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Aruba Cruise Shore Excursion: Fitting in the Clear Boat on Port Day
Cruise days in Aruba go fast. The good news is that the clear boat is only 1.5 hours, so it fits easily into a port day with time left for the beach.
Pick the right departure
The boat leaves at 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM. For most ships, 11:30 AM is the sweet spot: you’ve had time to get off the ship and across the island, and you’re back on land by around 1:00 PM.
If your ship docks early and leaves early, 9:00 AM works if you move quickly. Avoid the 4:30 PM slot unless your all-aboard time is late in the evening.
Getting there
The cruise terminal is in Oranjestad. The tour runs from the northwest side of the island, roughly 20 to 30 minutes away by taxi depending on traffic. Taxis wait right outside the terminal. Your confirmation email has the exact meeting point to show the driver.
Plan your buffer
Give yourself at least 90 minutes between the end of the tour and your all-aboard time. That covers the ride back, a quick change, and any traffic on L.G. Smith Boulevard.
What to bring off the ship
- Swimsuit on under your clothes
- Towel (most ships let you take one)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Cash or card for the taxi and the balance on the day
You can book up to 2 hours before departure, but cruise days fill up. Reserve before you sail.
A sample port-day plan
- 8:30 AM Ship docks in Oranjestad.
- 10:30 AM Taxi from the terminal to the northwest coast.
- 11:30 AM Clear boat departs: Antilla wreck, Boca Catalina, Tres Trapi.
- 1:00 PM Back on land. Lunch and a swim nearby, or head straight back.
- 3:00 PM onward Return to the ship with time to spare.
Adjust around your own ship’s times. The rule that matters: leave at least 90 minutes between the end of the tour and all-aboard.
Why book independently instead of through the cruise line?
Ship excursions are convenient, but they’re often priced higher and sold to large groups. The clear boat takes 10 people at most, so it’s a much more personal trip. The trade-off is that you’re responsible for getting back on time, which is why we recommend the 9:00 AM or 11:30 AM departures on port days.
Cruise-day checklist
- Booking confirmation saved on your phone (with the meeting point)
- Ship card and ID
- Swimsuit on, towel in your bag
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Cash or card for the taxi and the balance due on the day
What if the ship changes its schedule?
Contact us as soon as you know, and we’ll do our best to move you to another departure that day. Keep in mind the deposit itself is non-refundable.