Aruba vs St Thomas: Which is Better in 2024
Deciding between Aruba vs St Thomas for your next vacation? You’ve come to the right place! I’ve been to both Aruba and St Thomas many times and am going to help you decide which one of these incredible Caribbean paradises is better for you!
Aruba vs St Thomas: Which is Better?
So, you’re torn between St Thomas and Aruba – I get it. It’s not an easy decision as they both come with their own set of unique experiences. If you’re an adventurer at heart and love exploring mountainous islands with breathtaking views, St Thomas is your place to be.
The hiking trails and clear, calm beaches make it a paradise for nature lovers. Island hopping to St John or the British Virgin Islands is just the cherry on top.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more laid-back and romantic getaway, Aruba is your perfect choice.
With its all inclusive resorts, gorgeous white sand beaches, and a nightlife scene that’s just as electrifying as the natural attractions, you’ll find everything you need to relax and let go of the stresses of everyday life.
And of course, an off-roading adventure through the national park only makes your vacation better. Ultimately, it all depends on what you’re in the mood for. Let’s dive in!
Aruba vs St Thomas: Which is Safer?
Safety is a concern on anyone’s mind when traveling, rightfully so! Picking between Aruba and St Thomas shouldn’t be too concerning. Both islands are similarly safe with similar crime issues.
The worst is encountering pickpockets or theft from rental cars in the busy areas such as Charlotte Amalie and Palm Beach.
Let me put those worries to rest – both islands are pretty much equally safe with similar crime issues. You might encounter a pickpocket or theft here and there, but nothing alarming.
Swimming: The waters in St Thomas are going to be calmer and safer for swimming. Aruba is a surprisingly windy island! The currents can get strong certain times of year.
On either island, never go swimming by yourself (I also recommend not going to any beaches alone) and take a few minutes to learn how to spot rip currents and how to get out of them. Some beaches will have signs or flags letting you know it’s not safe to swim, but not all of them.
Weather: If you want to play it extra safe on the weather side of things, Aruba might be the winner here. It’s outside of the hurricane belt, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in a tropical storm or a hurricane. There’s also less rain on average in Aruba than in St Thomas.
I’ve always felt super welcomed on both islands. In my opinion, St. Thomas has a few more touristy areas around the island – from Charlotte Amalie to Red Hook, while most visitors in Aruba tend to hang out in the Palm and Eagle Beach or Oranjestad.
But, bottom line? You'll feel perfectly safe traveling around Aruba and St Thomas, even if you venture outside of your comfortable resort area.
Who Has Better Weather?
If you're looking for some fun in the sun, both St Thomas and Aruba are great options. However, when it comes to weather, Aruba takes the crown.
During the winter months, Aruba stays warmer than St Thomas, making it the perfect destination for those who crave the heat.
On the other hand, St Thomas offers cooler evenings and more moderate temperatures. If you’re concerned about traveling between June and November (hurricane season in the Caribbean), Aruba is located outside of the hurricane belt, meaning it's less likely to be impacted by major storms.
If you're planning a trip during hurricane season between June and October, it's best to get travel insurance just to be on the safe side.
All in all, both destinations have their pros and cons, but if you're a true sun-seeker, Aruba is the clear winner in terms of weather - even during the worst months.
Which is Easier to Get to?
While St Thomas is closer, the options for direct flights are limited. Only Orlando, Miami, and Atlanta offer direct with most flights taking around 3 hours.
On the other hand, Aruba may be a bit farther, typically a 4-5 hour direct flight, but it's definitely the easier option with direct flights available from New York and Boston, and more flight times to choose from.
Ultimately, it's up to you, but if convenience is a top factor, Aruba is likely going to be easier to get to.
Which Island is Cheaper?
The good news is that both Aruba and St Thomas offer accommodations that won't break the bank. The bad news is that flights to either destination can add up quickly, so be prepared for that expense.
Now, when it comes to dining out, you might save a few bucks by heading to St Thomas where restaurants are generally a bit cheaper. There are also plenty of free things to do around the island. However, if you're a foodie looking for a bit more variety, Aruba might be worth the slightly higher price tag.
If you want to splurge a bit, Aruba has some of the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. So, weigh your options and choose the destination that best fits your travel style and wallet.
St Thomas vs Aruba: Beaches
Aruba beaches are award-winning and frequently referred to as the most beautiful in the Caribbean, particularly Eagle Beach with its wide stretches of shoreline and calm water.
