Although it’s certainly an island worthy of more time, many Caribbean cruises stop in Aruba for a single day in port. As a result, people who visit Aruba by cruise ship may only have one day to devote to this lovely destination. Read on to discover three great ways to spend a port day in Aruba, the Caribbean’s happiest island.
When it comes to picture-perfect Caribbean islands, Aruba has a lot to recommend it. It’s lined with dazzling beaches, for a start, and its position below the hurricane belt means that your vacation is unlikely to be derailed by a major storm no matter the time of year. The sun is hot, but the trade winds are constant and refreshing. The people are incredibly kind and hospitable, making you feel welcome and at ease right away. Add to that convenient nonstop flights from many US cities, tap water that is safe to drink, and a thriving tourism infrastructure, and you’ve got all the makings of an enjoyable, stress-free vacation.
While there are plenty of reasons to plan a longer vacation to this “One Happy Island,” many people visit Aruba as a stop on a cruise of the southern Caribbean. And as with any cruise port of call, it can be challenging to figure out what to see and do in the limited amount of time you have to experience that day’s destination.
Below are three ways to spend one day in Aruba on a cruise – a “choose your own Aruban adventure” of sorts. Thankfully, with a destination this lovely, it’s hard to go wrong!
Option 1: Relax on Aruba's World-Class Beaches
Perhaps more than anything else, it is the beaches that draw people to Aruba over and over again. With powdery white sand, clear turquoise water, and palm trees swaying in the endless trade winds, there are few places on the island that are more idyllic or relaxing.
Two of the most famous beaches in Aruba are Eagle Beach, about five kilometers north of the cruise terminal, and Palm Beach, which is roughly three or so kilometers farther along. Palm Beach is lined with the big hotels and resorts of the “high rise” area, with myriad shopping and dining options available behind the resorts on the other side of J.E. Irausquin Boulevard. It’s busier, but has more amenities at your disposal should you choose to take a break from sun and sea to grab a bite to eat or search out that perfect souvenir.
Eagle Beach, on the other hand, fronts the so-called “low rise” area, where smaller, more laidback hotels sit behind J.E. Irausquin Boulevard and leave the beach area more open and tranquil. This is the beach that is most often touted among the world’s best, and it’s the perfect spot for a quiet, stress-free day of sunbathing, napping, reading, or taking a leisurely walk.
Both Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are easily accessible by taxi or public transportation from the cruise port, make it easy to hit one or both in the course of your port day in Aruba.
Alternatively, you could choose to go farther afield for your beach day. To the north, Tres Trapi Beach, pictured below, has a rocky shoreline and solid snorkeling opportunities, but may not be best for sunbathing. Malmok Beach boasts crystal-clear water, pretty Boca Catalina is quiet (especially on weekdays), and Arashi Beach is great for families.
Heading south from Oranjestad, Mangel Halto Beach invites you to take refuge in the shade of some mangroves after enjoying its secluded stretch of sand. Or, you could head to the southern tip of the island, where Baby Beach welcomes you with a big, half-moon-shaped cove featuring clear water and gentle surf. (More on that below.)
Although you can take the local buses to most, if not all, of the above-mentioned beaches, it may be easier and quicker (though more expensive) to take a taxi. Just make sure to arrange pickup, as well, so you can get back to your ship on time!
Wherever you end up, you won’t regret spending a day on Aruba’s sunny shores!
So... Should You Do a Relaxing Beach Day?
Pros:
- Ultimate relaxation!
- Easy and inexpensive
- All beaches in Aruba are public, so you’re not restricted in your search for the perfect stretch of sand.
- Eagle Beach is usually listed among the best beaches in the Caribbean and often among the best in the world.
Cons:
- While all beaches are public, certain amenities, such as beach chairs and umbrellas, may be reserved for guests of nearby hotels and resorts. Often, however, you can pay a small fee to rent or use them.
- You miss out on the landscapes, attractions, and local culture that make Aruba unique.
- The sun is very strong, so take precautions against sunburn if you’re going to be sunbathing all day!
- If you’re not a big beach person, this could get boring after a while.
Option 2: An Adventure into the Countryside
If you’ve already had your fill of beaches on this cruise, or if you’re looking for something a little more exciting, why not set out on an off-road adventure along Aruba’s dry, windswept northern coast?
Contrary to what you might think upon seeing the (imported) palm trees in Oranjestad, Eagle Beach, and Palm Beach, Aruba is an arid island with relatively little native vegetation. Once you leave the main tourist areas behind, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you find yourself surrounded by varying shades of brown.
But while this may seem underwhelming compared to the colorful bliss of the beaches, you’re missing something special if you don’t check out the Aruban countryside. The northern coast is constantly pounded by wind and waves, creating a stark and at times otherworldly landscape of sea cliffs, natural bridges, and rocky coves. And monochromatic though it might be, it’s hard not to be impressed by the beauty of the coastline and the power of the crashing waves.
