Plan an Affordable Spring Break in Aruba
Spring break is the holy grail of teacher perks. It’s a weeklong escape from grading papers, staff meetings, and hearing, “Does this count for a grade?” It calls for needed sunshine, a beach, and no alarm clock. That’s where spring break in Aruba enters.
Thanks to affordable Southwest Airlines flights, I made a last-minute decision and, with one click, booked a spring getaway to the island known as “One Happy Island.”
This post explains how you can have a memorable vacation and an enjoyable spring break in Aruba, too.
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Where is Aruba?
Suppose you are not familiar with Aruba.
This Caribbean island is located north of Venezuela and is part of the ABC islands, which include Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire.
The primary languages of the isle are Papiamento and Dutch, but most Arubans speak fluent English.
The island feels very safe, with most tourists being Americans from the Midwest who are celebrating a family spring break.
Tips on How to Get to and Get Around Aruba
Many American airlines fly to Aruba, including American, Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue. I love to fly Southwest when trying to save money since they do not charge baggage fees.
After landing at the Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad, you will find Aruba is very friendly towards American visitors.
We didn’t even have to cross customs when we landed, which was a bummer because I wanted that stamp on my passport.
You do not need a car in Aruba because the beach resort area has everything you need within walking distance.
However, you will need to find a way to the resort area, which is quite far from the airport.
I suggest pre-arranging an airport shuttle since taxi service can be unpredictable.
If you rent a car, the roads are quite easy to drive because you drive on the right side of the road, the same as in the U.S. However, you should be aware that right turns on red are illegal here.
Trip Tip: When you land, stop at the liquor store in the airport. You will see many people doing the same thing. Grab a bottle or two or three (no judgment).
Where to Stay During Spring Break in Aruba
Aruba is a small island, only about twenty miles long. It has two main parts: the airport/cruise ship terminal and the resort area.
Expect the cruise ship area to be crowded, especially if cruise ships are in port. With hundreds and thousands of passengers disembarking in this area, you will also find many high-end shops in this part of town.
It is also where the famous pink flamingos can be found and photographed at Renaissance Island, a privately owned island by Marriott.
I recommend staying outside of this area in the beach resort area.
This area offers many hotel choices, restaurants, casinos, and nightlife. The beach has silky smooth sand and clear blue water.
I stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort and Casino. Let me stop you right there—this isn’t your typical Holiday Inn with a highway view and continental breakfast.
This resort has prime beachfront property in Palm Beach, a casino, a pool, multiple restaurants, and loungers so comfortable I’d have slept on one if my room wasn’t equally amazing.
Holiday Inn Resort & Casino
The Holiday Inn Resort & Casino is one of the best spring break resorts in the beach resort area.
There is something for every family member, including a giant resort-style pool, calm beach water, an on-site casino, on-site kids’ activities, and kid-friendly restaurants.
You will also find large, clean rooms in a resort that is in a prime location.
The best part of staying at the Holiday Inn Resort? You don’t need a car.
Everything is within walking distance or an easy excursion pickup. Convenience on vacation is underrated.
To learn more about how I use Hotwire for last-minute trips, check out my post How I Hotwire Amazing Hotels for the Best Deals.
The hotel has one of the broadest beachfront areas in this part of Aruba. You will have plenty of space to enjoy a beach day.
Unlike some Caribbean islands, few hotels and resorts in Aruba offer all-inclusive packages. However, food prices are reasonable throughout the island, so you don’t need them.
Trip Tip: There is an all-inclusive option available at the Holiday Inn, but if it’s a quick trip, skip the all-inclusive option, and try some nearby restaurants.
Exploring Aruba Without Breaking the Bank
You’re at a beachfront hotel in paradise where the temperature ranges from 75-85° F, so you probably don’t need me to tell you what to do here.
Grab a drink, put your toes in the water, and relax on the sand.
But, if that’s not enough, plenty of other things will keep you busy.