In both Aruba and St Thomas, you can find busy beaches as well as off-the-beaten-path hidden gems.
However, if you prefer calm waters and excellent offshore snorkeling opportunities, the beaches in St Thomas are the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy swimming, keep in mind that the waters in Aruba can sometimes be a bit wavy, especially at Palm and Eagle Beach.
St Thomas boasts popular beaches like Coki Beach and Magens Bay Beach, often frequented by crowds, cruise passengers, and tourists.
Meanwhile, in Aruba, Palm Beach attracts a lot of visitors staying at high-rise hotels and resorts, while Eagle Beach offers a wider shoreline and a slightly calmer atmosphere, but still incredibly popular.
Comparing the less popular beaches in St. Thomas and Aruba is an almost impossible task, I promise you won't be disappointed! Let me break it down for you:
Aruba's less popular beaches include:
- Baby Beach
- Arashi Beach
- Mango Halto (great for snorkeling)
- Tres Trapi (best for spotting sea turtles)
St. Thomas's less popular beaches consist of:
- Lindquist Beach
- Santa Maria
- Sapphire
- My favorites are Cinnamon Bay and Trunk Bay in St. John, which truly can't compare to any other beaches I've seen in the world. The good news is that it's just a short and affordable ferry ride away.
A quick pro tip for visiting the beaches in Aruba and St Thomas. Remember you’ll need to wear water shoes on both islands.
Some shorelines can be rocky, so it's better to have something to protect your feet. Personally, I prefer Tevas or Chacos because I can hike and swim with them.
Comparing the Snorkeling and Diving
If you're looking for some top-notch snorkeling, St Thomas is the place to be. Don't get me wrong, Aruba has some decent spots too, but they simply can't compare to the gorgeous coral reefs and vibrant marine life you'll find off of St Thomas.
Coki Beach is especially famous for its clear waters and massive schools of fish that you can catch a glimpse of even without a snorkel and mask.
And if you really want to get off the beaten path, take a ferry to Water Island and check out some of the lesser-known coral reefs and marine life.
Plus, the waters in St Thomas are calmer, so they end up being clearer than the wavier shores of Aruba.
If you’re still set on Aruba, though, you can plan a snorkeling tour to the shipwreck offshore or search for sea turtles at Tres Trapi.
If you're a diver, I'd recommend checking out Aruba's sister island, Bonaire - the shore diving capital of the world!
St Thomas vs Aruba: Nightlife
Aruba is known as the nightlife capital of the Caribbean with its vibrant Palm Beach area lined with numerous nightclubs, bars, and beach bars.
Visitors can also find a variety of open bar cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and casinos.
On the other hand, St. Thomas offers a more local nightlife experience with local bars and restaurants to choose from. Although there are no official nightclubs, there are plenty of spots that offer fun music and events at night. Even some of the resorts on the beach in St Thomas offer nightly entertainment.
Try out Charlotte Amalie, Havensight, and Red Hook - all with a fun nightlife scene just a little more low-key than Aruba. A visitor and local favorite spot is Tootsys.
Overall, both St. Thomas and Aruba have their own unique nightlife offerings, catering to much different preferences.
Which Island is Better for Honeymoons and Couples
To decide between St Thomas and Aruba for your honeymoon there are few things to keep in mind.
First up, timing. If you're heading there in late summer/early fall, you might want to lean towards Aruba since it's going to be drier than St Thomas and the US Virgin Islands - it’s located off the hurricane belt. But, be prepared for some hot days.
The second thing to think about is what kind of activities you and your partner are looking for. If you're all about the beach and exploring new spots off the beaten path, St Thomas is going to be your jam.
They've got ferries to St John (which has even more breathtaking beaches), hiking, and some pretty cool historic attractions. It comes in similiar to St Luica.
Aruba, on the other hand, is more rugged and great for adventurous couples who want to hit up Arikok National Park or see cool natural sites like the cave pool and gold mines. Your Aruba honeymoon itinerary can be a little more "off-roady" than St Thomas.
Which Island is Better Families?
If you're trying to decide between Aruba and St Thomas for your family vacation, there are definitely some things to consider to make your decision easier.
If you're looking for classic "family-fun" adventures, Aruba is the place to be. From off-road jeep tours to exploring the national park, there's no shortage of things to do to get the kids out and about. Plus, the donkey sanctuary is a guaranteed hit with little ones.
