You want an island getaway, but now it’s time to make your decision: Aruba vs Jamaica. Both of these tropical islands offer beautiful beaches and pristine weather, but there are differences between these two destinations that might make one more appropriate for you over the other.
- Choose Aruba if you are looking for well-rounded family fun.
- Choose Jamaica if you seek a vibrant nightlife geared towards young adults.
Compare Pricing
- Click on this Expedia link to check for current bundle pricing deals for Aruba.
- Click on this Expedia link to check for current bundle pricing deals for Jamaica.
In this article we will discuss the features, places to visit, weather, and travel information for Aruba vs Jamaica so that you are informed on which one best suits your travel needs.
Table of Contents
Aruba Travel Guide
Features
The main thing that distinguishes Aruba from so many other tropical destinations is its well-rounded entertainment balance in a family-friendly environment. It truly is one of those destinations that has a lot to offer almost anyone while also being considered a safe destination for tourists.
Because of this, it becomes an ideal destination for families, large groups of friends, and for traveling parties who have many different types of interests among their group.
Aruba has some of the best beaches in the world, but it also has a very popular National Park which highlights some of Aruba’s unique inland traits.
The nightlife is not as robust as a place like Jamaica, but the nightlife in Aruba is alive and well, and when you balance the nightlife with the versatile entertainment options during the day, Aruba provides a nice balance for families seeking entertainment for both the kids and the parents.
Aruba has a strong European influence that especially shows in its architecture, which features Dutch gables painted in tropical pastels. The island has some of the most consistent weather in the Caribbean (82 and sunny). Let’s look at some of the notable features of Aruba so you can begin the decision process:
- Pristine Beaches: Aruba’s beaches are consistently rated among the top to visit in the world. Although the island is just 20 miles long from end to end, it boasts a wide variety of blond beaches, all of which are free and open to the public.
- Gentle Surf: The clear, calm turquoise waves that roll gently into Aruba’s coastline mean that island visitors can enjoy a wide variety of aquatic activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, and other watersports. Plus, because of the island’s location, the water off its coast is warm throughout the year.
- Diverse Landscape: When you venture inland, you’ll find an unusual, desert-like landscape with lots of opportunities for adventure, from hiking and mountain biking to cave exploration, horseback riding, and ATV riding. Aruba’s geography and plethora of guided adventure trips beyond the beach make it a very family-friendly island.
- Rich History and Culture: Arubans represent more than 90 nationalities and 130 countries. English, Spanish, and Dutch are widely spoken alongside the official local language, Papiamento, which has Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch influences. Aruba’s unique and colorful culture is represented in its festivals, dances, music, architecture, and cuisine.
- Consistent Weather: Aruba has very consistent weather (82 and sunny). The average monthly Fahrenheit temperature ranges from 81 to 84 throughout the year. The rainy season is minimal. If you book a trip to Aruba, feel confident that the weather will accommodate.
Aruba: Where to Visit
- Oranjestad: The island’s oceanfront capital is filled with colorful shops, bars, restaurants, and cultural activities. In the town’s bustling shopping area, you’ll find international and designer stores as well as shops selling locally made art, Dutch delicacies, Cuban cigars, and local aloe products. Hop on board the Aruba Streetcar for a leisurely tour of the shops and downtown area. Click here to see some of the colorful views of Oranjestad.
- Fort Zoutman Historical Museum: A great spot to take the kids, the Fort Zoutman Historical Museum (located in Oranjestad) is a fort-turned-museum and is the oldest remaining building in the area, built in 1796. Here, families can get a taste of Aruba’s rich history through artifacts and demonstrations. Every Tuesday night, visitors are invited to the museum for a Welcome Party that celebrates the island’s culture and history.
- Eagle Beach: If you are thinking beach, this is your spot. Eagle Beach was voted 3rd best beach in the world by TripAdvisor in 2017. It is located on the northwest corner of Oranjestad and is the widest beach in Aruba. It is popular for its powdery white sands and close proximity to many of the island’s low-rise hotels. Here you can partake in water sports, catch a game of beach tennis, spy nesting sea turtles, and photograph the famous fofoti trees.
- Arikok National Park: Spanning nearly 8,000 acres, this park is often referred to as Aruba’s national treasure. For a small entrance fee, you can roam the park’s beautiful natural landscape, including caves that have original native rock drawings, unique land formations made from lava, secluded bays, and more. Hike one of the nature trails or join a guided ATV tour of the park. Here are some pictures from Arikok National Park.
- Natural Pool: If you have an adventurous heart, one specific outdoor spot that you should visit within Arikok National Park is the Natural Pool, which is one of Aruba’s most popular attractions. Here, volcanic stones create a dramatic and unique rock formation that encircles a natural tranquil pool. The pool is not accessible by regular car, so visitors are encouraged to hike to the site or arrive by horseback or 4X4 vehicle. Here are some pictures of the Natural Pool.
