Aruba cruise port guide: what to do in your hours ashore
Ships dock right in downtown Oranjestad. You can walk off the ship and be on the main shopping street in a few minutes, and the famous white beaches start about ten minutes away by taxi. Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt and is dry and windy most of the year.
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Plan by time ashore
Under 4 hours
Downtown Oranjestad on foot, Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Island tour
4 to 6 hours
Catamaran snorkel trip, Arashi Beach and California Lighthouse, Mangel Halto
6 hours or more
Arikok National Park and the Natural Pool, Baby Beach
Getting around from the terminal
- Walk: Downtown, the waterfront and the Renaissance Marketplace are within a 5–10 minute walk of the terminal.
- Taxi: Taxis wait at the terminal. Fares are fixed per zone rather than metered: agree the price before you get in. Roughly $15–20 to Eagle Beach and $25–30 to Palm Beach per car. being verified
- Public bus: Arubus runs from the central bus station near the port along the hotel strip to Palm Beach every 15–20 minutes. Cheap and easy, but slower on busy days. being verified
- Rental car / UTV: Possible from downtown, but parking near the terminal is limited and you carry the risk of being late. Only worth it on long port days.
Money and language
Money: Aruban florin (AWG), fixed at about 1.79 per US dollar. US dollars are accepted almost everywhere; change is often given in florins.
Language: Papiamento and Dutch are official; English and Spanish are widely spoken.
Opening hours
Downtown shops are generally open Monday to Saturday from about 9:00 to 18:00. Restaurants and beach bars open daily.
On Sundays most downtown shops are closed, but many stores near the terminal open when a ship is in port.
Weather
Daytime highs of 29–32°C all year. Dry most of the year; October to January brings short tropical showers.
Things to do
Town
Downtown Oranjestad on foot
Main Street, the Dutch-colonial facades, Fort Zoutman with the Willem III Tower, and the waterfront. Free, shaded in places, and you are never far from the ship.
Beach
Eagle Beach
Wide, soft white sand and the famous fofoti trees. Calm water and plenty of room even on busy days. Shade huts are first come, first served; beach chairs can be rented from the hotels.
Beach
Palm Beach
The high-rise hotel strip: water sports, bars and restaurants right on the sand. Lively and the busiest beach when several ships are in.
Tour
Island tour
A guided loop past the California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel, the Casibari rock formations and the north coast. Good first look at the island if you only have a few hours.
Beach
Arashi Beach and California Lighthousebeing verified
Quieter beach at the north tip with easy snorkelling from shore, a short drive below the California Lighthouse.
Beach
Mangel Haltobeing verified
Mangroves, shallow turquoise water and a reef further out. A local favourite for snorkelling; currents beyond the reef can be strong.
Tour
Catamaran snorkel trip
Sail up the west coast to the Antilla wreck and the reefs at Boca Catalina. Most trips last 3–4 hours, include snorkel gear and drinks, and leave from Palm Beach or near the terminal.
Tour
Arikok National Park and the Natural Pool
Desert landscape, caves with rock drawings and the Natural Pool on the rugged north coast. The road to the pool needs a 4x4, so most people go on a jeep or UTV tour. There is a park entry fee.
Beach
Baby Beach
A shallow, sheltered lagoon at the far southern tip, near the street-art town of San Nicolas. Great for children and weak swimmers, but far from the ship: leave plenty of margin.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the beach from the Aruba cruise terminal?
Eagle Beach is about 10 minutes by taxi, Palm Beach about 20. Downtown Oranjestad is a short walk.
Can I use US dollars in Aruba?
Yes. US dollars and major cards are accepted almost everywhere. The Aruban florin is pegged at about 1.79 per dollar.
Do I need a tour to see the Natural Pool?
In practice yes: the last part of the road is only passable by 4x4. Allow about 4–5 hours for a jeep or UTV tour.
How much time should I keep before all aboard?
Plan to be back at the terminal at least an hour before your ship leaves. All-aboard time is usually 30–60 minutes before departure and is printed in your ship's daily programme.
Labels saying being verified mark local tips we have not confirmed yet.