The Aruba cruise port — officially the Port of Oranjestad — is one of the busiest in the Caribbean, welcoming over a million cruise passengers per year. It is centrally located in Oranjestad, the island’s capital, with everything from shopping to beaches easily accessible.
With only a few hours ashore a car takes you a lot further than a taxi will. You can rent one from us in Oranjestad for the day and be back long before all aboard.
Port-day favourites: Aruba catamaran tours, the glass bottom boat tour and parasailing in Aruba.
The terminal sits inside the capital itself, so much of a port day happens on foot. For the town around the ship — the free streetcar, Main Street, Fort Zoutman and where to eat — see Oranjestad Aruba.
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Getting Oriented at the Aruba Cruise Port
The port sits in the heart of Oranjestad. You walk off the ship into the Renaissance Marina area, surrounded by shops, restaurants and a bus stop. Palm Beach (main tourist strip) is 20 minutes by taxi ($25). Eagle Beach is 15 minutes ($20). The Natural Pool — the island’s most dramatic inland destination — is 45–60 minutes away and best done on a guided jeep tour.
Popular Aruba tours book up 2–5 days ahead in peak season.
Best Things to Do From Aruba Cruise Port
1. Catamaran Snorkel Cruise ⭐ Best Option ($75–95/person)
The single best use of a port day in Aruba. A 3-hour catamaran tour departs from near the port, snorkels the Antilla shipwreck or Arashi reef (sea turtles virtually guaranteed), open bar throughout, and returns with time to spare before departure. Book through Viator from home — shore vendors charge 25–40% more for the exact same boats.
2. Jeep / UTV Tour to Natural Pool ($100–140/person)
A 4–5 hour off-road adventure through Arikok National Park to the volcanic swimming hole. Operators guarantee return before ship departure. The most adventurous use of a port day.
3. Eagle Beach by Taxi ($20 each way)
For a simple beach day, Eagle Beach is 15 minutes away — consistently ranked among the world’s best. Hire a chair and umbrella from beach vendors ($15–20/set), swim, relax, and return 90 minutes before departure. The cheapest option and still excellent.
4. Oranjestad Walking Tour (Free)
Fort Zoutman (Aruba’s oldest building), colourful Dutch colonial architecture, Wilhelmina Park waterfront and local food markets — all within 10 minutes walk of the port. Worth doing for 45 minutes even if you’re doing a tour.
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Port Day Tips
- Be back 90 minutes before ship departure — ships will not wait. Confirm operators guarantee return time
- Book through Viator, not the ship desk — ship-sponsored tours cost 30–50% more. Same boats, same experience
- USD accepted everywhere — no currency exchange needed
- Aruba is very small — every attraction is under 45 minutes from port. Don’t worry about distances
🎯 Book Top-Rated Aruba Tours
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Take the whole catamaran — 3 hours, $825 for the boat
One flat price whether there are two of you or twelve. Nobody else aboard, your route, your music, and you decide when to stop swimming. Captain Tico has sailed these waters for over 20 years.
Cooler with ice and drinks, sanitised snorkel gear, Bluetooth speaker and safety gear included. Bring your own food and drink — encouraged, not charged for.
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Our cars
Rent a car with us — from $50 a day
Automatic and air conditioned, picked up at the airport, your hotel or our Oranjestad office. Pay 13% online to hold the car and the rest when you collect it. Minimum 3 days.
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Car rental · from $50 a day
Rent a car in Aruba
Automatic and air conditioned, picked up at the airport or our Oranjestad office. We hold the exact car for your dates, you pay 13% online and the rest at pickup. Minimum 3 days.
Rental cars, same deal — small reservation fee online, the rest paid when you pick the car up. All vehicles →
