Is Aruba Safe To Travel To?

Aruba is a southern Caribbean island that is well-developed for tourism. The climate is gorgeous all year round, the sea is warm, and the local culture is vibrant and friendly, which is why more than a million tourists come to Aruba. However, with the news report on crime in that region, people will be wondering – Is Aruba safe for tourists?

In summary, Aruba enjoys a relatively low crime rate and is generally safe for visitors. Currently, there is a small incidence of violent crimes within the island and even lower than in many other Caribbean tourist hubs. Aruba has a very low crime rate especially concerning tourists who rarely encounter cases of theft, assault, or any other criminal-related incidences as the government of Aruba puts a lot of resources into the security of tourists.

That said, as with traveling anywhere, it's wise to take standard safety precautions in Aruba

Beach Safety

Well, the tasty Aruban beaches may be tempting, but visitors should be careful with the water. Sometimes swimming is dangerous because of strong currents, high waves, and underwater rocks. Always swim with a companion and do not disregard warning signs posted by lifeguards. Unfortunately, it is a tragic but true fact that between five to ten tourists die by drowning in Aruba annually and more often than not, their deaths are caused by their failure to heed signs of danger present on the beach.

Petty Theft Prevention

First of all, let it be mentioned that violent crime is not very frequent in Aruba, however, petty theft is an unfortunate reality. The majority of thefts that occur in Aruba are cases of people stealing items left behind on the beaches or rented cars. It is also important not to leave phones, cameras, purses, and other possessions unattended. On the same note, there should never be any valuables left in rental cars even if it is for just a few minutes. Simple measures significantly reduce the likelihood of theft.

Rental Car Cautions

If you must rent a car, the minimum should be rental agency insurance, and should be required to look at the car and check for existing damages. Some unscrupulous agencies have resorted to fabricating that they were attacked by tourists once the vehicles were returned. Also, be careful when driving since the roads in Aruba are different from those in North America and Europe. Be alert and cautious on the roads, always wear seat belts and as much as possible avoid driving at night.

No wonder people are advised against moving around in unlit and isolated areas at night.

Although these are quite infrequent, there have been some instances of violence against tourists, which usually occur at night, in dark areas, near deserted and unlit beaches. Do not frequent such places, especially in the evening and where one has to move around at night, do so in groups for added security. Palm Beach and especially the high-rise hotel district are active even at night and are rather safe.

Say No to Drugs

Aruba has pretty strict drug laws, even for possessing small amounts of marijuana. Police operations can be conducted on tourists. Just saying ‘no’ is the best way to avoid any prospects of getting into legal trouble.

Respect Travel Advisories

Always consult your home country’s travel advisory before planning a trip to Aruba. Generally, the island is fairly safe; however, the official warnings focus on certain threats and zones to be avoided. For instance, the U.S. State Department provides some high-crime areas such as San Nicolas to avoid.

Is Aruba Safe? - In Summary

More than a million tourists arrive in Aruba annually and no one has been hurt. Gang-related violence and homicides are still moderate and the autonomous regional government is committed to public safety for tourists. By not going out during the night and at lonely places, not leaving their belongings alone, and following the advice of traveling agencies, the tourists do not have to face such problems.

As you know, there are no perfect destinations with no crime at all, however, Aruba is one of the safest islands within the Caribbean region. One can sunbathe at some of the best beaches in the world, enjoy balmy nights, and indulge in fantastic water sports with fairly good chances of being safe. When tourists know the risks of ocean in Aruba or theft like taking a small amount of money, they can freely engage in the cultural activities of the island without being worried about insecurity.

Although there can be minor occurrences here and there, in general – yes, Aruba is relatively safe to visit. With these measures, one cannot encounter issues during an Aruban vacation in the first place since you are a smart and vigilant traveler. By following common sense safety measures as outlined above, visitors to Aruba’s island of One Happiness can fully enjoy the tropical island experience.

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