St Thomas VS Aruba: Compare 2 Of The Best

Can’t pick St. Thomas or Aruba before your next best beach vacation? Then here is your guide to making the most of 2 of the Best Caribbean islands to travel to! So, let’s get going around St. Thomas and Aruba! 🌊

Overview St Thomas vs Aruba

• St. Thomas: U.S. vibe, luxury shopping, island-hopping.
• Aruba: Dry climate, but has lots of water sports and nightlife.
• Both have sun-kissed beaches, tasty cuisines, and much more.

St Thomas USVI

St. Thomas is the U.S. Virgin Islands’ worldly soul. Ideal for both luxury shopping and pristine beaches. Foodies and adventure-seekers also find solace here.

Travel Requirements to St. Thomas

Traveling to St. Thomas is easier than you think; a U.S. passport is optional for American travelers! It’s domestic travel, so U.S. citizens don’t need a visa. 

Non-U.S. residents, read here to find out if you need a passport.

The size of St Thomas USVI

Is a small island—only 31 square miles but lots of beaches!

Where is Saint Thomas USVI?

Since it is located in the Caribbean Sea, St. Thomas boasts natural beauty at every corner. St. Thomas is another one of the U.S. Virgin Islands gems.

Ease of Access: Getting to and around St Thomas

Whether you’re using taxis or local buses, getting around St. Thomas is a breeze.

• Cruise Port: Main port at Charlotte Amalie.
• Airport: Cyril E. King Airport.
• Rental Car or Taxi: Both are available.
• Water Taxi/Ferry: Great for island-hopping.
• St Thomas USVI Island Hopping: Visit Water Island.

When Is The Best Time To Visit St Thomas US Virgin Islands

• Winter: Best for holiday vibes.
• Spring: Best for beach lounging.
• Summer: Good for water activities.
• Fall: Least crowds.

• Peak Season: December to March
• Off-Season: Late April to June
• Shoulder Season: July to October
• Rainy Season: November (short bursts)

Beach Conditions and Crowds St Thomas

Top 5 Amenities List St Thomas

• Luxury shopping.
• Water sports.
• Island hopping.
• Local foods.
• Nightlife.

List of 5 Nearby Hotel Options St Thomas

• Ritz-Carlton: For ultimate luxury.
• Bolongo Bay: Beachfront views.
• Frenchman’s Reef: Postcard-perfect.
• Island Beachcomber Hotel: Budget-friendly.
• Galleon House: For B&B lovers.

List of 5 Nearby Food Options

• Gladys’ Cafe: For local flavors.
• Banana Tree Grille: Fine dining.
• Room With a View: Best sunsets.
• The Greenhouse: For veggie lovers.
• Sib’s on the Mountain: For the carnivores.

History and Culture

• History: Home to one of the oldest and still active synagogues in the Western Hemisphere.
• Culture: Moko Jumbie dancers are a treat to watch during Carnival.

Things to do in St. Thomas:

 You can go Zip-lining or snorkeling since St. Thomas has a thrilling mix of adventures! 

Nightlife in St. Thomas: The island comes alive with bars and live music venues when the sun sets.

Table of Other Nearby Fun Things To Do St Thomas USVI

Best places to visit in St. Thomas: Don’t miss out on visiting Magens Bay, since it was voted one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Shopping Districts

Is St Thomas USVI Safe?

• Visible police presence.
• Tourist areas are generally safe.
• Petty crime exists, so stay alert.

Top 5 Pros St Thomas USVI

• U.S. Territory (no passport needed for U.S. citizens)
• Diverse food options
• Luxury shopping
• Beautiful beaches
• Easy to get around

Top 5 Cons St Thomas USVI

• Can be crowded
• Expensive
• Limited nightlife
• Touristy
• Limited local culture

Is St Thomas USVI Worth Going To?

Absolutely! Dive in until luxury shopping, sandy shores, and culinary delights are fullfilled.

• Who: Couples, families, adventure seekers
• What: Beaches, shopping, food
• Why: Life is so short, and the beach is calling!
• When: All year round, though winter and spring are best
• Where: St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
• How: Fly in or cruise
• How Much: High-end but options for budget travelers

How Long Should You Stay in St Thomas?

All in all 4 to 7-day stay is ideal to soak in all the island vibes.

Another hot take: don’t miss our Grand Cayman vs. St. Thomas guide. 🏝️✈️

Aruba

Since Aruba is the sunny star of the Caribbean. Ideal for both water sports and sandy retreats. Also night owls, get ready to dance!

Travel Requirements to Aruba

You’ll need a passport and a return ticket.

Size of Aruba

It’s 69 square miles of sandy joy, so enjoy the beaches and desert!

Where is Aruba?

Aruba sits in the south of the Caribbean, thus outside the hurricane belt. Since it is outside the hurricane belt, Aruba is the best for sunny skies year-round.

Ease of Access: Getting to and around Aruba

Explore the island with ease since it has an efficient public transport system.

