Photography Guide to Aruba: Capturing Paradise Through Your Lens

Aruba's diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and perfect light make it a photographer's dream. From dramatic desert vistas to pastel colonial architecture, the island offers endless subjects. Whether you're a serious photographer with professional gear or a smartphone enthusiast, this guide will help you capture Aruba's essence and return home with images that do justice to this remarkable island.

Understanding Aruba's Light

The quality of light dramatically affects photography, and Aruba's position offers unique advantages:

The Golden Hours transform the island. Morning light, from sunrise until about two hours after, bathes everything in warm, soft illumination. The arid landscape particularly benefits from this quality, with textures and shadows creating depth. Late afternoon, beginning about two hours before sunset, delivers equally magical light with a warmer, more golden tone.

Midday Challenges: The intense overhead sun between 11 AM and 3 PM creates harsh shadows and washed-out colors in most situations. However, this light works well for certain subjects:

• Underwater photography (more light penetrates)

• Abstract patterns and textures

• Silhouettes against the bright sky

Blue Hour occurs just before sunrise and after sunset, when the sky takes on deep blue hues. This brief window is perfect for coastal scenes and architectural photography, especially when you can balance the remaining sky light with artificial lighting.

Night Photography: Aruba's relatively low light pollution in areas away from resorts makes it suitable for star photography. The southern hemisphere stars offer constellations unfamiliar to Northern Hemisphere photographers.

Iconic Aruba Locations

Divi-Divi Trees: These wind-sculpted icons photograph well at any time, but try:

• Sunrise or sunset with the tree silhouetted

• Wide-angle shots showing their relationship to the landscape

• Creative angles emphasizing their twisted forms

• The famous trees at Eagle Beach for classic compositions

Natural Pool (Conchi): This dramatic location requires careful timing. Early morning offers the best light and fewer crowds. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze crashing waves or slow shutter speeds (with neutral density filter) to blur water motion.

California Lighthouse: The white lighthouse against blue sky is an Aruba cliché for good reason. For unique shots:

• Get low to include foreground desert plants

• Shoot during blue hour when the lighthouse is lit

• Compose to emphasize the surrounding landscape

• Include the dramatic northern coastline in wide shots

San Nicolas Murals: These colorful artworks demand bright, even light. Cloudy days or early morning work better than harsh sun that creates shadows across the artwork. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture complete murals and use a longer lens for details.

Arikok National Park: The park offers diverse subjects from cave interiors to coastal cliffs. Bring:

• Wide-angle for landscapes

• Telephoto for wildlife

• Macro for desert plants and insects

• Flash for cave photography

Beach and Ocean Photography

Sunrise Beaches: Head east to spots like Baby Beach or Boca Grandi where the sun rises over the water. Arrive early to set up and capture the changing light.

Sunset Beaches: The western beaches (Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Arashi) offer spectacular sunset opportunities. The sun sets over water year-round, with the exact position varying by season.

Wave and Water Techniques:

• Fast shutter speeds (1/500 or faster) freeze wave action

• Slow shutter speeds (1 second or longer) create silky water effects

• Panning with moving water creates dynamic effects

• Use circular polarizing filters to reduce glare and enhance colors

Underwater Photography

Aruba's clear waters invite underwater shooting:

Equipment Options:

• Underwater housings for existing cameras (professional approach)

• GoPro or similar action cameras (simple and affordable)

• Smartphone in waterproof case (surprisingly capable)

Techniques:

• Get close to subjects; water reduces color and contrast

• Shoot upward when possible for better light

• Avoid stirring up sand, which clouds water

• Use external lighting for vibrant colors at depth

Best Locations:

• Boca Catalina for reef and fish

• Wreck sites for dramatic structure shots

• Shallow areas during midday for maximum light

Wildlife Photography

Birds: Aruba's varied species reward patient photographers:

• Mornings offer better light and more active birds

• Set up near flowering plants or fruit trees

• Use at least 200mm focal length, preferably 300mm or longer

• Fast autofocus helps capture quick movements

Iguanas and Lizards: These sun-loving reptiles remain still for extended periods:

• Approach slowly and quietly

• Shoot at eye level for more engaging portraits

• Morning and late afternoon provide better light

• Capture them basking, feeding, or displaying for variety

Wild Donkeys: These friendly creatures allow fairly close approach:

