bay on the far east end of the island with warm, flat, chest-deep water — like a natural swimming pool. Almost no wave action. The Caribbean's most perfect beach for young children who are nervous in the ocean.
Grandparent note: The 30-minute drive from Eagle Beach is worth it for families with young grandkids. The water is genuinely still and warm. Bring your own snacks and shade.
Where to Stay
Divi Aruba All Inclusive (Eagle Beach)
All-Inclusive · $350–550/night all-inclusive
Best value all-inclusive on Eagle Beach — direct beach access, multiple pools, solid food
Marriott Aruba Resort (Palm Beach)
Large Resort · $400–650/night
Full resort amenities on Palm Beach, large pool complex, best for families wanting maximum on-site activity
Where to Eat
Zeerovers Fish Shack (Savaneta)
$Local Seafood
Where locals eat — plastic tables, fresh fried fish by the pound, ice-cold Balashi beer, the most authentic lunch in Aruba
Flying Fishbone
$$$$Seafood
Tables literally in the water on the south coast — fish dinners with waves lapping at your feet
Screaming Eagle
$$$Eclectic
Best atmosphere in Aruba — bed-seat tables, theatrical, the Instagram dinner everyone does
Grandparent Tips
Aruba has no hurricane season risk — safe to book any time of year without weather insurance
Flamingos at Renaissance Island are on a private beach for hotel guests — worth asking at the Renaissance front desk
Rent a car — the island is small and easy to drive; a car unlocks Arikok Park and Baby Beach
The trade winds are strongest on the northeast coast — stick to Eagle Beach and west coast beaches for calm swimming
Bring light layers for air-conditioned restaurants — the trade winds also make evenings cooler than you expect
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival & Eagle Beach
Arrive, check in, walk Eagle Beach
Afternoon: swim and settle
Evening: dinner in Oranjestad waterfront
Day 2 — Arikok & Natural Pool
Morning: Arikok National Park Jeep tour (book ahead)
Afternoon: Conchi Natural Pool swim
Evening: Flying Fishbone for sunset dinner
Day 3 — Snorkel & Baby Beach
Morning: Sea turtle snorkel tour (west coast)
Afternoon: Baby Beach for younger grandkids
Evening: Zeerovers Fish Shack for the local experience
Printable PDF Guide
A 2–5 page travel guide for Aruba — formatted for printing or saving to your phone.
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