Oranjestad, Aruba - Cruise Port
Aruba is an awesome Caribbean cruise destination! Part of the ABC Islands (along with Curaçao and Bonaire), this is a popular cruising itinerary! Let us guide you through all the port basics, important tips, and our experience with car rental. We dock at Oranjestad and explore Eagle Beach, Arashi Beach, Mangel Halto, Savaneta Beach, Baby Beach, Rodger’s Beach, and finally Saint Nicholas town! Let’s get the lowdown and get you started with the fabulous cruise ship port!
🚢 First Stop: The Port of Oranjestad
Your ship docks in Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital, where up to 5 ships can anchor at once. The air-conditioned terminal is refreshingly compact with clean restrooms, souvenir shops, filtered water fountains, and aloe products (a local specialty!).
♿Accessibility: Benches on both sides, a ramp on the right.
🚕Taxis: To your left with posted fixed rates (cash only—USD accepted, but not cards).
🏧Currency Tip: Aruba uses the Florin, but USD and credit cards are widely accepted—except taxis and buses. Bring cash!
Exiting the port, walk through the funky bus-painted tour booth area, turn left, and you’ll reach Lloyd G. Smith Blvd, the main drag.
Downtown Delights
Oranjestad is one of the Caribbean’s top shopping ports—you’ll find high-end malls, casinos, and plenty of Dutch flair. The sidewalks and roads? Super well maintained.
Nearby attractions:
National Archaeological Museum
Museo Historico Aruba
Green Bike & Evikes for rentals
ATM that dispenses USD and Florins
And for the independent explorer: the local bus depot is just a few blocks away. Check Arubus.com for schedules. Buses are clean, modern, and cheap—just bring cash. Want a round trip? Buy a trip card (cash only) at the depot’s kiosk.
🚗 We Rented a Car – Here’s the Scoop
We rented from Sixt near the airport (about $25 by taxi, 15 minutes). Most rental options are concentrated at the airport, though there are a few downtown.
Pro Tips:
Book early—cars sell out, especially during holidays.
Airport rentals may require a shuttle ride if they’re offsite.
Ours cost $128.88 + $20 for insurance—totally worth it for peace of mind.
Roads are excellent, especially on the northwest side.
Driving is on the right side like the U.S.
Roundabouts are quirky with curbs between lanes—have your navigator on standby!
🏖️Aruba’s Best Beaches (That We Explored!)
We stuck to the coast, sampling Aruba’s beachy best—from buzzing hotspots to serene local escapes.
🌴 Eagle Beach (10 min north of port)
Wide, beautiful, and popular—perfect for crowds.
Tons of public access despite the resort presence.
Easy parking and beach chair rentals.
🌬️ Arashi Beach (20 min from Eagle)
Smaller, windier, and a kite-surfer haven.
Rental options:
Umbrella + 2 chairs: $40–$70
Free WiFi + bottled water
Nearby: California Lighthouse for panoramic views.
🌅 Mangel Halto & Savaneta (35–40 min south)
Quiet, peaceful pocket beaches with mangroves and shallow waters.
No services, but great for families and nature lovers.
👶 Baby Beach (22 min further south)
Busy and narrow, but very scenic.
Rentals:
Umbrella + 2 chairs: $80
Single chair: $15
Features: Restaurant, snack shack, and yes… Flintstones decor.
🎣 Rodger’s Beach (next to Baby Beach)
More local, less crowded, same stunning water.
Cool fishing pier and views of Aruba’s old refinery.
🎨 Don’t Miss: Street Art in San Nicolas
Both Baby and Rodger’s Beach are in San Nicolas, Aruba’s former industrial hub, now turned into an art lover’s paradise.
Museum of Industry details Aruba’s oil past.
The town itself is loaded with epic street murals—seriously, it’s overwhelming in the best way.
💡 Fun tip:
There’s a public restroom near the bus stop and a friendly tourist info office.
Final Thoughts
Aruba exceeded our expectations. Whether you’re shopping, swimming, or soaking in art, this island is packed with surprises—especially if you’re up for exploring beyond the resorts. Our advice? Plan ahead, bring cash, and don’t skip the south side.