Aruba's location outside the hurricane belt, along with its gorgeous beaches and fun-loving culture have made it a popular cruise stop for all major lines.
Whether you're looking for surf, sun, shopping or something else, it's hard to beat Aruba's friendly atmosphere, natural beauty and wide range of shoreside activities.
If your cruise ship is heading to Aruba soon, you may be trying to figure out what to do, so here are six epic ways to spend your cruise stop on the gorgeous shores of this Dutch Caribbean island:
Take a Taxi to Arashi Beach
Arashi Beach isn't far from Aruba's cruise port, yet it seems like its own world. With soft white sand, absolutely clear waters and small huts you can claim as your own, Arashi Beach is the perfect place to spend a day in the sun.
Catch a taxi at the cruise port and bring a cooler and some snorkeling gear, and Arashi Beach will provide the quintessential Aruban beach day.
Rent ATVs
While the west end of Aruba is brimming with hotels, resorts, restaurants and nightlife, the other side of the island is mostly rugged and empty. This makes it the ideal stop to rent an ATV for some off-roading.
You can book an 4x4 excursion on your cruise ship or choose one from a website like Viator.com. With this ATV tour and natural pool swim, you can off-road over Aruba's dry sand dunes and see the island's natural pools and wonders-all for $78 per person.
Visit Baby Beach
Aruba's Baby Beach is world famous for its circular shape, protected interior and to-die-for clear waters perfect for floating or snorkeling. Get a taxi to the beach for a day of relaxing. You can also rent a chair and buy food from local vendors.
Book a Snorkel Adventure
Aruba's crazy-clear waters make it a favorite island for both diving and snorkeling, which is part of the reason snorkeling tours abound.
This snorkeling tour includes an open bar and lunch. You'll stop at a famous shipwreck, Malmok Beach and Boca Catalina Bay, where tropical fish are all over the place. Pay just $62 per person for a day of fun and relaxation.
Gamble to Your Heart's Content
While several Caribbean islands have a handful of small casinos, Aruba is flush with options ranging from the higher end Ritz-Carlton Casino to the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. Try your luck at blackjack, roulette, craps, Caribbean Stud Poker, Let it Ride or slots. Or, visit the Hilton for the island's best poker game, where you can play against the locals.
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