What NOT to do in Aruba

Aruba is blessed with some of the Caribbean's most stunning beaches and abundant wildlife. As locals, we hold a deep affection for our island and strive to preserve its beauty for future generations. In this mini guide, I present five important guidelines to share how you can make a positive impact during your visit to Aruba and help preserve the beauty of our island.

1. Drive on white sand

Aruba offers diverse roads, including off-road options, but it's important to note that driving on any type of white sand, beach, or sand dunes is illegal throughout the entire island. This restriction is in place to protect the nesting grounds of turtles, as the weight of vehicles can damage their eggs. To prevent unauthorized access, you will often find signs or rock boulders placed along the beaches and sand roads. While some individuals may still attempt to bypass these barriers, it's crucial to respect the rules and help safeguard the island's precious wildlife.

2. Stand or walk on coral

Coral reefs are delicate habitats for marine life. Standing or walking on coral can harm and even kill the fragile coral polyps. It's important to protect these valuable ecosystems by avoiding any contact with coral. By doing so, we can help preserve the health and diversity of the reef. If you're not a confident snorkeler, consider using a floatation device like a noodle to rest on instead of standing on the coral.

3. Stack rocks

While stacking rocks may seem like a harmless activity, it can have negative consequences for the environment. Rocks play a crucial role in the natural landscape, providing shelter for small animals and contributing to erosion control.

During your tours, you might be told that stacking rocks is a local tradition that brings good luck, but that's not true and it's not something locals do. In fact, local people in Aruba organize a yearly event to knock down rock stacks to support the environment.

4. Chase or touch underwater life

I know the turtles and sea stars are incredibly beautiful, making you want to get real close and see what they feel like. But please remember when you're in the water that underwater life should be observed and respected from a distance. Chasing or touching marine creatures can cause stress, disrupt their natural behavior, and even harm them. By maintaining a respectful distance and observing their natural behaviors, we can minimize our impact on their habitats and ensure their well-being.

5. Take home sea shells, sand or coral

Taking sea shells, sand or coral as souvenirs may seem harmless, but it harms coastal ecosystems. Seashells provide homes for marine organisms and help the ecosystem. Leaving them on the beach preserves its beauty for everyone to enjoy. Remember, Aruba has strict fines for taking any of these items, so it's not worth risking your vacation with a hefty penalty.

Thank you for investing your time in learning how to be a conscious traveler, not only during your stay in Aruba but also wherever you go in the world!