- Antilla Wreck Site: The USS Antilla, a US Navy ship from World War II, sunk off the coast of Malmok Beach, on the island’s northwest corner, and has created a popular snorkeling spot. The wreck serves as an artificial reef and is home to lots of coral and tropical sea life. Since the ship is covered by only about 60 feet of water, snorkelers and divers can see most of its forward deck, masts, and bow. This is a neat way to combine snorkeling or diving with a bit of history. Here are some pictures of the Antilla wreck site in Aruba.
- Barefoot Restaurant – This is a scenic spot for food-enthusiasts visiting Oranjestad. Barefoot dubs itself as “Elegant Dining in Flipflops”. Think tables literally on the beach, that’s how close you will be to the water. Of course, there are tables inside as well, but if you want to have your toes in the sand and enjoy a beautiful sunset, check this place out. Over 4,000 people have reviewed it on TripAdvisor, to read some of those reviews, click here.
Drawback
Crowds. Yes, crowds. Aruba is very popular, especially due to its well-rounded entertainment versatility and year-round consistent weather. It can get very crowded in Aruba, especially during the first few months of the year when many North American and European families are traveling there to escape the cold weather at home.
Weather
Aruba has remarkably consistent weather (the average monthly Fahrenheit temperature fluctuates only 3 degrees throughout the year), which is another premium reason why it is such a popular vacation destination. You can book a vacation months in advance and not have to worry much at all about what the weather will be like.
Aruba is located on the outer fringe of the hurricane belt, so much so that some people actually say Aruba is outside the belt. This is a significant positive for Aruba vs Jamaica and many other Caribbean islands. If you want to read about Aruba’s hurricane risk and history, you can visit my article on the issue by clicking here.
Aruba has a dry arid climate that allows for cacti to grow and thrive, which may be a bit of a twist from the palm-tree version of beach getaways you have pictured in your mind.
The hottest month is May and the coldest month is January. Average rainfall on the island is just over 20 inches per year; the so-called “rainy season” extends from late October to the beginning of January, but rain showers are typically short and happen overnight.
Here is Aruba’s average Fahrenheit temperature by month:
- January: 81
- February: 82
- March: 82
- April: 82
- May: 84
- June: 84
- July: 84
- August: 84
- September: 84
- October: 84
- November: 82
- December: 81
Packing Tip
The lame thing to say for packing is to “remember your sunscreen” or “pack your swimming suit” or “bring walking shoes”. But this section is for something unique, because you already know to pack those other things.
If I were to offer you one pro tip, it would be this: consider bringing a power bank. Power banks are small batteries that store electrical energy for you to use later to charge your phone or camera.
Aruba has unlimited entertainment options, which makes it awesome, but it also means you will be spending very little time in the hotel room. Which means charging your phone or camera might be a bit of a pain.
Having your phone charged and ready on vacation is not only an important safety tip, but it also gives you a way to search for information. A power bank protects you from losing power to your phone.
I am able to charge my Iphone X about 3 times off a fully-charged power bank. Bring one of these with you and forget the hassle of your phone losing power.
Travel Information
- Does Aruba have Uber or Lyft? (No.) How will you get around the island? For my article on the issue, click here.
- US Dollars are widely accepted in Aruba, so you should not have to worry about exchanging currency (Aruba’s currency is the “florin”).
- Nonstop flights are available to Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport from most major US cities and major hubs around the world (about a 4-hour flight from NYC, 5-hour flight from Chicago). Keep in mind that American, Canadian, European, and most South American citizens do not require visas to enter Aruba.
- Aruba is a popular destination throughout the year, but the off-season is considered to be April through August, when crowds are a bit less and prices on the island aren’t quite as high.
- In terms of hotels, you’ll find plenty of big resorts, many of which have casinos on the premises. But there’s also a good amount of smaller, boutique hotels on the island for those who want a quieter experience.
Jamaica Travel Guide
Features
When you think of Jamaica, think energetic night life and a vibrant culture. If you are a young-adult looking for adventure and nightlife, while also having some fun on the beach, Jamaica is a perfect spot for you.
Jamaica is located just south of Cuba. The country is the birthplace of reggae music (Trench Town) and jerk-style cooking.
In addition to its cultural aspects, Jamaica draws visitors for its natural beauty, which includes mountains, rainforests, and reef-lined beaches that are ripe for snorkeling and swimming.
Some of the other notable features of Jamaica include:
- Festivals, Music, and Parties: Jamaica plays host to many festivals and other celebrations throughout the year that draw music fans and youthful party crowds. It has a deep-rooted history in Reggae music which feeds into its modern culture.
- Food: Jamaican food is unique because of its ingredients and the way it is cooked. Jerk-style cooking is the star, but there are many other dishes that represent the island’s cuisine through distinctive spice blends. Jamaica is a great destination for foodies.
- Golden Beaches: This Caribbean destination doesn’t fall short when it comes to beautiful beaches, where you’ll find sunbathing, snorkeling, and water sports galore. But keep in mind that some beaches are private and many others have entrance fees.
- Natural Beauty: Inland from the coast, Jamaica’s lush mountain landscapes, majestic waterfalls, and picturesque rivers provide adventurous folk with plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and fun daytime activities.