Explore the Resort Area Activities
The Holiday Inn’s location on Palm Beach is a huge win. Picture a long, sandy stretch lined with high-rise resorts, restaurants, and shops. I walked the strip daily, popping into stores and grabbing affordable eats.
For activities, you can go big or stay chill. I did both. If this is a last-minute Spring Break trip to Aruba, you can find affordable options near the resort area.
Some days, you may want to stay at the beach and enjoy the beautiful water.
The resort area hotels have loungers and umbrellas that practically beg you to sit down and forget the world exists.
I spent hours reading, people-watching, and dipping my toes in the warm Caribbean Sea. It was bliss.
You can rent a palapa on the beach for around $40 daily. Bring a book and enjoy the weather and the fantastic water.
RELATED POST: Check out my list of the best books for your vacation.
One affordable activity I booked was a snorkeling excursion with Roberto’s Water Sports. That was the best decision ever.
We sailed out to the Antilla shipwreck, a hauntingly beautiful WWII German freighter now teeming with colorful fish. The water was so clear it felt like snorkeling in an aquarium.
The crew fed us lunch, and I even worked up the nerve to jump off the boat’s bungee cord into the water. (Pro tip: Scream on the way down. It’s therapeutic.)
You can book this sailing and snorkeling cruise right on the beach outside of the Holiday Inn for a reasonable price.
The tour includes lunch, equipment rental, a guide, and a trip to two places to snorkel, including the Antilla shipwreck.
The clear, turquoise water is almost indescribable.
Explore the Island with Tours and Activities
Spring break in Aruba is the ultimate Caribbean fantasy, with sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters, and many experiences awaiting you.
Aruba’s most popular tours allow you to explore the island on land and in the water.
The tour prices are quite affordable when you account for the amount of time and that many include lunch.
Here are some of the most popular tours in Aruba.
The Island Ultimate Jeep Safari
This full-day tour of the coastal areas of Aruba in 4×4 Land Rovers is one of the most popular tours on the island.
The Island Ultimate Jeep Safari includes stops for photo ops, snorkeling, and swimming at the Natural Pool and Baby Beach, and a homemade barbecue lunch served at midday.
Aruba Natural Pool and Indian Cave Jeep Safari
If a full-day tour is too long, check out this half-day one.
The Aruba Natural Pool and Indian Cave Jeep Safari takes you to places inaccessible to everyone. You will visit Arikok National Park, Aruba’s national park, and the Natural Pool made of volcanic rock.
Take an Aruba ATV Tour
Discover Aruba’s hidden gems on this exhilarating ATV adventure tour!
Explore secret beaches, breathtaking cave pools, volcanic landscapes, and more.
Choose from morning or afternoon tours, with hotel/port pickups included. Experience the island’s off-the-beaten-path beauty like never before!
De Palm Island
Take a bus trip to the all-inclusive De Palm Island for a full day of fun and excitement with activities like banana boat rides and waterslides.
Guests can try a SNUBA lesson and see coral reefs, tropical fish, and flamingos. Lunch, snacks, and an open bar are included.
Try Your Luck at the Casino
Gambling is legal in Aruba, and you will find several casinos.
One night, I hit the casino after dinner.
Spoiler alert: I’m not quitting my day job, but I did win enough money to pay for our tour the next day, so win, win!
Although the casino is not huge, it does have many slots similar to those found in Las Vegas.
Tips on Where to Eat in Aruba
One of the biggest misconceptions about tropical vacations is that you have to drain your bank account to have a good time. Not true.
Spring break in Aruba is perfect for budget-friendly travelers. Let’s talk about the food.
While the island is home to plenty of fancy dining options, there are also affordable chain restaurants, beach bars, and local spots that serve delicious meals without sticker shock.
You can start with the breakfast buffet at Corals Restaurant, located in the Holiday Inn hotel. This hearty breakfast is big enough to tie you over until dinner.
There are also many places to eat within walking distance of the resort area, both beachside and streetside.
You can stroll along the boardwalk along the beach and find many options.