• Avoid feeding them (it's harmful and illegal)

• Capture individual portraits or group interactions

• Include landscape context to show their environment

• Early morning or late afternoon light is most flattering

Architectural and Street Photography

Oranjestad: The capital's Dutch colonial buildings provide colorful subjects:

• Photograph during morning hours when tour ships haven't arrived

• Use polarizing filter to intensify blue skies

• Include people to add scale and life

• Explore side streets for less touristy scenes

San Nicolas: Beyond the famous murals:

• Capture daily life in this authentic town

• Look for interesting characters and street scenes

• Document the blend of past and present

• Consider black and white for gritty, authentic feel

Cunucu Houses: These traditional buildings, including our Yellow Cunucu, represent important cultural heritage:

• Emphasize distinctive architectural features

• Include landscaping elements

• Shoot in soft light to show texture and detail

• Wide-angle lenses show entire structures and context

Cultural and Event Photography

Carnival: Aruba's biggest celebration demands specific approaches:

• Fast shutter speeds freeze motion and action

• Telephoto lenses isolate individual dancers or details

• Wide angles capture the scope and energy

• Night parades require high ISO and fast lenses

Festivals and Markets: Capture the energy and color:

• Arrive early before crowds build

• Ask permission before photographing individuals

• Look for details like hands, food, crafts

• Capture candid moments and interactions

Smartphone Photography Tips

Modern smartphones are remarkably capable:

Maximize Your Phone's Potential:

• Clean the lens frequently (pockets are dirty!)

• Use HDR mode for high-contrast scenes

• Turn off digital zoom; move closer instead

• Use portrait mode thoughtfully for subject isolation

• Shoot in RAW if your phone allows for better editing

Apps and Accessories:

• Advanced camera apps offer manual controls

• Editing apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile are powerful

• Inexpensive clip-on lenses expand capabilities

• Small tripods or phone grips improve stability

Post-Processing Considerations

Basic Adjustments:

• Adjust exposure and contrast

• Enhance colors carefully; don't oversaturate

• Straighten horizons

• Crop to improve composition

• Sharpen appropriately

Aruba-Specific Editing:

• The brilliant blue water can look unreal even when accurate; trust your photos

• Enhance warm tones in desert landscapes

• Brighten shadows in harsh midday shots

• Preserve highlight detail in bright skies and white sand

Practical Photography Tips

Protect Your Gear:

• Sand is everywhere; keep cameras in bags when not shooting

• Salt water corrodes; rinse gear exposed to spray

• Heat affects electronics; avoid leaving cameras in hot cars

• Bring lens cleaning supplies; change lenses in protected areas

Respect and Ethics:

• Ask permission before photographing individuals

• Don't disturb wildlife or nesting birds

• Stay on trails in protected areas

• Be discreet in places of worship

• Don't photograph military or police installations

Backup and Storage:

• Bring extra memory cards

• Back up photos daily if possible

• Cloud storage provides off-site backup

• Don't delete questionable shots until you're home and can review properly

Recommended Gear for Aruba

Essential:

• Camera (any type you're comfortable using)

• Wide-angle lens for landscapes

• Telephoto lens for wildlife and details

• Extra batteries (heat drains them faster)

• Circular polarizing filter

• Lens cleaning supplies

Nice to Have:

• Tripod for long exposures and low light

• Neutral density filter for water effects

• Macro lens for small subjects

• Flash for fill light and cave photography

• Waterproof housing for underwater shots

Photo Opportunities at Yellow Cunucu

Our property and neighborhood offer numerous subjects:

• Traditional cunucu architecture

• Desert plants and landscaping

• Occasional wildlife visitors

• Authentic local surroundings

• Sunrise and sunset from the property

Best Times for Various Subjects

• Beaches: Sunrise (east-facing) or sunset (west-facing)

• Desert landscapes: Early morning or late afternoon

• Architecture: Morning for Oranjestad; late afternoon for San Nicolas

• Wildlife: Early morning or late afternoon

• Street scenes: Morning before heat builds

• Stars: New moon periods for darkest skies

Capture Aruba's beauty from every angle. Book your stay at Yellow Cunucu, where you can photograph authentic island life and use our location as a base for exploring the island's most photogenic spots.