For beer, wine, and spirits, the legal drinking age in Aruba is 18. Drinking on the beach is allowed, but Aruban authorities enforce strict littering laws, so hold onto your empty bottles and cans.
Here’s a simple guide to drinking in Aruba, from the moment you land to your last night out. Keep reading.
In Aruba, At What Age Is It Legal To Consume Alcohol?
The legal drinking age in Aruba is 18. It’s worth carrying photo ID, and a photocopy of your passport’s photo page is handy to have on you in case you’re asked to show proof of age, rather than the original, which is safer left in your hotel safe.
Is It Permitted To Smoke In Aruba?
Aruba has tobacco control laws regulating where and how cigarettes and other tobacco products can be used, including restrictions in many indoor public spaces and workplaces. Check current signage at your hotel or venue, since specific rules can vary by location.
When Is The Ideal Time To Visit Aruba?
There’s really no bad time to visit Aruba. The island sits outside the hurricane belt, and temperatures stay mild year-round, with sea temperatures hovering around 82°F (28°C).
January through March is peak season. Carnival, held in the weeks before Lent, brings parades, parties, and a real buzz to the island. If you’d rather skip the crowds, mid-April through September tends to be quieter and more laid-back.
If you’re just looking to escape a cold winter, mid-December works well too. Really, any time of year delivers reliably good weather, so it comes down to what kind of trip you’re after: lively and social, or quiet and relaxed.
Things To Know About Traveling In Aruba
Public Drinking Is Allowed
Aruba allows drinking both indoors and outdoors, including on public beaches, much like New Orleans, minus the crowds.
Most liquor stores open around 8am and stop selling by around 9pm, though bars and restaurants generally keep serving later. Hours can vary by location, so it’s worth checking locally if you’re planning around it.
The Legal Drinking Age Is 18
Since the drinking age is 18 rather than 21, US visitors may notice younger college-age travelers out drinking more openly than they’re used to at home. Worth keeping in mind if you’re traveling with teens, since the legal norms around you will be different from home.
The Official Drink Of Aruba Is The “Aruba Ariba”
Worth trying at least once during your trip. The Aruba Ariba is often described as a tropical take on a Long Island iced tea, a strong mix of several liqueurs that includes a local specialty ingredient found only on the island.
Coecoei
That local ingredient is coecoei, made from agave sap, rum, anisette, and cane sugar, and produced and consumed almost exclusively on the island. The Aruba Ariba is just one of several local drinks built around it.
Gambling
Aruba has a number of casinos, mostly attached to hotels along the main tourist strips, offering slots and table games. The legal gambling age is 18, the same as drinking. If you’re planning a casino night, it’s worth pacing your drinking beforehand so you’re making clear-headed decisions at the tables.
Balashi Is The Official Beer
If you’re more of a beer drinker, try the local brews: Balashi is Aruba’s own, and Amstel Bright is another local favorite (not to be confused with Amstel Light).
Tropical Island, Desert Climate
Aruba has near-constant good weather, and because the island is small, the ocean breeze reaches almost everywhere. Despite the palm trees and beaches, the island’s climate is actually arid rather than tropical, so don’t expect lush greenery everywhere you look.
The dry climate also means low humidity, so the heat can feel just as intense, or more so, once the breeze drops.
Almost Everywhere Serves Hard Alcohol
Most restaurants, whether you’re there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, have a full bar. Combined with the fact that you can take a drink to go and walk the streets or beach with it, it’s easy to drink more than you planned to, so it’s worth pacing yourself if that’s not the vibe you’re going for.
They Speak 4 Languages
Most locals are fluent in Papiamento, Dutch, English, and Spanish. Unsurprisingly, “happy hour” tends to translate just fine in all four.
Dutch-Style Pancakes
If you haven’t had one, picture a slightly fluffier crepe. Many places that serve them offer a rum ponche cream liqueur topping as an alternative to the usual syrup, worth trying at least once.
Hey everyone! I’m Luciana, a travel writer from Colombia. I focus on places I know and love — mostly Colombia, Central America, and North America.
I’m all about discovering those hidden gems that don’t always make it into the guidebooks — think street food stalls, quiet little towns, underrated hiking trails, and the kind of real-life moments that truly capture what a place is all about.
Whether I’m wandering through vibrant markets in Guatemala, cruising across the deserts of the U.S., or hiking the Andes, I try to keep it real and useful — no fluff, just the good stuff.
When I’m not off exploring or writing about it, you’ll probably find me sipping too much coffee, editing photos, or dreaming up my next trip.
Let’s keep discovering and traveling smarter — one trip at a time.