Wondering if Aruba is safe to visit for your next vacation? Keep reading for everything you need to know about staying safe in Aruba.
Aruba is a beautiful island in the south Caribbean that features sandy beaches and stunning turquoise waters. While Aruba is an incredible place to vacation, you may be wondering “Is Aruba safe to visit right now?” Or “Is Aruba safe for families to visit?”
The answer to both these questions is 100% yes, Aruba is safe to visit!
Before my husband and I took our 9th wedding anniversary trip to Aruba, I researched Aruba’s safety to ensure it was the right vacation option for us. I was happy to learn that Aruba is widely considered to be one of the safest islands in the Caribbean for Americans (or tourists from any country) to visit.
During our visit to Aruba, there was not one moment when we didn’t feel safe. We felt very safe and secure walking around, exploring, and riding in taxis – even after dark.
Aruba’s safety level makes it the perfect destination for a comfortable and relaxing couples’ getaway or family vacation.
Is Aruba Safe for Visitors?
Yes, Aruba is a safe country to visit. It is one of the safest countries in the Caribbean for tourism due to its relatively low crime rates.
According to the US Department of State, Aruba is listed as a “Level 1-Take Normal Precautions.” They use a rating system where “Level 1” indicates a very safe country and “Level 4” indicates an unsafe place for tourists. As Aruba is a “Level 1”, the US Department of State believes that it is a very safe country to visit.
Not only does Aruba have low crime rates, but it also has relatively low chances of experiencing natural disasters like hurricanes (which are common in many parts of the Caribbean).
Crime Rates in Aruba
As with any country in the world, Aruba does experience some crime. Most crime in Aruba is limited to petty theft, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on your belongings when in Aruba.
There are sometimes issues with residential break-ins in Aruba. Car break-ins are the most common, so it’s also important not to store any of your valuables in your rental car. While it’s uncommon, car theft can happen in Aruba. If you get a rental car, I recommend making sure you’re fully covered with insurance.
Overall, violent crime is rare in Aruba. Most crime that would affect tourists is limited to petty theft. While petty theft can be frustrating, it is rarely dangerous and there are many safety tips you can follow to avoid becoming a victim of theft.
However, like any other country that you visit, it’s important to purchase travel insurance before leaving home.
Learn more and Get Rates for Rental Cars in Aruba.
Hurricane Season in the Caribbean and How it Affects Safety in Aruba
While most islands in the Caribbean face hurricane season from June through November, Aruba rarely finds itself in the path of hurricanes or other natural disasters. Luckily for them, Aruba is well-sheltered against hurricanes due to its southern location in the Caribbean Sea.
Aruba is the safest country to visit in the Caribbean during hurricane season due to its location and the fact that it is rarely hit by major hurricanes. Outside of hurricanes, there are not many natural disasters that are common in Aruba, making it the safer choice when compared to many other islands in the world.
15 Safety Tips For Visiting Aruba
While Aruba is a safe country to visit, there are always a few things to be aware of when visiting a foreign country. Below, you’ll find a list of 15 safety tips for visiting Aruba.
1. Get Travel Insurance Before Your Trip
Purchasing travel insurance is an essential step before any international trip. A good travel insurance plan will cover you in the event that you get sick or injured abroad and require medical assistance.
Travel insurance can also provide coverage if your luggage is lost or stolen. Having travel insurance helps keep you safe and your belongings covered in the event of an emergency while traveling.
Learn more about my favorite travel insurance.
2. Be Cautious During Festivals or Events
Festivals, such as Carnival, are exciting events to attend in Aruba. However, due to the large crowds and distractions, these festivals can also lead to increased levels of petty crime – especially pickpocketing. While attending festivals in Aruba, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and always keep a sharp eye on your belongings.
I recommend wearing a fanny pack crossbody to keep your valuables close to your sight line and more difficult for someone to take.
3. Avoid Leaving Valuables in a Rental Car
Aruba is an incredible country to explore, but if you choose to rent a car, be sure to bring all of your luggage and valuables inside. Although not super common, car break-ins have been known to happen in Aruba.
4. Watch your Belongings
Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching can happen in Aruba, so you will want to watch your belongings carefully during your trip. I recommend investing in an RFID money belt (or a similar product) to keep important items, like your passport and credit cards, safe and secure.
5. Don’t Put Valuables in a Backpack
Since pickpocketing can happen in Aruba, make sure to not store your wallet, phone, passport, or other valuable items in a backpack. Since they’re worn on your back and out of your sight, they are an easy target for pickpockets.
6. Avoid Walking Alone at Night
While Aruba is a safe country, it is still best to avoid walking alone after dark, especially when it’s very late at night. Instead, call a taxi to take you back to your hotel.
