We recently visited Aruba on a cruise, and instead of just heading to the beach or booking an excursion, we decided to explore a little bit of Aruba on our own. Of course, when you arrive on a cruise ship, you only have a few hours to explore, unlike when you visit for a weekend or stay for several days.
We’ve both visited Aruba before, both on trips by plane and while arriving on a cruise ship. During our previous cruise visit, we simply headed to the beach and spent a relaxing day there. Before returning to the ship, we took a walk around downtown, right where the cruise terminal is located.
This time, we decided to enjoy a relaxed itinerary that included the famous California Lighthouse, a walk around Palm Beach, a little shopping, good food, and, of course, some time enjoying the Caribbean Sea.
Don’t forget to check out my other posts about Aruba here. Including an amazing place we went for dinner once and other trips arriving on a cruise ship and by plane as well.
We left the cruise terminal and walked out to the main avenue to look for a taxi. When you exit the terminal, you’ll usually find people offering taxi rides and even tours. From what we had researched before our trip, a taxi from the terminal to the lighthouse could cost as much as $30. However, I believe we managed to find a slightly cheaper ride by walking a little farther away from the cruise port.
So… let’s get this adventure started! 🙂
California Lighthouse: A Stop with Spectacular Views
Our first stop was the famous California Lighthouse, located on the northwestern tip of Aruba. It sits on elevated ground, offering beautiful views of the coastline.
This wasn’t my first visit to the lighthouse. The first time I came here, visitors couldn’t go up, and I even remember seeing signs announcing the restoration work that would be taking place.
This time, we found the lighthouse renovated and open to visitors. You can now climb to the top and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the island.
We decided not to go up, but it’s a great option if you want to see Aruba from a different perspective. The lighthouse is open to the public, and there is an admission fee to climb it, so I recommend checking the hours and price before your visit. At least as of October 2026, when I’m writing this, the entrance fee is $5. You can find more information here.
Even if you don’t go up, it’s worth stopping to admire the structure, enjoy the scenery, and take a few pictures. The views are already spectacular from the ground!
Palm Beach: Shops, Restaurants, and Caribbean Vibes
After visiting the lighthouse, we continued to Palm Beach, one of Aruba’s best-known tourist areas. Here, you’ll find hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and plenty of ways to enjoy the beach.
And yes, our taxi driver waited for us at the lighthouse and then took us to the Palm Beach area.
We took advantage of our time there and had lunch at Hostaria Da’Vittorio, an Italian restaurant Trevor had visited years ago and wanted to return to. It’s so close to where I stayed the last time I visited Aruba for several days—not on a cruise—that I think I may have even had dinner there with my family.
After a delicious lunch, we walked around the shops for a bit and then headed to what I would call Aruba’s boardwalk. It’s a walkway along the beachfront hotels, running between the back of several properties and the beach.
Along this area, you’ll find public beach access—not just for hotel guests—as well as places to eat, more shops, and even spots where you can rent a kayak or enjoy other beach activities. Of course, there are also areas with tables, chairs, or lounge chairs that you can rent or that are part of the hotels.
And, of course, we also took some time to relax in the sea. Palm Beach has calm waters and that beautiful turquoise color that’s so typical of the Caribbean and makes you want to stay much longer. Absolutely beautiful!
A Little Memory of the Hyatt Regency Aruba
Here’s something funny about our connection to the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino. Years ago, both Trevor and I had the chance to stay there… BUT on separate trips and long before we even knew each other!
It’s a beautiful hotel located right in front of Palm Beach, with tropical architecture, gardens, swimming pools, and direct beach access.
We didn’t stay at the hotel this time, but we walked around the area, and I thought it was a nice opportunity to include a few pictures and mention it. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Palm Beach, it’s definitely one of the resorts worth considering as you compare options in this area.
How to Explore Aruba on Your Own by Taxi
If you want to do a similar itinerary on your own, my recommendation is to talk to the driver before getting in, explain which stops you’d like to make, and agree on the price of the ride and any waiting time. This way, you can enjoy your day with a little more peace of mind instead of having to figure everything out along the way.
One important thing to know is that taxis in Aruba don’t use meters. The fares are officially set and depend on the route, so it’s a good idea to ask about the price before starting your trip.
During our visit, we paid the following amounts:
- Cruise port to California Lighthouse: US$21.
- California Lighthouse to Palm Beach: US$21.
- Palm Beach back to the cruise port: US$20.
These were the prices we paid during our visit in May 2026. Don’t take them as universal fares, since they may vary depending on the conditions and the official rates in effect.
I also recommend carrying cash and confirming how the fare is calculated: whether it applies to the entire vehicle or if there are additional charges for passengers, luggage, or other conditions. If you need the driver to wait while you visit an attraction, make sure to agree on that beforehand.
In Aruba, you can also hire taxis by the hour, with specific terms and rates.
Of course, we gave our taxi driver a nice tip for her help, for being happy to wait for us, and for all the tips she shared about the island. 🙂
A very useful resource is Taxi.aw, the official platform where you can check fares and estimate how much your ride might cost before your trip.
A Few Tips to Help You Plan Your Visit
If you’re visiting Aruba on a cruise and want to do something similar, here are a few things that may help:
- Plan your stops before heading out: This will help you make the most of your time and avoid going back and forth between the same areas.
- Bring cash: Although some places accept cards, it’s handy to have U.S. dollars for taxis and small purchases.
- Wear sunscreen: Aruba is usually very sunny, and there isn’t much shade around the lighthouse.
- Bring water and comfortable clothes: Especially if you plan to walk around Palm Beach and spend time by the sea.
- Leave some time to enjoy the beach: Don’t turn your day into a race to visit as many places as possible. Sometimes, the best part of Aruba is simply sitting by the sea and enjoying the scenery.
If you’re visiting on a cruise, remember to check what time you need to be back on the ship and leave enough time for your ride back to the port. regresar al barco y dejar suficiente margen para el traslado de vuelta al puerto.
Is It Worth Exploring Aruba on Your Own?
Absolutely! If you already know some of Aruba’s beaches or simply prefer to plan your day your own way, this itinerary is a great option for combining beautiful scenery, shopping, food, and some beach time.
California Lighthouse offers a different perspective of the island, Palm Beach has plenty of options for walking around and grabbing a bite to eat, and you can always end the day enjoying the beautiful Caribbean waters.
If you’d like to see how our day went, I invite you to watch the video of our visit to Aruba, where we share footage of California Lighthouse, Palm Beach, and some of the places we explored throughout the day.
Because sometimes, you don’t need a packed itinerary to enjoy an island as beautiful as Aruba. On our next visit, maybe we’ll explore Alto Vista Chapel, Baby Beach, or another beautiful and interesting place we can always find on this island.
