Aruba Multi Day Plans: One Base, Many Days

October 30, 2026

Why Aruba Has No Multi-Day Trips

Aruba is about 32 km long and 10 km wide, and you can drive from one end to the other in under an hour. That means there are no overnight circuits, no stage-by-stage road routes and no reason to pack and move hotels each night. The better plan is a single base with a different theme each day. Camping inside Arikok National Park is not permitted, so every night is spent in a hotel or rental.

There is also no passenger ferry between Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire. Travel between those islands is by plane only, so a sailing trip to a neighbouring island is not an option from Aruba.

Choosing Where to Stay

If you want a quieter week, stay in one area for the full time. If you want more variety, split a longer visit between two areas, for example a few nights on the Palm Beach and Eagle Beach strip and a few near Oranjestad or Savaneta. Moves cost little time because the island is so small. A slow week in one place with a rental car or the bus works just as well.

A Sample Week From One Base

Arikok day. Pay the $22 conservation pass (under-17s free), then head to the Natural Pool by 4x4, guided Jeep or on foot. The park is open from 8:00 to 16:00, and ranger-guided hikes cost a separate $25 each.
Oranjestad day. Ride the free streetcar, walk the old fort area and browse Main Street.
South coast day. See the San Nicolas murals and spend the afternoon at the calm Baby Beach lagoon.
Water day. Snorkel the Antilla wreck and the Malmok coves. Go early in the morning.
De Palm Island day. Entry starts from $129 for food, drinks, snorkeling and the water park.
Spare day. Climb the Hooiberg stairs at dawn, or take a sunset sail in the evening.

Money and Getting Around

Prices are in US dollars, accepted everywhere. The local currency is the Aruban florin (AWG), pegged at 1.79 to the dollar. Arubus public buses cost $2.60 per ride, $5 for a return card and $15 for a day pass. Taxis are not metered and have a $10 minimum. Before you fly, complete the free ED Card at edcardaruba.aw and pay the US$20 Sustainability Fee if you are 8 or older.

Practical Notes

Keep valuables out of parked cars. Hurricane season runs from June to November, so a flexible booking helps in those months.

Hotels and rentals for a single-base week can be compared on Booking.com . Park rules are on the conservation foundation page .