Aruba is famous for white sand beaches, crystal clear azure water, and loads of sunlight. We had been sailing for three days, and could hardly wait to arrive at the Aruba cruise port. We had plenty of time to review our Aruba itinerary options.
This southern Caribbean destination did not disappoint; although, there are so many things to do in Aruba, we could have easily spent a week. With only five hours scheduled (from 7 am to noon) at the Aruba cruise ship port, we knew we needed to make every minute count.
Aruba itinerary options: relaxation
Best beaches in Aruba near the cruise port
The port is right in Oranjestad, the capital city of Aruba. We opted to skip the paid Aruba shore excursions offered by the cruise line and head northwest on the public bus to Palm Beach – a destination that frequently appears on lists of the world’s best beaches.
The contrast of the stark white sand against the water and sky was highlighted by splashes of greenery. The beach was calling to us, but it was not even 8 am, and the coffee was shouting louder. We chose The Bread Basket as a local recommended it for the best coffee in town.
Beach front coffee shop 
Another view of Palm Beach 
Palm Beach
While there are other Aruba beaches near the cruise port, Palm Beach consistently is named as the best one around.
Aruba itinerary options: water sports
Aruba is a water sports paradise. Scuba, snorkelling, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, catamaran sailing, swimming, body boarding, and more. If you can do it in the water, it is being done here. And Palm beach offered so many choices.
Called a jet flyer, this is the one that captured my attention. Although, I was happy to just watch.
Jet Flyer 
More options
Watersport, adventure, and other shore excursion options to pre-book
- Bus Tour & Snorkel: This 4.5-hour tour includes a stops at an Aloe Vera Factory, the Casibari Rock Formation, Natural Bridge, Alto Vista Chapel, California Light House, before snorkelling at the Arashi Beach.
⇒ Check prices and reviews. - ATV Tour with Natural Pool Swim: This 4-hour tour includes a solo or double ATV ride along the north coast, along with a swim in a natural pool.
⇒ Check prices and reviews. - Natural Pool Horseback Riding Tour: A 2.5-hour tour that matches rider to horse and includes a swim in a natural pool.
⇒ Check prices and reviews. - Island Jeep Safari Tour: An exciting tour to stunning island spots accessible only by four-wheel drive. Stops include swimming and snorkelling at Natural Pool and Baby Beach.
⇒ Check prices and reviews.
Aruba itinerary options: delve into history and culture
Aruba itinerary options: shopping
I am not a fan of shopping. I travel super light and my number one souvenir is photos. However, this does not preclude me from window shopping or enjoying the colourful colonial buildings lining the shopping area of Oranjestad. I can learn so much about a culture through its handicrafts, which is why I love going to markets.
Aruba flea market 
Royal Plaza Mall in Oranjestad
Know before you cruise to Aruba
- Aruba is one of the Netherland Antilles, the southernmost islands in the Caribbean.
- The island of Aruba is only 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across at its widest point.
- The average year-round temperature is 28C (82F).
- There are two official languages, Papiamento and Dutch. However, according to our taxi driver, most people speak four languages, adding English and Spanish to the mix.
- Both the Aruban Florin and the US Dollar are considered official currencies.
- You can take either a taxi or city bus to go from town to the best beaches (along the West Coast). When we visited, taxis charged about $14 for the trip to Palm Beach, while the bus is $2.60 per person. Bus number L10 or L10B will get you there, but if you want to continue to the California Lighthouse, you will need to be on the L10.
- If you are thinking about cruising, check out these Caribbean cruise deals at Cruise Direct.
We can’t resist a bit of tourist fun
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Paul Pietrangelo
June 29, 2019 at 6:22 amI’ve been to Aruba twice and this year’s cruise will include Aruba. It’s a very beautiful place but I like Curacao but better. Did you realize that Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire are the ABC islands. Of course you probably did. See ya
Cruisin Paul
Terrie
June 1, 2016 at 4:35 amRhonda,
Great pictures. My husband and I stayed a week in Aruba 20 yrs ago. We have gone back there as a stop on cruises about 3 times. Looking to just go to the beach this time. We leave June 2016. Do you know anything about Reflections Beach also know as Nikki beach? I hear it is in walking distance.
Rhonda Albom
June 1, 2016 at 9:58 amSorry, wish I did. We had way to short of a time in Aruba, and I didn’t keep the city map as I travel with only carry on. Where ever it is on the island, it will be lovely. And the city bus is super cheap, so even if it’s not walking distance from each other, they should be easy to get to.
Rhonda Albom
May 18, 2016 at 5:38 pmThanks. It was quite relaxing although our shore time was short.
