An Aruba or Jamaica tour will cost more or less the same amount, depending on what you do while you’re there. However, there are still plenty of differences between the two islands. Here are a few head-to-head comparisons to help you decide which Caribbean island is best for your next vacation:
Climate: Jamaica has a fairly standard tropical Caribbean climate, with a relatively dry season between December and March and a hot, muggy rainy season between April and October. Aruba, on the other hand, has a unique arid climate with very little rain and consistent temperatures year-round. Aruba is also below the hurricane belt, so inclement weather is fairly uncommon.
Accommodation: Both islands are very tourist-friendly and have plenty of places to stay, although Jamaica’s hotels can be a little cheaper. Vendors in both Aruba and Jamaica accept US dollars and English is very commonly spoken in both countries, so you should be fine getting around either way.
Safety: Aruba is considered to be one of the safest places in the Caribbean, with first-world infrastructure and a relatively low crime rate. While there are plenty of safe places to spend time in Jamaica, there are also some areas that tourists should absolutely avoid. The tap water on both islands is clean and safe to drink, so you don’t have to worry about bringing bottled water everywhere you go.
Beaches: This comparison ultimately comes down to a matter of taste. Jamaica is larger and much more lush than Aruba, so if you’re looking to relax in a classic tropical paradise, that’s the island for you. However, while Aruba has fewer beaches with less variety, it does have some of the best and most gorgeous shores in the Caribbean – including Eagle Beach, which was named the second-best beach in the world by Tripadvisor in 2023.
If you do decide to visit Aruba, make the most of your trip with our Aruba Island Self-Guided Walking & Driving Tours, or check out Action+ to gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.
Essential Travel Guide:
