Aruba is easily one of the most beautiful places in the world. Combine that with the friendly locals, delicious food, and stunning landscape, and it’s no wonder it’s consistently one of the top vacation destinations.

There’s a lot to do on the island, but if you want to see Aruba in all its splendor, take a sunset cruise. We have researched for you to present you with the top Aruba sunset cruises out there.

Best Sunset Dinner Cruises in Aruba

	Aruba: 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Excursion	Aruba Sunset Cruise and Seaside Dinner	Noord: Happy Hour Sunset Cruise
	Best Evening Cruise	Best Dinner Cruise	Best Party Cruise
Departure:	Hotel pickup and drop-off included	Pelican Nest Restaurant, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 237, Noord	Beach hut located in front of pelican pier in between Holiday Inn and Playa Linda
Start:	Contact tour operator	5:30 PM	Contact tour operator
Duration:	2 hours	3 hours	2 hours
Includes:	Hotel pickup and drop-off, sailing excursion, unlimited drinks (open bar), snacks, local taxes	Sunset cruise, dinner, open bar and snacks on board, 1 beverage during dinner (wine or soda)	Guide, open cocktail bar, afternoon appetizers, life Jackets (adults and children), octopus souvenir
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

If you are looking to get out on the water for a full day of snorkeling, see our snorkel tour reviews and for something more exciting our Horseback riding tours or ATV tour reviews.

Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Aruba Sunset Cruises For 2024

1. Best Evening Cruise: Aruba 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Excursion
2. Best Dinner Cruise: Aruba Sunset Cruise and Seaside Dinner
3. Best Party Cruise: Noord Happy Hour Sunset Cruise
4. Best Luxury Cruise: Luxury Wine and Dine Dinner Sail in Aruba
5. Best Budget Cruise: Aruba Sunset Sail Experience

Aruba Sunset Cruise Reviews

1. Best Evening Cruise: Aruba 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Excursion

Next up, we have the Aruba: 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Excursion, which is perfect if you want something a bit shorter. Many people love the idea of sailing but haven’t had the opportunity to try it. This tour is just the ticket if that’s your situation!

With a hotel pickup included, you don’t even have to worry about leaving early or organizing transportation! All you have to do is make sure you’re ready in your hotel lobby. If you’re on the hunt for more of a tropical party vibe rather than a low key dinner, we highly recommend this one. 

For example, if you want to pregame before heading out to the bars or clubs, it’s perfect. The catamaran is in excellent shape, and is great for dancing, or simply kicking your feet up and relaxing.

The tour offers light snacks and an open bar throughout the entirety, so make sure to take advantage of them!

The kinds of snacks offered do vary, but always have fresh and tasty options. The open bar tends to lean more towards fruity, tropical drinks and cocktails,

If you stay on the deck, you can expect festive music perfect for having a fun time and hanging out with other passengers. Below deck is a bit more calm and quiet, with pristine views of the coastline.

You can choose to sip your drinks while watching the beautiful sunset from the sundeck, below decks, or on the unique netting between the hulls! Feel the breeze blow through your hair as you admire the neon citrus Caribbean sunset reflect off the turquoise waters.

The staff is very attentive the entire time, and if you have any questions about the area or catamaran, they’ll surely be happy to help out.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

2. Best Dinner Cruise: Aruba Sunset Cruise and Seaside Dinner

If you’re looking for something a bit longer, we bring you one of the most popular cruises of its kind on Aruba. The Aruba Sunset Cruise and Seaside Dinner makes for a great romantic outing yet still offers a fun experience for the entire family. Instead of going to your average restaurant, opt for this delicious dinner with a view!

Lasting for 3 hours, it’s just the right length of time to sail around the island and enjoy a delicious meal and drinks. You’ll meet at the Pelican Pier/Pelican Nest Restaurant at 5:30, so when you’re back, you’ll be able to either head into the local nightlife activities or back to your accommodations. 

The location couldn’t be better! Start your evening with the friendly staff welcoming you onboard their top-notch catamaran. Make sure to take a stroll around and become acquainted with the boat before taking a seat at your table.

The spacious vessel offers panoramic views of the sea along with the coastline. As you look on, make sure to grab a refreshing drink from the open bar, along with some snacks!

You can also choose to sip on some tropical cocktails, too. The sun starts to lower, creating a firey red-and-orange painting across the sky and reflected off the water. Make sure to snap some photos before dinner is served!

You’ll enjoy fantastic views while dining on chicken, steak, fresh fish, and more. Fish options are typically either snapper or grouper, and you’ll have sides of soup, salad, and a delicious dessert to top it off.

Afterwards, you can choose to hang out at your table or get up and dance with other passengers to some festive music! All in all, you can always expect a lot of smiles, great food, and fantastic vistas.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

3. Best Party Cruise: Noord Happy Hour Sunset Cruise

Does an Aruban sunset tour sound like a blast to you, but you’re on a tight budget? If so, check out the Noord: Happy Hour Sunset Cruise tour. Yet another 2-hour tour, it’s a fantastic and fun way to transition from day to night. 

After a day full of excursions or strolling around in the sun, it’s time to treat yourself with a cool and calm cruise in the Caribbean. This tour is one of the most reputable, with a knowledgeable captain and crew, certified first aid staff, and a professional guide.

Start out by meeting at the beach hut which sits right in front of Pelican Pier between the Holiday Inn and Playa Linda. You’ll be greeted by staff and escorted onto the state-of-the-art Octopus catamaran. Safety is always at the forefront, so life jackets are provided and encouraged.

This catamaran, in particular, is known for its ample lounge seating with prime views of the sea and coastline.

The soft cushions will keep you comfortable for the entire tour, so sit back and enjoy as staff brings you tropical cocktails and tasty snacks. Snacks usually consist of local fruits, fresh-baked breads, and meats.

This tour offers one of the most breathtaking views of the sunset, as well as the California Lighthouse, and the gorgeous Aruban coastline. Intermittently throughout the tour, your guide will provide an educational commentary full of facts and personal anecdotes.

The octopus souvenir that they provide to everyone is also a really nice touch that will always provoke wonderful memories. You may just have to do it again!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

4. Best Luxury Cruise: Luxury Wine and Dine Dinner Sail in Aruba

Next up, we bring you yet another fantastic, budget-friendly cruise lasting 3 hours. The Luxury Wine and Dine Dinner Sail in Aruba is for those who enjoy the finer things in life. If you’re on the hunt for a great experience to fill your evening with, this one can’t be left off the list!

Just like most others, this tour does start off with you meeting up at the pier at 5:30 PM. Located right behind the Hyatt Regency, it’s easy to find and access – especially if you’re staying in this hotel zone!

From the very get-go, you can tell that the staff takes their jobs seriously, with their friendliness and professionalism that takes the cake. The luxury catamaran is well-maintained and looks beautiful, but also has plenty of room for seating and walking around.

Once you board, you’ll be escorted to your seat, where you’ll be able to have “the best seat in the house” for Aruba’s sunset. Enjoy a refreshing glass of sparkling wine as you begin to set sail.

Once you set off, feel free to move around and enjoy the other areas of the vessel, such as the front deck, railing, and built-in benches that are quite comfortable.

The sunset is breathtaking, so make sure to have your cameras/phones out to snap some photos! Once you’re ready to dine, head over to the buffet and choose among 3 courses. Most include Caribbean-esque salads and entrees, but the dessert buffet really is the star of the show.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

5. Best Budget Cruise: Aruba Sunset Sail Experience

We wouldn’t be able to have a list of the best Aruba sunset tours while leaving this beauty off! While many on our guide are budget-friendly, they simply can’t compete with this one!

The Aruba Sunset Sail Experience tour is simply the best option if your main priority is saving money while having a good time. 

Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or just a beautiful experience with friends or family, this tour is worth checking out. Meet at 5:30 PM at the pier, and meet with the crew to board the impeccably-maintained catamaran. 

The open-deck design is perfect for viewing the gorgeous coastline, including Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, California Lighthouse, and other notable spots. The crew will serve you tropical cocktails, though there is an open bar and snacks included.

The chicken empanadas were a crowd favorite, and you could easily go on eating them all evening! The ham and cheese wraps were also tasty, and they make sure there’s enough for everybody.

While the neon orange-and-red sunset is stunning, the crew and captain really make this experience outstanding. They’re so fun, friendly, and knowledgeable that you’ll be entertained while learning throughout the tour!

If you’d like, get up and dance to some music perfect for getting to know others on the vessel or simply hanging out with loved ones. Whether for couples, friends, the entire family, this is an excursion you don’t want to miss.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience

Aruba Tour Guide

Getting There

You won’t likely have any trouble finding a good flight to Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba from most major US cities. In fact, you’ll probably be able to find some good nonstop options! If for some reason, you cannot find a nonstop flight from your home airport, connecting through Miami is a great alternative.

American, Canadian, Caribbean, European, and the majority of South American citizens don’t even need a visa to get in! However, you do need a valid passport.

Getting Around

You won’t likely have any trouble finding a good flight to Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba from most major US cities. In fact, you’ll probably be able to find some good nonstop options! If for some reason, you cannot find a nonstop flight from your home airport, connecting through Miami is a great alternative.

American, Canadian, Caribbean, European, and the majority of South American citizens don’t even need a visa to get in! However, you do need a valid passport.

Getting Around –

Getting around Aruba is quite easy, as there are so many viable transportation options.

Buses – Public buses are great! They tend to be very clean, air-conditioned, reliable/on-time, and accept US dollars and Aruban Florins. Unlimited day passes are probably the best option if you’ll be riding it around more than a couple of times throughout the day.

Taxis – Taxis are also very convenient, and you can take one by ordering ahead or hailing one from the street. If you’re staying in Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, or downtown Oranjestad, you’ll find them everywhere.

Bike – One of the best ways to see Aruba is by bike! Due to how flat the island is overall, you don’t have to be in great shape to pedal around. Not only that, but you’ll find various paved bike paths all around the most popular areas. There are plenty of Green Bike stations around, or if you don’t mind spending more for an app-based rental, try Bixi Bike.

Trolley – The trolleys are charming and offer that “authentic” experience. What makes them even more appealing is the fact that they are free and eco-friendly! They move around the backstreets, so you can get on or off as you wish. Starting at the Cruise Ship terminal, it has 6 different stops throughout downtown, and loops back to the terminal.

Car – Cars are probably unnecessary and a really expensive option if you’re just going to stay within the city. However, if you’d like to check out national parks or San Nicolas, you may want to rent one for a day or so.

Where to Stay

Just 20 miles long and 5 miles wide, it goes without saying that Aruba is quite a small island! Oranjestad is the capital and biggest city on the island, known for Dutch-like colonial houses. You’ll likely stay here, unless you prefer to stay on one of the beaches on the west side, like Palm Beach and Eagle Beach.

Oranjestad is a great location, and full of different cultural influences (aside from Dutch). You’ll be able to find many beautiful pieces of architecture, delicious restaurants, the cruise port, and lots of great shopping. Here, is where most tours start as well.

Renaissance Wind Creek is a great option for mid-to-upper budget range, located on a beautiful waterfront in the center of the city. With acres of private beaches, you can even see stunning pink flamingos contrasted against the clear blue water.

Wonders Boutique Hotel is an adult-only option that features an outdoor pool provided by a natural spring. This hotel is a wonderful place to start out the day, with tropical foliage that makes for a cozy reading spot. Not to mention, their breakfasts use only local ingredients.

