Things to do in Aruba on a cruise port day
Sorted by how much time you need, travel from the pier included. Looking for a plan by hours? 4 hours · 6 hours.
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.
Tours & prices (4)
Full-Day Island Jeep Safari Tour
Aruba Full Island Safari with Baby Beach & Natural Bridge
Half-Day Aruba Island Tour with Top Attractions
Guided Countryside Exploration Tour
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.
Tours & prices (2)
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.
Tours & prices (4)
Snorkel Cruise with Open Bar and Light Lunch
Afternoon Sailing Trip with Snorkeling and Open Bar
Dolphin Sunset Adventure Catamaran Cruise
Sailing and Snorkeling Experience with Drinks
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.
Tours & prices (4)
Natural Pool, Caves & Baby Beach Jeep Adventure
Arikok National Park Jeep Safari
Natural Pool & Caves Off-Road Safari
Arikok Park Rancho Loco Natural Pool Horseback Tour
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.
Tours & prices (4)
Natural Pool, Caves & Baby Beach Jeep Adventure
Aruba Full Island Safari with Baby Beach & Natural Bridge
Mangel Halto and Baby Beach Snorkeling Tour
