You can of course also take a taxi, or even use the local buses.
Places to Eat in Aruba
CAYA House Restaurant
Caya House is located in Palm Beach, literally across the road from the Hyatt Regency hotel, and is set inside a fully renovated traditional Aruban house.
The setting is beautiful – as well as the indoor modern dining room, the restaurant also features an outdoor courtyard for open air dining.
Caya is also not just a restaurant – they also provide entertainment, such as live performances, or featuring a DJ on a weekend.
The menu is authentic Aruban cuisine, with lots of fish and seafood options.
Address: J.E.
Irausquin Blvd 372, Noord, Aruba
Olivia Mediterranean Restaurant
Olivia is an authentic Mediterranean restaurant located in downtown Oranjestad.
The menu features a real mix of Mediterranean cuisine with dishes inspired from Greece, Italy, Morocco, Lebanon…I was spoilt for choice!
The courtyard setting was also very trendy and romantic!
Azia Restaurant and Lounge is a beautiful, elegant restaurant that as its name suggests specialises in Asian cuisine – think dim sum, sushi, and of course, being a restaurant on an island, some amazing seafood options.
The décor inside was incredible, we really felt like we were in a restaurant in the Far East.
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
The Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort is made up of two properties – the adult only Renaissance Marina Hotel, and the family friendly Renaissance Ocean Suites.
The two hotels are only about a five-minute walk from each other, on opposite sides of the marina, but both properties are located in the heart of downtown Oranjestad, the vibrant island capital.
You can easily stroll along the boardwalk past the marina, admiring the luxury yachts, or walk into the city centre where you will find great bars, restaurants and shops.
I know that gay travel to the Caribbean can be difficult, but rest assured that in Aruba you will be welcomed with open arms, and you can just kick back, relax, and enjoy the island.
.
Michael ponders that perhaps it’s partly because of the tolerant and open-minded nature that has evolved from the Dutch influence on the island that has set the tone for a nation that welcomes all walks of life.
“The most important highlight about Aruba is that it is welcoming to all people and offers something for all types of interests--beach and water sports, excursions to unsettled areas of the island, a culture that embraces art and music, world-class shopping and dining, gambling, and nightlife.” Michael adds that “Aruba offers world-class accommodations through stellar hospitality brands, as well as retail luxury brands available on the island, like Cartier, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
Overall, though, it all comes back to the people of Aruba—their warmth is matched only by the tropical sunshine!”
Aruba encourages everyone to create lifelong memories, and the One happy island prides itself on welcoming all races, religions, and diverse lifestyles.
Aruba's a great destination for LGBT vacations because of the Aruban people's cosmopolitan worldview; which is somewhat unique among the Caribbean islands.
Our cruise included:
5-hour cruise to the Spanish Lagoon
Open bar onboard including hand-crafted cocktails
Lunch grilled onboard
Snorkelling the Spanish Lagoon Barrier Reef
Rope swinging from the boat out to sea
Book your own tour with Pelican Adventures here.
Try glass blowing at Studio Murano Art
Studio Murano Art is a family run glass-blowing studio – in fact, their current master artisan is the third generation!
Every day they offer a free glass blowing demonstration from 10:00 – 13:00, so visitors in the area who may have just stopped for a bite to eat at the onsite bar and restaurant, or to browse the store can actually enjoy the glass-blowing process from start to finish.
However, should you actually wish to try this for yourself, Studio Murano Art offer workshops – a hands on experience where you can make your own one-of-a-kind glass item.
It is quite a way from the entrance to Arikok, and so a vehicle is needed.
For more information, such as how to get to the park, or to book a guided hike visit their website here.
Scuba Diving
I am an avid scuba diver, and if I am visiting a destination known for its diving, I am absolutely going to do it!
Aruba has some incredible diving sites, and is the perfect location for both qualified experts as well as new divers.
The coral reefs and beds of seagrass are home to a diverse range of marine life – rays, eels, the invasive lionfish, and Aruba is home to four species of sea-turtles which I always love seeing!
Aruba is also well known for wreck-diving, and one of my dives was around one of the shipwrecks, where I was very lucky to spot a nesting octopus in one of the wreck’s former portholes!
We used Jads Dive Center for our two-tank dive, a PADI 5-star IDC resort.
Rum tasting at Pepe Margo Distillery
The Pepe Margo Distillery is Aruba’s first ever craft distillery, and is located in a fully restored traditional Aruban home in the historical district of downtown Aruba.
The name of the distillery comes from one of the former residents of the home, Catarina Margarita (Margo) Arends, who was nicknamed ‘Pepe Margo,’ (‘pepe’ meaning godmother in the Papiamento language) by the local community.
Pepe Margo Distillery offers distillery tours, where you will find them making rum, gin and more onsite at the historical house, as well as of course – tasting the spirits themselves!
You can read more about the history of the distillery and book your own tour via their website.
Address: Wilhelminastraat 46, Oranjestad, Aruba
Island Jeep Tour with Isla Aruba
My island jeep tour was one of my most enjoyable experiences on the island, and was the best way of experiencing just how diverse and beautiful the island of Aruba is.
Isla Aruba jeep tours are run by locals, who have extensive knowledge and first-hand experience of what Aruba has to offer for visitors – both the popular tourist attractions and off-the-beaten-track hidden gems.
The off-road safari jeeps were a really cool and unique way to travel around the island, and the perfect choice of vehicle for when I was travelling across the rugged landscape of Arikok National Park!
Isla Aruba offer a variety of tours, all of which are private, making sure you tick off the popular attractions, but also giving the option of a fully customised private tour which they can help with creating and customising for you.
