8 Cheap and Easy Things to Do Near the Cruise Port in Aruba
An inviting stretch of Aruban beach bliss is a less than 25-minute walk from the cruise pier.
If you're coming ashore in Aruba by cruise ship, you can find several cheap and easy things to do right at the port. I took a wander during my last stop there so that I could compile a guide for you outlining what I found.
You can try a few of these options when you come to Aruba on a cruise and decide that you don't want to pay for an expensive excursion. All of these options I found within a 30-minute walk from my cruise ship.
1. Nearby Markets Offer One-Stop Shopping
The first thing you encounter when you exit the cruise terminal is a small market selling crafts. Shop here, or head left (away from the busier tourist strip that is directly to the right as you exit the terminal) to find the Flea Market selling sun dresses, wraps, hammocks, hats, jewelry and other handmade items.
2. Fitness Fanatics Will Love a Run in the Sun
The road heading left away from the port has ample space for a run. Follow the red brick sidewalk in the median for a while and then cross over toward the beach.
3. Grab a Set of Wheels and Go Exploring Around Town
You can see people zipping around the streets in ATVs, scooters and motorcycles. George's Cycles offers rentals from its location on the main strip 124 L.G. Smith Boulevard, about a 10-minute walk from the ship. Prices for daily rentals start around $55 for an ATV and $100 for a scooter. Also, look for companies that rent bikes and Segways.
4. Snag a Great Tour Deal on the Spot
De Palm Tours has an office at 142 L.G. Smith Boulevard. If you wander past the office early enough in the morning and get the itch for an island tour or a snorkeling outing, you can pop in to see whether you can join an excursion and maybe negotiate a last-minute price that makes it too good to pass up.
5. Enjoy the Soft Sands of Bushiri Beach
As you keep on wandering, you'll notice the white sands of Bushiri Beach, a public space with no services but clear blue waters great for snorkeling and swimming. This is the closest beach to the cruise port and ideal for packing a picnic and towels for a few hours of swimming. Plenty of trees nearby offer a chance to relax in the shade, too.
6. Go Beyond the Beach
Keep heading away from the port past Bushiri Beach and you'll start to see resort properties. You also will notice a small park in the median area across the road. A quick stroll there offers spots to sit and relax in the shade. Your only company is likely to be the rows of cactuses that guard the entrance like sentries and the iguanas lazily sunning on rock piles adjacent to small ponds.
7. Take a Break with a Snack or Sweet Treat
Worked up a hunger during your day ashore? Stop in to Ritz (122 L.G. Smith Boulevard) to grab an ice cream cone, shake or sundae. The snack shop, which has been on the island since 1938, also serves wings, Cuban sandwiches, wraps and burgers.
8. Head Downtown for a Look Around
The touristy area to the right of the cruise pier as you leave your ship is good for a quick stop before you head back to your ship. You can seek out souvenirs, food and drink.
The area is filled with restaurants and shops, as well as where you'll find the historical, numismatic and archaeological museums.
I recommend stopping by Iguana Joe's for an appetizer and a beer or seeking out Lolita's Sandwiches. Pull up a stool at this small open-air serving counter (on Havenstraat, one street behind and parallel to L.G. Smith) for a Balashi beer or two and an empanada.
Thanks for reading!
Enjoy your time in Aruba.
JR