Top 10 Aruba Travel Tips
Planning your first trip to Aruba? We’ve got you covered.
At Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba, we live and breathe island life and we’re sharing our best insider tips to help you travel smarter and vacation better. Whether you're staying with us or just exploring Aruba for the first time, this guide walks you through everything from airport arrivals and transportation to grocery delivery, restaurant bookings, and sun-smart packing tips.
Here are our top tips to make your trip to Aruba as smooth (and sunny) as possible.
Getting from Aruba Airport to Boardwalk
After landing at Queen Beatrix International Airport, you have a few easy options to reach Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba.
Rental cars
- Major brands are available at the airport (Avis, Budget, Hertz, and more).
- Booking ahead is smart, especially in high season.
- Prefer extra ease? Ask us about rental car delivery to our on-site parking lot.
Taxi service
- Taxis wait right outside the arrivals hall.
- A one-way trip to Boardwalk is typically around $31 USD for up to 4 passengers. Extra charges can apply on holidays or with additional luggage.
Private airport transfers
- Want a seamless start? We can arrange a private driver meet-and-greet inside the airport, holding a sign with your name.
- Typically $50 USD one-way when booked in advance.
Uber & Lyft
- Not available in Aruba. Taxis and private transfers are the go-to.
Hotel shuttles
- Aruba does not have shared airport hotel shuttles, but we can coordinate an individual transfer based on your needs.
Exploring Aruba: The Simple Way to Get Around
Yes, we recommend it. Aruba is compact, roads are straightforward, and having a car makes it easy to explore beaches, snorkeling spots, and local favorites on your own schedule.
- Reserve in advance if you can.
- Renting mid-stay also works. We can help arrange delivery directly to the hotel.
- Local favorite: Top Drive Aruba (reliable, friendly, and great for island exploring).
Restaurant Reservations in Aruba
Aruba is a foodie paradise with 250+ restaurants, and popular tables can disappear quickly.
- Reserve ahead, especially during high season (Thanksgiving through Easter).
- Tell us what you love (seafood, tapas, fine dining, local flavors) and we can help narrow it down.
Dining at Boardwalk
- The Coco Café: our on-property restaurant and bar with all-day bites
- Breakfast delivery: straight to your casita
- Beach service: lunch and drinks delivered to your lounge chair
- Private chef services: an unforgettable night on your patio
Book Tours and Activities Ahead
Aruba offers snorkeling, paddleboarding, sailing, off-road adventures, and more. Many experiences book out early in peak season.
We can help arrange:
- Water sports and lessons (SUP, windsurfing, diving)
- Private or group island tours
- Sunset sails and catamaran cruises
- Horseback riding
If you prefer flexibility, last-minute bookings can work, but early planning usually means more choice.
Currency in Aruba:
- Local currency: Aruban florin (AWG)
- U.S. dollars: Accepted everywhere in Aruba
- Exchange rate: ~1 USD = 1.75 to 1.78 AWG
- ATMs: Widely available; most dispense AWG and USD
- Other currencies (CAD, EUR, etc.): Generally not accepted
At Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba
- Cashless hotel: Yes
- Payment methods: All major credit cards accepted
- Billing currency: U.S. dollars (USD)
Electricity and Power Adapters
Good news for U.S. travelers: Aruba uses 110V outlets, so no adapter is needed.
Traveling from a 220V country?
- Many of our casitas offer dual voltage outlets (110V + 220V)
- If you want to confirm your casita’s setup, message our team before arrival
Bonus: Every casita includes a hairdryer, plenty of outlets, and a fully equipped kitchen for small appliances.
Grocery Shopping and Grocery Delivery
Your casita includes a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette plus a private BBQ grill, so you can stock up and settle in.
Options:
- Order groceries pre-arrival through our team
- Use our Web App to order during your stay
- Schedule delivery straight to your casita
Nearby grocery spots:
- Super Food (about a 7-minute drive)
- Ling & Sons (great international selection)
- Neighborhood minimarkets (about a 3-minute drive for essentials)
Aruba Weather: What to Expect
Aruba is warm and sunny year-round, with a dry, desert-like climate and steady trade winds.
- Peak UV hours: 10 AM–4 PM
- Pack: reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, light cover-up
- Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt
- Typical temps: 75°F–90°F (24°C–32°C) with occasional short rain showers
What to Pack for Aruba
Pack light. Aruba style is easy and breezy, and Boardwalk is all about barefoot luxury.
Bring:
- Swimsuits, sandals, airy outfits
- Reef-safe sunscreen and after-sun care
- A light cover-up for sun protection
- A reusable tote for beach days
Already included with your stay:
- Reusable water bottles (yours to keep)
- Cooler bag
- Yoga mat
- Snorkel gear
- Beach towels
- Portable beach chairs
What to Leave Behind (and How to Travel Kindly)
We love Aruba and we’re committed to keeping it clean, wild, and wonderful.
Helpful reminders:
- Aruba has a ban on single-use plastics, skip disposable straws and bags
- Driving on sand dunes or beaches is prohibited
- Avoid off-roading in protected nature areas
- Leave shells, coral, and rocks where they belong, taking them home is illegal
Want to learn more? Link to your sustainability page here
FAQs: Aruba Travel Questions We Get All the Time
Aruba Trip Planning Questions
Do I need to rent a car in Aruba?
We strongly recommend it for maximum freedom, especially if you want to explore beyond Palm Beach.
Are Uber or Lyft available in Aruba?
No. Taxis and private transfers are the best options.
What currency should I bring to Aruba?
U.S. dollars work everywhere. Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easy to find.
Do I need a power adapter in Aruba?
Not if you’re coming from the U.S. Aruba uses 110V outlets.
Do restaurants in Aruba require reservations?
Many popular spots do, especially during Thanksgiving through Easter.
Can I get groceries delivered to Boardwalk?
Yes. You can order pre-arrival through our team, or use our Web App during your stay.
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