On the other hand, if water activities are your top priority, St Thomas is the better choice. The lighter winds and calmer waters make it safer for swimming and splashing around. The snorkeling definitely better in St Thomas as well - off-shore and by boat.
St Thomas vs Aruba: Cuisine
Both St Thomas and Aruba have a diverse range of cuisines to offer, but Aruba is more of a culinary capital, similar to St Maarten. Here are some of the things you can expect to eat in St Thomas and Aruba:
- St Thomas:
- Local dishes include johnnycakes, fungi, and callaloo.
- Smaller, local dives and restaurants catering to the local community with a few fancier restaurants available
- Aruba:
- Local dishes include keshi yena (a baked dish made with cheese, meat, and vegetables), funchi (a cornmeal dish), and pastechi (a pastry filled with meat or cheese).
- Diverse array of high-end restaurants serving up international cuisine, including American, Italian, Caribbean, and Chinese.
If you're a foodie, Aruba is the better option for you. However, if you're looking for a more relaxed and local dining scene, St Thomas is a great choice.
Getting Around Aruba vs St Thomas
Compared to the US Virgin Islands, especially St. John and St. Thomas, driving in Aruba can be a breeze.
Let's face it, not everyone is comfortable navigating narrow, winding roads up and down steep hills (and there's no Uber in Aruba or St Thomas - only taxis or rental cars to get around). If you're staying in a mountainside villa in USVI, you pretty much have to opt for a 4WD car.
Fortunately, Aruba is mostly flat, similar to Turks and Caicos, which makes for a smoother ride and reduces the need for a 4WD car.
The only place in Aruba that isn't flat is Arikok National Park, where an off-road vehicle is necessary. Apart from that, getting around by car is easy. Aruba follows the right-side driving, like the US, while the USVI drives on the left, which might require some adjustment for visitors.
Although there may still be some places in Aruba where the convenience of a 4WD is handy, you won't have to worry about getting stuck on a steep mountainside.
Things to Do in St Thomas
- Visit the iconic Magens Bay and other beaches picture-perfect views
- Embark on a snorkeling tour to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
- Explore the historic streets of Charlotte Amalie, the capital, and discover its colonial architecture, shops, and restaurants.
- Take a scenic island tour to the best lookouts and historic sites on the island
- Take a hike to the top of Paradise Point and Mountain Top for panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie and the surrounding islands.
- Visit Coral World Ocean Park to interact with marine creatures, including sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays.
- Explore the historic Blackbeard's Castle, a 17th-century tower with pirate lore and beautiful vistas.
- Indulge in duty-free shopping at the upscale boutiques and jewelry stores in downtown Charlotte Amalie.
- Enjoy water sports activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing in the turquoise waters.
- Take a ferry or private charter to nearby St. John to explore its pristine beaches and hiking trails in the Virgin Islands National Park.
Things to Do in Aruba
- Explore off-road Aruba with a Jeep Safari
- Visit the famous Natural Pool and Caves and Arikok National Park - you can snorkel and dive at some of these popular natural attractions.
- Enjoy an exclusive, romantic dinner for two at the California Lighthouse
- Take a sunset sail, booze cruise, or snorkel tour around Aruba
- Take a day trip to Curacao or Bonaire (you have to go via hopper plane, there are no ferries)
- Walk down the 3.4 miles of the widest white-sand beach on Aruba, Eagle Beach. On the way, you'll see the well-known and protected fofoti tree.
Where to Stay in Aruba
- Wonders Boutique Hotel in Oranjestad downtown ⭐ 9.5/10 Exceptional!
- Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort on Eagle Beach ⭐ 9.6/10 | Exceptional
Where to Stay in St Thomas
- Newly renovated and reopened in St Thomas: Marriott Frenchman's Cove
- Green Iguana Hotel near Charlote Amalie
Final Thoughts: St Thomas vs Aruba Which is Better for Your Next Vacation?
So, St Thomas vs Aruba: Where will you be going for your next vacation?
Choosing between St. Thomas and Aruba for your getaway ultimately depends on your preferences and what you're in the mood for.
If you're an adventurer seeking breathtaking nature views and the thrill of island hopping, St. Thomas is the place to be. Hiking trails and serene beaches make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
On the other hand, Aruba offers a more laid-back and romantic experience with its all-inclusive resorts, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
The option to embark on an off-roading adventure in the national park adds an extra touch of excitement. So whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, both destinations have their own unique experiences to offer. It's all a matter of what speaks to you. Let's dive in!
