Making the most of Aruba
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships berth at the port immediately beside Oranjestad, the capital city. Up to five ships can be accommodated at once. The modern cruise-terminal building contains souvenir and clothing shops, restrooms, a tourist information centre and more.
Oranjestad’s shopping, restaurants and bars are all within a 1km walk of the dock.
A free hop on/off trolley loops around the various shopping areas.
A webcam.
This flat island has no rivers and is known for white-sand beaches. Constant Atlantic Ocean trade winds temper its tropical climate, keeping the temperature almost constant at about 27°C (81°F). Yearly rainfall usually stays below 20 inches, and Aruba lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt.
On the picturesque southern coast, Oranjestad is Aruba’s historic Dutch capital. Its traditional, tall multicoloured houses combine carved wooden doors and typical Dutch tiles with open-air patios. The city’s charm adds to the appeal of this popular Caribbean island, where Dutch and indigenous cultures have merged into Aruba’s distinctive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy this culture, along with beautiful beaches, excellent snorkelling and exciting nightlife.
Drive through Oranjestad’s schooner harbour, the capital city of Aruba, to see outdoor markets with tropical fruits and local arts and crafts, plus Dutch-colonial buildings. At Cashero and Boca Mahos, see the famous Watapana (divi-divi) trees shaped by trade winds, and St. Anna’s Church in the Noord village.
At the Fort Zoutman Historical Museum, many guests gain their first exposure to Aruba’s past; the nearby National Archaeological Museum is another option.
Getting around
Oranjestad is most easily explored on foot.
Aruban taxis are not metered, but their rates are government-fixed. A trip from downtown to Palm Beach is around $11.
Outside the ship, tours cost $20 with 4 persons in a taxi and visit the California Lighthouse, Casibari rock formations and the chapel on the Northwest coast. They take about 2 and 1/2 hours.
The “Arubus” bus system is a good way to see the island or travel from Oranjestad to the tourist hotels, for about $2.60 or $5.00 return. Take it to the far end of the island, have lunch in St Nicholas and see how the 90,000 islanders live. Buses stop at 9pm, and the terminal is within walking distance of the pier.
For an exciting, different view of Aruba’s underwater realm, board the island’s only passenger submarine, the Atlantis Submarine.
Traffic drives on the right, so hiring a car or 4x4 can be a good choice.
Nearby places
Arikok National Park has a Martian-like interior, with towering cacti, divi divi trees, iguanas and herds of wandering goats.
Aruba Ostrich Farm is inhabited by ostriches and their flightless Australian relatives, emus. Visitors are encouraged to take a guided tour, where detailed information and personal encounters with the birds reveal the creatures’ natural behaviour and survival instincts.
The Butterfly Farm is a lush tropical rain forest of flowers, trees, ponds and a trickling waterfall, where butterflies fly overhead and all around in their natural paradise.
Aruba’s beautiful, clean beaches are easily accessible from the cruise-ship terminal. Eagle Beach is one of the most famous.
Food and shopping
Aruba is quickly becoming one of the Caribbean’s most popular shopping ports. Swiss watches, French perfumes and fine jewelry are readily available, while Dutch and Indonesian goods, along with locally made aloe products, are especially good buys. There are shopping malls galore.
At the Aruba Aloe Museum & Factory, a team of local Aruba Aloe tour guides leads the complimentary Museum and Factory Tour every 15 minutes in English, Dutch, Spanish and Papiamento, Aruba’s native language.
The Renaissance Marketplace is in the port, alongside a number of souvenir shops.
Money
The Aruban Florin (AFL or AWG) is Aruba’s currency. The exchange rate for 1 USD is generally 1.75 AFL; when buying USD, it is usually AFL 1.80. U.S. dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted, so there is no need to change into the local Aruban Florin. For sums below one dollar, local coins may be given instead of US coins.
Staying connected
The official languages are Dutch, English, Papiamento and Spanish.
Free WiFi is available at Renaissance Mall and Renaissance Marketplace, by the Starbucks and other cafes.
Opening Hours and
Main-street stores are open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., though some close for lunch between noon and 2 p.m. Mall and shopping-center shops open 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some stores open on Sundays and holidays when cruise ships are in port.