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Writer's pictureAlanna O'Connor

My Amazon must haves for Aruba!

Updated: Sep 21

I'm frequently asked about my must-have items for Aruba, so here's my essential list!


Please note that these are all affiliate links, which help support my small business!


I am absolutely OBSESSED with this float! It's a staple for me every single day when I'm in Aruba – whether I'm lounging in the ocean or relaxing by the pool.


You can sit on it, lay on it, share it with friends, and even use it to snorkel – it's that versatile! Plus, it's incredibly easy to pack as it doesn't take up much space, and it's a breeze to inflate.


I love it so much that I give it away at the end of each trip and then buy a new one for the next adventure. In fact, I'm such a fan that I even gifted them for Christmas to loved ones who have a pool – it's that good!



We love bringing our snorkel gear to Aruba and keeping it in our rental car, so we're always prepared to explore the underwater wonders no matter where we are!


This set is fantastic – it's compact, affordable (only $17!) and doesn't take up too much space. It's been a game-changer for our snorkeling adventures!








If you're planning to beach hop in Aruba and truly explore its coastal wonders, then these Unisex Water Shoes are absolute must-haves for your packing list!


They're compact, cost-effective and at just $8, and could save your beach day.


Certain beaches may require water shoes, especially after a storm when conditions can shift dramatically. It's all about being prepared for whatever the island throws your way! 







Let's talk about keeping things cold in Aruba! These insulated cups are an ABSOLUTE MUST if you like your drinks cold! The Owala 32 oz insulated water bottle was a game changer for me on my last trip. Unlike my old 40 oz water bottle that got heavy to lift and tip up, this one is 32 oz and has a built-in straw that completely upped my water game. I am forever changed!

The Sunwill 20 oz tumbler is another favorite because it's a bit slimmer and taller, fitting perfectly in my hand. Plus, the lid has a large straw opening, allowing me to use any straw I want – it's the small things in life, right? And of course, my boyfriend swears by his Yeti cups as well! You can't go wrong with any of these!



This Insulated cooler bag has been an absolute game-changer for us! And the best part? It's incredibly reasonably priced!


We use this handy cooler bag daily in Aruba – whether it's for grocery shopping, fishing trips, or our beach outings to keep our drinks and snacks refreshingly cold.


What makes it even better is that it's a soft bag, so it's super versatile. You can easily lay it flat in your suitcase or pack it as a carry-on for your travels. These are especially helpful if you're staying at an Airbnb and plan to explore the island – trust me, you won't regret having it with you!



Laugh all you want, but I stand by my belief: you can never be too cautious. This Carbon Monoxide detector is a permanent fixture in my travel kit, whether I'm exploring the US or jetting off abroad.


It's a simple investment for an added layer of safety – and who knows, it could make all the difference in a critical moment. So, why not take this easy precaution? It's a no-brainer, in my book.




IYKYK. Those Apple AirTags are like little lifesavers, aren't they? I mean, who hasn't had a moment of panic at the baggage carousel?


Even though I try my best to stick to carry-ons, there are times when checking a bag is unavoidable. That's where these babies come in – they give you that extra peace of mind, ensuring your luggage is always headed in the right direction.


And hey, why stop at luggage? Throw one in your beach bag for an added layer of protection. After all, it never hurts to be prepared, right? Plus, they're handy for everyday use too.


I discovered the ultimate travel hack: a 4-pack of suction hooks. They stick easily to any surface, like the glass shower, providing the perfect spot to dry swimsuits and towels.


Compact and indispensable, they've become my must-have for any trip. Trust me, they'll revolutionize your vacation packing list!









Lockable, Anti-theft bag for valuables with cable to wrap around your palapa!









And don't forget your Aloe Vera!


Tech Gear

Gimbals, Lighting & Sound



My passion for Aruba and content creation goes hand in hand with having the right gear. Luckily, all of these items are not only reasonably priced but also deliver exceptional performance.


If there's one thing you need to grab, it's the Selfie Light. Seriously, it's a game-changer for those nighttime selfies! It literally makes your skin Glow!


Now, let's talk about gimbals. Remember the struggle with those clunky, hard-to-use ones from years ago? Say goodbye to all that frustration with the AOCHUAN Gimbal. It's a breeze to navigate, keeping your shots smooth and steady without any hassle.


