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One factor to consider is that Aruba is outside the hurricane zone so you wouldn't face the prospect of having to cancel your vacation because of a major storm.
One factor to consider is that Aruba is outside the hurricane zone so you wouldn't face the prospect of having to cancel your vacation because of a major storm.
On the northeast coast of Aruba there are empty beaches which are picture-postcard quality such as Boca Prins and Dos Playas. Personally, I like the beaches on nearby Curaçao better. The infrastructure is well-developed on the west side of Aruba (Palm, Eagle and Manchebo beaches) and the tap water won't make you sick.
I've been to both and I liked Aruba better - cleaner, safer, better economy, Dutch versus Latin. The water in Punta Cana was probably prettier, but Aruba's was super nice, too (I'm a diver and I did a shipwreck dive there, so it was definitely clear). Definitely cheaper in Punta Cana, but you'll also have people begging and pressuring you to buy from them, which I never had in Aruba. Aruba is a desert island with cacti, whereas DR is lusher and greener, but you aren't as safe venturing out from the hotel areas in DR (we did it, two women, and ventured into the interior - we were more out of our element than even in the Middle East!). We drove all over Aruba with nary a second thought. There are tons of land and water activities in Aruba, too. AND it's outside of the hurricane zone. I'd go with Aruba.
I have not been to Aruba but I have been to Punta Cana and, although the resort was wonderful, I was not impressed with the water clarity or color. The beaches do have very dramatic and huge palm trees which is nice. I was ready to cross the DR off my list based on the water because that is very important to me as I spend most of my time doing water activities but then we visited the beaches of Bayahibe and had a much better appreciation for the DR. Check out that area and see what you find if you mark off Aruba.
If going at that time of year, make sure to get trip insurance or book last minute due to hurricane season.
As a Caribbean native, Aruba has better beaches and is safer to roam about than the DR. Punta Cana is an artificially created resort, and as such has everything in the one area. Personally, I prefer Curacao because it is more picturesque with the Dutch Colonial Architecture on the waterfront.
Thanks all I think I’ll most likely stick with Aruba.
I’m confused though the difference between Aruba/Bon Aire/Curacao. Are they all the same country but different islands/cities?
Also ocean temperature hopefully warm enoygh to swim? In Cabos San Lucas in July it was cold water even in July despite outdoor temps in the upper 80s/low 90s.
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