Caribbean · Aruba
Aruba Travel Guide
Aruba is the sunniest island in the Caribbean with white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and year-round trade winds. Unlike most Caribbean ports, Aruba feels distinctly Dutch with a colourful, walkable downtown and a relaxed vibe.
How Do You Get from the Ship to the Island?
Walk straight off the ship into downtown Oranjestad. Eagle Beach is a $8 taxi ride north. Palm Beach is about $12 by taxi.
What Can You Do in 6 Hours?
Eagle Beach — Consistently ranked among the world's top beaches. Wide white sand, calm turquoise water, and famous fofoti trees. Free entry.
Downtown Oranjestad — Colourful Dutch colonial architecture, the Linear Park walkway, and duty-free shopping.
Arikok National Park — Desert-like interior with cacti, volcanic rock formations, natural pools, and caves with Arawak petroglyphs.
Baby Beach — A calm shallow lagoon at the southern tip. Perfect for families. About 30 minutes from the port.
Where Should You Eat in Aruba?
Keshi yena: Aruba's national dish — a ball of Gouda cheese stuffed with spiced meat, then baked until melty.
Pastechi: Deep-fried pastry turnovers filled with cheese, meat, or seafood. The ultimate Aruban street snack. 1-2 dollars each.
Zeerover: Fish shack in Savaneta serving the freshest, cheapest seafood on the island. Pick your fish, they weigh and fry it.
Is Aruba Worth Exploring Independently?
Aruba is safe, friendly, and easy to navigate. Buses and taxis are reliable. Ship excursions are mostly overpriced beach transfers. Go independent.
Useful Local Phrases
Bon dia
Good morning (Papiamento)
(bon DEE-ah)
Danki
Thank you
(DAHN-kee)
Con ta bay?
How are you?
(kon tah BAI)
Ayo
Goodbye
(ah-YOH)
Local Tips
- •Eagle Beach is consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world and it's free. Bring your own towel.
- •Aruba is outside the hurricane belt, so weather is reliably sunny year-round.
- •The local currency is the Aruban Florin, but US dollars are accepted everywhere.
- •Rent a UTV to explore the rugged north coast, Arikok National Park, and the California Lighthouse.