Navigating “Hell Week” in Aruba: What You Need to Know

Have you heard of “Hell Week” in Aruba? This specific week is held in January every year and is a time that some tourists would rather avoid due to a party crowd taking over part of the island.

Not sure if you fall into that category? Let’s take a look at what Hell Week is, what you can expect during this time, how to survive the week, and lastly – what are the specific dates for Aruba’s Hell Week in 2027. You’ll be well prepared to make decisions regarding if you want to visit Aruba during Hell Week or not.

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What is Hell Week in Aruba?

Aruba’s “Hell Week” is a term often used to describe the influx of a large group of visitors on a “Spring Break-like” party trip at many of the Marriott properties in Aruba. It typically occurs from the third Thursday of January through the following Sunday, lasting ten days.

This period aligns with Regent’s Week in New York City, which is also called Yeshiva Week or Yeshiva Break, a time when public high school students take statewide exams. Families from prestigious private schools in Brooklyn and Rockland County, New York, often use this break to vacation in Aruba.

Side note: We did not name this week “Hell Week”. Many visitors happily visit Aruba during this week – whether they are part of the group visiting the island or not. We simply want visitors to be informed of what’s going on around the island as they plan their vacation to Aruba.

What to Expect During Hell Week

During Hell Week, Aruba experiences a significant increase in visitors, particularly concentrated at Marriott properties such as the Marriott Stellaris Hotel, Marriott Ocean Club, Marriott Surf Club, and the Ritz Carlton. It looks as though it is also spilling over to the Hyatt now as well.

This surge often results in a busy and boisterous atmosphere for everyone… including those who are not part of the group. Think loud music, crowded spaces, and a lively, sometimes chaotic environment. You’ll also encounter many more Kosher meal options available during this time.

It’s not uncommon to encounter groups of unsupervised teenagers engaging in loud or destructive activities, including playing loud music, littering, and even causing disturbances like throwing lounge chairs into pools or engaging in physical altercations. It puts a strain on hotel and restaurant staff as well as other guests.

This is where the name “Hell Week” comes from. If it’s not your cup of tea, choose to avoid it. Or, if you’re into it, you know where to find it!

Tips to Survive Hell Week in Aruba

“Hell Week” is only one week per year and only impacts a small portion of the beautiful island of Aruba. This makes it easy to avoid and still have a quiet and relaxing trip to the island. To make sure your trip to Aruba is as picture perfect as the island itself, follow these three tips.

1. Select Your Dates Wisely

If you’re not interested in having any disruptions pertaining to Aruba’s Hell Week, just book a different time of year or stay on another part of the island like Eagle Beach! You only need to avoid 10 specific days in January and you’ll be all set. The schedule for past and upcoming Hell Week dates is below.

2. Pick the Right Hotel

To avoid the busiest and potentially disruptive areas, consider staying at hotels other than the Marriott properties, specifically the Marriott Ocean Club and Marriott Surf Club. The Marriott Stellaris Hotel, Ritz, and Hyatt also see some visitors associated with the group but is not overrun the same way.

If you’re staying at other accommodations on the island you should experience minimal, if any, disruptions regarding Hell Week.

3. Book Your Flights Strategically

If you’re planning to fly to Aruba from the New York area, it’s wise to avoid routes from Newark (EWR) and John F. Kennedy (JFK) airports during this time, as flights can be particularly crowded and boisterous. This can also make flights more expensive due to the increased demand.

Schedule of Hell Week in Aruba

Here are the dates for Hell Week in recent and upcoming years:

• Hell Week Aruba 2020: January 16 – 26
• Hell Week Aruba 2021: January 21 – 31
• Hell Week Aruba 2022: January 20 – 30
• Hell Week Aruba 2023: January 19 – 29
• Hell Week Aruba 2024: January 18 – 28
• Hell Week Aruba 2025: January 16 – 26
• Hell Week Aruba 2026: January 15 – 25
• Hell Week Aruba 2027: January 14 – 24

If you’re planning a trip in January 2027, make sure to double check your dates as Aruba Hell Week 2027 is January 14 – 24.