Does your cruise stop in Aruba? Well, you are in luck because you will be able to spend time at one of the most beautiful ABC Islands (and overall places in the world)! And while your visit might be short, you will surely have a memorable one day in Aruba with this itinerary.
White sand beaches, teal blue waters, tasty food and drinks, and a national park are all on the list and I promise to show you some of the top things to do on this fun, lively Caribbean island!
Your One Day in Aruba Itinerary Includes:
- Arikok National Park for exploring and sightseeing.
- Two of the best beaches that are beyond beautiful.
- Fantastic meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—make sure to get some fresh fish!
- Happy Hour, of course.
- Quick shopping for souvenirs.
One Day in Aruba Details
We’re giving ALL the details! What to wear, bring in your backpack, information on where you’ll start, and what to prep beforehand to make sure your one day in Aruba is a blast!
What to Wear on Your One Day in Aruba
Stick with light, comfortable athletic wear. A tank top and shorts with flip-flops are perfect and make sure to wear your swimsuit underneath. You will be getting in and out of the car, swimming, eating, and partying so you want to be comfy! (Note: you will not need a long sleeve of any kind lol.) Lastly, keep in mind that Aruba is a very casual island.
What to Pack for Your One Day in Aruba
You will want your purse or a backpack while you explore! Don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, towel, money, phone, and ID—those are the most important! You may want a pair of tennis shoes or full sandals for the national park, but it’s not required. And keep in mind that Aruba is windy so make sure you have a hat, ponytail, and/or headband. Read Packing for Aruba for even more tips.
TIP: Unless you have an international plan, your phone will NOT work. I mention bringing it because you will definitely want your camera! I put my phone into airplane mode and connect to WiFi, when available, and if needed.
Aruba Cruise Port
Your cruise ship will arrive on the island of Aruba in the happening capital city of Oranjestad. Once you reach the cruise terminal you will be greeted with sunshine, palm trees, and the breeze of the small island that’s only about 21 miles long. But don’t let its size fool you—Aruba is packed with fun things to do. And you’ll see it right off the bat in the colorful Oranjestad where it’s bustling with people at shops and restaurants.
While you won’t be able to do everything, we can make your one day in Aruba a very memorable one and hit many of the highlights. Right at the Aruba Cruise Port, there is a bus stop, cabs, and tour guides willing to take you on Aruba adventures, but the first things I recommend is this:
Rent a Jeep in Advance
Group tours can be nice, but having your own rental car, and Jeep in particular, is the best way to make your one day in Aruba even better! You’ll be free to explore on your own time and use the itinerary below that covers not only places that are considered popular spots but a few hidden gems that tours are not going to bring you to.
For rentals, check with Aruba Royal Car Rental. For a newer model, it will cost around $175 for a full day and they can bring it to the cruise port.
One Day in Aruba Itinerary
You have all of the details, now let’s get into the full itinerary and a great way to spend your one day in Aruba 🙂
Breakfast: Dutch Pancake House
First stop—breakfast. One of the best places to do it is Dutch Pancake House which is in walking distance of the Aruba cruise port. Order their Dutch Pancakes and/or Poffertjes (silver dollar pancakes) for a lovely start to the day. Keep in mind, this restaurant is rated the “Best Breakfast in Aruba” (aka a popular destination!) so get here quickly and expect to wait a bit. If that sounds overwhelming or pancakes aren’t your thing, head over to Aruba Experience Cafe – Patisserie.
If you ate on the ship, no worries—skip this part and you’ll have even more time to explore during your one day in Aruba.
Arikok National Park
It’s time to hit the adventure part of your day at Arikok National Park. This is easily one of the best things to do in Aruba with so much to see—and you might be surprised by some of these views!
Enter from the San Fuego entrance and once you hit the Visitor Center, everyone will need a wristband ($15pp.) Grab a map and from there, you are free to roam! The highlight of your day (and basically the reason to come here) will be at Conchi Natural Pool (pictured below.) It’s a must-see attraction, but also make sure to stop at Diamari, Dos Playa, and Fontein Cave. Enjoy a full morning and 3 or so hours in the park.
