Do you have an upcoming stop at the Aruba cruise port in Oranjestad? Well, lucky you! Oranjestad is a fantastic port for cruise ships because it offers cruise guests many activities near the port.
Whether you want to check out some beaches, go shopping, go snorkeling, or quickly explore the island, read on to discover the best of the best in Oranjestad, Aruba.
Port Overview
Oranjestad is the capital and largest city of Aruba. This capital city is located on the island’s southern coast and is a popular cruise port because it offers many activities for cruisers.
Some top things to do in Oranjestad include exploring the beaches, shopping, snorkeling or scuba diving, and checking out some local restaurants.
Sightseeing & Activities
You may assume that there will only be a little to do if you only have a few hours to explore Oranjestad, but that’s not true. There are plenty of things to keep you busy right near the port.
Here are some of the best activities and sightseeing spots:
- National Archeological Museum Aruba — Museum with Amerindian artifacts from the past 5,000 years.
- Queen Wilhelmina Park — City park where you can spot iguanas, watch pelicans, or simply lay on the grass with a good book.
- Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum — An excellent museum to learn about the aloe industry and purchase high-quality aloe items.
- The Butterfly Farm — A free-flying butterfly museum with family-friendly tours.
Shopping & Food
Aruba is a duty-free island, so it’s a great place to go shopping for souvenirs or gifts. The cruise terminal area has plenty of shops and malls to explore.
Some of the best places for shopping near the port include:
- Renaissance Mall — popular shopping mall with food, clothes, jewelers, and more
- Style Aruba — a high-quality gift shop
- L’America Gallery Aruba — a unique picture frame shop
- Artistic Boutique Aruba — embroidered tablecloth, linens, and other gifts
And, of course, no trip to Aruba would be complete without spending some time eating some delicious island fare.
If you’re looking for a bite near the port, be sure to check out these varied spots:
- Taste My Aruba — A lovely outdoor seafood joint serving excellent tuna, grouper, barracuda, fish soup, and more
- Opus Ocean & Grill — A sophisticated Mediterranean dining with exemplary seafood like octopus and red snapper
- Alfie’s in Aruba — A casual, cozy, comfort food restaurant and dive bar with juicy burgers and craft beer.
- Fred Restaurant — A fine dining establishment near the port serving creative, inspired dishes in an intimate setting.
There are many more restaurants for quick bites and sit-down dinners, but these are some of the most well-loved and highly rated.
Nearby Beaches To Check Out
Aruba is well-known for its beautiful beaches, and many are near the port in Oranjestad. Here are some of the best beaches near the port to check out and relax before returning to your ship.
Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island, and it’s only about a 10-minute drive from the port.
This gorgeous, spacious white-sand beach is perfect for swimming in its calm and crystal-clear blue water, relaxing on its soft sand under the shady trees, or even renting a jet ski for a more adventurous cruise ship break!
It’s not within walking distance of the port, but it’s very straightforward to catch a bus from the cruise dock.
Palm Beach
Just north of Eagle Beach is Palm Beach, another attractive yet more touristed beach.
This beach is a great place to try out water sports like windsurfing or kitesurfing, with lessons available for those who have never tried.
Palm Beach also has plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming.
You can also find some beach umbrellas and chairs for rent if you want to kick back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views.
Baby Beach
Baby Beach is a great option if you have kids on your cruise or are just looking for a more calm and quiet beach day.
This beach is located on the southeastern side of Aruba and is about a 30-minute drive from the port. The ride is worth it, though, as Baby Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with its serene turquoise waters.
Plus, plenty of thatched umbrellas are available if you want to spend a lazy few hours on the white sand. And if you want to get active, this is one of the best beaches on the island for snorkeling if you bring your gear.
Make sure you have enough time to get there and back to the Aruba cruise port within your allotted dock time!
Druif Beach
Druif Beach is another beach close to the cruise ship’s terminal. You can choose to take a five-minute drive or a leisurely 35-minute walk.
Either way, you’ll be met with lovely ocean views and interesting stones along the sand. It’s a bit rocky on the surf, but if you prefer fewer people over the most pristine beach possible, Druif is well worth the visit.
Other Things To Do
The island of Aruba has many other things to do besides beach hopping, including right at the cruise ship’s port.
However, if you have a bit of time and want to explore the island a bit more, here are some other activities that you can do:
- Visit the California Lighthouse
- Go on a Jeep safari tour
- Take a submarine tour
- Snorkel at the Arashi Beach reef
- Visit the Alto Vista Chapel
Currency
Aruba’s currency is the Aruban florin (AWG), but most shops accept the US dollar (some will only accept US dollars), so it’s best to have both on hand.
When it comes to getting your hands on some cash, there are plenty of ATMs around, especially in the main tourist areas.
Most stores and restaurants accept credit cards, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand in case you want to buy something from a more local place that only takes cash.
How To Get To Oranjestad From the Oranjestad Cruise Port
If you land in Oranjestad from a cruise ship tour, the cruise will take you specifically to Oranjestad Cruise Port, otherwise called the Cruise Ship Terminal, which is right in Oranjestad.
If you want to go to the main town, by the Queen Beatrix International Airport, it’s an 8-minute drive or a 55-minute walk.
Exploring Beyond The Port
If you’re interested in exploring the island further past Oranjestad, you can take a bus or a taxi.
Buses in Aruba are cheap, with a one-way ticket only costing about $2.50 USD each way. You can take a bus to most of the major tourist attractions on the island, including Baby Beach, Eagle Beach, and many more.
Cruise Lines That Sail Here
Aruba is a popular cruise destination, with many different cruise lines making stops here. If you’re planning on coming to Aruba via cruise ship, here are some of the most popular cruise lines that make stops in Oranjestad:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Holland America Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- MSC Cruises
Final Thoughts
Aruba is a beautiful Caribbean island perfect for a cruise ship stop. With its proximity to the port, you can easily explore everything Oranjestad offers. From stunning beaches to interesting activities, there’s something for everyone at the Aruba cruise port!
