Just 15 miles from the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is a white-sand paradise buffeted by steady tradewinds. This island is unique in the Caribbean in that it only receives 20 inches of rain. Consequently, visitors rave about the tropical climate because it comes without the tropical humidity. Aruba in general is a great location for a easy and not too expensive water sports vacation, where you can surf, dive and just enjoy the sun with you family or alone.
Aruba surf forecasts and temperatures
In Aruba there’s very little difference between average temperatures in the winter and in summer. Only four degrees separates January from June averages at 80 Fahrenheit and 84 degrees respectively. Sea temperatures follow suit, staying a steady 82 degrees throughout the year.
Part of the lesser Antilles chain, Aruba picks up North Atlantic swells in the winter months along its many reefs and open beaches. But surf conditions suffer as not all long-period groundswells in the forecast make it through the Caribbean archipelago. But surf reports in Aruba are consistent thanks to the steady windswell provided by the tradewinds. However, these same swell producing winds can cause blown out surf conditions by mid-morning (so get on it early). The best summer surf comes from passing hurricanes to the north of the island, although these are rather inconsistent.
Aruba surfing spots and best beaches
The surf beaches of on the north side like Dooms and Wariruri (east side) receive constant windswell but are blown out most of the time. Dooms picks up lots of swell and favours a rare southwest wind (keep an eye on surf reports to score). Southside spots like Outside Rodger’s take a unique swell, wind combo to work. But it’s always worth a look.
The steady tradewinds make Aruba great for kiting and the shallow bay of Fisherman’s Huts beach is ideal for kitesurfing. SUP spots dot the island as well.
Aruba surf schools
Aruba Active Vacations host windsurfing, kitesurfing, SUP and snorkelling water sport lessons. Kiters can get schooled starting at C$ 210 for a focused, private two-hour lesson. Package of five group lessons is C$ 650. Try their SUP rentals for C$ 40 per hour and explore this beautiful island.
Pro Kite School Aruba does two-hour lessons and sells in blocks starting at C$ 135 for a single lesson. Four and six lesson packages go for C$ 600 and C$ 840 respectively.
Aruba Surf School offers access to several different “super easy” surfing beaches. Their program is an easy five-minute instruction period followed by practice and pushing you in to waves. Surf lessons are C$ 130 per person in a two-person group and run for 2.5 hours.
Aruba hotels and camps for surfers to stay
Jade’s Oasis is a cluster of units centrally located in Oranjestad with the surf on the east side just a short drive away. Jade’s has standard hotel amenities set in brightly painted low-ceilinged rooms (all air-conditioned) and the grounds have a lush garden and outdoor swimming pool – great for water sports holidays in Aruba. Each guest unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen so you don’t have to eat out at a restaurant each night. Rooms start at C$ 40.
The artfully painted Pista Q Hostel is a bright gem of an affordable stay located in central Oranjestad. Take your pick of a double room, apartment or economy quadruple starting at C$ 30. Rooms come with air-conditioning and the hostel has a lounge and kitchen area along with a beautiful garden. They also rent bikes so you can tour around.
Why not stay on the water when surfing your way through Aruba? Boat & Breakfast is a part of Aruba’s Boat and Breakfast trend. The 61-foot yacht sits in a sheltered cove in Oranjestad and comes with a king bed, port windows and cozy amenities. It’s one cabin on the yacht so you’ll be sharing the boat with other guests along with two cats who call the high seas home. The marina facility has a bar and restaurant. Stays start at $80 depending on time of year. No extra charge for soothing sounds of the sea.
Despite the exciting betting bonanza happening with bet365 sportsbook and many more coming to Canada, it is a perfect time to go and surf to escape the winter gloom.
Aruba surfing guide prepared by Bryan Dickerson (wavepoolmag.com) for Dailystoke.com’s surf guides.
Photo by Martin Passchier