Plus, the additional colored light feature is perfect for enhancing your nighttime videos and pictures, adding a touch of creativity to your content. And here's the real kicker: there's a convenient carrying case is available, fitting both the gimbal and wireless microphones, making it easy to transport your gear wherever your adventures take you.


But wait, there's more! You can easily hook up your wireless microphones to the gimbal for amazing sound, even in windy Aruba! It's perfect for those beachside Tik Tok Lives, and the compliments on your sound quality? Well, they just keep rolling in. Plus, both microphones come with handy clips so you can attach them to your clothes effortlessly.


E-Readers, Covers & Pop Sockets

I used to be a die-hard fan of physical books, resisting the idea of switching to a Kindle because I loved the tactile experience and colorful book covers. However, once I made the leap, I realized it's a total game-changer, especially for vacationing when space is limited.


My Kindle Paperwhite Waterproof, now my third Kindle, surpasses its predecessors for a few key reasons. Firstly, its waterproof feature is a lifesaver – dropping it in the pool or ocean, as I've done countless times, no longer induces panic. It keeps working seamlessly.


Secondly, its readability under the brightest sun or at night with adjustable lighting via a simple slide button is unparalleled. I love how I can adjust it to my preferences effortlessly.


Another standout feature is the access to reviews, new releases, and categorized book breakdowns, making it easy to discover new reads.


I can't recommend joining Kindle Unlimited enough; for just $12.99 a month, it opens up a world of fantastic reads.


Upgrading to a clear cover with a removable magnetic pop socket and a wireless charger has revolutionized my reading experience. The clear cover not only ensures easy maintenance and cleanliness, but also enhances the overall reading experience.


The removeable magnetic pop socket alleviates finger & hand strain during extended reading sessions, while the wireless charger adds unparalleled convenience, especially for travelers. Yes, I know this sounds funny to those who don't read, but for those of us who can spend hours immersed in a book, these details are crucial for comfort and enjoyment!


With my old Kindle, dropping it in the water meant waiting 3+ days for the charger to dry out before I could charge it again. Not the case with this wireless charger!  I simply remove the magnetic pop socket, keep the clear cover on, and it charges without any issue, even after being submerged in water!

It's a quartet worth every penny, particularly for fellow book lovers like me!

GoPro 9, Floating Tripod & Memory Card



The GoPro Hero 9 continues to exceed expectations! While my boyfriend is the primary user, I'm consistently impressed by its quality and user-friendly design. Plus, the battery life is great and quality remarkable.


Our snorkeling adventures in Aruba at Boca Catalina and Baby Beach were captured flawlessly, showcasing some of our favorite spots on the island. I even took it along for a thrilling 1.5-hour Sea Bob adventure, where there was an actual hookup on the electric Sea Bob to attach the GoPro, allowing for hands-free recording. Additionally, using the floating selfie stick while snorkeling, I was able to enjoy moments of being hands-free while capturing unforgettable memories.


And don't forget to pair it with a high-definition memory card for the ultimate recording experience!

Drone, Memory card & Carrying case


The DJI Mini 3 Pro has quickly become my go-to drone! One of its standout features is its ability to film in both vertical and horizontal orientations, offering versatility like no other. As you use it more, you'll find it incredibly user-friendly, and weighing less than 249 g, it doesn't require registration in most countries and regions.


Its foldable and compact design makes it a breeze to carry on any adventure, and trust me, it handles the winds of Aruba like a champ! With the DJI Fly App pre-installed and a built-in 5.5-inch HD display, you'll enjoy crisp viewing even in direct sunlight. Plus, with a maximum wind speed resistance of 10.7 m/s (Level 5), you can fly confidently in various conditions.


Capture your world in stunning detail with 4K/60fps video and 48MP photos, all while enjoying an array of intelligent features like FocusTrack, True Vertical Shooting, MasterShots, Timelapse, QuickTransfer, and more. To ensure uninterrupted adventures, we opted for the carrying case with extra batteries and a memory card.


And if you're considering an upgrade, DJI offers the newer DJI Mini Pro 4, promising even more enhanced features and capabilities!



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