So, you’ve narrowed your Caribbean vacation plans to Aruba and Turks and Caicos but you still can’t decide which should be your destination.
Both are remarkable options that guarantee a lifetime of memories filled with sublime beaches, luxurious resorts, and a wealth of activities. Both offer idyllic weather. However, there are some differences between the two. Aruba tends to have a more energetic vibe while Turks and Caicos is more tranquil and traditionally Caribbean.
Which is the best destination for the ideal Caribbean getaway? It all depends on what you are looking for.
They both have much to offer, but how to choose?
We’ll take a deeper dive into what you can expect at each destination.
Turks and Caicos is one of the British territories like BVI, with English spoken here. It’s made up of 40 islands with Providenciales the most popular.
Aruba is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Dutch is the island’s official language.
Both destinations will happily accept the U.S. dollar and they both have nonstop flights from the U.S. But you’ll want to know a bit more to make the best decision.
The Best Time to Visit
Aruba is more desert-like than tropical, and the weather is great all year with April through August seeing the least rainfall. The most popular and most expensive time to visit is between January and March. During this time, it’s comfortably warm for swimming but not too hot.
Turks and Caicos typically experiences temperatures in the 80s throughout the year although the mercury can rise into the 90s between April and October. The hurricane season is officially June thorugh November with the biggest risk in August and September. Many feel the best time to visit is in the spring, when there are fewer tourists, the prices are lower, and the odds for hurricanes aren’t high.
Ambiance
Aruba is frequently referred to as One Happy Island. The island has a naturally joyful energy. The people are friendly and the ambiance is lively.
Turks and Caicos is more laid-back. People are friendly, but they’re just not “in your face” kind of people.
Nightlife
For travelers looking for non-stop nightlife, Aruba wins the lottery. It boasts hopping nightclubs, venues for dancing, casinos, and live entertainment. Most Aruban resorts have access to a casino and cocktail parties are frequently hosted too.
Bar hopping in Aruba is a nightly party on wheels with several tour buses that head for the hot spotswithmusic and dancing. They’ll even pick you up and bring you back to your hotel. Aruba’s nightlife traditionally ends over a hearty breakfast.
Turks and Caicos isn’t as reowned for its nightlife as much as it is for its beaches. Some are world-famous like Grace Bay beach on Providenciales, often named the world’s most beautiful. It tends to attract those who want to enjoy watersports and spend lots of time on the sand.
Most of Turks and Caicos’ nightlife is in Providenciales, with bar and lounges providing an evening out with karaoke, live music, and cocktails. Some adults-only resorts along the beaches provide shows and dance clubs, but not nearly the level that Aruba offers.
You will find sunset cruises to enjoy and the Ritz Carlton in Providenciales has a casino. Plus, the Casablanca Casino is near Grace Bay Beach.
When the sun sets, Aruba is almost like a mini-Las Vegas, while Turks and Caicos is more relaxed and laid back.
Beaches
When it comes down to the basics, a Caribbean vacation is all about the beaches. And the million-dollar lottery unarguably goes to Turks and Caicos. As previously mentioned, The over three-mile span of Grace Bay beach in Providenciales has been named by numerous travel publications as the best in the world. The chalk-white sand is lapped by surreal turquoise water and while it’s lined with luxury resorts, there’s still plenty of room for romantic strolls. Plus, with a vibrant coral reef, abundant fish, and remarkable clarity, it’s outstanding for snorkeling and diving.
Aruba has marvelous beaches too, with the largest resorts located by Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. Thanks to the natural breezes that blow through, windsurfing and kitesurfing are outstanding. Plus, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and nerly endless other watersports can be enjoyed. And, Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island provides the unique opportunity for close encounters with the long-legged pink beauties.
Flight Information – Getting There
Both Aruba and Turks and Caicos have direct flights from the U.S. leaving from major airports, so there is no difference there. However, flights to Turks and Caicos are more expensive. The flight to Aruba is about an hour longer than flights to Turks and Caicos.
Accommodations
Neither Aruba or Turks and Caicos is cheap. The resorts you’ll find in both countries are definitely on the luxurious side. Many come with private butlers with a wide range of activities on offer.
Although Turks and Caicos has fewer resorts than Aruba, they tend to be ultra-swanky. Most are located at Grace Bay beach. One of the standouts among the resorts on Turks and Caicos is Club Med Turkoise. This adults-only, all-exclusive resort offers romance and a ton of things to do on land and in the water, including trapeze and diving sessions.
