I’ve been to both places in my life, and I think Aruba is the best place in my view. But why do I say that?
In this article, you will find my own experience in both places as well as everything you need to know when traveling to both of those places. So stick around until the end to find out what you’ve been looking for.
Table of Contents
- What about Aruba?
- What about Punta Cana?
- Aruba or Punta Cana; Where Should You Go?
- Conclusion; Aruba Beaches vs. Punta Cana; Where is better for a vacation?
- Some related FAQs.
What about Aruba?
In my experience. when compared to Punta Cana, which is the complete opposite and is lush and tropical and not at all Americanized, Aruba is a very small island that is essentially flat, desert (think Arizona), windy, and home to high-rise hotels.
We spent a few years ago on vacation at the HI, but their AI plan was the worst we’ve ever encountered in the Caribbean and Mexico. The drinks lacked fresh fruit because Aruba is a windy desert island and must import fruit, and the food was at best meager.
The resort’s servers would ignore all-inclusive visitors unless they left tips TO GET served. Although we were on the AI plan, we still had to sign chits for drinks and food even though there were surcharges on some food and drink items.
In addition, the all-inclusive did not include nearly as much in the way of sports equipment, activities, or entertainment as other all-inclusives do.
More than any other Caribbean beach we have visited, the beach in front of the Holiday Inn was extremely dirty with tons of cigarette butts and other litter, and the water clarity was appalling.
Since gambling is Aruba’s main form of entertainment and children are not permitted in the casino, there were essentially no kid-oriented activities available when we were there. The people of Aruba were not as welcoming as those on other islands we have visited, in general.
What can you do in Aruba?
1. Check Out Ruins
With settlements that date as far back as 2500 B.C., Aruba has a rich history. The country has many modern features, but it also has a strong sense of respect for the past.
The abandoned gold mines in Bushiribana and Balashi are among the best places to go if you want to get a close-up view of the past. The late 19th century saw the construction of these mines. Similar to the US, Aruba experienced a gold rush of its own.
These British-manned mines were created with the goal of providing maximum defense against undesirable forces like pirates. Even if there are no longer any miners in this area, the ruins make for an interesting walk.
2. Renaissance Island
Travel to a private island that is offered at no cost to Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino visitors and leave your worries behind.
Only an 8-minute water taxi ride away, Renaissance Island has the only private beaches in Aruba. A true oasis with beaches for adults-only or families can be found here.
3. Arikok National Park
With nearly 18% of the island’s land covered by it, the Arikok National Park is a sizable park with three main geological formations: lava, quartz diorite, and limestone.
These formations are magnificent natural wonders that have also had a direct impact on human habitation in Aruba.
4. Palm Beach
A magnificent 2-mile-long stretch of the island’s coast is known as Palm Beach Aruba, and it is dotted with five-star hotels, opulent eateries, chic beach bars and cafés, and upscale boutiques and shops.
Due to the calm waters, this well-known stretch of beach is also a haven for swimmers and snorkelers. It also offers picturesque sunrise or sunset strolls along the sand.
5. Natural Pool
A barren stretch of coastline regularly experiences dramatic displays of water spraying over the rock as the tide rushes in.
The unusual natural pool is situated inside Arikok National Park in Aruba and is also referred to as “Conchi” (bowl) or “Cura di Tortuga” (Turtles Cove).
A visitor arriving at the site on foot, horseback, or in a 4×4 vehicle feels as though they have “discovered” something because the Pool is surrounded by some of Aruba’s most rugged terrain.
The site is inaccessible by a regular car due to the environment in this isolated area. On a Jeep Safari, novice drivers are encouraged to stop by the pool.
What about Punta Cana?
The beach in Punta Cana is among the best I’ve ever seen, but there isn’t much to do outside of the resort and it is very tropical. Our AI resort (RIU Bambu) had a lot more kid-friendly amenities than the HI resort in Aruba.
You should brush your teeth with the provided bottled water and use the tap water with caution. The only thing about Aruba that we really liked was the excellent and safe tap water, even though it was warm.
Due to its proximity to the equator, we found the Aruban sun to be more intense than that of any other Caribbean destination.
If you decide to visit Aruba, be sure to pack plenty of strong sunscreens (especially for the kids) and cover up frequently. Bring snug-fitting sun hats because those that are not will blow off in Aruba’s constant wind.
What can you do in Punta Cana?
The Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean both border Punta Cana, the easternmost point of the Dominican Republic. The area is well-known for its 32 km of beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The Bávaro region and Punta Cana region come together to form La Costa del Coco, also known as the Coconut Coast, which is home to opulent all-inclusive resorts. Zip lining, windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing are all popular there.
1. Scape Park
A hidden cenote, caves, and a zipline are all present along the 800-meter-long Farallon Cliff. With replicas of the ancient Taino Indian homes that inhabited the region prior to the arrival of the Conquistadors, the park also aimed to embrace the cultural heritage and traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean.
2. Bavaro
Bávaro is a section of Punta Cana, which is situated in the Dominican Republic’s La Altagracia province.
