14-hours in Aruba: what to do?

[bigrednole]

Just booked a cruise to the ABCs. We have 14-hours in Aruba and trying to figure out what to do. On our other 2 cruises, port stops were only 8 hours or less. With 14, there is a lot more that can be done. We are a year out. The next day is 14-hours in Bonaire which will definitely include snorkeling at Klein Bonaire. Curacao may be a car rental day to drive to a few beaches. 

 

I am just trying to get some ideas while I research. Renting a gold cart to go around or a car is definitely possibilities. Sunset catamaran cruise is an option. Just lots more to do than a get off at 9AM and get back on by 3-4PM.

[carlmm]

You have time to cover different types of activities and interests.

You could start with a selfguided walking tour covering the historic sites and museums which are hidden behind the glitzy tourist waterfront and shopping mall part. Maybe 2-3 hours. 

This might be followed by a tour around the Island, either by taking one of the many van tours offered at the port or on your own. 2-3 hours? 

You could leave resp finish the tour in the beach and hotel area for what kind of relaxtion you like - Sun, food, Drinks, water or Land "fun" activities.

Back to the town maybe a short look for souveniers before going on your sunset catameran cruise.

Just ideas.

[TTEllis]

Take the city bus to Eagle Beach spend your whole day on the beach. Beautiful Beach water is awesome. Great beach bar. Head back to the ship around 4pm-ish get a shower and change of clothes, head back out and have dinner and cocktails at Iguana Joe's.

I did this for years lotsa fun and makes for a great long day. 👍👍

[cruiseapril]

We took a bus tour of the island- saw 2/3 of it!  Stopped three times.  Aloe Factory, Casabiri Rocks, and the new natural bridge.

 

Then we ate lunch on the ship and then took a taxi to Palm Beach for a light dinner

and casino time.

[3smithboys]

On 6/13/2022 at 2:15 PM, TTEllis said:

Take the city bus to Eagle Beach spend your whole day on the beach. Beautiful Beach water is awesome. Great beach bar. Head back to the ship around 4pm-ish get a shower and change of clothes, head back out and have dinner and cocktails at Iguana Joe's.

I did this for years lotsa fun and makes for a great long day. 👍👍

I wanted to jump in here and ask since I’m after the same information and have never been to Aruba before, what is the difference between Eagle and Palm beach and is one “better” than the other?

[sldbolt06]

We are in Aruba this week - here are some suggestions.  You can also go to the All Things Aruba Facebook page. 
https://trikes-aruba.com/

https://www.dushilifesailing.com/
https://www.aruba-sailing.com/

 

 

[Perky1]

On 7/25/2022 at 6:32 PM, 3smithboys said:

I wanted to jump in here and ask since I’m after the same information and have never been to Aruba before, what is the difference between Eagle and Palm beach and is one “better” than the other?

My understanding is that Palm Beach is much busier than Eagle as it is closer to the ship.  Eagle beach will be more relaxing but I’d you want busier, go to Palm.  We have been to Eagle before and are going back in March!

[Cruiser5962]

Palm Beach is where most of the High Hotels are. That's where we stay when we are at the Marriott Timeshare. I love the beach there but can get busy.

[1kaper]

What beach to go to if you are looking to purchase drinks?

[Jember]

22 hours ago, 1kaper said:

What beach to go to if you are looking to purchase drinks?

Palm beach has a ton of beach bars and lots of activity

[tucho]

At Eagle Beach

Can you just throw a towel down? 

Or do you have to rent chairs?

[april_4_us]

cruiseapril what excursion line did you use or was it just a van outside of the port?

 

[Nanner]

If you are a bit of a romantic, there' are opportunities for a sunset sail. One late night on a cruise we booked a dinner on the beach (not something we get to do here in Michigan too often). I'm pretty sure it was at Palm Beach, and it was great fun watching the Celebrity ship sail  away while we were able to enjoy a beautiful sunset and feel superior for having until 11 PM to enjoy the island.

[cleobella]

Yup, you can just throw a towel down on any of the beaches! Eagle is beautiful, calmer, less crowded, my fave. Palm is more touristy IMHO, but fun with more bars and restaurants nearby. With 14 hours you could rent a car and drive the island, most of the attractions are free. Or you could do a local bus tour for part of the day and go out to the National Park, then come back to the ship for lunch, then out for port shopping.  We did a half day tour with Trikes Aruba once and it was awesome, higly recommended! So fun and you'd still have time to go for lunch or walk about the port area too.

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

We're planning on going to De Palm island.  

[abpplh]

On 6/13/2022 at 2:15 PM, TTEllis said:

Take the city bus to Eagle Beach spend your whole day on the beach. Beautiful Beach water is awesome. Great beach bar. Head back to the ship around 4pm-ish get a shower and change of clothes, head back out and have dinner and cocktails at Iguana Joe's.

I did this for years lotsa fun and makes for a great long day. 👍👍

Oh my goodness - we ate at Iguana Joe's on our honeymoon in Aruba 20 years ago!

 

[mitsugirly]

There are so many things to see and do in Aruba, including many beaches. We have cruised there several times and did several land vacations there as well.

 

If you have some time on your hand, I have a travel website/blog with all of the places we've been to (which are most places on the island) that you could look at and get an idea of anything you can imagine. HERE will drop you off at the main Aruba page. If you have any questions, I'm happy to help.