What to Do at Aruba Cruise Port: A Comprehensive Guide

Aruba: The Perfect Caribbean Cruise Destination

Aruba is a Caribbean island with something for everyone. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation, it’s no wonder that Aruba is a popular cruise destination. But what exactly can you do at Aruba’s cruise port?

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Aruba, from swimming and snorkeling in the clear blue waters to exploring the island’s unique culture and history. So whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, read on for some inspiration for your next trip to Aruba!

Activity Description Cost
Snorkeling Explore the colorful coral reefs and marine life just offshore. $30-$50 per person
Parasailing Soar over the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. $50-$75 per person
Climbing the Hooiberg Hike to the top of Aruba’s highest mountain for stunning views of the island. $20-$30 per person
Visiting the Butterfly Farm Learn about the fascinating world of butterflies and see them up close. $15-$20 per person
Shopping Find souvenirs, local crafts, and designer brands at the many shops in Oranjestad. $10-$20 per person

Aruba is a Caribbean island located just off the coast of Venezuela. It is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches, clear water, and lush vegetation. There are many things to do in Aruba, including sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing.

Sightseeing

There are many things to see in Aruba, including the cruise ship terminal, Fort Zoutman, Queen Wilhelmina Park, Alto Vista Chapel, Natural Bridge, and Arikok National Park.

  • Cruise ship terminal

The cruise ship terminal is located in the capital city of Oranjestad. It is a large complex with shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also several cruise ships docked at the terminal, which offer a variety of tours and excursions.

  • Fort Zoutman

Fort Zoutman is a historic fort built in the 17th century. It is located in the center of Oranjestad and offers stunning views of the city and the harbor. The fort is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination.

  • Queen Wilhelmina Park

Queen Wilhelmina Park is a large park located in the center of Oranjestad. It is home to a variety of plants and animals, as well as a number of historical monuments. The park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the scenery.

  • Alto Vista Chapel

Alto Vista Chapel is a small chapel located on a hill overlooking the island. It was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The chapel is a popular spot for hikers and offers stunning views of the island.

  • Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge is a natural arch located on the north coast of Aruba. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island. The arch is formed by two large boulders that have been eroded by the sea over time.

  • Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park is the largest park in Aruba. It is home to a variety of plants and animals, including the Aruban whiptail lizard, the Aruban burrowing owl, and the Aruban crested tortoise. The park is also home to a number of hiking trails, as well as a number of caves and waterfalls.

Beaches

Aruba has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. The beaches are known for their white sand, clear water, and gentle waves. There are a variety of beaches to choose from, each with its own unique charm.

  • Palm Beach

Palm Beach is the most popular beach in Aruba. It is located in the south of the island and is known for its long stretches of white sand and clear water. The beach is lined with hotels, restaurants, and bars.

  • Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is located in the north of Aruba. It is known for its calm waters and beautiful scenery. The beach is also home to a number of sea turtles.

  • Manchebo Beach

Manchebo Beach is located in the center of Aruba. It is a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The beach is also home to a number of restaurants and bars.

  • Baby Beach

Baby Beach is located on the east coast of Aruba. It is a small beach that is perfect for families with young children. The beach is shallow and has calm waters.

  • Arashi Beach

Arashi Beach is located on the north coast of Aruba. It is a popular spot for surfing. The beach is known for its strong waves and powerful currents.

  • Druif Beach

Druif Beach is located on the west coast of Aruba. It is a secluded beach that is perfect for relaxation. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and offers stunning views of the ocean.

Aruba is a beautiful island with a lot to offer visitors. There are many things to see and do, including sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The island also has a variety of beautiful beaches to choose from. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, Aruba has something to offer everyone.

3. Activities

Aruba is a popular cruise destination due to its beautiful beaches, clear water, and diverse activities. Here are some of the best things to do at Aruba cruise port:

