Hi all!
We’re a group of 11 heading to Aruba, Curaçao, and Grand Turk soon as part of a cruise. We’re all about beaches, drinks, and sun! Any recommendations on where to go and what to see? Are there any beach resorts you’d suggest spending the day at? Looking for the best beach spots, too. Any activities you think we shouldn’t miss? Thanks in advance!
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“We’re a group of 11 heading to Aruba, Curaçao, and Grand Turk soon as part of a cruise. We’re all about beaches, drinks, and sun! Any recommendations on where to go and what to see? Are there any beach resorts you’d suggest spending the day at? Looking for the best beach spots, too. Any activities you think we shouldn’t miss? Thanks in advance!”
Grand Turk is basically a private port for Carnival cruises. There’s a big pool and beach area right there; no need to go far. For food, walk down to Jack’s Jerk Shack and try the jerk chicken.
In Curaçao, Willemstad is a charming Dutch-style town, easy to walk around. I spent a beach day here and didn’t even need a ship excursion—just took a taxi.
In Aruba, I went on a sunset sail. I also scuba dived in the morning, but I know the beaches are famous there too.
@Tait
Thanks for the tips! Do you remember any specific beach names we should check out?
Ashton said:
@Tait
Thanks for the tips! Do you remember any specific beach names we should check out?
On Curaçao, Blue Bay was a nice spot. I didn’t go to a beach in Aruba, though.
Ashton said:
@Tait
Thanks for the tips! Do you remember any specific beach names we should check out?
Eagle Beach in Aruba is lovely. It’s public, with great sand, some beach bars, and rentals. There’s even a butterfly farm nearby if you have kids!
In Curaçao, Blue Bay is a private resort, so there’s a fee to enter, but it’s worth it. They’ve got showers, changing rooms, a restaurant, and good snorkeling.
If you’re in Curaçao, Mambo Beach has a fun happy hour from 5-7 pm!
Be careful with taxis in Aruba. They have a sign with rates as you exit the port, but some drivers try to overcharge. A trip to Eagle Beach should be about $15 per ride, not per person. We had one driver who tried for $25, but we negotiated. Another on the way back insisted on $30 but dropped us off at the wrong spot.
In Curaçao, stop by Netto Bar for some Rom Berde—it’s green like Shrek’s blood but tastes amazing!
In Aruba, check out the donkey sanctuary.
And for Grand Turk, it’s mainly a beach day. There’s a shack down the beach selling beer cheaper than the main spots—worth a stroll if you’re planning to relax with a drink.
Not stopping at Bonaire? If you do, renting a kart to explore is fun!
Jai said:
Not stopping at Bonaire? If you do, renting a kart to explore is fun!
Totally agree!
In Aruba, if you want a quiet spot, walk east about 2 miles from the port to Linear Park. It’s a long, calm beach with trees for shade. The water is usually clear, no coral near the shore, so it’s a chill place to relax. If you walk all the way to the end, there are some beach bars where you can eat and have fun. You’ll be able to see the ship the whole time, so no worries about getting lost.
I get why most cruisers choose Grand Turk as a simple beach day spot. It’s easy—short pier, walk to the beach, plenty of seating, and local food. You can even go back to the ship if you need anything.
But I’d argue you might be missing out if that’s all you do. Grand Turk is a small island with its own unique vibe and history in the salt trade. There’s a bit of exploring to be done and donkeys roaming around! Unlike most cruise terminals, it actually feels like you’re in another country, not just another corporate-run port.
So here are a couple of ideas:
Take a tour: It’s a good way to see more of the island. If you have kids, the Duck Boat tour is fun and covers a lot.
Rent a golf cart: You can explore the whole island, see a small museum, local restaurants, quieter beaches, and get a real taste of island life. Locals are super friendly—don’t be surprised if you’re invited to join a domino game under a tree! Just keep track of time to get back to the boat.
Or just chill with a beer on the beach. It’s your vacation—enjoy it however you like!
In Curaçao, we had an awesome experience with Gone Caribe. It’s a tour company that can customize the trip to whatever you want to see. Worth every penny!