8 Downsides of Aruba: Honest Reviews from Repeat Visitors

We love Aruba. That’s why we’ve built an entire website dedicated to helping you make the most of your trip to the One Happy Island. But let’s be real—nowhere is perfect.

While Aruba has stunning beaches, friendly locals, and that amazing island vibe, there are some things that people don’t love about the island. In fact, some people even claim to “hate Aruba” for certain reasons. Can you believe that?!

We’re here to provide an honest look at the downsides of Aruba, along with tips to help you navigate these issues and still enjoy your trip to the fullest.

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1. Prices: Aruba Is Expensive

There’s no way around it—Aruba is pricey. Because it’s an island that imports most of its goods, expect to pay a premium for food, drinks, and everyday items. Alcohol, in particular, is very expensive. On top of that, many restaurants automatically add a service charge, which can make dining out costlier than expected.

Add on the costs of flights, hotels, and excursions, and your bank account balance may make you sad by the time you leave the island.

How to Navigate It

There are a lot of ways to save money in Aruba. A few key practices to look into are:

• Buy alcohol at duty-free stores before arriving or shop at local supermarkets like Super Food for better prices.

• Consider cooking some meals if you have a kitchen in your accommodation.

• Be mindful of the added service charge at restaurants in Aruba—check your bill before tipping extra.

2. Stray Dogs: A Heartbreaking Reality

Aruba has a significant stray dog problem. As you go around the island, you’re quite likely to have your heart ache by all the sweet dogs living on the streets. While efforts have been made to rescue and rehome these animals, many dogs still roam free, neglected and malnourished.

How to Navigate It

Unfortunately, we have not been able to find homes for all of the dogs in Aruba, but there are ways you can help.

• Support local rescue organizations like Sgt. Pepper’s Friends or ARF Aruba.

• Consider bringing dog food or supplies to donate if you’re an animal lover.

• Adopt a dog from Aruba!

3. The Airport Process: Clearing US Immigration Can Be a Nightmare

Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport requires travelers heading back to the U.S. to clear U.S. Customs and Immigration before departure. This means long lines and extended wait times, especially during peak travel periods.

In some cases, you need to arrive 3 – 4 hours ahead of time to be able to go through the numerous security checks in place and still make your flight. This is particularly true if you’re traveling on the weekends when the airport is most crowded.

How to Navigate It

To avoid the frustration associated with leaving Aruba by plane, learn about the departure process from Aruba before you go.

• Arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight.

• Consider purchasing VIP airport service for a faster and smoother experience.

• Be patient—it’s inconvenient but ultimately makes arrival in the U.S. much easier.

4. Overbuilding and Crowds: The Island Has Lost Its Charm

Aruba has seen rapid hotel development, leading to more crowds and reservations becoming necessary for restaurants and even palapas on the beach. The high number of visitors also puts pressure on waste management, and some feel that the island is losing its natural beauty. Some even compare the experience to Disney World due to the packed resorts and tourist-centric reputation.

How to Navigate It

Aruba may be a top-tier travel destination, but it’s also home to over 100,000 people. Don’t get let down by the new resorts being built and crowds. Instead, plan ahead:

• Visit during the off-season for fewer crowds.

• Book hotel and restaurant reservations well in advance.

• Explore less crowded beaches like Mangel Halto or Druif Beach.

5. The Wind: Love It or Hate It

Aruba is windy—sometimes extremely so. While the constant breeze helps keep temperatures comfortable, it can also mean lost hats, sand in your eyes, towels blowing, and messy hair. For those who like to look perfect for their vacation photos, this is a big negative.

How to Navigate It

Plan on it being windy in Aruba and take the necessary precautions to make the most of this unique characteristic of the island.

• Bring towel clips to keep your beach towel in place.

• Wear your hair up to avoid dealing with constant tangles. It may even save you some time!

• Embrace the wind—it keeps the island cool!

6. The Sun: Sunburns Are No Joke

You’re on vacation on an island. You want sunshine. Good news – Aruba delivers! Just don’t underestimate Aruba’s sun. It’s intense, and you’ll quickly learn how fast it can burn your skin. You’re near the equator and you’re spending most of your time in Aruba outside. Don’t ruin the remainder of your vacation by burning.

How to Navigate It

Don’t think of the sun as a negative part of Aruba. Enjoy it and being surrounded by white sand and turquoise water. It’s why you came to Aruba after all!

• Regularly apply reef-safe sunscreen and seek out shade under umbrellas, palapas, and trees.

• Pack appropriately and wear a hat, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing.

• Hydrate often to prevent dehydration, particularly if you’re also drinking alcohol while in the sun.

7. Very “Americanized”: Some Feel It Lacks Authenticity

Because Aruba is a favorite destination for American travelers, you’ll find many U.S. chains, menus in English, U.S. dollars accepted, and customer service expectations similar to the U.S. Some visitors love this familiarity, while others feel it takes away from an authentic Caribbean experience.

How to Navigate It

You can’t change the fact that Aruba is visited by a lot of Americans and as such brings with it some of the culture associated with it. However, you can go out of your way to support local.

• Seek out local restaurants, like Zeerovers, for a taste of true Aruban culture.

• Venture outside the tourist zones, like Palm Beach, to experience a more local vibe.

• Interact with locals and learn about Aruba’s history and traditions.

8. Leaving the Island: The Hardest Part of the Trip

Ask travelers what they dislike about Aruba, and many will say: “Leaving!” In fact, it’s the number one sited downside to Aruba. It’s tough to say goodbye to the crystal-clear waters, warm sunshine, and laid-back island life.

How to Navigate It

Well, we can’t recommend everyone move to Aruba, as it is an island, but we can provide a few ways to enjoy a little slice of Aruba heaven at home.

• Start planning your next trip before you leave!

• Bring home some Aruba souvenirs to remind you of the island.

• Take lots of photos to relive the memories until you can return.

About Aruba’s Downsides

As you can see, the pros and cons of Aruba are heavily tilted towards the positive things that make the island so popular. Despite its downsides, it remains a favorite for travelers from around the world. By being aware of these potential negatives of Aruba and planning ahead, you can make the most of your trip and enjoy everything the island has to offer.

No place is perfect, but Aruba comes pretty close—and that’s why it keeps 65% of first-time visitors coming back time and time again. That’s the highest repeat visitation rate in the Caribbean!