5 Countries and Islands Next to Aruba: Meet the Neighbors

Wondering what countries are near Aruba? Aruba’s closest mainland neighbor is Venezuela, just 18 miles (29 kilometers) to the south. The nearby islands of Curaçao and Bonaire are even closer than some of the other countries in the region.

Aruba sits in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela. Its location puts it close to several Caribbean islands and South American countries.

Here are five countries and islands near Aruba, including how far away they are and what makes each destination worth knowing.

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Map of Countries and Islands Next to Aruba

Use the map below to see where Aruba’s closest neighbors are located.

Keep in mind that the markers are generally placed in the center of each country or island. Parts of each destination may be closer to Aruba than the marker suggests.

Want to learn more about Aruba’s exact location? See our complete guide to Where Aruba is Located.

What Countries and Islands are Near Aruba?

Here are five of the closest and most notable countries and islands near Aruba:

Destination	Direction from Aruba	Approximate Distance
Venezuela	South	18 miles (29 km)
Curaçao	East	44 miles (70 km)
Bonaire	East	81 miles (130 km)
Colombia	Southwest	230 miles (370 km)
Dominican Republic	Northwest	416 miles (670 km)

Venezuela is the closest mainland country to Aruba, while Curaçao is the closest neighboring island.

Let’s take a closer look at each.

1. Venezuela: The Country Closest to Aruba

Venezuela is the closest country to Aruba, located about 18 miles (29 kilometers) south of the island. Aruba’s close proximity to Venezuela has influenced the island’s history, culture, food, and connections with South America.

Venezuela is a large and geographically diverse country. It is home to the Andes Mountains, the Llanos grasslands, the Amazon rainforest, Caribbean beaches, and some of the world’s most dramatic natural landscapes.

One of its most famous attractions is Angel Falls, the world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall. It drops approximately 3,212 feet (979 meters) in Canaima National Park.

Although Venezuela is geographically close to Aruba, traveling between the two destinations is not as simple as the short distance might suggest. Travelers should check current entry requirements and transportation options before planning a trip.

How far is Venezuela from Aruba?

The closest point of Venezuela is approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers) south of Aruba. That makes Venezuela much closer to Aruba than Colombia, the Dominican Republic, or most other countries in the region.

2. Curaçao: The Island Closest to Aruba

Curaçao is approximately 44 miles (70 kilometers) east of Aruba. Curaçao and Aruba are two of the three ABC Islands, along with Bonaire. Curaçao is known for its colorful capital, Willemstad, which features distinctive Dutch colonial architecture and a historic waterfront.

The island is also popular for:

• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling
• Beaches
• Historic architecture
• Restaurants
• Shopping
• Colorful neighborhoods

Curaçao has a very different feel from Aruba, making it an interesting destination to visit if you’re looking for a Caribbean island with a different personality.

Want to learn more about the three ABC Islands? Check out our guide to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

How far is Curaçao from Aruba?

Curaçao is approximately 44 miles (70 kilometers) east of Aruba. The two islands are close enough that travelers often consider visiting both during a Caribbean trip.

3. Bonaire: Another ABC Island

Bonaire is approximately 81 miles (130 kilometers) east of Aruba. Bonaire is the third member of the ABC Islands and is particularly well known for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island’s surrounding waters are protected, and its coral reefs attract divers from around the world.

Bonaire also has plenty to explore on land, including:

• Washington Slagbaai National Park
• Salt flats
• Flamingos
• Cacti-covered landscapes
• Lac Bay
• Kralendijk
• Windsurfing and kiteboarding

Like Aruba and Curaçao, Bonaire has a strong Dutch influence but its own distinct culture and landscape.

How far is Bonaire from Aruba?

Bonaire is approximately 81 miles (130 kilometers) east of Aruba. Although Bonaire is farther from Aruba than Curaçao, all three ABC Islands are located relatively close to one another off the northern coast of Venezuela.