Popular attractions that Isla Aruba take you to include:
Gold Mill Ruins: Learn about the history of gold mining in the area, and explore the ruins of a historic former gold mill
Arikok National Park – including the Natural Pool, Fontein Cave and Quadirikiri Cave
Various beaches around the island – including the beautiful Baby Beach – more on Baby Beach below!
Check out more of their tour options here.
Wine tour at Alto Vista Winery
I love a wine tour and equally love drinking wine – so this was a perfect activity choice for me whilst on the island, and also something I actually was not expecting to find!
Alto Vista Winery is the first and only boutique winery on the island, and is an estate winery, meaning that the wines are produced with grapes grown on its own vineyard – quite an impressive feat considering the island’s desert climate!
The wine tour at Alto Vista is a bit different from the usual – instead of heading straight indoors to the production site and distillery, the tour starts by walking through the farm itself, including across the natural terrain of what the farm used to be before the vineyards were planted, and then through the vineyards themselves.
I then visited the distillery, where Alto Vista also produces rum, which I sampled, before finishing in the winery and the tasting room, which I was definitely ready for.
The wine tasting includes sampling the five wines they produce, and also includes a small charcuterie snack platter to be paired with the wines.
This was definitely a highlight!
Read more about Alto Vista and book your own wine tour at their website.
Address: Alto Vista ZN, Oranjestad, Aruba
Go on a luxury sailing cruise with Pelican Adventures
I absolutely love a boat trip!
Here on Aruba, we have become a destination of choice—often a repeat destination—for LGBT travelers.
Feeling safe, secure, and welcome is the foundation to an ideal LGBT-friendly travel destination. I was so grateful that I had to chance to do this – and my top tip is head over on the first water taxi of the day, when the flamingos are still hungry!
However, the island isn’t all about the flamingos – it is a day out in its own right.
And there is no shortage of natural wonders either – a natural pool, caves containing original Indian drawings, stunning beaches, – you could easily spend a whole day here seeing something different every hour!
Visitors to the park do need to purchase a ticket to enter Arikok National Park, the cost of which goes towards the preservation of the park as well as various educational programs that the park runs.
Once inside the park, visitors can freely explore, either driving through the park, or you can explore on foot on one of the many hiking trails.
However, for the best experience I strongly recommend booking a guided tour, escorted by a Park Ranger who will point out many things you will likely miss otherwise.
I hiked through the park for about 90 minutes with one of the rangers and was so grateful for all the in-depth information I received about the things I was seeing.
Key areas of interest within the park:
Quadirikiri and Fontein Caves: Both of these caves have beautiful stalagmites and stalactites, some of which have formed pillars.
Dig into your trip details below to unlock a Caribbean experience that will fill you with sunshine and send you home with a happy afterglow that never fades.
Plan Your Effect
myAruba planner
Save your favorite places and experiences to a custom itinerary you can manage while you're visiting the island: Start Planning
Gay Aruba
Aruba, often referred to as "One Happy Island," is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, clear blue waters, and its friendly and open atmosphere, making it a beloved destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
This vibrant island offers a tranquil getaway with the warm welcome characteristic of Caribbean hospitality.
While Aruba doesn't have a distinct gay neighborhood, it is celebrated for its inclusive and welcoming attitude towards all visitors. The island's resorts and hotels are known for their acceptance and support of LGBTQ+ guests, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for everyone.
Gay Aruba Travel Guide: When it comes to travelling to the Caribbean as a gay traveller, it can be a bit of a challenge given the overall region’s conservative views, and even anti-gay laws on some islands.
But the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are leaps and bounds ahead of the rest of the Caribbean and as a result are some of the most popular choices of Caribbean islands for gay travellers.
I first visited Aruba for a day during my last Atlantis gay cruise and immediately fell in love with the island vibe, the white beaches, crystal clear sea and colourful houses.
I had a gorgeous meal here – after I had tried multiple cocktails and watched the stunning Aruban sunset at the Alfresco cocktail bar of course!
Address: J.E. Irausquin Blvd 85, Noord, Aruba
Check rates and book! It is stunning!
Other Beaches Worth a Mention
Baby Beach was without a doubt my favourite beach on the entire island!
We tried both the chicken and the meat, and they are delicious!
Address: 4 328, Santa Cruz, Aruba
Practical tips for visiting Aruba
Aruba has a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 25°C – so pack plenty of beach wear and high SPF sun lotion!
The local currency is the Aruban Florin; however, US dollars are widely accepted.
The official main language on the island is Papiamento, however Dutch and English are also widely spoken.
There are a LOT of mosquitoes on the island – make sure you pack bug spray, and on an evening long sleeves and trousers are recommended, especially with a lot of the restaurants offering open air dining.
The tap water is perfectly safe to drink.
Power outlets are the same as US and Canada, so make sure you bring an adaptor.
Wrap Up
And there you have it – my complete LGBTQ+ travel guide to gay Aruba!
I knew I wanted to return so jumped at the chance for a longer visit later that same year. I spent a very lazy afternoon at the man-made beach lagoon drinking cocktails!
However, whilst both properties are beautiful in their own right, the main highlight of the Renaissance Aruba Resort has to be Renaissance Island – the 40-acre private island, home to the amazing Flamingo Beach, as mentioned above.
Address: L.G.
Smith Blvd 82, Oranjestad, Aruba
Check rates and book! – travelling to the Netherlands to get married is an option for same-s3x couples that have Dutch nationality.
Whilst marriage is still to be legalised, a bill was introduced in 2016 that legalised registered partnerships – both same and opposite s3x.