7. Don’t Leave Belongings on the Beach Unattended
Leaving your phone or wallet on the beach while you go swimming can be tempting, but you risk having your valuables stolen. It is best to leave them safely stored in your hotel room or bring along a waterproof fanny pack to keep your valuables safe while you are in the water.
8. Wear Reef Safe Sunscreen
Aruba is one of the sunniest islands in the Caribbean, so the UV index can get very strong. It’s easy to get sunburnt badly, especially when your skin isn’t used to the strong UV rays.
To avoid horrible sunburns and sunstroke, it’s very important to apply sunscreen regularly while outdoors. You’ll want to use reef-safe sunscreen since it is free from chemicals that can be harmful to coral reefs and marine life.
9. Use Caution When Swimming Since there are No Lifeguards on Duty
While visiting Aruba, it is important to know that most of the beaches do not have lifeguards on duty. Be very cautious of how far out you swim in the ocean, depending on your swimming abilities and safety gear.
10. Don’t Swim Alone
When in Aruba, it isn’t a good idea to swim alone. Since there are no lifeguards on duty, there would be no one to call for help in an emergency situation. If you are visiting Aruba solo, it is best to swim on a beach that has other people around.
11. Be Aware of Rip Currents
Rip currents are strong currents that can pull even the best swimmers out to sea. To avoid rip currents, it is best to swim at least 100 feet away from the piers as they tend to be strong in those areas. You should also follow local advice, if there is a no-swim advisory due to conditions – then don’t swim.
If you are unlucky enough to get stuck in a rip current, do not panic or try to swim directly to shore. Instead, try to swim at an angle to get out of the current or tread the water and shout to get the attention of someone on shore.
12. Look Out for Jellyfish
When swimming in Aruba’s beautiful blue waters, always be on the lookout for jellyfish. The jellyfish species around Aruba aren’t typically dangerous, but getting stung is never pleasant, so it’s best to avoid them if possible.
13. Use DEET Mosquito Spray
Like any tropical destination, Aruba has its fair share of mosquitos. Not only can they cause annoying bites, but they can also carry harmful diseases like the Zika Virus. To protect yourself from mosquitos, it is best to always wear DEET Mosquito Spray after dark.
14. Stay Hydrated
When relaxing on the beach or exploring the sunny island, it can be easy to forget to drink enough water. In temperatures like these, dehydration happens quickly. Not only will you start to feel dizzy and sick, but the condition can also be dangerous. Set reminders if you need to, but be sure to drink enough water throughout the day.
15. Enroll in STEP (for U.S. Citizens)
If you are a US citizen traveling to Aruba (or any international destination), you can enroll in the US Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It is free to enroll and it allows the embassy to send alerts to your phone if an emergency arises in the country you are traveling to. It also makes it easier for US officials to locate you in case of any natural disaster or emergency abroad.
Is Aruba Safe for Families?
Aruba is a safe destination for families to visit. In fact, Aruba is one of the safest places in the Caribbean to travel to with kids.
The crime rates are relatively low in Aruba and are often limited to petty theft like pickpocketing. Additionally, Aruba isn’t prone to natural disasters and is typically sheltered from most major hurricanes due to its southern location.
Both of these aspects make Aruba very safe to visit with your family and enjoy a relaxing beach vacation.
Safety Tips for Visiting Aruba with Kids
Stay at a Family-Friendly Resort
There are plenty of family-friendly resorts in Aruba that will keep your little ones busy and safe throughout your entire vacation. If you do your research, you can even find great hotel deals for your stay in Aruba!
Marriott Aruba Surf Club
Directly located on the safe and beautiful Palm Beach, Marriott Aruba Surf Club not only offers a kid’s club but also an outdoor playground. For the older kids, they have a Nintendo Wii Lounge, pool tables, and a lazy river. Your kids will have a hard time letting the dreaded “I’m bored” come from their mouths.
Learn about the availability and price of Marriott Aruba Surf Club.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino
The tri-level waterslide and Camp Hyatt Kid’s Club are two of the kids’ favorite features at Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino in Aruba. Plus, it’s located on beautiful Palm Beach and offers plenty of options for water sports.
Learn about the availability and price of Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino.
Apply Lots of Sunscreen
Kids can be especially vulnerable to getting severe sunburns or sun poisoning, so it is important to reapply sunscreen every few hours while on a family beach vacation.
For younger kids, the top of their head can easily get sunburned so make sure to have them wear a hat or plenty of sunscreen on their head.
Be Aware of Zika
According to the CDC, there have been some cases of Zika reported in past years.
