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After traveling to some of the most sought-after islands across the Caribbean—from St. John and St. Thomas to St. Lucia, St. Kitts, British Virgin Islands, and The Bahamas—I didn’t expect Aruba to stand apart the way it did.
But it does.
Aruba is effortlessly welcoming, incredibly safe, and visually stunning in a way that feels both elevated and relaxed. What makes it even more appealing—especially when planning ahead—is its location outside of the hurricane belt, making it a reliable escape year-round.
This small, arid island offers an unexpected contrast of landscapes. Think desert terrain meeting turquoise water, rugged national parks paired with soft white-sand beaches, and a balance of adventure and indulgence that feels thoughtfully curated.
View photographs captured by Aruba Destination Wedding Photographer, Michelle Behre Photography as she explored the One Happy Island in Spring 2026. Planning your proposal and wedding and interested in having a Photographer who is familiar with the landscape and island? Inquire for further details on our availability and destination wedding photography.
ED Card, US Passport Getting There + Getting Around
Flying into Queen Beatrix International Airport AUA is seamless and efficient—an easy start to the trip from Newark Liberty International Airport EWR.
To enter the island as a US resident, Aruba customs requires Passport and travelers to complete an online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) card before arrival and a fee. The ED card was uploaded to the Airline Carrier upon check-in. I also recommend for you to have this information printed and on-person.
For more information on the ED Card click here, to retrieve your ED Card click here.
Prior to Traveling here is my go-to to-do:
- Check-in with Air-fare (24 hours)
- Print Itineraries (72 hours prior)
- Download What’sApp and to update your mobile carrier when you are traveling out of the US for an International Day Plan (for AT&T) (72 hours prior)
- Notify your major credit card companies as well (72 hours prior)
- Finalize Packing (72 days)
For exploring, renting a car is essential. Aruba isn’t an island you want to experience passively—you’ll want the flexibility to move.
- Sunset Car Rental — reliable for standard vehicles
- RealDeal Car Rental Aruba — ideal if you plan to explore more rugged terrain, would recommend a Jeep Wrangler if you plan to drive through the Arikok National Park
Landscapes That Feel Unexpected
One of the most surprising elements of Aruba is how diverse the terrain feels.
At Arikok National Park, you’ll find a desert-like landscape filled with cacti, rugged coastline, and expansive views that feel completely different from the typical Caribbean aesthetic.
I would skip some of the more crowded cave excursions next time and prioritize open landscapes and coastline drives—they feel more aligned with the overall experience Aruba offers. Plan time for the beauty of Boca Keto and Natural Pool, and Boca Prins.
Packing Tip: I highly recommend packing hat, sunscreen, swim-shoes, swimwear, SPF rash guard, towels, change of clothes if planning on swimming, sneakers, and water to stay hydrated. Also, the mud will stain your rash guards, so I would recommend to possibly wear a rash guard that is “newer” or a potential favorite that you can part with as it may get stained with the mud of the park pending the terrain.
For planning your route, the lanes are one way to the Boca Keto and Natural Pool, one way to Boca Prins, one way to the caves and exiting SE towards Baby Beach or exiting NW towards Natural Bridge and Baby Bridge towards the Lighthouse. Plan your route thoroughly to make the most of your day.
The Beaches Worth Planning Your Days Around
Aruba’s beaches are where the island really defines itself—each one offering a slightly different experience all worth exploring.
Avid snorkelers and free-divers? See this list for the best snorkeling in Aruba and a list of the top beautiful beaches visited and photos below:
West Coast
- Arashi Beach — calm, clear, ideal for snorkeling
- Palm Beach — lively, polished, and resort-forward
- Surfside Beach — relaxed and understated, beneath the airport runway, ideal if you like watching the planes take off
- Baby Beach — shallow, warm water that feels almost unreal, diving spot
- Mangel Halto — one of the most unique spots on the island, perfect for snorkeling and kayaking through mangroves, diving spot
East Coast
- Boca Grandi – ideal for kite-surfing, high winds and currents, diving spot
- Bachelor’s Beach – high winds and currents
If I were refining the itinerary, I would skip stops like Boca Grandi and Bachelor’s Beach and go straight to Baby Beach—it’s simply more worth your time.
Experiences Beyond the Beach
Aruba isn’t just about relaxing—it’s about layering experiences.
- Swim in Conchi Natural Pool and hot baths, tucked within the national park
- Explore shipwreck diving sites (even if just by snorkel)
- Visit Aruba Aloe for a more local, wellness-focused stop learning about Aruba’s history of their economy and leading global exports with Royal Aruba Aloe pioneering modern cosmetic, sun care, and skincare exports .. my personal favorite and purest form if Aloe is Alyhydran, reducing new and existing scars healing skin.
