Looking for the picture-perfect Caribbean getaway but aren’t sure which destination to choose? Aruba and Turks & Caicos are two great countries, sure to be at the top of your list. Whilst both of these are great Caribbean destinations, they have a lot of significant differences that should be considered before you pick the perfect one for you.
In this article, we will compare Aruba vs. Turks and Caicos, to help you decide which is the perfect destination for you. We will compare important factors such as their beaches, resorts, safety, and available activities, to help you make an informed decision on which destination is the perfect one for you.
Aruba vs. Turks and Caicos: Overview
When trying to decide between a vacation in Aruba or a trip to Turks and Caicos, it really comes down to what you’re looking for in your dream getaway. Whilst there are some similarities between these countries, there are also many differences too.
These two countries are located quite far from one another, with Aruba being located further south, just off the coast of Venezuela, and Turks and Caicos situated further North, just above Haiti and The Dominican Republic.
Both countries boast gorgeous beaches and stunning views, that are typical of what springs to mind when you picture a beautiful Caribbean getaway.
Aruba vs. Turks and Caicos: Languages
If you’re a native English speaker looking to get out and about, then it may be a good choice to visit Turks and Caicos.
In Turks and Caicos, the official language is English, or an English-based Creole language, known as Turks and Caicos Creole. This can make it much easier to get around in terms of speaking to locals, making purchases, taking public transport, and asking for directions.
The official language in Aruba is actually Papiamonto, but some people there can still speak English. If you’re planning on visiting Aruba without knowing any of the local languages, it’s best to stay within the resort and tourist-heavy areas. If you want to explore the island of Aruba, it may be best to do this via organized tours.
Aruba vs. Turks and Caicos: Resorts
Turks and Caicos both have a great range of resorts, from those catered to adults honeymooning, to families enjoying a great trip together, there’s a great selection in both of these countries. That said, if you’re not looking to stay in a resort, there’s still a good selection of boutique hotels and gorgeous villa stays too.
Many resorts in Aruba are located on the northwest coast of the island, near Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, which is the most popular area of Aruba amongst tourists. This region is famous for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and opulent resorts. There is also a great selection of restaurants, shops, and bars in this area.
Turks and Caicos has a few more popular areas to choose from when it comes to the best resorts, although the most popular area is Providenciales, home to the gorgeous 12-mile Grace Bay Beach.
Both Aruba and Turks and Caicos boast some truly outstanding resorts, though the ones in Aruba are typically better for a young adult crowd. Turks and Caicos, being the larger of the two countries has a few more options to choose from, and more luxury 5-star resorts overall.
Aruba vs. Turks and Caicos: Beaches
Caribbean vacations all have one unmissable thing in common: beaches! You can’t travel all the way to this beautiful region without stepping foot on one of the amazing beaches.
Aruba has many notable beaches, including some of the famous ones in prime resort areas, such as Eagle Beach, Flamingo Beach, and the ever-popular Palm Beach.
At all of these gorgeous beaches, you’ll find stunning white sands and gorgeous turquoise waters. It is much easier to access these beaches if you’re staying at one of the impressive beachfront resorts.
It’s a close comparison when it comes to beaches, as Turks and Caicos also boast some of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean, if not the world. Among many of these is the famous Grace Bay beach, which stretches for 12 miles and boasts gorgeous white sands and beautiful blue waters.
As Aruba generally experiences more windy conditions than Turks and Caicos, this island typically has the best beaches for watersports such as windsurfing. If you’re simply looking for gorgeous picturesque beaches to take a stroll or relax on, then Turks and Caicos may have better choices for you.
Aruba vs. Turks and Caicos: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, and Watersports
If you’re looking for a destination where you can enjoy great watersports, both Aruba and Turks and Caicos are great choices. Whether you prefer scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, there’s plenty on offer for everyone at both of these destinations.
