The Cost of Visiting Aruba + 12 Best Ways to Save Money in Aruba
Find out how much a trip to Aruba costs and how to save money in Aruba with 12 amazing cost saving tips.
When planning a tropical vacation, Aruba should be at the top of your list. It’s beautiful with some of the best beaches in the world along with amazing food, water activities, and culture. Unfortunately though, this Caribbean paradise can come with a hefty price tag.
If you’re looking at traveling to Aruba on a budget, don’t cross it off your list just yet. With a thoughtful approach to budgeting, you can enjoy all that Aruba has to offer without compromising your financial well-being. From exploring the pristine beaches to indulging in the local culture, there are numerous ways to optimize spending and make the most of every dollar.
In this guide, we take a look at average costs of a trip to Aruba along with practical strategies and tips to save money in Aruba. Let’s get moving so you can solidify your plans to lounge on the beautiful beaches of Aruba!
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The Average Cost of a Trip to Aruba
The average cost of traveling to Aruba varies widely depending on your travel style. This includes, your accommodation choices, dining habits, and the duration of your stay. However, here’s a general breakdown of potential expenses in Aruba that will hit your overall trip budget.
- Cost of Flights to Aruba: The cost of round-trip flights to Aruba can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on your departure location, the time of booking, and the season. Coming from North Carolina, I’ve seen them as low as ~$300 and as high as ~$800+.
- Cost of Hotels in Aruba: Accommodation costs vary based on your choice of lodging. Budget accommodations, like hostels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals, may cost between $50 and $150 per night, while mid-range hotels can range from $150 to $300. High-end resorts and all-inclusive resorts in Aruba may exceed $300 per night.
- Cost of Meals in Aruba: Dining expenses vary all over the board. Eating at local eateries and food trucks will cost around $10 to $20 per meal, while dining at mid-range restaurants may range from $20 to $50 per person. Fine dining restaurants in Aruba can be more expensive, running closer to $100 per person.
- Cost of Transportation in Aruba: Public transportation is relatively affordable, with bus fares around $2 per trip. Renting a car can cost between $30 and $70 per day, depending on the vehicle type and rental company. You can check rental car costs on Discover Cars. Meanwhile taxis have fixed rates and can be viewed here.
- Cost of Activities in Aruba: Excursions and activities, such as water sports, tours, and entrance fees to attractions, are completely dependent on what you want to do while in Aruba. Budgeting around $50 to $150 per activity is a reasonable estimate. You can view the actual cost of the most popular activities in Aruba on Viator and Get Your Guide.
- Miscellaneous Expenses in Aruba: This includes costs for souvenirs, local SIM cards, and other incidentals. Budgeting an additional $20 to $50 per day for miscellaneous expenses is a good idea to ensure you don’t go over budget.
Overall, a mid-range budget for a one week trip to Aruba typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per person. This estimate accounts for mid-range accommodation, dining at a mix of local and mid-range restaurants, moderate activity expenses, and local transportation.
Best Ways to Save Money in Aruba
The cost of visiting Aruba varies greatly and can certainly seem expensive to budget travelers. Fortunately, much of your expense is dependent on what you truly do on the island. As such, there are a number of ways to save money in Aruba. Let’s take a look at 12 awesome ways to help you visit Aruba on a budget.
1. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Visiting Aruba during the off-peak season, from mid-April to mid-December, can significantly reduce your travel costs. During this period, hotel prices drop, and you may find more affordable flight options due to the decreased demand.
While the cost difference is one of the biggest incentives for many who visit Aruba during off-season, you’ll also find attractions and beaches are less crowded. This is my favorite incentive… less people!
2. Choose Accommodations Wisely
One of the best ways to save money in Aruba is to choose a budget-friendly accommodation. Think hostels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals instead of high-end resorts. Not only are these options more economical, but they also provide a chance to experience the local culture.
Best of all, hostels give you the opportunity to meet other travelers, guesthouses offer personalized services, and vacation rentals often come with kitchen facilities, which allow you to save money by preparing some of your meals.
