Destination guide · Aruba, Caribbean

Aruba, worth knowing.

A few things about Aruba that make the trip better once you know them, each checked against at least two sources (linked below it). Then a handful of questions to bring with you, because the conversations you have somewhere new tend to stay attached to the place.

Fun facts about Aruba

  1. 1Aruba's divi-divi trees work like a natural compass. The steady trade winds from the northeast bend every one of them so they all point southwest.Source: Aruba Tourism Authority; VisitAruba.com
  2. 2Aruba's license plates carry the island's motto, 'One Happy Island.' It has been on the plates since 1983.Source: Aruba Tourism Authority; Wikipedia
  3. 3The California Lighthouse on Aruba's northern tip is named after a ship: the steamship California, which wrecked just offshore in 1891.Source: VisitAruba.com; Wikipedia
  4. 4Two words to learn before you land: 'bon bini' means welcome and 'dushi' means sweet or dear in Papiamento, the language you'll hear all over Aruba.Source: Aruba Tourism Authority; Wikipedia
  5. 5Look up inside Fontein Cave in Arikok National Park: reddish-brown drawings left by Aruba's first Indigenous inhabitants still mark the ceiling.Source: Aruba Tourism Authority; VisitAruba.com

Things to do in Aruba

  • ◦On Renaissance Island, a short boat ride from Oranjestad, a small flock of pink flamingos wanders the beach and strolls right alongside visitors.Source: Aruba Tourism Authority; Islands
  • ◦Conchi, Aruba's Natural Pool, is a calm pool ringed by volcanic rock on the wild coast. Get there by 4x4, horseback or on foot, and watch waves spray over the rocks.Source: Aruba Tourism Authority; Wikipedia
  • ◦In Quadirikiri Cave, sunlight pours through holes in the roof to light up its chambers, while bats tuck themselves into the darker corners.Source: Aruba Tourism Authority; Wikipedia
  • ◦Eagle Beach is home to Aruba's windswept fofoti trees, one of the most photographed scenes on the island. The famous one is now protected.Source: Aruba Tourism Authority; VisitAruba.com
  • ◦Snorkel over the Antilla, a WWII German freighter nicknamed the 'ghost ship.' Part of it sits close to the surface, now covered in coral, sponges and fish.Source: VisitAruba.com; Afar
  • ◦At the Butterfly Farm near Palm Beach, come early to watch new butterflies leave their chrysalis and take their first flight. Your ticket lets you come back all trip.Source: The Butterfly Farm; Aruba Tourism Authority

Questions to bring to Aruba

From Sojourn's journeys. Ask one over a long dinner or on a slow walk, and let the place do some of the work.

Going together

  • When do you feel most like yourself?
  • What does rest actually look like for you?
  • What is one thing you wish we did more of?

Going solo

  • What is the first thing this place is showing you that you didn't expect?
  • What does this version of you know that the home version tends to forget?

Free printable

25 questions for your Aruba trip.

A printable PDF to fold into your bag and open somewhere new. Written by a licensed marriage and family therapist.

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From Sojourn, a guided journey for before you go, while you're there and after you're home, for couples and solo travelers. It's a reflection companion, not therapy. Facts last checked 2026-11-03. Spotted something out of date? Email support@sojourntravel.app.

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