Jamaica: Where to Visit
- Bob Marley Museum: I mean, you have to – right? Bob Marley represents Jamaica in a way very few other people and places do. This museum is Kingston’s most visited site, and is the home and recording studio of the late singer-songwriter. Take the hour-long tour to learn about the reggae superstar’s life and influence.
- Rick’s Cafe: A bar/restaurant in Negril, Rick’s Cafe is considered one of the best places in the Caribbean to watch the sunset. It has live music, cliff diving (yes, cliff diving), and a festive nightlife, but because Rick’s is geared towards tourists, true food-enthusiasts will want to look elsewhere. Here is a look at what you can expect at Rick’s Cafe.
- Blue Mountain Peak: If you’re feeling adventurous, take a predawn hike up this 7,400-foot-high peak to catch sunrise at the top. As one of the highest peaks on the island, its summit views are stunning. Here are some pictures from the Blue Mountains in Jamaica.
- Scotchies Jerk Center: Dear Foodies, Scotchies is your place for authentic Jamaican jerk chicken and pork. They combine it with sides such as roasted breadfruit, yams, and bammy flatbread. They have locations in Montego Bay, Kingston, and Ocho Rios. It has over 600 reviews on TripAdvisor which you can read by clicking here.
- Boston Bay Beach: Not only is this golden stretch of sand a beautiful place to sunbathe, swim, and surf, but it is also the birthplace of jerk cuisine. Visit the Boston Bay Jerk Center, where you’ll find a row of shacks serving traditional jerk, most of which is cooked on open fire pits.
- Seven Mile Beach: At this popular public beach in Negril, you’ll have the opportunity to try many different watersports. The beach is also a draw for its many restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots. Here is a look at some images from Seven Mile Beach.
- Rio Grande Valley: This rugged part of the island is perfect for hiking through nature and rafting down the Rio Grande river. An easy hike to Scatter Falls and Fox Caves will reward you with a secluded swimming hole and nearby campground. Be sure to use tour guides – there are many guided tours available for this area. For pictures of the Rio Grande Valley, click here.
- Appleton Rum Estate: The oldest and largest distillery on Jamaica has been operating since 1749. Take a tour of the estate to learn about its history and how its rum is made, and to sample some of its spirits.
Drawback
One drawback for Jamaica vs Aruba is Jamaica has a reputation for being dangerous if you venture into the wrong areas. It is advised that tourists avoid select areas at night, including Spanish Town and the inner-city region of Kingston, the island’s capital. Traveling in groups is recommended, as is relying on a hotel to provide you with travel information for the area.
In March 2019, the US State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Jamaica, which means tourists should “Exercise Increased Caution”. Many of the tourist areas are considered safe, but there are certain areas and boroughs outside of the tourist areas that need to be avoided.
Preparation Tip
Because Jamaica was issued a Level 2 travel advisory in 2019, I would advise you to visit the US State Department website here to view the travel advisory information.
They list specific areas and streets to avoid while in Jamaica, along with safety tips.
Weather
The weather in Jamaica ranges from the mid-70s to the high-80s all year. It has two rainy seasons, which are May and October through November.
One significant difference in Aruba vs Jamaica is hurricanes. While Aruba does not get very many hurricanes, in Jamaica you will want to be mindful of the hurricane season since Jamaica is in the hurrican belt (Aruba is not). During the hurricane season (June to November) you do run the risk of encountering extreme weather, so stay prepared and informed.
Here is a look at the average Fahrenheit temperature by month in Jamaica:
- January: 77
- February: 77
- March: 79
- April: 79
- May: 81
- June: 82
- July: 84
- August: 84
- September: 82
- October: 81
- November: 79
- December: 79
Travel Information
- Does Jamaica have Uber or Lyft? (No.) How will you get around the island? For my article on the issue, click here.
- You can find direct flights to Jamaica from most major US cities. Airports on the island include Norman Manley International in Kingston, Sangster International in Montego Bay, and Ian Fleming International in the Ocho Rios resort area.
- You can use US Dollars in Jamaica (just like Aruba), so you will not have to concern yourself with exchange rates.
- Make sure to pack shampoo and other toiletries; most Jamaican hotels do not provide these staples, unless you are staying at a high-end all-inclusive resort.
- The best time of year to visit Jamaica is typically November through mid-December, after the hurricane season. The weather is beautiful this time of year, and the island isn’t too crowded with other tourists.
Aruba vs Jamaica Comparison Summary
Comparing Aruba vs Jamaica brings to life two vibrant islands that both offer awesome beach get-a-ways. But while Aruba and Jamaica are both beautiful tropical destinations, there are some main differences between these two islands. Both have gorgeous beaches and rich cultures, but Aruba is generally more family-friendly, while Jamaica has a more robust nightlife and party culture that draws young adults.
These two islands are known for sunny and warm Caribbean weather, but Jamaica is located in the Hurricane Belt, while Aruba is not. Finally, both islands are relatively safe, but Jamaica is known to be dangerous for tourists in some areas, so be prepared and mindful of dangerous areas.