By: Dr. Adal Hussain (AKA) Dr. Abbey, Travel Editor@ Large for World Liberty TV

We had the pleasure of traveling to Aruba Southern Caribbean. In May 2026, we will share more information and history of Aruba and also some of the destinations we attended in Aruba.

Aruba is most famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and year-round sunny weather.

Located safely outside the Caribbean hurricane belt, the “One Happy Island” is renowned for its idyllic coastline, diverse water sports, and laid-back luxury resort experience.

World-Class Beaches: Stretches like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach consistently rank among the best globally, featuring powdery sand and iconic wind-sculpted Divi Divi trees.

Shipwreck Diving: The waters are a haven for snorkeling and scuba diving, most notably the sunken WWII German freighter, the SS Antilla Wreck.

Rugged Natural Landscapes: Away from the resort areas, Arikok National Park offers dramatic desert terrain, unique caves, and a striking Natural Pool carved by ocean waves.

Flamingo Island: The private beach at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, famously populated by free-roaming flamingos, is one of the island’s most photographed attractions.

Rich Cultural Heritage: Visitors experience a unique blend of Dutch, Caribbean, and indigenous influences, visible in the colorful, historic architecture of downtown Oranjestad and celebrated through local cuisine like Keshi Yena.

Most Arubans are of mixed descent, with about 75% of the population identifying as a blend of European, Native Caquetío (Arawak) Amerindian, and African ancestries.

Because Aruba did not develop a large-scale plantation system, it retains a distinct mestizo/mixed majority compared to other Caribbean islands.

The island’s rich heritage spans over 140 different nationalities, with the current demographic breakdown looking like this: Mixed Heritage (European/Amerindian/African): 75%, Black/Afro-Aruban: 15% and Other Ethnicities: 10%.

Due to its close proximity to South America and historical ties to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a large portion of the population claims direct roots from nearby nations.

November is the rainiest month in Aruba, receiving an average of about 3.5 to 4 inches of precipitation.

Because Aruba lies outside the hurricane belt and has an arid climate, its “rainy season” (which typically runs from October through December) is very mild compared to other Caribbean destinations.

Aruba is considered a rich, high-income country. As a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it boasts one of the highest standards of living and GDP per capita in the Caribbean. Its robust, tourism-driven economy provides residents with well-developed infrastructure, modern amenities, and universal healthcare.

While Aruba as a whole is wealthy, this prosperity comes with a high cost of living. Because the island’s primary industry is tourism, the economy is vulnerable to global travel disruptions, and almost all food and consumer goods must be imported.

One U.S. Dollar (USD) is worth approximately 1.79 to 1.80 Aruban Florin (AWG/Afl). The official mid-market exchange rate sits around 1.80 AWG.

Because the Aruban Florin is officially pegged to the U.S. Dollar, the base value remains stable, but the exact rate you receive will depend on where you spend your money.

We had the pleasure of visiting the following locations in Aruba. Casibari: Casibari is a settlement of Paradera, north of Hooiberg, in Aruba. Evidence of prehistoric rock drawings is still visible at the site. “Casibari” is an Indian name of Arawak (possibly Taíno).

St. Anna Catholic Church : (also known as St. Ann’s) is a historic, vibrant Catholic parish located in Noord, Aruba, just a 10-minute drive from the Palm Beach high-rise hotels. It is beloved by visitors and locals for its welcoming community, beautiful ornate altar, and traditional cemetery.

Tres Trapi Beach: To easily experience Tres Trapi (“Three Steps Beach”) in Aruba, simply arrive early in the morning, park by the main road, and use the iconic hand-carved stone steps to safely enter the shallow, turtle-filled waters.

California Lighthouse: Located on Aruba’s northwestern tip near the California Lighthouse, Arashi Beach is a favorite for its soft white sand, calm shallow waters, and excellent snorkeling. It offers a quieter, more relaxed vibe than the bustling Palm Beach, making it perfect for families, couples, and locals.

California lighthouse, The California Lighthouse, known by locals as Faro stands tall the northwestern tip of Aruba. Being the tallest structure in Aruba.

The California Lighthouse in Aruba is named after the British steamship S.S. California, which tragically wrecked off the island’s northwestern coast in 1891.

Built between 1914 and 1916, the lighthouse was specifically erected to warn passing ships of the treacherous reef perils that caused the shipwreck.

Eagle Beach: Eagle Beach is Aruba’s widest stretch of coastline, celebrated for its powdery white sand and pristine turquoise waters.

Located just north of Oranjestad, it offers a quieter, more relaxed alternative to the high-rise Palm Beach area. It is famous for its iconic, leaning Fofoti trees and sea turtle nesting sites.

Aruba Streetcar (trolley): The free, hop-on hop-off Aruba Streetcar (trolley) in downtown Oranjestad provides a convenient 30 to 45-minute narrated tour of the capital’s historic landmarks, museums, and shopping districts. It departs right outside the cruise terminal, offering an easy way to explore the area.

 Shopping & Dining: We visited downtown Oranjestad, The island’s capital is the hub for high-end luxury, electronics, and jewelry.

Renaissance Mall: Features luxury designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Cartier, alongside high-end jewelers.

Renaissance Marketplace: Offers a more open-air, casual vibe with dining, nightlife, and local craft boutiques.

Main Street (Caya G.F. Betico Croes): A pedestrian-friendly stretch perfect for affordable local souvenirs, linens, and perfumes.

We tried the following foods, Po-Ke Ono: A must-visit for sushi lovers, offering incredibly realistic plant-based tuna and salmon alternatives like “Vegan Zeastar”.

Vegan & Natural Aruba / LSM Vegan: Local spots famous for veganizing traditional Aruban snacks, such as vegan pastechi (meat-free turnovers) and plant-based cupcakes.

We tried some of the following drinks: Virgin Piña Coladas, Virgin Mojitos, and Virgin Strawberry Daiquiris, freshly squeezed fruit juices, all tasting good and fresh.

It was a wonderful experience, great people very friendly and happy people. Great beaches, iconic locations throughout the island, weather was in the 90’s when we were there.

Do recommend, this wonderful island for a vacation, to learn more about Aruba, Click here.

See more coverage of Aruba in our World Liberty TV, Travel and Tourism Channels and Blogs by clicking here.