And for a more elevated reset, book a treatment at Mandara Spa at Marriott Ocean Club.
I began the morning with an organic breakfast, followed by a morning walk and outdoor activity and transitioned into spa treatments. Including thermal and cryotherapy experiences followed by Coconut Poultice Massage followed by some time spent beachside prior to concluding the day with further activities and a sunset dinner nearby.
Where to Dine on the Island
Dining in Aruba is less about spontaneity and more about intention.
For the best experiences, reserve beachside tables at least one week in advance.
Favorites include:
- Marea at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar
- Elements Aruba at Bucuti & Tara
- Passions on the Beach
- Barefoot Restaurant
For something more elevated, I would plan a dinner at Akira Back Aruba—especially after a spa day.
For a more casual lunch and evening:
- Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant or The Grand Fish for shopping and exploring downtown along the Royal Plaza Mall, Renaissance Mall, And Cruise Terminal
- Surfside Bar for casual sunset views
If you’re aiming for a good spot—timing matters here especially in season.
A Small Detail That Makes a Big Difference
For beach days, renting chairs and essentials ahead of time through Travel Light Aruba makes everything feel effortless—one of those small decisions that elevates the entire experience.
And if I were returning, I would further plan to design each day with flow—movement, reset, and experience continuing to explore each area of the Island intentionally, leaving space to simply enjoy the natural beauty and prioritize fewer locations now that I have explored the majority of the spaces.
View a curated collection of photographs captured in Aruba by luxury destination wedding photographer Michelle Behre. With a deep understanding of the island’s most scenic locations, we specialize in elevated wedding photography experiences. If you’re planning a destination wedding or engagement in Aruba, inquire for availability and tailored coverage.
VIEW THE POST
After traveling to some of the most sought-after islands across the Caribbean—from St. John and St. Thomas to St. Lucia, St. Kitts, British Virgin Islands, and The Bahamas—I didn’t expect Aruba to stand apart the way it did.
But it does.
Aruba is effortlessly welcoming, incredibly safe, and visually stunning in a way that feels both elevated and relaxed. What makes it even more appealing—especially when planning ahead—is its location outside of the hurricane belt, making it a reliable escape year-round.
This small, arid island offers an unexpected contrast of landscapes. Think desert terrain meeting turquoise water, rugged national parks paired with soft white-sand beaches, and a balance of adventure and indulgence that feels thoughtfully curated.
View photographs captured by Aruba Destination Wedding Photographer, Michelle Behre Photography as she explored the One Happy Island in Spring 2026. Planning your proposal and wedding and interested in having a Photographer who is familiar with the landscape and island? Inquire for further details on our availability and destination wedding photography.
ED Card, US Passport Getting There + Getting Around
Flying into Queen Beatrix International Airport AUA is seamless and efficient—an easy start to the trip from Newark Liberty International Airport EWR.
To enter the island as a US resident, Aruba customs requires Passport and travelers to complete an online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) card before arrival and a fee. The ED card was uploaded to the Airline Carrier upon check-in. I also recommend for you to have this information printed and on-person.
For more information on the ED Card click here, to retrieve your ED Card click here.
Prior to Traveling here is my go-to to-do:
- Check-in with Air-fare (24 hours)
- Print Itineraries (72 hours prior)
- Download What’sApp and to update your mobile carrier when you are traveling out of the US for an International Day Plan (for AT&T) (72 hours prior)
- Notify your major credit card companies as well (72 hours prior)
- Finalize Packing (72 days)
For exploring, renting a car is essential. Aruba isn’t an island you want to experience passively—you’ll want the flexibility to move.
- Sunset Car Rental — reliable for standard vehicles
- RealDeal Car Rental Aruba — ideal if you plan to explore more rugged terrain, would recommend a Jeep Wrangler if you plan to drive through the Arikok National Park
Landscapes That Feel Unexpected
One of the most surprising elements of Aruba is how diverse the terrain feels.
At Arikok National Park, you’ll find a desert-like landscape filled with cacti, rugged coastline, and expansive views that feel completely different from the typical Caribbean aesthetic.
I would skip some of the more crowded cave excursions next time and prioritize open landscapes and coastline drives—they feel more aligned with the overall experience Aruba offers. Plan time for the beauty of Boca Keto and Natural Pool, and Boca Prins.