  • Snorkeling. Aruba is home to some of the best snorkeling in the world. The clear water and abundant marine life make it a great place to see fish, coral reefs, and other sea creatures. There are many different snorkeling spots around the island, but some of the best include:
  • The Wreck of the California: This shipwreck is located just off the coast of Aruba and is a popular spot for snorkelers. The wreck is home to a variety of fish and coral, and it’s a great place to see marine life up close.
  • Baby Beach: This sheltered beach is perfect for beginners and families. The water is shallow and calm, and there are plenty of fish to see.
  • De Palm Island: This private island is home to a variety of snorkeling spots, including a coral reef, a shipwreck, and a turtle sanctuary.
  • Scuba diving. Aruba is also a great place to go scuba diving. The island has a variety of dive sites, ranging from shallow reefs to deep wrecks. Some of the best dive sites include:
  • The Antilla Wreck: This shipwreck is located about 3 miles off the coast of Aruba and is one of the most popular dive sites in the Caribbean. The wreck is home to a variety of fish and coral, and it’s a great place to see marine life up close.
  • The Cubera Reef: This reef is located just off the coast of Aruba and is a great place to see fish, coral, and other marine life. The reef is also home to a variety of sharks, including nurse sharks, reef sharks, and Caribbean reef sharks.
  • The Renaissance Island: This private island is home to a variety of dive sites, including a coral reef, a shipwreck, and a turtle sanctuary.
  • Windsurfing. Aruba is a great place to go windsurfing. The island has a constant trade wind, which makes it ideal for this sport. Some of the best windsurfing spots include:
  • Eagle Beach: This beach is located on the north coast of Aruba and is one of the most popular windsurfing spots on the island. The beach has a long, sandy beach and plenty of wind.
  • Palm Beach: This beach is located on the south coast of Aruba and is another popular windsurfing spot. The beach has a sheltered bay, which makes it ideal for beginners.
  • Fisherman’s Huts: This beach is located on the west coast of Aruba and is a great spot for experienced windsurfers. The beach has strong winds and big waves, which make it challenging but rewarding.
  • Kitesurfing. Aruba is also a great place to go kitesurfing. The island has a constant trade wind, which makes it ideal for this sport. Some of the best kitesurfing spots include:
  • Eagle Beach: This beach is located on the north coast of Aruba and is one of the most popular kitesurfing spots on the island. The beach has a long, sandy beach and plenty of wind.
  • Palm Beach: This beach is located on the south coast of Aruba and is another popular kitesurfing spot. The beach has a sheltered bay, which makes it ideal for beginners.
  • Fisherman’s Huts: This beach is located on the west coast of Aruba and is a great spot for experienced kitesurfers. The beach has strong winds and big waves, which make it challenging but rewarding.
  • Fishing. Aruba is a great place to go fishing. The island has a variety of fish to catch, including marlin, tuna, wahoo, and barracuda. Some of the best fishing spots include:
  • The Antilla Wreck: This shipwreck is located about 3 miles off the coast of Aruba and is a great spot to catch fish. The wreck is home to a variety of fish, including grouper, snapper, and mackerel.
  • The Cubera Reef: This reef is located just off the coast of Aruba and is a great place to catch fish. The reef is home to a variety of fish, including grouper, snapper, and mackerel.
  • The Renaissance Island: This private island is home to a variety of fish to catch, including marlin, tuna, wahoo, and barracuda.
  • Golf. Aruba is also home to a number of golf courses. Some of the best golf courses include:
  • Tierra del Sol Golf & Country Club: This golf course is located in the north of Aruba and is a par 72 course. The course is designed by Robert Trent Jones

    What are the best things to do at Aruba Cruise Port?

  • Visit the Palm Beach Boardwalk. This is the most popular tourist area in Aruba, and it’s easy to see why. The boardwalk is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, and it offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
  • Snorkel at the Arashi Beach Reef. This is one of the best places in Aruba to snorkel, and it’s a great way to see the island’s colorful marine life.
  • Take a dip in the Natural Pool. This natural pool is located in the Arikok National Park, and it’s a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Visit the Alto Vista Chapel. This historic chapel is located on a hilltop overlooking the island, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Explore the Queen Wilhelmina Park. This park is home to a variety of attractions, including a botanical garden, a zoo, and a children’s playground.

What are the best restaurants near the cruise port?

  • The Landing. This restaurant offers stunning views of the harbor, and it serves a variety of international cuisine.
  • Flying Fishbone. This restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, and it offers outdoor seating with views of the ocean.
  • Pinchos. This restaurant serves up delicious tapas, and it’s a great place to enjoy a casual meal with friends.
  • Barefoot Bob’s. This restaurant is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it offers live music nightly.
  • Cafe Bohemia. This restaurant serves up Mediterranean cuisine in a stylish atmosphere.

What are the best beaches near the cruise port?

  • Palm Beach. This is the most popular beach in Aruba, and it’s known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear water.
  • Eagle Beach. This beach is located just a short walk from the cruise port, and it offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
  • Arashi Beach. This beach is known for its coral reef, which is home to a variety of marine life.
  • Baby Beach. This beach is located in a protected cove, and it’s a great place for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Kontiki Beach. This beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere and its beach bars.

What are the best things to do for free at Aruba Cruise Port?

  • Visit the Queen Wilhelmina Park. This park is home to a variety of attractions, including a botanical garden, a zoo, and a children’s playground.
  • Take a walk along the Palm Beach Boardwalk. This is the most popular tourist area in Aruba, and it’s lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.
  • Snorkel at the Arashi Beach Reef. This is one of the best places in Aruba to snorkel, and it’s a great way to see the island’s colorful marine life.
  • Visit the Alto Vista Chapel. This historic chapel is located on a hilltop overlooking the island, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
  • Explore the Arikok National Park. This park is home to a variety of hiking trails, as well as natural pools and caves.

Aruba is a beautiful Caribbean island with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an exciting adventure, or a cultural experience, you’ll find it in Aruba.

The cruise port is located in the capital city of Oranjestad, which is a great place to start your exploration of the island. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to keep you entertained, and you can also visit the historical Fort Zoutman.

If you’re looking for a beach day, head to Palm Beach, which is just a short walk from the cruise port. This is the most popular beach on the island, and it’s easy to see why. The white sand, clear water, and gentle waves are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

If you’re looking for something more active, there are plenty of other things to do in Aruba. You can go hiking in the Arikok National Park, go horseback riding on the beach, or take a dip in the natural hot springs.

No matter what you’re looking for in a vacation, you’re sure to find it in Aruba. So what are you waiting for? Book your cruise today!

Key Takeaways

  • Aruba is a beautiful Caribbean island with something to offer everyone.
  • The cruise port is located in the capital city of Oranjestad, which is a great place to start your exploration of the island.
  • There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to keep you entertained in Oranjestad.
  • Palm Beach is the most popular beach on the island and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
  • There are plenty of other things to do in Aruba, including hiking, horseback riding, and visiting the natural hot springs.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.