Aruba is a small island in the southern Caribbean, just off the coast of Venezuela. It is famous for white sand beaches, warm weather all year, and clear turquoise water. But beyond the beauty, Aruba is also easy, safe, and surprisingly affordable if you plan ahead.
This guide breaks down how we visited Aruba without overspending. It includes real prices, local experiences, and plenty of free or cheap activities you can enjoy.
Aruba stands out from other Caribbean destinations for a few key reasons. It is one of the safest islands in the region. The crime rate is low, the roads are well maintained, and the people are incredibly friendly. Aruba also lies outside the hurricane belt. That means you can travel here during the off-season, when flights and hotels cost less, without worrying much about storms.
The island is easy to explore. It is only 21 miles long, so you can see the whole place in just a few days. English is spoken everywhere, U.S. dollars are accepted, and no visa is needed for most travelers from North America.
While many islands focus only on beach resorts, Aruba offers a mix of scenery. You can relax on soft sand one day, then hike through desert landscapes the next. It is a destination where you can do a lot without spending a lot.
Aruba has warm weather and sunshine almost every day of the year. That makes it a solid choice any time you want to escape to the Caribbean. The peak tourist season is from mid-December through April. During these months, the weather is dry and breezy with temperatures around 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This is also when hotel prices are highest and the beaches can get busy.
If you are looking to save money and avoid crowds, consider traveling during the off-season from September to early December. This is technically within hurricane season for the Caribbean, but Aruba sits outside the main hurricane belt. The risk of storms is very low, and you can still expect mostly sunny days and warm temperatures. We traveled in this window and had amazing weather every day of our trip.
May through August can also be a good time to visit, especially if you book early and look for deals on flights and accommodations.
I found our flights using Google Flights with the “anywhere” feature. We booked round-trip tickets from Indianapolis to Aruba for only 350 dollars per person. Being flexible with your travel dates and looking a few months in advance can really help with price.
We chose to stay in Savaneta, a small town on the southern coast of Aruba. It is a quiet fishing village with a relaxed local feel. Staying here gave us a more authentic experience than we would have had in the resort-heavy areas like Palm Beach. Savaneta is less crowded and still centrally located, with about a 30 to 40 minute drive to both the popular beaches in the north and natural attractions in the south and east.
Our Airbnb cost just 170 dollars for four nights. It was clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed. We felt completely safe and appreciated being near small grocery stores and local restaurants. If you want to see the real Aruba and save money while doing it, Savaneta is a great base.
We rented a small car through GMAX Car Rental for $220 for a total of four days. That price included airport pickup, drop off, and the added insurance. Aruba is easy to drive around, and having a car gave us the freedom to visit more places without paying for tours or taxis.
Side note: Watch for goats crossing the road, especially in the south.
Go to the beach
All of Aruba’s beaches are public and free. Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and Baby Beach were our favorites. You can rent a shaded chair for about 10 dollars per day.
Explore Arikok National Park
The entrance fee is 15 dollars for adults and free for kids under 18. You will see lava rocks, sand dunes, wild goats, and caves with ancient carvings. Guadirikiri Cave and Fontein Cave are the best.
Visit the Donkey Sanctuary
Entry is free, and you can bring carrots or apples to feed the animals. Donations are welcome and help with their care.
Check out the California Lighthouse
This historic lighthouse gives amazing views. We paid $5 per person to go up to the top. It is a short visit, but a fun stop.
See the Natural Bridge
Although the original bridge collapsed, a smaller one nearby is still beautiful. There is a small café and souvenir shop on site.
Climb the Ayo Rock Formations
This is one of the best free spots on the island. You can hike around massive boulders and spot petroglyphs carved by the island’s early inhabitants.
We ate at local places and grocery stores to save money. La Granja served big plates of flavorful food at great prices. Local convenience stores were perfect for snacks, drinks, and simple meals. We also brought a soft cooler and packed lunches for the beach. Renting a place with a kitchen helped us save even more.
Day One
Start your morning with a visit to the California Lighthouse. Plan to spend about 45 minutes to an hour enjoying the views. From Savaneta, it takes about 45 minutes to drive there.
After the lighthouse, head south to Eagle Beach, which is about a 15 minute drive. Relax at the beach and check out the iconic Divi Divi Tree. Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours here, especially if you want to swim or take photos.
Day Two
Drive 25 minutes from Savaneta to the Donkey Sanctuary. A visit takes about an hour, especially if you want to feed the animals and walk the grounds.
From there, it is a 15 minute drive to the Ayo Rock Formations. Plan for another hour to explore, climb, and take pictures.
End your afternoon with a stop at the Natural Bridge, just 15 minutes away. Spend about 45 minutes enjoying the ocean views and grabbing a cold drink from the on-site café.
Day Three
Head into Arikok National Park early in the day to beat the heat. It is about 25 minutes from Savaneta. Allow at least 2 to 3 hours to explore caves, hiking trails, and desert views.
After the park, drive another 30 minutes to Baby Beach. Spend 2 to 3 hours swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing.
Day Four
Book a full-day tour with Jolly Pirates. This snorkeling trip lasts 6 to 8 hours and includes multiple snorkel spots, an open bar, barbecue lunch, and a rope swing. You will board near Palm Beach, which is about 45 minutes from Savaneta. Plan to spend the entire day on this unforgettable experience.
Aruba may look like a luxury escape, but it can be a smart choice for budget travelers too. With free beaches, safe roads, and low-cost activities, you do not need to spend much to have a full and fun trip. Compared to other Caribbean islands, Aruba is safer, easier to explore, and has better weather in more months of the year.
If you are looking for a destination that feels like paradise but does not empty your wallet, Aruba checks all the boxes.
