Aruba Cruise Day Beach Plan: Port to Arashi and Back

A port day in Aruba gives you enough time for a real beach day if you plan your return first. Arashi is one of the more practical choices, because it has calm water and a direct bus line and is a short drive from the terminal.

How close is it?

Transfeero lists Oranjestad to the California Lighthouse and Arashi at about 12.5 km (7.8 miles) and 20 minutes on average. MyArubaGuide lists 15 to 20 minutes from the terminal to the lighthouse. Traffic can add to that, so allow more if your ship is due out soon.

By taxi

The official 2026 fare sheet shows $43 from the Cruise Ship Terminal to the Boca Catalina - Lighthouse zone, the listed zone closest to Arashi, for one to four passengers. Add $5 on a Sunday or official holiday. Passengers five through seven are $3 each. Confirm on taxi.aw or by scanning the QR code in the taxi.

By bus

This is the cheapest way. The main bus terminal is across the street from the cruise terminal, to the right. Line L10A runs to Arashi and back about every 20 minutes during its listed hours, and fares are $2.60 one way or $5.00 return. MyArubaGuide cautions that bus schedules and time can be limited, so check the current timetable before you commit.

Plan backward from all-aboard

Take your all-aboard time and work back from it. Here is one example for a ship leaving in the late afternoon:

• All-aboard: 4:30 PM
• Back at the terminal by: 3:30 PM
• Leave Arashi by: 2:45 PM
• Arrive at Arashi: around 9:30 AM

That gives you about five hours on the sand. Adjust the times to your own ship. If you are taking the bus, leave even more margin. Getting left behind is a very expensive way to save on a taxi.

What to bring off the ship

• Ship card and photo ID
• Oxybenzone-free sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Water shoes, since Arashi has rocky sections near shore
• Your own snorkel gear, if you have it
• Small bills. MyArubaGuide says US dollars are widely accepted

A reminder for souvenir hunters: it is prohibited to take seashells, sand, or coral out of Aruba.

Do you need to book ahead?

Yes, if you want a set. We need at least 24 hours' notice. You can book from home before you sail, and you will get your confirmation and map right away. On a port day, you do not want to spend your first hour looking for shade. Your set is ready from 9:00 AM.

Why Arashi works on a port day

You can reach it by bus or taxi, and it has calm water, soft sand, and good snorkeling close to shore. You also have the California Lighthouse nearby if you want a quick side trip. Our Arashi Beach guide has a full breakdown.

What it costs for two

• Set: $120.00, all in
• Bus: $10.00 return for two, or taxi at $43 each way

The set includes one big umbrella and two beach chairs, set up and anchored before you arrive. It is held under your name from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so you can walk up to the lighthouse and come back. Book your set before you sail. You need to book at least 24 hours ahead.

Source: Transfeero: Oranjestad to Arashi, MyArubaGuide: Cruise to Aruba, Official Taxi Fares, May 18, 2026, VisitAruba: 2026 Taxi Rules, Arubus Line L10A, Arubus FAQ, Aruba.com: Arashi Beach, Aruba Today: Seashells, Sand and Coral. Conditions change, so check on the day.