Ambergris Cay is a private island resort with just 10 suites and 7 villas, providing an exclusive Turks and Caicos haven. The villas are all-inclusive and ideal for families. Your meals can be delivered or you can have a private chef prepare dishes right on the spot, according to the tastes of your group.
Aruba has more all-inclusive resorts to choose from, such as the 72-room Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa with an all-inclusive option. This oceanfront resort is all about rejuvenation. It focuses on wellness with daily yoga and Pilates sessions, and Qigong is offered once a week. Plus, spa treatments can be enjoyed in private cabanas by the beach. Menus feature delicious but health-enhancing meals. It’s all about rejuvenation here.
Things to Do
As you might imagine, lively Aruba and its lovely capital of Oranjestad offer plenty of things to do in addition to nightlife. The capital is filled with charming Dutch architecture and historical landmarks making it fun to wander. It tends to see quite a few cruise ship passengers so it can get crowded but you’ll find an abundant array of shopping and dining venues. The Historical Museum of Aruba is located here too, providing the perfect place to learn more about the island’s heritage. Plus, it’s easy to get around the city using the free tram.
Aruba also offers something unique, a submarine tour of the island.
Both Aruba and Turks and Caicos have scenic hiking trails, but Aruba has a more diverse landscape with its desert, forests, and shrubs.
Turks and Caicos is ideal for island hopping and enjoying a variety of secluded beaches. A favorite pastime here is horseback riding on the beach and even in the water. Provo Ponies provides guided tours to riders aged seven and older. For adventurers, the Conch Bar Caves on Middle Caicos can be explored. This underground extravaganza is one of the largest caves in the Caribbean.
Which Destination is More Expensive?
Neither Aruba nor Turks and Caicos are a bargain to visit. In fact, they both rate among the most expensive Caribbean destinations, with Turks and Caicos slightly ahead.
The average meal in Turks and Caicos will cost you anywhere from $15 to $55, while meals in Aruba range between $10 and $20. Local store-bought water (a necessity in both locations) and transportation are about the same.
The resorts in both destinations are pricey. The real difference in cost depends more on the time that you travel rather than where. March through May is the slow season when accommodation is typically discounted.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling among Turks and Caicos’ barrier reef magical experience, and the marine life is outstanding. Some of the best snorkeling can be found near Turtle Cove which is surrounded by restaurants and shopping.
Aruba lacks the sheer number of fabulous snorkeling opportunities that can be found on Turks and Caicos. One of the best is Mangel Halto on Aruba’s southwest side with its amazing underwater visibility and surrounding coral reef. But the area can experience heavy currents and is best for experienced snorkelers.
Shopping
Providenciales in Turks and Caicos is quite touristy, catering to its many visitors. There are lots of duty-free options, especially luxury goods including liquor, jewelry, art, and perfumes. Much of the shopping is close to Grace Bay beach, and the number of duty-free shops exceeds those that can be found on most other Caribbean islands as a shopper’s paradise.
Shopping in Aruba provides the chance to browse through an array of well-known designer luxury stores. It’s easy to go on a shopping spress but doesn’t come with the duty-free benefits. In the capital of Oranjestad, in addition to large malls such as the Renaissance Mall downtown, visitors can find flea markets with interesting bargains and souvenirs. Keep in mind, the shops are closed on Sundays here.
Dining
Turks and Caicos focuses mainly on fresh seafood such as conch and lobster. It has fewer restaurants than Aruba, but there are many opportunities for romantic sea-view dinners by the beach. Visitors should also check out the smaller mom-and-pop eateries – they tend to serve delicious local eats like homemade conch stew and conch fritters.
Aruba’s cuisine is more diverse. Authentic Aruban fare is influenced not only by Caribbean flavors but English, French, Spanish, and Dutch, cultures that have all left their mark here. One of the top dining spots to try is the Kitchen Table. A gastronic experience, there are just six tables, allowing the chef to give diners full attention. It starts with a welcome cocktail, followed up by an impressive eight-course event with wine pairing.
Conclusion
Both Turks and Caicos and Aruba can provide visitors with a blissful getaway for memories of lifetime. To make the best decision for your trip, consider the differences we’ve outlined between the two based on your particular interests and needs.