There are chain restaurants like Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks. I’m not particularly eager to eat at these places on vacation, but they offer affordable options.
Moomba Beach Bar & Restaurant
We stumbled upon Moomba Beach Bar & Restaurant after being at the beach all day and needing to get some food in our systems to soak up some of the alcohol. Hey, it is vacation; what can I say?
Moomba is located on the beach, just a short walk from the Holiday Inn. It has a relaxed island vibe with tables and chairs on the beach with string lights in the trees above.
The food is good, but the views are even better.
Oh my goodness, look at that amazing sunset! Trust me; the picture doesn’t do it justice.
Carlito’s Beach Bar
Carlito’s Beach Bar is a fun sports bar located on the beach.
They have great drink specials and typical beach bar food. It’s a perfect place to celebrate Spring Break in Aruba, so grab a bite for lunch and enjoy the drinks.
You can also find an I love Aruba sign here.
Oceanside Bar & Grill
Oceanside Bar & Grill is a beachfront bar and grill located on the Holiday Inn property. It’s an affordable place to grab a bite to eat. They often have specials, so make sure to ask. We purchased a pizza and a bucket of Aruban beer called Balashi for around $30.
Nightly Entertainment in Aruba
On Saturday nights, the Holiday Inn Resort offers Carnival entertainment.
A buffet dinner is set up outside on the beach, while a carnival-like show entertains guests.
The buffet has a great range of food options, and the show is quite enjoyable. Make sure to ask about it when you check-in.
In addition to this show, there are clubs, bars, movies, casinos, and bowling nearby.
Tips for Shopping in Aruba
There are many places to shop in Aruba. You’ll find souvenir-type stores in the resort area and more high-end shops near the cruise terminal.
You will find many inexpensive souvenirs at the shops along the beach. The $5 shirts and hats and “One Happy Island” souvenir Aruba license plates make perfect souvenirs for your spring break in Aruba.
Aloe vera is also plentiful here. The Aruba Aloe shop is across from the Holiday Inn. They offer a complimentary tour of their aloe vera factory, or you can buy products at the storefront.
Why Aruba for Spring Break?
If you’re on the fence about your spring break destination, let me give you a nudge toward Aruba. Here’s why:
Walkability: If you stay on Palm Beach, you won’t need to rent a car. Everything is close by, saving you money and stress.
Ease of Travel: Direct flights and an easy-to-navigate airport mean you’ll spend less time traveling and more time relaxing.
Weather: Aruba’s nickname is “One Happy Island,” and part of that happiness comes from its perfect weather. No rainouts here—just sunshine and breezes. You may want to pack a windbreaker, though, since It is windy on the island. Bug spray or repellant is also a good idea, as the mosquitoes tend to come out at night.
Affordability: From affordable flights to reasonably priced meals and activities, spring break in Aruba doesn’t demand a platinum credit card.
Options for Every Mood: Whether you want an adrenaline rush (snorkeling, water sports) or pure relaxation (beach loungers, sunset views), Aruba delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aruba
The Caribbean island of Aruba is an excellent choice for a spring break vacation. Aruba has more sunny days than other islands in the region, has little rainfall, cool breezes, and temperatures that stay in the 80s. Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, which means tropical storms rarely affect the island.
As with any destination, prices vary widely. It is possible to have an enjoyable visit to Aruba on a budget, especially during Aruba’s off-season, typically from February through April, which coincides with American spring breaks.
A five-day trip is the perfect number of days to spend in Aruba. This allows time for adventure and relaxation.
Final Thoughts
Spring break in Aruba was everything I needed and more.
From the moment I stepped off the plane, I felt the stress of teaching melt away.
The combination of affordability, accessibility, and unforgettable experiences make it a perfect spring break destination. Whether you’re a teacher like me, a family looking for fun, or just someone craving sunshine and sand, Aruba is calling your name.
So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and go. Spring break in Aruba is waiting, and trust me, it’ll be one happy escape.
