What to do in Aruba in 8 hours

While cruising in Caribbean by Carnival, 6th day of our 8 days cruise was Aruba. Basically, I wanted to take this particular itinerary (Miami – Grand Turk – La Romana – Curacao – Aruba) only because of Aruba. I’ve heard lots of good things about this place and wanted to see it myself.

Our ship arrived to Aruba at 8am in the morning. We had 8 hours, till 4pm, to occupy ourselves. The first thing we did is took a bus tour around the island. You can find buses waiting for tourists right near the dock.

Buses are waiting for the tourists

They offer guided excursion with the details about the area, stops in important places like cactus farm, lighthouse, and after you have some time on the public beach.

The first stop – cactus farm. The signs warn you that you take your own risk in climbing those huge rocks surrounded by cactus.

Visiting cactus famr

Here is the view from the top of the rocks on Aruba’s land. As you can see, it’s mainly flat.

View on Aruba from the top of the rocks

On the way you could see St Ann’s church, surrounded by colorful typical buildings.

St Anne’s Roman Catholic Church

Cactus is everywhere in Aruba!

Typical plants

Another stop – lighthouse. Here you can also buy some cold coconut smoothie to cool down.

Stop at the Lighthouse

At the end of the tour, they drop you off at the public beach among luxurious hotels.

Our tour bus

We had fun swimming in the pool with small fountains.

Look, they have iguanas here as well!

Iguana

Beach and color of the water is outstanding! Keep in mind, that you’ll be required to pay for the shezlong if you need one.

White sand and turquoise water in Aruba

At the end of our stay at Aruba – shopping!

Aruba shopping

My daughter was happy to get a doll with the name Aruba. She loved playing with it!

Doll Aruba for good memories

And then – back to Miami, to the port of departure. So long, Aruba!