How many times have you seen friends and family plan romantic getaways to Aruba?
While Aruba definitely makes a great destination for couples seeking to bond in an enchanting setting, solo travelers shouldn’t feel left out of the party. After all, Aruba also has plenty of great attractions and lesser-known treasures for singles to enjoy.
Though Aruba may have developed a reputation for being quite developed, that’s not entirely a bad thing: As the most urban of the ABC Islands, Aruba has quite a few cool spots for singles to mingle, as well as places to appreciate maximum peace and quiet.
This “One Happy Island” Can Keep Solo Travelers Happy!
Over the years, Aruba has developed a certain reputation. As the best-known and most developed of the Netherlands’ ABC Islands, Aruba has become a go-to place for destination weddings, anniversary trips, and other romantically themed trips for couples.
Conversely, more adventurous solo travelers may sense that Curacao and Bonaire are better fits for them, as both islands are starting to emerge from Aruba’s shadow with their own natural beauty and their less “neat and polished” vibes.
While there are many great reasons for couples and for solo travelers to visit all the ABC Islands, let’s focus on why Aruba should not be overlooked as a prime destination for solo travelers.
Aruba Is Safe and Accepting
Though no place is always picture-perfect, we can’t fault you for thinking that Aruba comes pretty close. Even as other popular tourist destinations throughout the Americas may adhere to certain traditions and values that can make solo travelers feel uncomfortable, Aruba’s simply not like that.
In Aruba, solo travelers from all walks of life can do everything from golf outings to snorkeling lessons and not feel ostracized. Aruba’s local culture has become much more accepting of women’s independence, and the island has gradually become a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
It also helps that, as of August 2023, the U.S. State Department has a Level 1 travel advisory for Aruba that makes the island one of the safest destinations in a region that’s more recently made news for more tumultuous reasons.
Yes, Aruba Can Also Be Trendy
At first glance, Aruba might seem “pedestrian” with its many name-brand hotels and big tourist crowds. But when we scratch beneath the surface, Aruba actually has plenty to offer solo travelers seeking cutting-edge thrills.
Adventurous foodies will especially appreciate Aruba’s piping hot dining scene, with restaurants like Yemanja, Ocean Z, and Anno 1877 serving up lively Caribbean cuisine with style and flair that easily rival the buzziest culinary hotspots of the U.S. East Coast.
When it comes to trendy bars, Aruba really has you covered. Not only is the Renaissance Aruba’s LG Smith’s a solid steakhouse, but they also take their mixology to the next level with their “cocktail cart” where drinks are hand-crafted right by your table.
For something even more on the wild side, Apotek may be Aruba’s best speakeasy: Their address is officially a secret, they take “prescriptions” and make special “remedies” for guests, and they have plenty of fun with their whimsical Prohibition-era theming.
Though Aruba has many hotels and resorts that cater to couples, single travelers don’t have to stay out in the (relative) cold. Divi Resorts’ 3 Aruba hotels offer a friendly and more laid-back alternative to the typical “romantic” resorts. For maximum tranquility, it’s hard to beat the adults-only Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.
Want to Explore Beyond the Bars? Aruba Also Offers Epic Expeditions
Even if you’re not a foodie or a barfly, Aruba is a great place to get out and explore. If a day full of hiking and tide pooling is more your jam, Arikok National Park is where it’s at: From cactus groves full of lizards and parakeets to stunning petroglyphs hidden in caves, Arikok is full of natural surprises.
For history buffs wanting to learn more about the island’s fascinating backstory, the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins tell the story of Aruba’s 19th-century gold rush, and the Alto Vista Chapel (originally built in 1750) is the island’s oldest Catholic church. For somewhere more comforting, the Aruba Aloe Factory & Museum shows all the tricks of the trade for the island’s most soothing export.
And, of course, Aruba has a whole lot of great beaches to explore and enjoy! Even at the most popular spots, such as Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, solo travelers will likely never feel out of place.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of Aruba’s reputation as a classic romantic getaway, this “One Happy Island” always welcomes solo travelers with open arms. Even better, solo travelers have ample options to have boatloads of fun, no matter what exactly floats your own boat.
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