Cruise
Aruba DIY Guide for Cruise Visitors
by Susan Campbell
Aruba is one of the best ports of call in the Caribbean to explore easily and economically on your own.
Getting Around…
There are free open-air trolleys that loop around downtown that you can get on and off as you please that leave from the terminal.
Taxis are readily available, but they operate by zone at a flat rate. See: https://taxi.aw/.
Arubus is the public bus system, the main terminal is remarkably close to the ships. See: https://arubus.com/ .
Car Rentals are also available, but I highly recommend hiring a Private Local Guide for full island touring. Curate your tour with your guide ahead. Courth Nedd of Tuti Tours & Transfers is one of the best. (Find him on Facebook.)
However, I do recommend a guided jeep safari with a reputable company like De Palm Tours if you wish to visit Arikok National Park and the famous Natural Pool.
On Foot…
Exploring the capital on foot is a breeze since ships dock right downtown. Skip the touristy kiosks if you want authentic Aruban treasures. Head for Aruba Made Mall across the street for some locally made arts and crafts or find Kay’s Fine Jewelry nearby for the ‘Aruba Hands by Gaby’ collection of gorgeous blown glass jewelry.
Foodies will be in heaven with so many eclectic choices of fare all within an easy walking grid. But to really go local, head to Taste My Aruba in the back streets. You can also learn to make ‘keshi yena,’ Aruba’s national dish, by booking a cooking class with them. Or, for an in-depth history and culture downtown strolling experience, join an outing with Aruba Walking Tours that also includes museums and the old fort.
.
Insider Tip: Get the app “Aruba Roadside Food Tour” to discover secret spots where locals line up for the best authentic fare with a virtual tour guide at each stop.
For authentic island spirits, find Bodegas Papiamento Aruba Distillery steps from the terminal. It’s a must-stop to sample award-winning rum, artisanal vodka, and more, made right on site!
Go Beach Hopping by Cab or Bus
The closest downtown swimming spots require short cab rides as the bus doesn’t stop close by, and it can be an extremely hot walk. First is Surfside Beach to the south where you can rent chairs and umbrellas at Reflexions and Surfside Beach Bar. To the north, Beach Bar Aruba on Druif Beach is the spot.
However, Aruba’s most famous beaches are right on the public bus route.
Get off at Coco Loco Beach Bar for chair and umbrella rentals on Eagle Beach or in front of
Amsterdam Manor for a chance to get pics of those famous Fofoti trees. For Palm Beach, get off at Holiday Inn Beach Resort smack dab in the middle of the paradisical two-mile strip. It’s my favourite swimming spot since it’s cordoned off from motorized watersports.
Explore ‘Another’ Aruba…
Book a small group pedal-kayaking and guided snorkel tour with Aruba Outdoor Adventures to explore pristine non-touristy off-radar regions. (Accessible by taxi or rental car.)
Have a San Nicolas & Baby Beach Day
Join Aruba Mural Tours to explore the mind-blowing outdoor art in San Nicolas, then experience local favorite Baby Beach nearby. Beach chairs and snorkeling gear are included and you’re likely to see sea turtles there! Pick-up and drop-off at Aruba Made Mall.
