A bus or jeep tour is the perfect way to see as much of the island as possible. There are public buses, taxis and rental cars available as well.

The west coast boasts gentle waters, high-rise and low-rise resort areas, two golf courses, the cosmopolitan city of Oranjestad, and paved highways all the way down to San Nicolas.

The northeast coast whipped by the wind is quite another matter. Here unique natural phenomena including rock formations, underground caves and natural bridges. The Arikok National Park is a natural preserve that covers one-fifth of Aruba with a wealth of flora and fauna, rugged desert interior, unforgiving terrain, hiking trails and historical sites such as gold mill ruins and old plantations.
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VISIT OUR BEACHES

Sparkling white sandy beaches ring around the island. Cooled by constant trade winds, they include wide shaded expanses, secluded coves, and lively sunbathing and water sports meccas. All beaches are open to the public. While those on Aruba’s wild windward coast do afford tranquility and magnificent views, swimming here is not recommended due to strong undertow and crashing waves.

On the hotel side, across from the Talk of the Town Resort right in Oranjestad, are the calm waters of Surfside Beach. Going north is Eagle Beach, a popular public beach just past the low-rise resort area. Fringing the high-rise hotel strip is Palm Beach, dotted by water sports concessions, piers, restaurants, shops and world-class hotels. Hadicurari Beach (Fisherman’s Huts) is a rocky strip out past the Marriott Resort, very popular with windsurfer and kite surfers. Between the Holiday Inn and Marriott Resorts is Moomba Beach, an open-air restaurant/bar right on the beach offering lounge rentals. Malmok Beach is a narrow sandy stretch opposite sprawling homes; its shallow clear waters make it a popular snorkeling spot. A section called Boca Catalina is a small, secluded bay. Further north is Arashi Beach, perfect for snorkeling.
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RESORT DAY PASSES

Make your cruise visit to Aruba the most enjoyable and memorable Caribbean Cruise experience you’ve ever had. Take advantage of Resort Day Pass offers for families and couples that visit our shores.
These Resort Day Passes will allow you to experience the best that Aruba has to offer and a little more...
Below is a listing of resorts offering cruise visitors exclusive cruise passenger packages or visit any of our information booths at the Aruba Ports Authority Cruise Terminal.

Amsterdam Manor Resort
Full day package: US$ 6.00 (9 am – 6 pm), Half Day package US$: 4.00 (3:00 pm – 6 pm)
*Offer includes 1 (one) towel and 1(one) lounge chair per person

Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort Aruba
US $69 per adult, US $29 per child up to 12 years
Offer valid between 10:00 AM and 5:00PM and includes:
Lounge Chairs, Beach Towel (deposit required), Unlimited Food, Non-Alcoholic and Alcoholic House Brands, Food and Beverage can be consumed in any Restaurant or Bar which is open for service.
*Purchase at the front-desk of the hotel (1 (one) beach lounge and towel per person)

Occidental Grand Aruba Resort
US $77.00 per adult, Offer valid between 10:00 a.m. and 18:00 p.m.
Pool facilities, Open Bar, All you can Eat, Lounge Chairs, Umbrella,
*Purchase at hotel guest service desk

Radisson Aruba Resort
Adults: $75, Kids 4-12 year: $37.50, Kids 0-3: Free
*Pass includes towels and all inclusive F&B

The Aruban Resort
US$15.00 for adult, US $10.00 for children
Pool facilities-chairs, towels, Beach facilities-chairs, towels
*A $25.00 US dollar deposit for towels per person is required

SHOP, SHOP, SHOP

If you prefer to stay in town, Oranjestad is a shopping paradise of resort arcades, busy store-lined streets, cool malls, and unique boutiques and emporiums. Here you will find diamonds, gold and silver, gemstones and precious stones, watches, perfumes, designer apparel, lingerie, footwear and accessories, as well as t-shirts, linens, sunglasses, electronics, beach and resort wear, sundries, souvenirs and local arts and crafts

Meander through the Port of Call shopping mall right outside the cruise ship terminal. Royal Plaza is the three-storied pink-and-white extravaganza right opposite the harbor markets. Renaissance Mall is now home to an exclusive international group of luxury retailers. The Renaissance Marketplace across the street boasts interesting and locally-inspired shops. Regular shopping hours are from 9 am – 6 pm, Monday – Saturday, but there are sometimes extended hours when cruise ships are in port.

The high-rise resort area is a patchwork of shops and restaurants. Paseo Herencia presents liquid fireworks, live music and movie theatres as well as 50 shops. Plans for the adjacent Palm Beach Mall include a food court, a train, ice skating rink and bowling alley. The Village, across from the Radisson Resort, has live entertainment as well as shops and restaurants. Relax at a giant sports bar, hard rock café or trendy bar before exploring the shops at the South Beach Mall. Most shops in this area are open until 9 pm. With so much going on, even non-shoppers will enjoy the experience.
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TASTE OUR FOOD

Pastechi, empanada, pannekoek or loempia anyone? Though cruise ship fare is abundant and delicious, save room for a taste of Aruba’s unique gastronomy. Influenced by geography, a turbulent history and multi-cultural heritage, our food is deliciously extraordinary! From jerk ribs and fajitas, brick-oven pizzas, curries, homemade pastas and rack of lamb to raw seafood bars and Caribbean mahi-mahi and wahoo; from goat stew and keshi yena to Black Angus steaks, churrasco and prime rib, our menus are diverse and unique…and our venues are no less eclectic. Choose a trendy or rustic steak or seafood house, casual downtown eatery, elegant townhouse, trattoria, sidewalk café, chalet, sprawling manor house, jazz club, golf clubhouse, cunucu house, recreated underwater cavern, pirate ship or al fresco beachfront or pier restaurant.