Walk around town/port?

[JuliaMS]

This will be our first time in Aruba and my in-laws just want to walk around the town/port? Is there much to see or do doing that? 
 

we will be doing beach days and a snorkel trip in our other 3 ports and they don’t want more of that. But I don’t want to waste a new port window shopping at Cariloa, Del Sol and Diamonds international ( the shops in every port). 
 

Is there something worth doing for an island tour? Maybe a boat tour around the island?

[ransrider]

I have been to Aruba twice and both times taken a tour. You won't see much of Aruba if you don't take a tour. Get into the hills where all the beautiful sights are. There are many good tours to choose from. We did Aruba Trikes one year and ABC Tours just a few weeks ago. Both were excellent. We are both 60 years old. Have fun! 

[Ava79]

There are a lot of excursions! It is better to book and plan in advance, it will be cheaper. 
At the tour desk, excursions will already be more expensive. My aunt was in Aruba. Most of all she enjoyed scuba diving and a glass bottom boat cruise!
 

[Hatteras51]

Aruba will probably have the best beaches of all of your ports. Why don't you make that a beach day for you, and let your in laws wander around downtown? They could stroll around the waterfront,  have lunch, visit the fort, shop, etc. while the rest of you go to the beach and do a tour. Aruba is very safe and downtown is lovely and easy to get around. We spend 2 - 3 weeks in Aruba every year ( actually,  we're headed there next week). I love to stroll around downtown. 

[Hatteras51]

Just want to clarify something in my post above, it should say " go to the beach OR do a tour." It's not giving me the option to edit the post.

[JuliaMS]

Is there a specific destination to look for in a tour? Highlight to see?

Our four ports are St Kitts, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Is one of those better for just spending the day in town? I've been to St Kitts twice and I know I don't want to do it there. The other three are all new to me.

Believe me I am happy doing something without everyone but my husband feels he needs to stay with everyone.

 

Edited January 24, 2020 by JuliaMS

[bonsai3s]

You can easily walk around town.  I just posted on another thread talking about the free trolley that you can take around town or just outside the cruise terminal...to the left outside the gate.

 

The free trolley is popular and always seems to be a long line.  I would only use it if you have difficulty walking or can't walk.  The free trolley goes around town and back to the cruise terminal.  (Sorry, but you'll find the same stores and shopping areas.)

 

We regard the beaches in Aruba as some of the best in the Caribbean...Eagles Beach and Palm Beach are nearby.

We take the local bus called "Arubus".  Walk across the street from the cruise terminal...look for Pizza Hut...the bus stop is just across the street.  There's small ticket booth...the lady inside is always happy to help you...tickets are only $5 roundtrip to the beach.  The lady will tell you the bus number and what time it leaves.  Buses usually run every 20 minutes.  It can get hot, and it can get windy...but the beaches are breathtaking.

 

Simply let the bus driver know you want to get off Eagles Beach (or any beach you want), and the driver will yell your stop.  Of course, there may be other cruise passengers doing the same thing and you'll see them getting off the bus. 

Happy Sailing!

 

[cleobella]

We love downtown Aruba, spent 10 days in Aruba recently and enjoyed driving into town to look around.  It's mostly shopping, there are a couple of Casino's if you want to lose some money (LOL).  We just likes strolling, and stopping into The Dutch Pancake House, and Starbucks, close to the pier.

[cruiseapril]

Willemstad, Curacao is a good place to walk around for hours. 

 

In Aruba, we took a bus in the morning to several sites- the Aruba Aloe Factory, the Casibari Rocks, and the natural

bridge.  We also saw about 2/3 of the island driving around in the air conditioned bus.  It took about 3 hours

[saslis]

17 hours ago, cruiseapril said:

Willemstad, Curacao is a good place to walk around for hours. 

 

In Aruba, we took a bus in the morning to several sites- the Aruba Aloe Factory, the Casibari Rocks, and the natural

bridge.  We also saw about 2/3 of the island driving around in the air conditioned bus.  It took about 3 hours

  

Did you get your own bus in Aruba or is that an excursion ?  Can you tell me more. 

[cleobella]

I would taxi to a beach in the morning, just to see the beauty of the local beaches, which Aruba is known for.  Then head back to the pier to have a snack, or lunch, and then walk about the port town of Oranjestad.  There is shopping, casino's, and it is a nice way to pass the time if you are toured out!   

[cb at sea]

There is shopping, casinos, and restaurants within easy walking distance.....