Helpful Links for Arikok National Park
TIP: You have about a 50/50 chance of being able to swim in the pool. Some days, it’s far too rough and you will see waves crashing over top. Don’t worry though, even if you can’t swim, it’s amazing to see!
Lunch: MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant
After your adventures throughout Arikok National Park, head over to the west side of the island where things will go from rough and rocky to calm and pristine. This is where you’ll find the most popular beaches, hotels, and tourist action. You can go the long way and head north first to see attractions like the California Lighthouse and Alto Vista Chapel or go the quickest way through the middle (I recommend the latter.)
Make your destination Palm Beach, the wildest and liveliest of Aruba’s sandy beaches. There is no shortage of beach bars and if you’re ready for a few drinks, a tasty lunch, good music, and the best time, go to MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant where fun is inevitable. It’s the perfect way to get a feel for Aruba’s laid-back island life.
Doesn’t sound up your alley or looking for a lighter lunch? Hit up Eduardo’s Beach Shack for an Acai Bowl or smoothie and enjoy it out of the white sand beach overlooking crystal clear, teal water. This is some of the best, freshest food on the island!
MORE RESTAURANT OPTIONS? Read 10 Casual Restaurants in Aruba
Arawak Gardens & Shopping Mall
You don’t want to spend an entire day in Aruba and leave without a souvenir, do you?! Arawak Gardens & Shopping Mall is located along the main street right across from Palm Beach. And it’s a great spot to shop during your one day in Aruba because there are dozens of shops as well as huts and tents outside making it easy to peruse in not much time! Find a t-shirt, shot glass, keychain, magnet, or picture frame, and be on your way.
Eagle Beach
Now it’s time to relax and enjoy the Aruba sunshine! And I’ve got the perfect place with white sand, shallow waters, light waves, and a nice breeze: Eagle Beach, rated one of the best beaches in the entire world. Aim to be here by about 2 PM.
Right across from La Cabana Resort, you can rent beach chairs, and an umbrella and find the perfect spot. (Don’t forget your cocktail—frozen drinks are 2-for-1 from 2 PM-3 PM at the little beach hut bar when you enter!)
When you’re settled, enjoy the Caribbean Sea and the perfect beach day (or at least a couple of hours!) in Aruba. Not one to sit around? There are plenty of water sports including jet skis to rent and parasailing.
Too much running around? Get off your ship, head to Eagle Beach, and spend your entire One Day in Aruba here, and you will NOT be disappointed! 🙂
Happy Hour: Beach Bar
Maybe you should stop here…or maybe you shouldn’t because the views will have you never wanting to leave the island! Right on your way as you start to head back south to the Aruba Cruise Port, make sure to stop at Beach Bar for a cocktail. (And the Coconut Shrimp are the BEST!) The natural beauty is absolutely incredible and you’re sippin’ a drink and looking out at the sand and water from a fun and colorful bar. Take some pics!
Dinner: The West Deck
Because of its location, The West Deck is a happy, yet very sad place. Why? Because it’s right on the way to both the airport and cruise port so many people here are at their final meal before departure.
But, it’s one of the best restaurants on the island and a great place to eat, assuming you have plenty of time before you go. You honestly can’t go wrong with the menu so order whatever speaks to you and don’t forget a margarita—they’re SO (SO!) GOOD here.
After dinner, that’s that! Return your Jeep and hop back on that cruise ship.
One Day in Aruba Itinerary
You will hit so many top spots during this One Day in Aruba including beautiful beaches, local restaurants, and Arikok National Park. Plus, you really get to take in the island in its entirety instead of just seeing one side.
No matter where you end up, I know you’ll love One Happy Island!
A few other options for your day:
- Baby Beach on the south end in San Nicolas. A full day here is NOT a day wasted! You will need a car or a ride there. Boca Catalina Beach is on the way and should be a stop as well!
- Arashi Beach on the north end can be incorporated if you have time or replaced with Eagle Beach. If snorkeling is on the list, go here instead—there are some of the best coral reefs.