Packing Tip: I highly recommend packing hat, sunscreen, swim-shoes, swimwear, SPF rash guard, towels, change of clothes if planning on swimming, sneakers, and water to stay hydrated. Also, the mud will stain your rash guards, so I would recommend to possibly wear a rash guard that is “newer” or a potential favorite that you can part with as it may get stained with the mud of the park pending the terrain.
For planning your route, the lanes are one way to the Boca Keto and Natural Pool, one way to Boca Prins, one way to the caves and exiting SE towards Baby Beach or exiting NW towards Natural Bridge and Baby Bridge towards the Lighthouse. Plan your route thoroughly to make the most of your day.
The Beaches Worth Planning Your Days Around
Aruba’s beaches are where the island really defines itself—each one offering a slightly different experience all worth exploring.
Avid snorkelers and free-divers? See this list for the best snorkeling in Aruba and a list of the top beautiful beaches visited and photos below:
West Coast
- Arashi Beach — calm, clear, ideal for snorkeling
- Palm Beach — lively, polished, and resort-forward
- Surfside Beach — relaxed and understated, beneath the airport runway, ideal if you like watching the planes take off
- Baby Beach — shallow, warm water that feels almost unreal, diving spot
- Mangel Halto — one of the most unique spots on the island, perfect for snorkeling and kayaking through mangroves, diving spot
East Coast
- Boca Grandi – ideal for kite-surfing, high winds and currents, diving spot
- Bachelor’s Beach – high winds and currents
If I were refining the itinerary, I would skip stops like Boca Grandi and Bachelor’s Beach and go straight to Baby Beach—it’s simply more worth your time.
Experiences Beyond the Beach
Aruba isn’t just about relaxing—it’s about layering experiences.
- Swim in Conchi Natural Pool and hot baths, tucked within the national park
- Explore shipwreck diving sites (even if just by snorkel)
- Visit Aruba Aloe for a more local, wellness-focused stop learning about Aruba’s history of their economy and leading global exports with Royal Aruba Aloe pioneering modern cosmetic, sun care, and skincare exports .. my personal favorite and purest form if Aloe is Alyhydran, reducing new and existing scars healing skin.
And for a more elevated reset, book a treatment at Mandara Spa at Marriott Ocean Club.
I began the morning with an organic breakfast, followed by a morning walk and outdoor activity and transitioned into spa treatments. Including thermal and cryotherapy experiences followed by Coconut Poultice Massage followed by some time spent beachside prior to concluding the day with further activities and a sunset dinner nearby.
Where to Dine on the Island
Dining in Aruba is less about spontaneity and more about intention.
For the best experiences, reserve beachside tables at least one week in advance.
Favorites include:
- Marea at JOIA Aruba by Iberostar
- Elements Aruba at Bucuti & Tara
- Passions on the Beach
- Barefoot Restaurant
For something more elevated, I would plan a dinner at Akira Back Aruba—especially after a spa day.
For a more casual lunch and evening:
- Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant or The Grand Fish for shopping and exploring downtown along the Royal Plaza Mall, Renaissance Mall, And Cruise Terminal
- Surfside Bar for casual sunset views
If you’re aiming for a good spot—timing matters here especially in season.
A Small Detail That Makes a Big Difference
For beach days, renting chairs and essentials ahead of time through Travel Light Aruba makes everything feel effortless—one of those small decisions that elevates the entire experience.
And if I were returning, I would further plan to design each day with flow—movement, reset, and experience continuing to explore each area of the Island intentionally, leaving space to simply enjoy the natural beauty and prioritize fewer locations now that I have explored the majority of the spaces.
View a curated collection of photographs captured in Aruba by luxury destination wedding photographer Michelle Behre. With a deep understanding of the island’s most scenic locations, we specialize in elevated wedding photography experiences. If you’re planning a destination wedding or engagement in Aruba, inquire for availability and tailored coverage.
April 28, 2026
MICHELLE BEHRE, THE PHOTOGRAPHER
GET TO KNOW her
xoxo,
Michelle
With cheerful energy, a contagious smile, and an intentional eye, award-winning celebrity New Jersey wedding and commercial photographer, Michelle Behre, captures love stories to stand the test of time.
She uses her refined fine art photography skills to expertly capture the wedding day. From the excitement as the champagne pours to your picture-perfect portraits, Michelle expertly blends editorial documentary, and photojournalism photography in fine art curation of your special wedding events and day.
She confidently empowers each client who steps in front of her lens. During your time together, she illuminates your personalities, genuine compassion, and captures the joy that you and your families bring to one another in an unobtrusive fashion.