3. Go Grocery Shopping
Eating out in Aruba can be expensive. Save on your dining expenses by shopping for groceries at the local supermarkets. If your accommodation has kitchen facilities, you can prepare simple meals, reducing the need to eat out for every meal. This not only saves money but also allows you to savor local flavors through home-cooked dishes.
4. Visit Local Eateries
If you don’t have a kitchen to cook in, don’t worry, there are other ways to save money on food in Aruba. You can explore Aruba’s culinary scene by opting for local eateries and food trucks. These places offer delicious and authentic cuisine at more affordable prices compared to upscale restaurants. It’s a great way to experience the local flavors of Aruba without straining your budget.
5. Enjoy Free and Low-Cost Activities
Aruba’s natural beauty provides numerous opportunities for free or low-cost activities. Hike through Arikok National Park, relax on the public beaches, or explore natural attractions, like the Natural Pool. These activities not only showcase the island’s beauty but also keep your entertainment costs in Aruba to a minimum.
6. Use Public Transportation
If you aren’t sure how to get around Aruba on a budget, we’re here to help! Aruba’s public transportation is a viable option or you can rent a bike to explore the island economically.
In fact, one of the most cost-effective ways to travel between major attractions are public buses, which cost only a couple dollars per ride. Similarly, biking allows you to enjoy the scenery while saving on transportation costs compared to renting a car. If you do want to explore most of the island, you can also choose to rent a car for just a day or two rather than your for your full trip.
7. Save on Water Activities
Looking for package deals or discounts on water activities like snorkeling and diving? Try booking in advance or bundling activities to lower overall costs. This will allow you to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life around Aruba on a budget.
Check Viator and Get Your Guide to see what interests you most and book ahead!
8. Find Happy Hour Specials
Alcohol is expensive in Aruba. If you’re a drinker, buy a bottle in Duty Free at the airport. It will save you a bit. More importantly, you’ll want to take advantage of happy hour specials at bars and restaurants to enjoy your favorite drinks at a lower cost.
In fact, many bars and restaurants in Aruba offer discounted prices during specific hours. Learn when happy hours are at your favorite bars and restaurants so you can indulge and truly feel like you’re on vacation while saving money on your overall dining and entertainment expenses.
9. Be Aware of Currency Exchange Fees
Be mindful of currency exchange rates and fees. If you’re planning to use cash, bring US dollars to avoid ATM fees or being left with a bunch of Aruba Florin. Alternatively, you can get a credit card with zero international fees. This will help you avoid the traditional 3% fee most cards add to all of international purchases.
While this is a small consideration for your overall budget in Aruba, it can save you some serious money if you’re a big traveler. I know it’s probably saved me thousands at this point!
10. Know Where to Shop
Save on souvenirs by shopping at local markets or duty-free shops. They’re your best chance of finding memories to bring home without overspending in touristy shops.
My favorite place to shop is the local market by the wharf in Oranjestad, right across from the Renaissance Mall. Here, you’ll find rows of kiosks sell Aruban crafts, beachwear, and other awesome souvenir items..
11. Stay Hydrated
Given Aruba’s warm climate and ever-present sun, staying hydrated is essential. Fortunately, the tap water in Aruba is not only safe to drink but delicious. Rather than purchasing bottled water, carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at public water fountains or your hotel.
This small adjustment not only reduces your environmental impact but also saves money on buying water throughout your stay in Aruba.
12. Explore Local Events
Check for local events, festivals, or cultural activities happening during your visit. These events often provide entertainment at little to no cost and offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Aruba’s culture.
Want more money saving tips?
Check out these 44 Pro Tips for Saving Money While Traveling!
Explore More of Aruba
Knowing how much it costs to visit Aruba is just the first step to planning your trip. Hopefully with these cost savings tips for Aruba you’ll be able to determine if its the destination for you. If so, you may find these additional resources helpful for planning your trip.
- 10 Things You Need to Know before Traveling to Aruba
- Best All Inclusive Resorts in Aruba – for Adults Only & for Families!
- Get to Know the ABC Islands in the Caribbean
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