Lydia C. Lee
May 18, 2016 at 3:06 pmI’ve done jet flyer – fun and terrifying at the same time!!
Rhonda Albom
May 18, 2016 at 5:41 pmHubby was thinking of trying it but our time was short at the port.
Joyce Lansky
May 18, 2016 at 8:39 amWhat a life. Gorgeous pictures!
Pam Margolis
May 17, 2016 at 11:07 pmThere is a reason Aruba is called One Happy Island, it’s the best place ever!
Rhonda Albom
May 18, 2016 at 5:31 pmHubby bought a somewhat plain hat in Aruba and on the back was embroidery with that slogan – One Happy Island.
Mary-the boondocks blog
May 17, 2016 at 8:12 pmWhat a beautiful island. It reminds me of Greece, the same deep blue sky that is not found in many other places. I love the pink building you photographed. When I go to a new place the last thing I want to do is lie on the beach. I like to take in the local culture and have a look around. I have the beach at home so there is no need for that.Rhonda, I am hosting a new link party, Sweet Inspiration and encourage photo and travel bloggers to join us as well. It runs Friday till Tuesday. Hope you can join us.
Rhonda Albom
May 29, 2016 at 12:56 pmAruba is beautiful and I think the sky looks even deeper blue in contrast to the white sand.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
May 17, 2016 at 5:54 amOur next cruise in January, 2017, one of our ports is Aruba. Depending of the time, I’m not sure what We’ll be doing. After Aruba we go to Curacao, the port I’m really looking forward to. When you finished your vacation Rhonda, do you plan on having a blog of your vacation and all the places that you were there? I would love seeing more of where you went. See ya my friend.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
May 18, 2016 at 5:08 pmThanks for a great idea Paul. I was just going to write summaries for each of the cities.
L. Diane Wolfe
May 17, 2016 at 3:43 amI love the signs pointing to all of the cities. Puts Aruba’s placement in perspective.
Rhonda Albom
May 17, 2016 at 5:34 amI love those signs too, always photo them when I see them in new spots. We are quite close to South America.
Brenda Marie
May 17, 2016 at 2:00 amI love your pictures they are very nice and relaxing.
Rhonda Albom
May 17, 2016 at 5:33 amThen I have done my post well. Thanks.
Lexa Cain
May 17, 2016 at 1:53 amWow! Some awesome sights, especially the beach and the gorgeous trolley car. I’m so glad you’re having a good time! Thanks for sharing with us. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
May 17, 2016 at 5:32 amThe beach was so inviting with the white sand and azure waters.
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor
May 17, 2016 at 1:43 amThe lizard is cracking me up 🙂 Aruba looks lovely and so relaxing. I had no idea that they had a streetcar. Fascinating.
Rhonda Albom
May 17, 2016 at 5:32 amI wish we could have stayed longer.
Stefanie
May 17, 2016 at 12:55 amI see I think the same way your other readers do – cause I just wanted to know what the lizard did next – glad you answered it – and no, I really didn’t want to know after all!
Rhonda Albom
May 17, 2016 at 5:31 amLOL – I did try to warn you 🙂
Hilary
May 16, 2016 at 7:44 pmHi Rhonda – lovely photos and descriptions … that lizard is just wonderful – nature is amazing. I’ve never been to the Caribbean … it looks amazingly hot! Cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
May 17, 2016 at 5:31 amI love the tropical weather, so I am really happy.
Shere
May 16, 2016 at 4:21 pmAruba is very popular forthe Dutch tourist. So handy that they speak Dutch
Rhonda Albom
May 16, 2016 at 5:52 pmI’m happy that they spoke several common languages. It makes it feel more multicultural.
Kathy Marris
May 16, 2016 at 3:10 pmI hope you enjoyed Aruba as much as we did. We went on a Caribbean Cruise last year in April and we stopped for a full day in Aruba. We loved the dutch influence and yes the beaches were spectacular. We actually did a tour however which we enjoyed immensely. Love the lizard- he is so brightly coloured.
Rhonda Albom
May 16, 2016 at 5:50 pmWe were only there for half a day and we enjoyed it.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
May 16, 2016 at 1:43 pmVery colorful!
Lizard poop. Just great.
A jet flyer would be cool, but it’s not a cheap sport.
Rhonda Albom
May 16, 2016 at 5:45 pmYes, that is what it did. I was a bit stunned.
Comedy Plus
May 16, 2016 at 11:22 amGreat shots, but what did that lizard do next?
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
May 16, 2016 at 5:44 pmRelieved himself. No modesty here.