Guide to Oranjestad, Aruba Cruise Port - Maps, Taxi Rates, Bus Info & More!
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.
Click here to download & print the Aruba pocket map with helpful information.
About Aruba
Aruba, a picturesque Caribbean island, is a tropical paradise known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a rich cultural tapestry that reflects its Dutch and indigenous heritage. Located in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the northern coast of Venezuela, Aruba offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. 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. Beyond its stunning coastline, visitors can explore colorful coral reefs while snorkeling or diving, wander through charming Dutch-influenced towns, and savor a diverse culinary scene influenced by its multicultural history. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or a taste of Caribbean culture, Aruba has something to offer every traveler.
Getting Around
After disembarking, you'll pass through a terminal with souvenir shops and information kiosks. Here, you can conveniently purchase items like bathing suit cover-ups or hats. The information kiosks are also available to answer your questions, and it's advisable to pick up a pocket map for reference.
Exiting the terminal, you'll find a taxi hub on the left, offering transportation to various destinations. As of November 2023, the taxi rates from the port are as follows, with rates being priced per car (all in USD):
Airport: $25
Arashi Beach: $26
Baby Beach: $47
Bushiri Beach: $12
Eagle Beach (between Oceania Residences and Amsterdam Manor Resort): $15
Beaches by the High Rise hotels (between Divi Aruba Phoenix Resort and Aruba Marriott Resort): $16
Beaches by the Low Rise hotels (between Divi Dutch Village Resort and La Quinta Beach Resort): $14
San Nicholas: $35
Surfside Beach: $11
Beyond this area, you'll encounter additional souvenir shops and tour buses. If you've pre-booked a shore excursion, it often departs from this location, but you can also find on-the-spot independent tours for around $35 per person.
Once you clear the security gate, you'll come across a small shopping village, followed by the entrance to downtown Oranjestad. Here, you'll discover numerous shopping options and a variety of dining establishments. For those interested in exploring the city on two wheels, bicycles are available for rent from a digital kiosk starting at $25.
Click here to download the GreenBike Map App that shows all available bikes and scooters.
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.
If you plan to venture beyond the port area and explore more of the island, you have several transportation options: take a taxi, rent a car, or use the Aruba Bus (Arubus) system, known for its affordability, convenience, and safety for tourists. For just $5 round trip, you can access any beach on the island, with the bus system's reliability ensuring a hassle-free return to the ship at the end of your day.
We spoke to fellow cruise passengers who opted to rent a car for a different perspective of the island. They simply took a taxi to the nearby Queen Beatrix International Airport, where well-known car rental agencies such as Hertz, Avis, and Alamo are located. They found this process to be straightforward and enjoyable, particularly when traveling with family or friends.
Taking the Bus in Aruba From The Cruise Port
To catch the Arubus from the ship, head toward downtown and find a pass-through across from the "I Love Aruba" store. Follow this path behind the line of shops to reach the outdoor bus depot. While you can pay for your ticket in cash on the bus, it's recommended to obtain a pass from the ticket booth, which operates until 1:30pm and accepts cash only. Both the bus driver and ticket booth attendant gladly accept USD, so there is no need to exchange for Arbuan Floran currency.
One of the popular Arubus routes, the L10A bus, runs approximately every 20 minutes, covering the northwest side of the island and stopping at renowned beaches like Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Malmok Beach, and Arashi Beach. We suggest taking this route to Arashi Beach, where the bus conveniently drops you off right in front of the parking lot, ensuring a hassle-free day of sun and surf with views of California Lighthouse.
Shopping near the Oranjestad Cruise Port
Click here to download the map of Oranjestad with all points of interest.
Oranjestad offers a range of shopping opportunities catering to various tastes. Start your shopping adventure with a leisurely stroll from Lloyd G. Smith Boulevard to the Renaissance Marketplace, where you'll encounter various shops and market stalls offering local goods and souvenirs.
Don't overlook Havenstraat, Schelpstraat, and Main Street, which run parallel to the boulevard. These charming streets house delightful shops and boutiques, all within walking distance of the Aruba cruise ship port.
Best Beaches in Aruba for Cruisers
If you're eager for some beach time, Aruba offers several stunning beaches easily accessible from the cruise port:
Surfside Beach: This smaller beach is the closest to the Aruba cruise port and can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes.
Eagle Beach: Located west of Oranjestad, Eagle Beach is best reached by taxi or public bus, just a ten-minute drive away. It offers various water activities, sunbathing, swimming, beach bars, and dining options.
Palm Beach: Slightly north of Eagle Beach, Palm Beach is another excellent option. You can easily reach it by Arubus or taxi, and it boasts numerous restaurants and beach bars.
Sightseeing in Aruba
While Aruba's beaches and shopping are enticing, the island has much more to offer for those seeking adventure and exploration. Consider opting for one of the guided excursions to make the most of your limited time. A local guide can showcase the island's highlights and secrets, ensuring a memorable experience.
In conclusion, the Aruba cruise port in Oranjestad presents a multitude of possibilities for every traveler. Whether you're interested in shopping, beach activities, or sightseeing, you'll find it all easily accessible in this tropical paradise, ensuring a memorable visit to the beautiful island of Aruba.
