One of the most important things to know when booking a trip is where exactly is Aruba located? This will impact the weather, time of year you visit, how you pack, and more! Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with all the need to know information about Aruba’s location, from maps to how it impacts what you’ll experience on the island.

Where is Aruba located?

Aruba is located about 18 miles (29 kilometers) north of the Paraguaná Peninsula of Venezuela. This close proximity to the South American mainland has historical and cultural implications, as the island has experienced influences from various neighboring regions.

The Venezuelan connection is evident in aspects of Aruba’s cuisine, language, and traditions. The short distance has also facilitated trade and cultural exchanges over the years. This has contributed to the dynamic identity of Aruba.

Location of Aruba on a Map

Interactive Map of Aruba

Aruba’s Geographic Coordinates

Aruba is situated at approximately 12.5211° N latitude and 69.9683° W longitude. This places the island in the southern Caribbean Sea and contributes to its tropical climate and stunning landscapes. The specific coordinates highlight Aruba’s location relative to the equator and the prime meridian.

Aruba’s position in the Caribbean provides warm temperatures and the well-known trade winds that have influenced its ecosystem and made it a sought-after destination for travelers seeking sun, sea, and sand.

How big is Aruba?

Aruba is a relatively small island, with a total land area of approximately 69 square miles (180 square kilometers). In terms of dimensions, Aruba is approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) long and about 6 miles (10 kilometers) wide at its widest point. The island is known for its generally flat terrain, with some low hills scattered throughout the landscape.

Despite its small size, Aruba has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its warm climate, pristine beaches, and variety of recreational activities. The compact nature of the island makes it easy for tourists to explore different attractions, from the northern California Lighthouse to the southeastern tip of Baby Beach.

Additionally, Aruba’s size contributes to its appeal as a destination where visitors can easily navigate and experience the entire island, whether they are visiting for a long weekend or a month at a time.

The Impact of Aruba’s Location

Located in the southern Caribbean Sea, Aruba is part of the Lesser Antilles and is surrounded by other islands that collectively form the Caribbean region. It’s also part of the well known ABC Islands along with neighboring Bonaire and Curacao. In this area you’ll discover diverse cultures, languages, and ecosystems.

The Caribbean Sea is known for its beautiful water, coral reefs, and biodiversity. Aruba, along with nearby islands, attract tourists with its unique blend of Dutch and Caribbean influences, warm hospitality, and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Is Aruba located in the hurricane belt?

No, Aruba is not part of the hurricane belt. This means it is less prone to the direct impact of hurricanes, making it a great year-round travel destination. In fact, Aruba’s location just outside of the hurricane belt is a significant factor in its appeal to tourists seeking a safe and stable Caribbean destination during hurricane season.

Which continent is Aruba on?

A common question, which we’ve addressed in depth in its own post, is “What continent is Aruba on?“. The reason? Well, it’s a straightforward answer – Aruba is part of South America, but it has a convoluted reason why. Ultimately, it has to do with the tectonic plates and how they divide between the Caribbean Sea plate, which is part of North America, and the plate of South America. Aruba falls on the South American plate along with the other ABC Islands: Bonaire and Curacao.

Is Aruba a country?

Being located so close to Venezuela, it may surprise you to find out that Aruba is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This constitutional arrangement provides Aruba with a level of self-governance while maintaining ties to the Dutch monarchy. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is responsible for defense and foreign affairs, while Aruba manages its internal affairs independently.

This unique political status has influenced Aruba’s legal and administrative systems, blending Dutch and Caribbean elements. It also fosters a sense of cultural diversity with residents identifying as both Aruban and Dutch citizens.

What is the capital city of Aruba?

Oranjestad, located on the western coast of the island, serves as the capital and largest city in Aruba. The city’s architecture reflects Dutch influences with colorful colonial-style buildings lining its streets. Visiting Oranjestad, you’ll find a mix of modern amenities and historical landmarks.

This is also where you’ll find the Aruba harbor which welcomes cruise ships many times per week. The city’s role as the administrative and cultural center makes it a focal point for both residents and visitors and the perfect place to see Dutch and Caribbean traditions coexist.

The Geography of Aruba

Located in the southern Caribbean Sea, Aruba’s geography is characterized by its arid and flat terrain. You’ll only find a few low hills scattered across the island and mostly palm trees that have carefully been planted by resorts. Here are some key aspects of Aruba’s geography that you may want to be aware of.

• Flat Landscape: The majority of Aruba is relatively flat. in fact, the highest point, Mount Jamanota, stands at only 617 feet (188 meters) above sea level. The flat landscape contributes to the island’s ease of exploration.

• Arid Climate: Aruba has a desert-like climate. It sees little rainfall each year and has constant trade winds. The island is located just outside the hurricane belt, which means it is less prone to hurricanes compared to other Caribbean islands. The arid conditions have led to the development of unique flora and fauna adapted to the dry environment.

• Divi-Divi Trees: One of the iconic features of Aruba’s landscape is the divi-divi tree. It is characterized by its distinctive bent or windswept shape. These trees are often used as natural indicators of the prevailing trade winds, which consistently blow from the northeast.

• Rock Formations: Aruba features interesting rock formations across the island. They typically include limestone and volcanic formations. The Ayo and Casibari rock formations are notable examples that offer visitors panoramic views of the island.

• Beaches: Aruba is renowned for its beautiful beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Popular Aruba beaches include Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and Baby Beach.

• Arikok National Park: Located on the eastern part of the island, Arikok National Park covers approximately 20% of Aruba’s total land area. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, ancient Arawak Indian drawings, natural pools, and rugged landscapes.

• Natural Bridges: While the famous Natural Bridge collapsed in 2005, Aruba still has smaller natural bridges. Consider visiting the Baby Natural Bridge or the Bushiribana Natural Bridge, which offer scenic views of the coastline.

• Salt Flats: In the southern part of the island, near the Spanish Lagoon, you can find the famous salt flats. These were historically important for the production of salt. Today, remnants of the industry, including old stone structures, can still be seen.