Aruba is officially ranked the safest island in the Caribbean with a 9.3/10 safety score—and it’s earned that reputation. Whether you’re planning a family getaway or romantic escape, here’s why travelers can vacation here with genuine peace of mind.

Why Aruba Stands Out as the Safest Caribbean Destination

Violent crime rate: 7.2 per 100,000 residents—significantly below other Caribbean islands and most U.S. cities.

U.S. State Department rating: Level 1 advisory (safest possible rating—”exercise normal precautions”).

Caribbean Island Safety Index: 9.3/10, beating Barbados (9.2), Grenada (9.0), and Curaçao (9.0).

Safety Features That Matter

Low Crime in Tourist Areas

While Aruba has 16 homicides per 100,000 residents, the vast majority occur outside tourist zones and don’t affect visitors. The island welcomes 1.5 million tourists annually with minimal incidents.

Police You’ll Actually See

The Aruba Police Force (KPA) maintains a visible presence throughout resort areas, beaches, and shopping centers. Over 600 officers speak English and patrol daily—especially on Eagle and Palm Beach.

Emergency number: 100

Outside the Hurricane Belt

With a perfect 10/10 hurricane safety rating, Aruba avoids the tropical storms that plague other Caribbean destinations. Flat terrain also means safer driving conditions.

World-Class Healthcare

Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital operates 24/7 with U.S.-trained doctors, English-speaking staff, and partnerships with top U.S. hospitals. Urgent Care Aruba (UCA) offers quick, affordable treatment for minor issues.

Healthcare score on Caribbean Island Safety Index: 8/10

Safe Food & Water

✓ Tap water is safe to drink (treated via reverse-osmosis plants)
✓ Hotels provide filtered water
✓ Restaurants inspected twice yearly with U.S. hygiene standards
✓ Even street food vendors follow strict cleanliness protocols

Stable Government

Political Stability Index: 1.43/10 (global average: -0.06)
Rule of Law Index: 1.27/10

This means reliable infrastructure, consistent policies, and trustworthy institutions—the foundation of all other safety measures.

Dedicated Tourism Security

The Aruba Hospitality & Security Foundation (AHSF), formed in 2001, partners police with private security to patrol tourist zones. Their innovative bike patrol combines visible security with genuine hospitality—officers are trained in rapid response, threat assessment, and community engagement.

Excellent Infrastructure

Well-maintained roads, bilingual signage (English/Dutch), and strategically placed help points make independent travel safe and easy.

The Bottom Line: Real Safety, Not Just Marketing

Aruba’s “One Happy Island” reputation isn’t a slogan—it’s backed by:

• Concrete crime statistics and international rankings
• Continuous police presence in tourist areas
• World-class hospitals and healthcare access
• Zero hurricane risk
• Stable government and reliable infrastructure
• A culture that genuinely prioritizes visitor safety

Common-sense safety tips still apply: Avoid unlit beaches after dark, watch belongings in crowded areas, and stay alert during events like Carnival. But overall? Aruba delivers what few Caribbean destinations can: genuine, measurable peace of mind.

Quick Comparison: Caribbean Island Safety Scores

Ready to experience the safest Caribbean getaway? Things to do in Aruba.