Ready for a dose of Aruba magic? Buckle up, because these fun Aruba facts about our One Happy Island will have you packing your bags faster than you can say “Bon bini!” (That’s “welcome” in Papiamento, by the way!)
Flamingo Beach is a Real Thing
Yes, you can actually hang out with flamingos on the beach. It’s on a private island owned by the Renaissance Hotel, but don’t worry – Aruba Butler can arrange a visit for you!
It’s Home to the World’s Shortest International Flight
The flight from Aruba to Curaçao is only 80 miles and takes about 20 minutes!
Aruba’s Tap Water is Some of the Purest in the World
No need to worry about buying bottled water here! Aruba’s tap water comes from a state-of-the-art desalination plant and is some of the cleanest and purest in the world. It’s completely safe—and delicious—to drink straight from the tap. Stay hydrated while you’re enjoying the island’s sunny weather!
Home to One of the Top-Ranked Beaches in the World
Eagle Beach in Aruba is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. Its powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, and spacious shoreline make it perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Plus, you won’t have to fight for a spot on the sand, as it’s never overcrowded, even during peak season.
Aruba Has Its Own Aloe Vera Farm
It’s one of the largest aloe vera plantations in the world, and you can take a tour!
The License Plates Are Adorable
Aruba’s license plates feature the slogan “One Happy Island.” It’s not just cute – it’s true!
You Can Gamble 24/7
Aruba’s casinos never close. Late night or early morning, the slots are always spinning!
Aruba Has No Private Beaches
Unlike many other Caribbean islands where some beaches are off-limits unless you’re staying at a certain resort, all beaches in Aruba are public! This means you’re free to explore the island’s coastline and find your own perfect beach spot without restrictions.
Arikok National Park Covers Nearly 20% of the Island
Nature lovers will be thrilled to know that Arikok National Park covers almost 20% of Aruba. It’s filled with rugged landscapes, hidden caves, and unique wildlife, making it perfect for hiking or off-roading adventures.
Aruba Was Once Part of South America
Millions of years ago, Aruba was connected to the mainland. Now it’s a perfect little island paradise!
The National Sport is… Dominos!
While water sports are popular, dominos is actually Aruba’s official national sport.
Aruba Has a Donkey Sanctuary
These cute creatures once outnumbered humans on the island. Now you can visit them at the sanctuary!
The Divi Divi Tree Always Points West
One of Aruba’s most iconic symbols is the Divi Divi tree (also called the Watapana tree). These unique, wind-bent trees are always pointing west, thanks to Aruba’s constant trade winds. It’s like nature’s own compass! Not only are they beautiful, but they’re a practical landmark to help you find your way around the island.
The Oldest Aloe Company in the World is Here
Aruba Aloe was founded in 1890 and is still producing amazing aloe products today.
There’s a Natural Bridge (Well, Sort Of)
Aruba’s famous Natural Bridge collapsed in 2005, but the “Baby Bridge” nearby is still standing and beautiful!
Aruba Has Its Own Beer
Balashi is the local brew, and it’s made with desalinated seawater. How’s that for island ingenuity?
Papiamento: Aruba’s Unique Language
Though Dutch is the official language of Aruba, most locals speak Papiamento, a fun creole language that blends elements of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, English, and African languages. It reflects the island’s rich cultural history. You can greet locals with a cheerful “Bon bini!” (Welcome!) and maybe impress them with a bit of Papiamento on your trip!
It’s Out of the Hurricane Belt
Unlike many other Caribbean destinations, Aruba is located outside the hurricane belt. This means you can plan your vacation anytime of the year without worrying about hurricane season! Aruba enjoys over 300 sunny days a year, making it one of the sunniest spots in the region.
The Island is Seriously Windy
But that’s a good thing! It keeps the temperature perfect and the mosquitoes away.
Aruba Has a Butterfly Farm
You can walk among hundreds of exotic butterflies from around the world. It’s magical!
The Bottom Line: Aruba is Full of Surprises! From its picture-perfect weather to its quirky Divi Divi trees and rich cultural mix, Aruba is more than just a pretty beach destination—it’s an island with so much character and charm. Whether you’re soaking up the sun, exploring Arikok National Park, or simply enjoying the laid-back vibe, Aruba’s unique personality is sure to make your trip unforgettable.