One of the most famous landmarks of Aruba’s northern coast – and perhaps the entire country – is the Natural Pool, or Conchi, located in Arikok National Park. Here, a gorgeous basin of clear water is sheltered by a ring of volcanic rocks, creating a natural swimming pool safe from the pounding waves beyond.
Other notable landmarks include a natural bridge formed by years of relentless surf, a natural swimming pool inside a cave, and the ruins of the Bushiribana Gold Mill. Most tours of the area also include the lonely, windswept Alto Vista Chapel and the California Lighthouse, which is the tallest structure on the island.
Most people, especially cruise passengers with limited hours, choose to visit the northern coast as part of a guided tour. Not only does this ensure that you see the most sights in your allotted time, but it saves you from navigating the bumpy, dusty, and sometimes challenging roads in a rental car.
I personally recommend this North Shore Jeep Safari Tour, which includes the Natural Pool, Natural Bridge, Cave Pool, and more, but it’s also very popular to drive your own ATV or UTV to see the sights.
For a more detailed look into the wild wonders of the north coast, don’t miss this post!
Or... Should You Seek Out Some Adventure?
Pros:
- Exhiliarating, fun, and unique
- The landscapes are beautiful.
- Half-day tours may allow time to hit the beach or do other activities before your ship departs.
Cons:
- Travel is dusty and bumpy; pregnant women or those with back or neck issues should avoid these tours.
- You may miss out on the beaches that make Aruba famous.
Option 3: Off the Beaten Path on the Southern Coast
While most of Aruba’s tourist infrastructure and most famous sights are clustered along the coast north of Oranjestad, there is plenty to see to the south! This is the ideal way to spend a day in Aruba for those who want to feel connected to local culture, and you don’t have to sacrifice some great beach time to do it.
Heading south from Oranjestad, you’ll travel through neighborhoods and along the coast until you hit San Nicolas on the very southern tip of the island. In fact, San Nicolas is called “Sunrise City” because it is the first town on Aruba to see the sun in the morning.
Along the way, you can stop at pretty Mangel Halto Beach, mentioned above, and grab a deliciously fresh seaside lunch at the famous Zeerovers in Savaneta.
Farther along, you can spend time in the artistic and multicultural city of San Nicolas, where the streets are lined with murals and there are plenty of tasty places to pop into for a snack, meal, or drink.
Unsurprisingly, the city is surrounded by lovely beaches, including some that are perfect for kite surfing and others that are great for sunbathing and swimming.
Baby Beach is the most popular, a sheltered cove of clear, shallow water that’s ideal for families and big enough that it doesn’t feel crowded. Free beach huts and palapas line the sand, and there’s a beach grill nearby in case you’re somehow still hungry. It’s a great, and more local-feeling, place to while away the sunny hours before your ship departs.
There are lots of tours that take you to the southern reaches of Aruba, particularly to lounge on or snorkel at Baby Beach. You can also rent a car and DIY your trip, which allows for maximum flexibility. Rental rates are reasonable on the island, and driving is fairly easy (unless you have a fear of roundabouts/traffic circles). The closest rental car offices to the cruise terminal are mostly located at Queen Beatrix International Airport, about ten minutes away. While the tours are nice, I highly recommend setting off on your own if you feel comfortable.
For a more detailed look at what a day trip to San Nicolas and the south could involve, check out my post about our day trip south!
Should You Head Off the Beaten Path?
Pros:
- Get a more authentic glimpse into local life
- Fewer crowds
- Opportunities to enjoy great food and art
Cons:
- Since you’re going farther afield, you’ll need to keep a careful eye on the clock to ensure you make it back to the ship on time.
- This option may require more planning and effort.
*both of these cons are mitigated if you book a shore excursion through the cruise line
Honorable Mentions
While the three choices above are great options for spending one day on the island if you’re visiting Aruba by cruise ship, they are by no means the only worthwhile things to do in Aruba! If none of the above floats your boat (cruise ship?), here are a few other ideas:
- Spend the day shopping, eating, and wandering in the colorful, historic capital of Oranjestad.
- Get out on the water with a catamaran sail or snorkeling trip – there’s a shipwreck to explore!
- Take a full-day tour that encompasses the whole island. (Private options are available, as well!)
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Read More:
The Do’s and Don’ts of Aruba: Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
The Ultimate One-Week Aruba Itinerary
Worth the Splurge: An Aruba Sunset Dinner Cruise
Sunrise City: A Day Trip to San Nicolas, Aruba
Wild Wonders: Exploring the North Shore of Aruba
25 of Aruba’s Best Restaurants
The Essential Aruba Packing List
Need some help planning your Caribbean cruise or trip to Aruba? Full Life, Full Passport offers customized planning services for all kinds of vacations and budgets!
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