If business brings you to this sun-drenched Dutch Caribbean destination known as the Happy Island, consider bringing the family. Aruba is particularly convenient for those working and learning remotely, offering easy work-life balance and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Aruba, part of the Lesser Antilles in the Southern Caribbean, covers just 70 square miles but packs in an impressive variety of experiences. Families won’t run out of things to do while you take care of work — and when you’re off the clock, there’s ample opportunity to enjoy the island together.
Start your day at the beach. Aruba is famous for its coastline, with more than a dozen sandy shores and sparkling turquoise water. Whether you choose Arashi Beach on the northwest tip, Baby Beach on the southeast, or any of the many others, you’ll find safe, beautiful spots for sunbathing, swimming and relaxing. Water sports abound: snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing, canoeing, paddleboarding and sailing. Deep-sea fishing can yield mahi, barracuda or marlin, and sunset cruises provide a peaceful end to active days. Divers will delight in numerous dive sites and shipwrecks, notably the 400-foot SS Antilla, a World War II wreck. Thrill-seekers can parasail, rent jet skis or try a water-propelled JetLev that lets you hover above the waves.
Non-divers won’t miss out on marine wonders. Semi-submarine and submarine tours bring underwater life within view, and kids particularly enjoy those experiences. For a unique family adventure, try an underwater walking tour that uses weighted helmets so participants walk along the sea floor without needing scuba certification or even the ability to swim.
Aruba’s interior is striking as well. Arikok National Park takes up nearly 20 percent of the island and features roughly 20 miles of wild, desert-like terrain to explore by ATV, UTV, Jeep, horseback or on foot. The park shelters cacti-studded coastlines, hidden beaches, natural bridges and pools, along with indigenous plants and animals. Guadirikiri Cave is notable for two chambers illuminated by shafts of sunlight and a deeper area home to hundreds of harmless bats. Fontein Cave displays Arawak Indian rock drawings that highlight Aruba’s indigenous history. Huliba Cave — nicknamed the Tunnel of Love for its heart-shaped opening — has a roughly 300-foot passageway best explored with a flashlight.
For high-adrenaline activities, consider skydiving. Skydive Aruba operates a spectacular drop zone: tandem jumps from 10,000 feet offer free-fall thrills and panoramic views of the Southern Caribbean, including nearby Bonaire and Curaçao and Venezuela’s Paraguaná Peninsula. It’s a memorable experience for adventurous teens and adults alike.
Other land-based options include horseback riding, motorcycle and e-bike tours, and quieter pursuits such as birdwatching. Aruba hosts more than 200 bird species across varied habitats — reefs, mangroves, marshes, countryside and resort grounds. The Bubali Plas Bird Sanctuary near Palm Beach features a watchtower overlooking marshes and is a favorite spot for nature lovers.
Families can also visit The Butterfly Farm, an enclosed tropical exhibit where hundreds of exotic butterflies flit through a lush environment. Downtown Oranjestad offers shopping that ranges from designer stores to small boutiques, providing a pleasant mix of retail and local culture.
PHOTO: © MIHAI ANDRITOIU | DREAMSTIME.COM
Aruba’s dining scene is diverse and abundant, with more than 200 restaurants serving international and local cuisine. Options include Japanese, Brazilian, Peruvian, Belgian and Italian, alongside traditional Aruban dishes. The island’s multicultural community — representing dozens of nationalities — ensures variety, from casual food trucks and beachside grills to upscale white-tablecloth restaurants.
Aruba lives up to the Happy Island reputation. Its combination of beaches, outdoor adventures, cultural sites and family-friendly amenities makes it an excellent choice for mixing business and leisure.
LODGING
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
The Marriott offers some of the island’s largest accommodations and a full-service casino. Families can choose between a family pool and an adults-only H2Oasis pool, relax on the beach or join outdoor fitness classes and beach tennis.
L.G. Smith Blvd. 101, Palm Beach
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Barceló Aruba
This all-inclusive resort provides a wide range of dining and activities, including a kids club. Royal Level rooms include preferred views, exclusive dining access and added amenities such as complimentary room service and WiFi.
J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 83, Noord
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Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
Popular with families, the Hilton features kids and teens clubs, pools with waterfalls and a freshwater lagoon. The resort also offers spa services, scuba lessons, paddleboard and bike rentals, and yoga and aqua fitness classes.
J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 81, Noord
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DINING
Nos Clubhuis
A casual beachside spot focused on seafood, with daily fresh catches such as red snapper and garlic shrimp skewers.
J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 96, Fisherman’s Pier, Noord
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Pinchos Grill & Bar
An intimate dining experience at overwater tables with candlelit ambiance. Recommended dishes include Black Angus tenderloin with truffle butter and pan-seared grouper with seafood stew.
L.G. Smith Blvd. 7, Aruba Surfside Marina, Oranjestad
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Qué Pasa? Restaurant, Bar and Art Gallery
A cozy fusion restaurant blending Caribbean, South American and Middle Eastern flavors with European influences. Known for seafood like shrimp plates and tuna tataki, it also displays local artists’ work.
Wilhelminastraat 18, Oranjestad
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INFO TO GO
Major carriers fly into Queen Beatrix International Airport from North American gateways. Transfers to hotels are available by bus, taxi or limousine; some hotels include transfers with reservations. All visitors must complete Aruba’s online embarkation/disembarkation card and be approved before entry. The process includes several required components, so complete each step carefully. You will also need a valid passport and an active email address for the application.