When it comes to underwater sports, such as snorkeling and scuba diving, Turks and Caicos is generally the better choice. This is because the Turks and Caicos Islands are actually home to the third-largest coral system in the world, and the second-largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. If you enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving, be sure to visit Smith’s Reef and Bight Reef in Providenciales, where you can snorkel off the shore, and the Black Forest in Grand Turk with its unique black corals.
That said, Aruba still offers some great dive sites, such as the wrecks of the SS Antilla and the Jane Sea and some airplanes to explore.
Aruba is generally more windy than Turks and Caicos though, which can make snorkeling a little less fun, but these winds can greatly contribute to the enjoyment of activities such as kitesurfing, parasailing, windsurfing, and surfing.
Aruba vs. Turks and Caicos: Activities
Both of these amazing countries have plenty on offer for visitors to see and do.
When it comes to a trip to Aruba, the capital city of Oranjestad can often be bustling with cruise ship passengers, but it is well worth the visit. Oranjestad boasts gorgeous great shops, amazing historical sites, an amazing range of restaurants, and stunning Dutch colonial architecture. Here you can also visit the Historical Museum of Aruba, housed in a fort that was built in 1798.
You can also have a great variety of days out here, with submarine tours of the surrounding waters. If you’re an animal lover, you can enjoy great day trips to a donkey sanctuary, butterfly farm, or the famous flamingo beach. If day trips are your thing, you may also enjoy a visit to the large national park, Arikok National Park, which features gorgeous natural landscapes, and a stunning natural pool you can actually swim in!
There is also a great range of nightlife in both of these destinations, however, if you’re big on gambling, Aruba may be the best destination for you, as this country boasts many casinos, whilst Turks and Caicos have only one.
When it comes to what you can enjoy doing in Turks and Caicos, there’s no shortage of enjoyment to be had here either. Boasting over 40 islands, 8 of which are inhabited, Turks and Caicos is a great destination if you’d like to go island hopping.
If you’re an animal lover, it’s a good idea to visit Turks and Caicos between January and March, as you can go whale watching at this time of year. No matter when you choose to visit though, be sure to go horseback riding on the beach, as this is a truly unmissable experience, and you can also see amazing wildlife over on Iguana Island!
Aruba vs. Turks and Caicos: Cost
In general, the Turks and Caicos Islands are around 46% more expensive than Aruba. Of course, this will also depend on the type of accommodation you’re staying at, if you’re planning on eating out often or going all-inclusive, or if you’re hoping to go on many excursions.
If you’re traveling on a budget though, Aruba is generally the better option.
Aruba vs. Turks and Caicos: Best Time To Visit
When it comes to choosing the best time to visit either of these great destinations, you’ll be happy to know that Aruba and Turks and Caicos both have great weather all year round.
No matter when you choose to visit Aruba, the weather is generally expected to be warm and dry, and as this island sits outside the hurricane belt, it makes for an excellent destination all year round. That said, the high season for tourism is between January and March, as many tourists come here to escape the cold weather back home, so if you’re flexible, it may be better to visit during the shoulder season of April through to August to enjoy lower prices and less crowds.
Turks and Caicos also boast great warm weather all year round, though it’s best to avoid visiting during the rainy season and hurricane season, which runs from June through to November. The high season in Turks and Caicos is December through to March, so the best time to visit is generally between April and May when you can expect great weather, fewer crowds, and slightly lower prices than during the high season.
Aruba vs. Turks and Caicos: Safety
Both Turks and Caicos and Aruba are incredibly safe, they both have low crime rates and make great destinations for tourists concerned about their safety.
Aruba vs. Turks and Caicos: The Final Verdict
When comparing Aruba vs. Turks and Caicos, there are a few differences between the two. Though this is mostly down to what kind of activities you enjoy. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot to stroll on the beach, enjoy a stay at a luxurious resort, and perhaps spend some time snorkeling or scuba diving, then Turks and Caicos may be the best spot for you.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a great destination where you can enjoy fun-filled activities, great nightlife, and a fast-paced adventure, Aruba may be the better choice for you.
No matter which destination you choose, be sure to head on over to our contact page, where you can speak to one of our trusted travel advisors who can help you plan your dream getaway.