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Your pilot will point out sights along the way before touching back down after your loop around the island. Make it extra romantic by booking a sunrise or sunset parasail tour and taking in the stunning scenery on your flight. A great activity for adventure junkies to try is parasailing! Parasailing hooks you up to a parachute that’s trailed behind a high-speed boat, giving you gorgeous views of the island.
Go on a Mural Walk
The guided tour provides a mix of fun and education, making it an enjoyable outing for families. The farm also features emus, donkeys and Nile crocodiles, adding to the excitement. De Palm Island shore excursions are available through almost every cruise line that visits Aruba, including Disney. This proximity allows cruise passengers easy access to a variety of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences that Oranjestad has to offer. While it’s not near the cruise port, San Nicolas is a stroll that’s worth your time if you want to get away from the crowds and see something unique in Aruba. The beach is lined with a variety of restaurants and bars, offering an opportunity to taste local cuisine and refreshing tropical cocktails.
Feed Flamingos at Flamingo Beach
Whether you’re an expert swimmer or a newbie, snorkelling into these beautiful waters will give you a firsthand look at the island’s rich marine biodiversity. You’ll need to go on a snorkel tour to reach the Antilla shipwreck but can access the coral and sea life from the beach. For an insight into Aruba’s rich aloe heritage, a visit to the Aruba Aloe Factory is recommended on your shore day. I asked Melissa from My Beautiful Passport who’s been to Aruba, what there is to do near the cruise port. Once you clear the security gate, you'll come across a small shopping village, followed by the entrance to downtown Oranjestad.
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Take a Food Tour
What that means is that you can actually feed the flamingos! Dive into the sparkling blue waters of the Caribbean and admire these bright pink birds hanging out by your side. Guided tours will take you through the garden to learn about each of the different animals that now call it home.
Immerse Yourself in the Unique Shore Setting at Mangel Halto Beach
Oranjestad and Aruba are on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), which is 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). UTC-4 is 1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time. Aruba does not observe DST (daylight saving time/summertime.
There is limited seating around the Oranjestad Aruba cruise port. Beachgoers gravitate toward nearby Eagle Beach, Manchebo Beach and Surfside Beach, while Renaissance Island is popular for those seeking a private beach escape. Surfside Beach is just a few minutes from downtown Oranjestad, yet it and the other beaches are best reached by taxi service.
Plus, you’ll adore the gourmet meal served up to you alongside glorious views of the Caribbean coast. Your evening will start with classic cocktails and romantic live music playing on deck. Then, as dusk turns to dark, you’ll sit down to a delicious dinner crafted by top-rated Aruban and international chefs. You’ll be able to swim around in the secluded waters or to go cliff jumping into the ocean far below.
Reflexions Beach Bar & Restaurant
Near the cruise terminal, you can find many car rental companies. Or make use of the taxis and public transport services. We already mentioned Eagle Beach, but we can also recommend Oranjestad. The Aruba cruise terminal is situated here, so you can hop off the ship and get immersed in this colorful town immediately.
For cruises bound for the southern Caribbean, making a stop in Aruba is often the most eagerly anticipated part of the journey. As your ship docks at the Aruba cruise port in Oranjestad, we're here to provide cruisers with a comprehensive guide to the port area. Our aim is to equip you with all the essential information to ensure your day on 'One Happy Island' is nothing short of exceptional. We’re just getting started with the amazing effects Aruba has to offer.
These streets are sometimes forgotten, which is a shame because you can find some lovely shops and boutiques here. They run parallel to the boulevard and are within walking distance from the Aruba cruise ship port. Naturally, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Aruba.
As soon as you disembark, you’ll find yourself ready to explore and discover why Aruba is nicknamed One Happy Island. Just to let you know, admission to the island is limited to guests of the Renaissance Resort, but day passes can be purchased same-day, subject to availability. You can start with a taste of Keshi Yena, a traditional dish made with cheese and stuffed with spiced meat. Or perhaps try some fresh seafood like Aruban Ceviche, a delightful medley of citrus-marinated fish or shrimp. Just a few steps away, you’ll find shops and a nightlife scene, ensuring there’s something for everyone on Palm Beach.
You can stop and snorkel at any point or simply enjoy lounging aboard your shaded aqua donut. You’ll finish up your day of sightseeing with time to swim at Baby Beach. Then, you’ll be taken back to your hotel where you can gear up for your next adventure. Who doesn’t love starting their day with a little champagne?
There's also an open-air trolley that provides tours around downtown Oranjestad, suitable for both sightseeing and shopping. This is a great free option for those who want to stay close to the ship. When you arrive at the Aruba cruise port, your options for activities are endless.
With a year round warm climate, Aruba is a popular destination for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and those seeking a laid back island escape. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or a taste of Caribbean culture, Aruba has something to offer every traveler. Cruise ships dock at the Barbados deepwater harbour just one mile north of Bridgetown. When it comes to Caribbean cruising, Aruba stands out as a premier destination, and the Aruba Port Authority welcomes you with open arms.
