Plan an Affordable Spring Break in Aruba
You can’t beat a trip to the beach to rejuvenate your soul. The relaxing sounds of the waves, the white sand beaches, and the crystal blue water make for a memorable vacation. Make the most of your spring vacation by spending your Spring Break in Aruba for an affordable and enjoyable beach trip.
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Suppose you are not familiar with Aruba. This Caribbean island is located north of Venezuela and part of the ABC islands, including 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. Most tourists are Americans from the Midwest celebrating a family spring break.
Another great thing about Aruba spring break is the water is very safe to drink, unlike some resorts in the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
Tips on How to Get to and Get Around Aruba
Just a short two-and-a-half-hour plane ride from Miami will get you to Aruba, where you will land at the Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad.
The country is 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.
Many American airlines fly to Aruba, including American, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines, which we love for its affordable fares and friendly baggage policy.
Trip Tip: When you land, stop at the liquor store located right in the airport. You will see many people doing the same thing. Grab a bottle or two or three (no judgment).
You do not need a car in Aruba. However, if you do choose to rent a car, you will drive around the city on the right side of the road, the same as in the U.S. You should be aware that right turns on red are illegal here.
If you choose to forego the car, the beach resort area has everything you need within walking distance. However, you do need a way to get to the resort area, which is quite a distance from the airport. I suggest pre-arranging an airport shuttle since taxi service can be unpredictable.
Where to Stay During Spring Break in Aruba
Aruba is a small island, only about twenty miles long. The island has two main parts: the airport/cruise ship terminal and the Aruba resort area.
The cruise ship area is where the cruise ship terminal lets out hundreds and thousands of passengers, so many high-end shops are 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 in the beach resort area. You will find many hotel choices, restaurants, casinos, and nightlife in this area, plus the beach area has silky smooth sand and clear blue water.
I stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort and Casino. You may not think of a Holiday Inn as a resort getaway hotel, but this hotel is not your typical Holiday Inn. It is in a prime beachfront location in Palm Beach.
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.
Just look at that water!
The Holiday Inn Resort is a bit further away from the airport and is, in my opinion, a more relaxed part of the island.
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, the food prices are reasonable throughout the island, so you don’t need it.
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.
Tips on What to Do in Aruba
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.
Tip #1 – Explore the Island with Tours/Activities: Off-site
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 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 not accessible 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.
Tip #2 – Explore the Resort Area Activities: On-site at Holiday Inn Resort
If this is a last-minute Spring Break trip to Aruba, or you want more affordable options, use these tips for finding activities near the resort.
You can rent a palapa on the beach for around $40 for the day. Bring a book and enjoy the weather and the fantastic water.
RELATED POST: Check out my list of the best books for your vacation.
Fortunately, you can book a sailing and snorkeling cruise right on the beach outside of the Holiday Inn at a place called Roberto’s Water Sports 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.
Tip #3 – Try Your Luck at the Casino
If you enjoy gambling, you are in luck. The Holiday Inn & Resort does have a casino.
Although the casino is not huge, it does have many slots similar to those found in Las Vegas.
We gambled a little after dinner one night, and I won enough money to pay for our tour the next day, so win, win!
Tips on Where to Eat in Aruba
Corals Restaurant, located in the Holiday Inn hotel, offers a breakfast buffet.
It is a decent breakfast, but there are better options nearby.
There are many places to eat within walking distance of the resort area, both beachside and streetside.
You can stroll in either direction toward the beach and find many options.
A boardwalk travels all along the resort area, making it easy to walk.
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.
Tips for the Best Time to Visit Aruba
Aruba is located outside the hurricane belt, so there is no wrong time to visit.
You can expect beautiful weather during spring break in Aruba. It is one of the best spring break destinations for this reason alone.
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.
Keep those two things in mind as you pack, and you will enjoy a fantastic stay on a picturesque island for a vacation you won’t soon forget.
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.
