Aruba Must Haves — Everything You Need for the Perfect Trip
Gear, insurance, rentals and essentials curated by Aruba travel experts
About this hub
Aruba's beaches are stunning but the sun, salt water and trade winds demand proper preparation. These 10 guides cover everything worth bringing, booking or renting before you land — from reef safe mineral sunscreen required at most snorkel spots to baby gear delivered to your hotel door. All recommendations are based on real Aruba trips and updated for 2026.
Why this matters for Aruba specifically
Aruba's UV index regularly hits 11+ — extreme. Most snorkel operators require reef safe sunscreen. Rocky beach entries at spots like Mangel Halto and the Natural Pool (Conchi) make water shoes essential. Sunscreen, baby gear and beach equipment cost 2–3x more on the island than online. Bringing the right gear from home saves money and avoids resort shop markups.
Quick summary: guide → why it matters here
| Guide | Why it matters for Aruba |
|---|---|
| Aruba Packing & Essentials | Master packing list — sun, beach, clothing, and what to wear |
| Reef Safe Sunscreen | Protects Aruba's coral; required at many snorkel spots |
| Aruba Aloe After-Sun | After-sun lotions and gels — not sunscreen; USA & factory options |
| Underwater Camera | Crystal-clear water at Baby Beach, Antilla wreck, Boca Catalina |
| Snorkel Gear | Mask fit, fins, dry-tops — Malmok, Mangel Halto, rent vs bring |
| Water Shoes & Footwear | Rocky entries & trails; guide includes travel fins for snorkeling |
| Beach Gear Rentals | Chairs & umbrellas delivered — avoid resort gift-shop prices |
| Baby Gear Rentals | BabyQuip to your hotel — often cheaper than on-island rental desks |
| Car Rental | No public transport — west coast & Baby Beach on your schedule |
| Travel Insurance | US health insurance doesn't cover you in Aruba |
Gear & Packing
Aruba Packing Guide
What to bring, pack, and wear—checklists and essentials for sun, beach, and activities.
Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide
Mineral SPF 50+ picks by category, Aruba Aloe after-sun, and snorkel-friendly rules.
Aruba Aloe Products Guide
After-sun lotions and gels — not sunscreen. Where to buy in the USA and factory tours.
Best Underwater Camera for Aruba
GoPro, DJI, phone housings, and budget picks — for Baby Beach, Malmok and Boca Catalina.
Best Snorkel Gear for Aruba
Mask fit, fins, dry-top snorkels, rent vs bring, and gear care for Malmok and Mangel Halto.
Best Water Shoes & Footwear for Aruba
Water shoes, arch-support sandals, and travel fins — rocky entries, town walks, and snorkel days (same footwear picks as Aruba Essentials).
Rentals
Beach Gear Rentals
Chairs, umbrellas, snorkel sets, and games—delivered with Coconut Rentals.
Baby Equipment Rentals
Strollers, car seats, cribs, and high chairs delivered to your stay with BabyQuip.
Car Rentals
Compare economy to SUV rentals and book airport pickup—trusted partners on island.
Protection
Frequently asked questions
What should I absolutely not forget for Aruba?
Reef safe sunscreen, water shoes and travel insurance. These three make or break the trip — sunscreen because it's required at snorkel spots, water shoes because the rocky entries are genuinely uncomfortable without them, and travel insurance because US health coverage doesn't apply in Aruba.
Is it cheaper to buy gear before flying to Aruba?
Yes — consistently 2–3x cheaper online or at home than at resort gift shops. Order from Amazon before you leave.
Do I need to rent a car in Aruba?
Not essential if you are staying on Palm Beach but highly recommended if you want to explore Baby Beach, the Natural Pool or the west coast beaches independently.