Bavaro was developed as a residence for the resort employees and their families, as opposed to Punta Cana, which was built as a tourist destination.
Over time, Bavaro itself developed into a popular travel destination as hotels began to spring up along the east coast, north of Punta Cana.
3. Macao Island.
Playa Macao, also known as Macao Beach, is a free public beach in the Dominican Republic’s province of La Altagracia. White sands, crystal-clear waters, and those looking for adventure make it a favorite among both locals and tourists. This destination is also well-liked by buggy and four-wheel riders, as well as surfers.
4. Dolphin Island Park
At Dolphin Island Park, you can snorkel with sharks and stingrays for free and take part in a ten-minute extreme adventure while swimming with dolphins. You must come to the Caribbean if your sole goal is to unwind. Come experience this amazing experience with us.
5. Hoyo Azul
This “blue hole” cenote, located in the Cap Cana neighborhood’s Scape Park, provides a cool, refreshing swim in the area’s fresh spring waters.
Hoyo Azul, which has a depth of about 14 meters (45 feet), is surrounded by a lush rainforest and is situated at the base of a 75-meter (246-foot) tall limestone cliff.
To reach this secret oasis, you must hike past a variety of plants and animals, including an orchid garden, and cross a suspension bridge. Use the steps or the alluring turquoise water to leap into this idyllic, natural pool.
Aruba or Punta Cana; Where Should You Go?
| Feature | Aruba | Punta Cana |
|---|---|---|
| Best time to visit | The best time to travel is between December and March, when temperatures, sunshine, and rainfall are at their lowest. With an average daily maximum temperature of 33 C and an average low temperature of 28 C, September is the hottest month of the year. | Between December and March, when the weather is at its calmest, is the ideal time to travel. August is the hottest month of the year, with an average daily high temperature of 32 C and an average low temperature of 25 C. With an average daily high temperature of 29 C and an average low temperature of 21 C, January is the coolest month of the year. |
| Cost | For your vacation in Aruba, you should budget about 468 ($260) per day, which is the average daily price based on what other visitors spent there. The average cost of meals for one day for previous tourists was 97 ($54), and the average cost of local transportation was 46 ($26). | A 7-day trip to Punta Cana Costs, on average, $1,889 for a single traveler, $3,393 for a couple, and $6,360 for a family of four. Hotels in Punta Cana cost between $45 and $406 per night, on average $167, while most vacation homes cost between $120 and $1000 per night. |
| The time needed for a trip | Aruba is ideal for a brief vacation like this because you have just enough time to see the island and relax on the beaches. I concur with Kara’s statement that one more day would have been ideal. Although five days seems to be the ideal amount of time to stay in Aruba, many visitors stay for a week or more. | You can have a fantastic weekend in Punta Cana if all you want to do is unwind at an all-inclusive resort. Having said that, staying in Punta Cana for at least 5 days will really help you get into vacation mode and experience all the fun day trips and resort activities. |
| Safety | Drug use is associated with violent crime, but tourists are rarely impacted by this. The popular tourist areas are generally safe, but you should exercise common sense and steer clear of dark, isolated areas. Never leave valuables in your car or bring them to the beach. | Punta Cana is one of the safest tourist destinations in the Caribbean, so visitors can feel at ease leaving the hotel area. However, petty theft does occasionally happen (some claim specifically cell phones), so you should exercise caution when carrying valuables. |
| Night Life | The nightlife in the Caribbean is among the best in Aruba. You can easily sip cocktails, exchange stories, dance, and play until the sun rises again in our beachfront lounges, thrilling casinos, and energetic clubs. In Oranjestad, where the Caribbean meets the coast, enter seaside bars. | There is no denying that Punta Cana has fantastic nightlife. This city respects takes into account and caters to all different types of tastes and environments by providing a variety of musical genres in various parts of the city. |
Conclusion; Aruba Beaches vs. Punta Cana; Where is better for a vacation?
In comparison to Aruba, we discovered that Punta Cana offered much better value for our money. In our opinion, we would visit Punta Cana once more, but I would only return to Aruba if we were awarded a trip.
So, in my opinion, Aruba is way better than Punta Cana, but I don’t say you should also have to go to Aruba because you may have different interests from me and you should select a place considering everything that I’ve mentioned there, and with sources all over the web and real-life experiences from people who have traveled to both places.
Some related FAQs.
Which is the safest Caribbean island?
St. Barts is the safest island in the Caribbean. The Cayman Islands, the Virgin Islands, and Anguilla are additionally relatively secure Caribbean vacation spots.
Are Aruba beaches swimmable?
The western and southern coasts of the island are home to the busiest beaches, which are popular locations for swimming, snorkeling, tanning, and windsurfing. Visit the island’s northeastern side to witness the ocean’s full power.
Is Aruba or St Lucia better?
Both are excellent options, and if you have the time and resources, you should consider visiting each. However, Aruba is the best option if beaches are your top priority.
Aruba has more beaches with fine white sand and better swimming conditions. In addition, it has a livelier nightlife scene than St. Lucia.
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