While this isn’t a concern for most travelers, it can be a problem if you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon. In this case, it is best to check with your doctor before traveling. It is also good practice to use DEET mosquito repellent.
The Water is Safe to Drink
The tap water is clean and safe to drink in Aruba. It’s very important for both kids and adults to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated in Aruba due to the strong UV index and high average temperatures.
It is Safe to Explore the Island
There is no need to stay cooped up in your resort in Aruba. It is perfectly safe to travel with kids around the island to places like Arikok National Park or the capital city of Oranjestad. There are plenty of safe and fun things to do in Aruba on your next vacation!
Is Aruba Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Aruba is a safe destination for solo female travelers. As one of the safest countries in the Caribbean, it is an excellent place for a solo vacation. There is plenty of sunshine, beaches, and beautiful places to explore in Aruba – and doing this exploring is quite safe.
The island is also very accepting of all cultures and there are no strict rules on what you can and can’t wear in Aruba.
It is always good to follow typical safety precautions, especially as a solo female traveler. This includes tips like not walking alone at night or traveling to remote locations by yourself.
As a solo traveler, it is a good idea to tell a friend or family member what your travel plans are and check in with them frequently. Be sure to send them all flight and travel information and let them know where you are staying and a general outline of your itinerary in case of any emergencies.
Is Aruba Safe for LGBTQ+ Travelers?
Aruba is a safe country for LGBTQ+ travelers to visit. Arubans are friendly and accepting of LGBTQ+ people, making it one of the safest countries for LGBTQ+ travelers to visit in the Caribbean.
There are laws protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Aruba, and it is illegal to discriminate or harass someone in Aruba based on their sexuality. Gay marriage is also recognized in the country of Aruba.
Many bars and clubs in Aruba advertise as LGBTQ+ friendly. Especially in the capital city of Oranjestad, you will find many LGBTQ+ bars and clubs.
Safe Places to Stay in Aruba
Aruba is a safe country to visit and there are many safe places to stay. However, the two locations below are where most travelers typically stay when visiting Aruba.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is on the northern coast of Aruba and is a popular resort neighborhood. Palm Beach is known for its calm waters and long sandy beach. The area has many high-rated resorts, restaurants, bars, and plenty of activities to enjoy.
Recommended Hotel in Palm Beach: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino features beachfront access to Palm Beach and is located in the center of the action. There are several room options available, including rooms with ocean views and spacious suites. Additionally, there are plenty of luxurious amenities including an outdoor family pool, adults-only pool, spa, casino, beach access, and more.
Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach is located just outside of the capital city of Oranjestad. Eagle Beach is known for its wide, sandy beach. It is slightly more budget-friendly than Palm Beach, but is still a very safe area with easy access to the beach, bars, restaurants, and water activities.
Recommended Hotel in Eagle Beach: Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort
Just steps away from Eagle Beach is the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort. This highly-rated resort offers spacious studio-style rooms with a small kitchenette. There are also plenty of amenities available, including an outdoor pool, kids pool, restaurant, and beach access with lounge chairs and equipment for snorkeling in Aruba.
FAQ: Is Aruba Safe?
Yes, it is safe to leave your resort in Aruba and explore the island. There are plenty of places to explore in Aruba, such as Arikok National Park, the California LightHouse, or taking a stroll through the city. Be sure to follow common safety precautions, but Aruba is generally a very safe country.
While it is possible to walk around safely at night in Aruba, it is not recommended to walk around any foreign country at night – especially as a solo traveler. It is much safer to take a taxi or walk with a group of people.
The beaches in Aruba are safe to visit and it is generally safe to go swimming. However, it is important to note that the beaches do not have lifeguards, so you are swimming at your own risk. You should never swim alone and always be cautious of jellyfish and rip currents.
Aruba is a safe, family-friendly destination. The low crime rates in Aruba make it a very safe place to go with kids. There are also plenty of kid-friendly activities available on the island of Aruba, making it an ideal spot for a family vacation.
Conclusion: Is Aruba Safe to Visit?
Aruba is a very safe place to visit. The US Department of State lists Aruba as a “Level 1” in terms of safety, which is the safest rating a country can obtain. The crime levels in Aruba are relatively low and, in general, the majority of crime that may affect tourists is limited to petty theft.
Aruba is a safe destination for travelers – including families, solo female travelers, and LGBTQ+ travelers. People in Aruba are very welcoming and friendly, and this contributes to the overall feeling of safety on the island.
While it is always important to follow normal safety protocols while in Aruba, you can rest assured that it is a safe destination to visit and explore, making it an ideal place to visit for a vacation in the Caribbean.
