Aruba vs Curacao: Which Caribbean Gem Is Your Perfect Getaway?

Trying to decide between Aruba or Curacao for your next Caribbean vacation? We LOVE both of these unique islands, and while there certainly are a lot of similarities, there are some key differences that stand out between them.

I’ve put off this comparison of Aruba vs Curacao for far too long, and after SO many discussions with people deciding where they should go, I’ve finally decided to sit down and weigh the pros and cons and I’m SO excited to share it with you. This is a HUGE post, so grab a drink and get settled in!

These two islands are ones I recommend to people ALL THE TIME – they’re both charming in their own way and offer endless amounts of beauty and fun.

I can’t say one island is better than the other because they’re both incredible Caribbean islands to visit, so I’ve broken it down by category to let you decide for yourself! 

So if you’re struggling with a decision to book Curacao or Aruba for your next vacation, I hope this feedback helps you come to a decision (or if it works for you, definitely visit both!).

Important! Both countries require an Digital Embarkation/Disembarkation Card (ED Card) for entry into the country. These can be done online by the official website for Aruba and the official website for Curacao. These must be done prior to boarding your flight. Aruba’s ED Card now costs $20 USD per traveller. Curacao is free.

This post contains affiliate links. 

Plan your next vacation using these tools!

✈️ Book flights: Expedia & SkyScanner
🏨 Book hotels: Booking.com & Expedia
🚘Book car rentals: RentalCars.com 
🎫Book tours: GetYourGuide & Viator

1. Climate & Weather

The ABC Islands (Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire) are located south of the hurricane belt, so their temperatures are consistent year round with their proximity to the equator. This also makes them some of the safest Caribbean destinations for year-round travel. 

While many Caribbean islands face the risk of hurricanes during the summer and fall, Aruba and Curaçao experience little to no impact from major storms. This means you can enjoy sunny skies, warm temperatures, and calm waters almost any time of year.

The islands also experience trade winds which are a welcome reprieve on hot days, but some months are windier than others. I’m not talking gale-force winds, and to be honest we were so happy there was a breeze to keep us cool. BUT! It did make us think about our dress length choices and sometimes we had to hang onto our hats! 

The trade winds are great for wind sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing but sometimes causing rougher waters for swimming, although we never experienced rough waters in December, February, or July when we visited the islands.

Factor	Aruba 🌅	Curaçao 🌊
Average Temperature	27–32°C (81–90°F) year-round	26–31°C (79–88°F) year-round
Humidity	Lower due to stronger trade winds, making it feel less hot	Slightly higher humidity, making it feel warmer, especially in summer
Rainfall	Very dry (less than 50 cm/year), mostly short showers from Oct–Dec	Slightly wetter (around 55–65 cm/year), with more rain from Oct–Dec
Trade Winds	Stronger, especially May – August, keeping it breezy and cool	Less intense but still breezy, especially on the east coast. Windiest March – July.
Ocean Conditions	Rougher waters on the east coast, but calm on the west	Generally calmer, but waves can pick up in windy months
Best Time to Visit	Anytime! But Dec–April is peak season for dry, sunny weather	Anytime! But May–Nov offers lower prices and fewer crowds

🏆 Winner: Aruba and Curacao

Both islands enjoy a warm, sunny climate year-round with minimal rainfall. Generally dry (even the highest rainfall months only have 3 inches) and the effects of tropical storms are rarely felt.

2. Driving

I’m a huge proponent of getting your own car rental in Aruba. It allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace and soak in all that the island has to offer. Rentals are inexpensive and can save you money in the long run as opposed to taking tours. 

Aruba is one of the easiest countries I have ever driven in, and it’s so easy to drive here! It’s hard to get lost, you can drive the whole island in 45 minutes, and there are a lot of scenic views along the way. Road signage is easy to follow and driving in general is laid back. Traffic in Oranjestad can get heavy at times (especially when cruise ships are in) so it’s best to park a few streets back.

Same can be said for Curacao – it just takes longer to drive around since the island is much larger. The signage isn’t as easy to follow and some of the roads are in poor condition, but it’s still a necessary way to get around if you want to explore the island.

For both countries I would recommend renting a car to explore beyond your accommodations.

🏆 Winner: Aruba

While both countries are easy to drive in, Aruba really has the edge since the island is so much smaller and there’s one main road taking you from top to bottom. We also never experienced much traffic anywhere we went, and parking was plentiful.

The roundabouts are super easy to use, and you can feel safe driving around them too since the lands are separated with a small curb. By the third day we were in Aruba I didn’t even need to use my navigation, unless we were heading downtown (where there are some one-way streets). Parking is paid downtown, but it’s very minimal (an hour is about $1.11 USD).

Curacao’s roads aren’t as maintained as Aruba’s, and if you are visiting Willemstad with a car, you will have a hard time finding parking, although it’s free everywhere on the island. We ended up parking at the parking garage across from Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao (where we stayed).

🚗 See my guides to renting a car in Curacao and renting a car in Aruba and what you should know before renting one!

P.S. If you plan to go to Arikok National Park in Aruba, it’s best to go by guided tour or by renting a 4WD vehicle – many rental companies have a clause that you can’t take a regular car into the park.

3. Public Transportation

If you really don’t want to rent a car, you’re in luck. Both islands have public transportation and taxis, but there are some differences.

Getting around Aruba is generally quick and easy, with taxis plentiful, especially in the popular Palm Beach area and downtown Oranjestad. You can expect to pay between $10 – $25 USD per ride depending on where you’re coming from and going to.

Arubus is the island’s public bus system, offering an affordable way to explore the main tourist areas all the way from Arashi to Baby Beach.

With routes that connect popular spots, it’s a convenient option for those looking to get around without the need for a rental car. Just be sure to check schedules in advance to help plan your day! Single trips are $2.60 USD and day passes are $10 USD.

A rental car is almost necessary in Curacao, because public transportation on the Autobus Bedrijf Curacao is very limited and takes forever to get from A to B. It is way cheaper though, at a single ride costing just $1.11 -$1.39 USD!

It’s even recommended that you rent a car by Curacao Tourism, because taxis are expensive and unless you’re willing to stay in Willemstad the whole time you’re there, you need a car to explore the island and get around. We paid $40 USD for a 7 minute cab ride for 5 of us. To us (as Canadians, especially!) that was a LOT of money for what it was.

Taxis in Curaçao are easy to spot with “TX” on their license plates. Fares are unmetered, so drivers usually have a fare sheet.  Surcharges apply for more than 4 people or travel before 6:00 am or after 11:00 pm. Extra luggage may cost a little more too. 

🏆 Winner: Aruba

The ease of getting around on the public bus with frequent schedules, and abundance of taxis makes Aruba the clear standout in this comparison of Aruba vs Curacao.

4. Language

Both Aruba and Curaçao have Dutch as their official language, but they also have the local language of Papiamento unique to the ABC islands that is widely spoken. Papiamento is a Creole language that blends Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and West African influences.

In Aruba, most Arubans speak a minimum of four languages, including English and Spanish, but you’ll find basically everyone speaking English.

Aside from a few bakeries and off-the-beaten path places to eat that we found, everyone spoke English, and communicating was never an issue for us. We only encountered one Dutch-speaking family on the beaches while we were there, too.

Meanwhile in Curacao, we found most of the people we interacted with speaking Dutch or Papiamento. Curaçao is often described as a linguistic melting pot, where people switch between Papiamento, Dutch, English, and Spanish with ease.

Since Curacao attracts over 35% of visitors from Holland, we encountered Dutch being spoken more than anything else. English is widely understood in the majority of places.

At the local markets and food stalls, rarely anyone spoke English, but that was the exception. Many of the local taxi drivers may have a harder time with English (at least with what we experienced), so it’s best to have your address ready to go on your phone!

🏆 Winner: Aruba

If you’re travelling and are hesitant or worried about being able to communicate, Aruba is an easy choice. While there is more of a language barrier in Curacao if you only speak English, you’ll find it’s widely understood.  

It never caused a problem for us and we enjoyed the cultural influences around the island. I am never expecting a country we visit to cater to us English-speaking folks, so I encourage you to pick up a bit of the local language! 

5. Currency

Both Aruba and Curaçao use different currencies, but there are some similarities in terms of how they handle money for tourists.

In Aruba, the official currency of Aruba is the Aruban Florin (AWG), but US dollars (USD) are widely accepted across the island, even for everyday purchases. In fact, most prices are often quoted in USD, especially in tourist areas, so you don’t need to worry about exchanging currency unless you’re heading to more local spots.

ATMs dispense Aruban Florins, but credit cards are widely accepted, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops. You can also exchange USD for AWG at the casino downtown Oranjestad if you wish. 

If you make a purchase using USD, there’s a good chance you’ll be given AWG back in return, so make sure you know the conversion so you get the right amount back! 

Note: There are a few restaurants  in Aruba that only accept credit cards (like Passions on the Beach) and some places that only accept cash, so it’s best to carry a bit of both!

💰 1 USD is roughly 1.80 Aruban Florin (at the time of me writing this!)

In Curacao, the official currency of Curaçao is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), also known as the Florin. However, like Aruba, US dollars (USD) are widely accepted throughout the island, especially in tourist areas.

ATMs dispense Netherlands Antillean Guilders (ANG), but credit cards are commonly used in most places, including hotels and businesses catering to tourists. You will definitely want some cash for the local spots, like Plasa Bieu (one of the best places to eat in Curacao!)

💰 1 USD is roughly 1.80 Netherlands Antillean Guilder (at the time of me writing this!)

Note: We (in Canada, and I’m sure it’s the same for the US) cannot exchange our own currency for local currency at home. You have to bring USD or withdraw money from an ATM when you’re there (with a service fee).

🏆 Winner: Curacao and Aruba

With both currencies essentially on-par with USD, and with having to exchange or withdraw while you’re there, both countries are the same in this aspect.

6. Food & Dining

Now we’re getting to my favourite subject when talking about Aruba vs Curacao – the FOOD! One of our favourite parts about travelling is the food, and we love trying new things!

Aruba’s cuisine is influenced by Dutch, Caribbean, Latin American, and African flavours. The food is typically vibrant, with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and hearty dishes.

Aruba offers a more internationally diverse food scene, with local dishes combined with a variety of international cuisines, ideal for those seeking familiar food with a variety of fusion options. 

You will notice a lot of American influence here, with the fast food restaurants and typical food offerings you can find in the US. You’ll find everything from Dutch to Italian to Japanese on the island. 

That being said, from fine dining at high-end restaurants to casual beachside eateries, there’s definitely something for everyone. 

Plus, if you venture away from the tourist areas like Eagle and Palm Beach, you’ll find places with more of a local flair serving up traditional Aruban must-try foods!

If you’re looking to try something that’s local to the island, be sure to try pastechi! We found the best places to get pastechi in Aruba, and one of them is downtown Oranjestad! The Pastechi House serves up tasty snacks (best you can’t try just one!). They’re similar to empanadas and filled with everything from chop suey to lobster to beef and raisins.

🥟 Check out my list of the best places to eat in Aruba (from someone who LOVES food!)

Curacao is all about the local influence. Foodies will fall in love with Curaçao’s diverse culinary scene – we certainly did! Enjoy a mix of Caribbean flavours with Dutch influences at local restaurants.

There’s also influence from Latin America and African flavours, as well as local Creole cuisine. You’ll find more traditional food in Curacao, tying in with its Afro-Caribbean culture.

You don’t have to travel off-path to get a taste of the island. Head to Plasa Bieu for the BEST local cooking (I’m STILL dreaming about the salt fish!) and you can pick up some tasty fried plantain and pumpkin pancakes. 

Fresh fish is abundant throughout the island, as are traditional dishes like keshi yena (a delightful mix of gouda cheese packed with meat and spices), funchi (similar to polenta), and stoba (stew made with beef or goat). There’s plenty of Dutch offerings too, like bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs).

🥘 We mostly ate in Curacao’s capital as that’s where we were staying. See our favourite places to eat in Willemstad!

🏆 Winner: Curacao

For us the choice was easy – Curacao has more food we preferred and loved. This will be likely for you too, if you love sampling the local dishes. There’s heavy influence on the island of Dutch and Caribbean flavours. 

Aruba offers a more North American influence, including fast food chains, but you can still find local restaurants offering must-try foods. The food in Aruba isn’t bad by any means, but we found more of a cultural influence in Curacao.

7. Beaches

Both Curacao and Aruba are known for their stunning beaches, but each island offers a unique beach experience. 

Aruba’s beaches are well known for their white sand and clear waters. Some of the best beaches in Aruba are known to be ranked as the best in the world, like Eagle Beach! These beaches are perfect for lounging in the sun, swimming, and soaking in the views.

The best part about the beaches in Aruba is that they’re all entirely free to visit which was a HUGE pro for us. They were also large beaches and we never found an issue setting up our beach chairs and umbrella (but it helps to get to a beach early in the day!). 

Beaches in Aruba are also great for snorkelling (like at Tres Trapi where you can snorkel with sea turtles!), windsurfing and kitesurfing at Boca Grandi, and enjoying the gentle waves while swimming.

Curacao has over 40 incredible beaches to discover, and they offer a variety of unique experiences from quiet secluded bays to popular tourist spots. With a mix of sandy beaches and rocky shorelines, there’s plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and diving.

Tugboat Beach is an awesome small beach that gave us Water World vibes! It’s known for its snorkelling spot on top of a sunken tugboat right next to a drop off. Cas Abao Beach is one of Curacao’s most beautiful beaches, with its soft sand and bright blue water. Playa Porto Mari is another stunning beach that often gets visited by pigs!

While some of Curacao’s beaches are free, there are a number of paid-entry beaches (on top of beach chair rentals and umbrella rentals).

We paid $15 USD per person for beach chairs at Playa Porto Mari, plus $3 USD for entry, just as an example, but this varies depending on the beach. At Tugboat Beach entrance was free, and the beach chairs were $5 USD per person. There’s also a bar right on site, making it a fun day at a unique beach!

🏆 Winner: This depends!

While both islands have incredible beaches, I will personally give Aruba the slight edge because ALL of them are completely free to visit.

Aruba’s beaches tend to be more iconic and ideal for relaxation and water sports, while Curaçao offers a mix of secluded spots and vibrant reefs for those looking for some seclusion and unique experiences. So this is a tough one, and ultimately comes down to what YOU want to get out of visiting a beach!

Both countries have paid chair rentals and umbrella rentals. We use Travel Light Aruba to rent our beach chairs and umbrellas in Aruba which pays for itself in just a few visits compared to paying for them daily, which can become quite costly!

A tent and beach chairs at Baby Beach (Aruba) is $80 USD for the day. We paid the same amount for a week’s rental of two Tommy Bahama chairs and a heavy-duty Beach Bub umbrella, plus it included free drop off and pickup to where we stayed!

8. Activities & Adventures

Another one of my favourite topics – activities! While lounging around on a beach is not a bad way to spend a vacation in the sun, both Curacao and Aruba offer a number of awesome things to see and do.

From hiking to street art, museums and stunning natural scenery, there are endless ways to experience these gorgeous Caribbean islands.

We loved Aruba for the amazing amount of free things to do. Almost all the main attractions in Aruba are free to visit, except for Arikok National Park (which you can visit by guided tour or by renting your own 4×4 vehicle + park entrance fee). There are a ton of hidden gems in Aruba that will easily keep you entertained.

From donkeys to old gold mill ruins, hiking Hooiberg Mountain or simply just wandering the streets of Oranjestad or San Nicolas, Aruba is sure to captivate you!

Beyond the beaches, Curaçao is rich in culture and history. Explore the colourful streets of Willemstad – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site! Check out a few museums like the Kura Hulanda history museum or the Maritime History Museum to learn about the island’s past.

Curacao has an epic number of bucket-list things to do while you’re there, and a lot of them are free, too. You will need a car to see the majority of the island, but there is even so much to see and do in Willemstad within walking distance from the cruise port.

From flamingos to stunning views, this colourful island is an outdoor lover’s paradise.

🏆 Winner: This depends!

I’m inclined to say Aruba, because of the abundance of free things to do, but there are so many gorgeous natural sites in Curacao that should be experienced, too.

So ultimately it’ll come down to what you want to do. Do you want to travel on a budget but still see what the island has to offer? Check out Aruba.

If you want to see some incredible natural sites like hiking Mount Christoffel or the unique Hato Caves, plan a visit to Curacao. 

Both islands offer a vast number of water sports, sailing adventures, and island tours you can join – there is no shortage of activities in either place!

9. Accommodations & Places to Stay

Both Aruba and Curaçao offer a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly stays, but their lodging scenes cater to slightly different traveller preferences.

Aruba has plenty of luxury and all-inclusive resorts and is known for its high-end beachfront resorts. Most of these are found along Eagle and Palm Beach. You’ll find international hotel brands like Ritz-Carlton, Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott here.

The island also has boutique hotels, condos, and vacation rentals for those looking for a more personalized stay. We stayed at Privada Stays which is a self-catering boutique hotel located a 4 minute drive from Eagle Beach. Each unit has a private pool. We’ve stayed twice now, and can’t imagine being anywhere else! If you’re on a budget, you can find hostels and guesthouses dotted around the island.

Although you will see that these options are generally more expensive, due to its popularity and well-developed infrastructure. Budget hotels and Airbnbs exist but tend to be pricier than Curaçao.

Curaçao offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options. The island is less crowded than Aruba, providing a more tranquil experience. Here you’ll find more budget-friendly with a mix of mid-range hotels, boutique stays, and affordable vacation rentals. 

If you’re after an all-inclusive, don’t pick Curacao. They are few and far between and the options aren’t great. Plus you’d be doing a great disservice to the number of amazing places to eat on the island!

We loved staying at Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao, which has its own (and only!) man-made beach in Willemstad and within close proximity to dining and sightseeing around town. We stayed room-only and dined out every day.

🏆 Winner: Aruba

Aruba is the winner in the sense that it caters to a wide range of travellers. Want an all-inclusive luxury resort? You can get that. Want a boutique Airbnb or vacation rental? You can have that too! Travelling on a budget? Hostels are easily found. All of these accommodations can provide easy access to beaches and nightlife.

10. Nightlife & Evening Entertainment 

Both Aruba and Curaçao offer evening entertainment, but their scenes cater to different crowds and preferences. 

Aruba’s nightlife is lively, plentiful, and tourist-friendly with a strong focus on resorts and beach bars. A popular favourite is Bugaloe Beach Bar in Palm Beach, where you’ll find a wide selection of cocktails, live bands, and karaoke.

There are also a number of sunset sailing excursions you can take which often include dinner, open bar, and music! There was always something going on in Palm Beach and Eagle Beach when we drove through after dinner.

While Curaçao does have nightlife, it’s more low-key and spread out compared to Aruba. Willemstad has a few lively spots like Mambo Beach and St. Tropez Ocean Club, where you can enjoy cocktails by the water, live music, and the occasional themed party. 

You’ll find the occasional beach club outside of Willemstad, but most of these close by 10:30 pm (Mambo Beach and Zanzibar Beach Club in Jan Thiel). The island isn’t really known for a wild club scene, and many bars close earlier than in Aruba. 

Every Thursday in the heart of Willemstad, Punda Vibes takes place where you can see traditional music and dancing. Plenty of restaurants have live music to enjoy while you’re there.

🏆 Winner: Aruba

I picked Aruba for this one due to the abundance of places to go after dark. Aruba’s nightlife is bustling and energetic with clubs, casinos, and beach parties. Palm Beach is the place you want to be, with tons of bars, restaurants, and nightlife!

In Curacao, there’s not a lot happening at night downtown. Lots of restaurants and bars close earlier than you’d think. Still, there are some relaxed and laid-back options with beachfront bars if you prefer that over late-night partying.

11. Shopping 

I normally don’t include this type of comparison on my lists since I’m not a big shopper, but felt it was important to include this if this is something you’re seeking answers for.

Aruba offers more choices for shopping, offering a mix of luxury boutiques, high-end designer stores, and souvenir markets. Oranjestad has malls like Renaissance Mall (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada) and Paseo Herencia, along with local craft markets.

Aruba is also a duty-free shopping destination, meaning you can find deals on jewellery and makeup! If you love to shop, Aruba has more variety and accessibility.

Curaçao has a more relaxed shopping scene with a focus on local goods, art, and unique souvenirs. Willemstad is home to Rif Fort Village and Marshe Nobo (New Market), where you can buy fresh produce, handmade crafts, and locally produced liqueurs like the famous Blue Curaçao. 

While there are some international brands, Curaçao is better suited for travellers looking for unique, cultural shopping experiences rather than high-end retail therapy.

🏆 Winner: What are you after?

Aruba is an ideal choice if you want luxury shopping, designer brands, and duty-free deals. Choose Curaçao if you prefer local markets, artisan crafts, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. It ultimately comes down to what you want to bring back!

P.S. We found alcohol cheap in Aruba, and loved their locally produced Aloe products – which by the way, you can visit the Aruba Aloe Farm for free and take a tour! We didn’t really purchase anything in Curacao, except for a few souvenirs.

Verdict: Aruba vs Curacao – Which Island is Right for You?

Looking back at my Curacao and Aruba comparisons, I noticed a few more wins for Aruba. That doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what YOU should go with. 

We love both countries equally. I love the ease of getting around Aruba, but prefer the local influence (and food!) in Curacao. I love the free activities in Aruba, but am obsessed with the amount of outdoor activities in Curacao. I know, this doesn’t help!

Aruba is a great starting point if you’re used to going to all-inclusive resorts and want to do something a bit different. It’s super safe (one of the safest Caribbean islands, as is Curacao!) and given its small size it’s super easy to get around.

Start with finding accommodations – do you like what you see? Can you find decent flights? This is a big one for us, as Curacao flights from Toronto are offered way less frequently than Aruba! Go from there and price out the differences. That may be a good start for you!

Choose Curaçao if you:

• Prefer a quieter, more laid-back vacation
• Love exploring off-the-beaten-path beaches and cultural sites
• Are a diving or snorkeling fan
• Want a more authentic Caribbean experience with colourful culture

Choose Aruba if you:

• Want a lively, resort-style vacation with plenty of amenities
• Enjoy bustling nightlife and a variety of dining options
• Are looking for a family-friendly destination with numerous activities (this isn’t to say Curacao isn’t family-friendly because it is! But we found Aruba caters more to families)

Ultimately, both Curaçao and Aruba offer unforgettable Caribbean experiences. Whether you choose the colourful charm of Curaçao or the vibrant energy of Aruba, you’re in for a tropical treat.

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