• Airport: Queen Beatrix International Airport.
• Public Transport: Buses available.
• Taxis: Easily available.
• Rental Car: Advised when you plan to explore.
• Aruba Airport to Palm Beach: 20-minute drive.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Aruba

• Winter: High tourist season.
• Spring: Great for water sports.
• Summer: Lower prices.
• Fall: Less crowded.

Peak Season: Mid-December to Mid-April
Off-Season: May to November
Shoulder Season: Early December
Rainy Season: Some rain but has a dry climate year-round.

Beach Conditions and Crowds

Until you decide about Aruba’s beaches, don’t forget to check out our in-depth comparison of Eagle Beach vs. Palm Beach: Which is Better for You?.

Top 5 Amenities List

• Casinos.
• Adventure tours.
• Local eateries.
• Water sports.
• Nightclubs.

List of 5 Nearby Hotel Options

• Hyatt Regency Aruba: For luxury seekers.
• The Mill Resort: Mid-range option.
• Boardwalk Boutique Hotel: Unique stay.
• Aruba Beach Club: Budget-friendly.
• Renaissance Aruba: so you can relax on a private island!

List of 5 Nearby Food Options

• The Kitchen Table: Fine dining.
• Zeerover: Fresh fish.
• The Old Cunucu House: Aruban cuisine.
• Pelican Pier: Seafood.
• Moomba Beach: Beachside dining.

History and Culture

• History: Arawak Indian artifacts still exist.
• Culture: Celebrate Carnival in style.

Things to do in Aruba:

From windsurfing to casino hopping until dawn, Aruba offers something for everyone! Whether you’re into diving or dining, Aruba’s got you covered. 

Aruba nightlife: Try the Casinos, beach bars, or dance clubs since Aruba knows how to party!

Table of Other Nearby Fun Things To Do In Aruba

Best places to visit in Aruba: Such as Arikok National Park to the streets of Oranjestad, Aruba beckons

Shopping Districts

Is Aruba Safe?

• Low crime rate, but Always practice caution.
• Tourist police are available.
• Drinkable tap water!

Top 5 Pros Aruba

• Consistent weather since (outside the hurricane belt).
• Diverse activities during the year.
• Unique local culture, such as Carnival
• Great for night owls
• Family-friendly

Top 5 Cons Aruba

• Can be expensive
• Touristy areas
• Limited public transportation
• Crowded beaches
• High winds at times

Is Aruba Worth Going To?

Absolutely! So, dive into water adventures, nightlife, and Caribbean charm.

• Who: Families, couples, party-goers
• What: Beaches, casinos, adventure
• Why: Because you deserve the sun, sand, and slots!
• When: All year round, though winter and spring are best
• Where: Aruba, Southern Caribbean
• How: Direct flights available
• How Much: Prices vary, something for every budget.

How Long Should You Stay in Aruba?

A week, because Aruba is good for your soul!

5 FAQ’s: St. Thomas vs. Aruba Travel Guide 🌴

1. Do I need a passport to visit St. Thomas?

• Answer: If you’re a U.S. citizen, you don’t need a passport to enter St. Thomas, but having one can make the return trip smoother.

2. What’s the currency used in Aruba?

• Answer: Aruba uses the Aruban florin, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted.

3. When is the best time to visit both destinations?

• Answer: St. Thomas is best visited during Dec. to June, while Aruba is a year-round destination thanks to its location outside the hurricane belt.

4. Are both St Thomas and Aruba safe for tourists?

• Answer: Both St. Thomas and Aruba have relatively low crime rates, but standard travel precautions should always be taken.

5. How easy is it to get around St Thomas vs. Aruba?

• Answer: Yes since both islands have good public transportation. St. Thomas offers taxis and buses, while Aruba has a well-connected bus system and plenty of taxis.

Still torn? Dive into our Aruba vs Grand Cayman guide!

Which is better St Thomas or Aruba:

12-Month Weather Comparison: St Thomas vs Aruba ☀️🌧️

Wanna soak up some sun but are not sure when to go? Below is a month-by-month weather comparison with  St. Thomas compared to  Aruba. Dive in!

Key Takeaways St Thomas or Aruba

• St. Thomas: More rainfall, especially from September to November.
• Aruba: Steady temperatures and also less rainfall year-round.
• Best For: Aruba takes the cake for consistent weather, especially if you’re looking to escape the rain.

• St Thomas: Go for luxury shopping and also island-hopping.
• Aruba: For water sports and also nightlife.
• Both: Unforgettable feel and lovely beaches.

Key Takeaway Table St Thomas vs Aruba:

Now that you have the rundown make your pick! Got questions? Drop them below! 🌴🍹

Now, escape from the mundane and select your next Caribbean adventure! 🏝️✈️

Note: Always check local policies and protocols before traveling.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick your escape Aruba vs St Thomas! 🏝️✈️

So, what are some of your own best traveling hacks? Share them with us below!