Surfing in Aruba
Aruba is a dutch island country located in the south Caribbean Sea and is the westernmost island of the ABC Islands and of the Leeward Antilles. Aruba is well known for having dreamy white sand beaches and some of the best diving sites in the Caribbean. The island is very flat and has the perfect combination of the warm sun and the famous trade winds that helps to lower the heat index. From March to August the consistent winds create clean and reliable waves on the eastern coast of Aruba. There you can find several beach and reef breaks with good surf conditions on 300 days of the year. The best waves in the island happen in late fall and winter time when hurricane swells and winter storms reach the shores of the island. Aruba has a small but enthusiastic surf community due to the fact that the island has good waves for all kinds of surfers. There, advanced and beginner surfers can enjoy the rush of dropping into glassy waves in some of the most exotic and beautiful scenery of the caribbean.
Climate in Aruba
The climate in Aruba is tropical with hot weather all year round. Daytime temperatures range around 28°C (82°F) from December to February and around 31 °C (88 °F) between May and October. From January to September the island experiences a dry season and from October to December the weather pattern is more humid with more rain. The best and most consistent period of the year to surf is from October to March when solid swells coming from the North Atlantic ocean reach the shores of Aruba. From June to November, but especially from August to October, it’s the hurricane season. This period can also produce the best surf conditions but they don’t happen very often.
Best surf spots in Aruba
The best surf spots in Aruba are located on the eastern side of the island. Andicuri, Arashi, Rodgers Beach, Druif, Dunes/Dooms, Dos Playas, Urirama, Manchebo Beach and Wariruri are the best breaks in Aruba.
Budget Planning
Meal price range
Simple meals start at $8 USD. Mid-range meals start at $20 USD. Dining & drinking at high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from $70-100 USD
Equipment rental
There are a few places where you can rent gear. Boards start at $35 USD a day.
Prepaid SIM cards
Digicel is a good choice. SIM cards can be purchased from Queen Beatrix Airport and in Digicel stores.
Prepaid packages start at $22 USD.
Public transport
The island's Arubus system is reliable and affordable with buses running every 15 minutes from 5:45 a.m. until 6 p.m. and every 40 minutes until 11:30 p.m
Fixed-rate taxis are a stress-free way to get around. Before you get in, ask the driver what the fare will be to get to your destination. You can also look at his/her fare chart while you ride.
Car rentals start at $40 USD a day.
Gas prices
$1.20 USD a liter.
Types of risks
Rocky, reef breaks, can get crowded.
How to prepare
Visa
Citizens from 87 countries, including EU, US, and Australia, can enter Aruba without a visa for up to 90 days.
Vaccines
Although it's not mandatory, it’s recommended that you have been vaccinated for hepatitis A & B, yellow fever, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, Tdap, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella. You’ll be asked to show proof of your yellow fever vaccination if you come from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
Things to know
Language & Currency
The official languages are: Papiamentu, Dutch, English.
The currency is Aruban florin (Afl).
Best time to go
From June to November, but especially from August to October.
Checking Surf forecast
Checking the forecast about a week before your trip is always a good idea. Understanding what the waves will be like and knowing what gear to pack is essential. You can check the forecast for the waves here.
Do I need pack a pharmacy kit
You should bring a basic kit. Including ear drops, eye drops, bandaids, ear plugs, gaze, alcohol, mosquito repellent and broad spectrum antibiotic ointment.
Travel/Surf Insurance
World Nomads has great travel insurance packages that are not super expensive and they cover surfing.
Emergency
Dial 911
Check surf pictures of Aruba at #surfaruba.