4. Colombia

Colombia is approximately 230 miles (370 kilometers) southwest of Aruba. Colombia is the second-largest country in South America and is known for its diverse landscapes, historic cities, Caribbean coastline, mountains, coffee-growing regions, and tropical forests.

One of the country’s best-known destinations is Cartagena, a historic Caribbean city famous for its walled Old Town and colorful colonial architecture. Colombia is also home to Bogotá, Medellín, the Coffee Cultural Landscape, and a wide range of natural environments.

Aruba’s location makes Colombia one of the South American countries relatively close to the island, although it is considerably farther away than Venezuela.

How far is Colombia from Aruba?

Colombia is approximately 230 miles (370 kilometers) southwest of Aruba. The closest parts of Colombia are considerably farther from Aruba than Venezuela.

5. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is approximately 416 miles (670 kilometers) northwest of Aruba. Located on the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic shares the island with Haiti. The country is known for its beaches, mountains, historic cities, music, and Caribbean culture.

Its capital, Santo Domingo, is one of the oldest European-established cities in the Americas and has a historic colonial district recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Dominican Republic is also a popular destination for travelers looking for beaches, resorts, hiking, water sports, and cultural experiences.

How far is the Dominican Republic from Aruba?

The Dominican Republic is approximately 416 miles (670 kilometers) northwest of Aruba.

It is much farther from Aruba than Venezuela, Curaçao, or Bonaire, but it is still relatively close compared with many other Caribbean destinations.

What is the Closest Country to Aruba?

Venezuela is the closest country to Aruba. The closest point of Venezuela is just 18 miles (29 kilometers) south of Aruba. On a clear day, you can see Venezuela from Aruba. Curaçao is the closest neighboring island at approximately 44 miles (70 kilometers) east of Aruba.

This is why Aruba has such strong geographic ties to both the Caribbean and South America.

Are Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire Countries?

Not exactly. Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire are the three ABC Islands, but they have different political statuses.

• Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
• Curaçao is also a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
• Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands.

Geographically, all three are islands in the southern Caribbean located off the coast of Venezuela.

Learn more about their history, geography, and differences in our complete guide to the ABC Islands.

Can You Travel From Aruba to These Nearby Countries?

Yes, but the practical options depend on the destination and current transportation schedules. Because Aruba is an island, flying is generally the most practical way to reach nearby destinations independently. Curaçao and Bonaire are particularly close, while Venezuela, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic require longer travel.

Cruise itineraries can also connect Aruba with several Caribbean destinations, including Curaçao, Bonaire, and the Dominican Republic.

If you’re planning to travel from Aruba to another country, check current airline schedules, cruise itineraries, passport requirements, and entry rules before booking.

Why is Aruba So Close to South America?

Aruba is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just north of Venezuela. Its position is one reason the island is generally considered geographically associated with South America, even though Aruba is also a Caribbean island.

The island’s location has influenced its geography, climate, culture, and history. If you want to learn more about Aruba’s continental classification, see What Continent Is Aruba In?. For the complete picture of Aruba’s location, including maps, coordinates, geography, and distances, see our main Location of Aruba guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Countries and Islands Near Aruba

Aruba may be a small island, but it is surrounded by some fascinating neighbors.

Venezuela is the closest country, just 18 miles away. Curaçao is the closest neighboring island at about 44 miles away, followed by Bonaire at about 81 miles. Further away, you’ll find Colombia to the southwest and the Dominican Republic to the northwest.

Aruba’s location in the southern Caribbean puts it at an interesting crossroads between the Caribbean and South America.

Explore More about Aruba’s Location

• Location of Aruba See where Aruba is located, with maps, coordinates, distances, and more.
• What Continent is Aruba in? Learn why Aruba is generally considered geographically part of South America.
• Is Aruba a Country? Understand Aruba’s political relationship with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
• ABC Islands Get to know Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire.