Although Aruba got a new and modern airport building it did not include a plane spotting area (as in the old
building). In the past there was a lounge on the second floor where one can sit, have a drink, eat something &
watch aircraft movements. Despite the elimination of this lounge by the Aruba Airport Authority there are still
several good plane spotting areas in Aruba.
RENAISSANCE ISLAND
Probably one of the best & coolest spots is at the Renaissance (ex-Sonesta) Island. With a stay at this Hotel
you get access to this private island which location is just next to runway 11. You can stay at the popular area
(with bars, gym, store, etc.) on the island & have a great view or walk to the tip of the "rif" and watch the planes
pass right over you at a height of about 50-100 feet.
NEXT TO TAXIWAY G
A popular spotting place is next to the taxiway G where one can sit and actually listen to the Controller talking
to the pilots. There are 2 of these roofed facility next to the taxiway. You will be very close to the taxing aircrafts
and have a great picture opportunity although avoid late afternoon because of the backlight. For take offs &
landings this is probably the best place although you will not have a view of the apron. You will also be behind
a fence which could be a problem for some of the bigger lenses, if you are planning on taking pictures.
SOUTH SIDE
The south side is one of the less known for the visitors yet best places to spot in Aruba. Here you will get a
clear view of the runway & main apron. Excellent photos can be taken from the south side. From this spot you
will have good lighting for most of the day but the best time is after 2pm.
RUNWAY 29
Although spotting at runway 29 is rare you can do some spotting and one can actually get very close to the
runway but because of the elevation you will have VERY limited view of the apron. The runway and the rest of
the airport is practically not visible. If runway 29 is in use you will have an excellent view of the landing aircrafts
passing just a few feet above you. Departing aircrafts will also turn right in front of you giving you nice picture
angles.
RUNWAY 11
More recently the start of runway 11 was slightly extended into the ocean. Right now it is the best place to take
closeup pictures of departing and arriving aircrafts. The disadvantage is that you need to walk there as there
is no road access. The other thing to take into account is that there is almost no place to hide from the sun.
So if you plan to go there, take plenty of water a/o refreshments and sunblock cream. Also watchout for the jet
blasts as they can very strong. This spotting place is very similar to Sint Maarten's Juliana Airport as you can
appreciate on the pictures below.
SOUTH SIDE GENERAL AVIATION TERMINAL
At the South Side, more specifically at the new General Aviation terminal there are also excellent spotting
places. Either from the fence outside or from inside you can take good closeup shots of GA aircrafts. Nearby
fences have been moved back but with a good camera you will be able to get a few good angles on departing
aircrafts.
SECURITY AROUND THE AIRPORT
We have had several reports of airport security (yellow vehicles) telling people not to take photos of the airport
a/o aircrafts. As long as you stay out of their premises the Aruba Airport Authority can not impose what you can
or can not take pictures of.
building). In the past there was a lounge on the second floor where one can sit, have a drink, eat something &
watch aircraft movements. Despite the elimination of this lounge by the Aruba Airport Authority there are still
several good plane spotting areas in Aruba.
RENAISSANCE ISLAND
Probably one of the best & coolest spots is at the Renaissance (ex-Sonesta) Island. With a stay at this Hotel
you get access to this private island which location is just next to runway 11. You can stay at the popular area
(with bars, gym, store, etc.) on the island & have a great view or walk to the tip of the "rif" and watch the planes
pass right over you at a height of about 50-100 feet.
NEXT TO TAXIWAY G
A popular spotting place is next to the taxiway G where one can sit and actually listen to the Controller talking
to the pilots. There are 2 of these roofed facility next to the taxiway. You will be very close to the taxing aircrafts
and have a great picture opportunity although avoid late afternoon because of the backlight. For take offs &
landings this is probably the best place although you will not have a view of the apron. You will also be behind
a fence which could be a problem for some of the bigger lenses, if you are planning on taking pictures.
SOUTH SIDE
The south side is one of the less known for the visitors yet best places to spot in Aruba. Here you will get a
clear view of the runway & main apron. Excellent photos can be taken from the south side. From this spot you
will have good lighting for most of the day but the best time is after 2pm.
RUNWAY 29
Although spotting at runway 29 is rare you can do some spotting and one can actually get very close to the
runway but because of the elevation you will have VERY limited view of the apron. The runway and the rest of
the airport is practically not visible. If runway 29 is in use you will have an excellent view of the landing aircrafts
passing just a few feet above you. Departing aircrafts will also turn right in front of you giving you nice picture
angles.
RUNWAY 11
More recently the start of runway 11 was slightly extended into the ocean. Right now it is the best place to take
closeup pictures of departing and arriving aircrafts. The disadvantage is that you need to walk there as there
is no road access. The other thing to take into account is that there is almost no place to hide from the sun.
So if you plan to go there, take plenty of water a/o refreshments and sunblock cream. Also watchout for the jet
blasts as they can very strong. This spotting place is very similar to Sint Maarten's Juliana Airport as you can
appreciate on the pictures below.
SOUTH SIDE GENERAL AVIATION TERMINAL
At the South Side, more specifically at the new General Aviation terminal there are also excellent spotting
places. Either from the fence outside or from inside you can take good closeup shots of GA aircrafts. Nearby
fences have been moved back but with a good camera you will be able to get a few good angles on departing
aircrafts.
SECURITY AROUND THE AIRPORT
We have had several reports of airport security (yellow vehicles) telling people not to take photos of the airport
a/o aircrafts. As long as you stay out of their premises the Aruba Airport Authority can not impose what you can
or can not take pictures of.
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