Eagle Beach is another great option if you want to be on the beach or really like water sports. It’s actually ranked as one of the top 10 beaches on the planet! It is known for generally being very laidback and calm, though it’s not quite as walkable and you’ll likely need to use a taxi or bus to get around.

Pearl Aruba Condos – This is a great mid-range option located just 4 minutes from the beach. These are condos, so you’ll have your own kitchen, individual bedrooms, and a living room with a TV and sofa. Not only that, but they have a stunning outdoor pool!

Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort is a nice option for the entire family, and comes with rooms ranging from studio suites to 1-bedroom suites which all have an ocean view and jacuzzi tubs!

Palm Beach is a bit more touristy and has the vast majority of all-inclusive resorts and chain hotels. You will find mostly tourists here, and it can get a bit crowded. However, it’s really easy to walk everywhere. It has great bars, nightclubs, casinos, restaurants, and shopping, too.

Hyatt Regency Resort and Casino is a nice high-end option, located literally a minute walking from the beach. As you can imagine, the ocean views are incredible here. Not only that, but you have a full-service spa, casino, and 2 pools. The outdoor pool complex is massive, and even features a 2-story water slide!

Karibu Aruba – This boutique hotel is a nice budget option, yet still just 5 minutes walking to the beach, lots of restaurants, and shopping centers.

Restaurants and Eating Out

Aruba is known for having amazing Caribbean food, but also has a very obvious European influence. With that being said, you’ll find many restaurants that offer something from the two, but there’s just about every kind of food here.

2 Fools and A Bull – This Palm Beach restaurant is located in the country’s restored Old Cunucu House, and the name refers to the two chefs, Roger and Roy. Their circular bar seats 17, where they serve a 5.5-course meal with optional wine pairings. It almost feels like you’re at a dinner party with good friends.

Asi Es Mi Peru – As you can probably tell from the name, this is authentic Peruvian food complete with Peruvian landscapes and gorgeous hand-woven fabrics on the walls. The ceviche is one of the best we’ve ever tried, though beef, pork, and chicken dishes also have a lot to offer.

Atardi – If you’re looking for the perfect date night spot, this is it. This romantic place boasts tables on the beach, with big palm trees on one side, and the turquoise waters on the other. This place is great for seafood lovers, serving lobster tail, seabass, Macadamia grouper, salmon, but also short ribs and filet mignon.

Barefoot Restaurant – Located in Oranjestad, this is yet another great option for delicious seafood. We recommend the Two Tuna appetizer: Tuna carpaccio and tuna tartar with a delicious Asian twist of teriyaki and sesame seeds.

Elements – This beautiful location features floor-to-ceiling windows with a breezy deck that overlooks the ocean. This adults-only spot is perfect for dates or celebrations, offering natural, organic dishes for healthier living. Located in Oranjestad, their 6-course meal with a bottle of wine in one of their private palapas are the most romantic option!

Gostoso – The Portuguese name offers insight into the cuisine which is Portuguese and Aruban. Located in Oranjestad’s maze-like roads, it’s not the easiest to find but well worth the hnt. Beef carpaccio, bacalao, conch, and creole sushi is absolutely delicious!

Nightlife and Entertainment

Aruba has quite a varied nightlife, from packed clubs to laidback drinks with a gorgeous view.

Bars –  

1. The Beach Bar – This Palm Beach spot is absolutely beautiful! Surrounded by clear turquoise waters, it’s a great place to sip on some cocktails.
2. Saloon Bar – This is actually one of the most well-known bars in the country, located near some of the biggest high-rises. Come here if you’re looking to have some fun, chat with locals, and dance to some good music.
3. Bugaloe – This cozy place is great for having a conversation or enjoying a beautiful sunset with your special someone.
4. Café Chaos – The name speaks for itself! Good beers and excellent live music, it creates a perfectly tropical atmosphere that always offers good vibes.
5. Carlito’s Sports Beach Bar – If you are on the hunt for the best happy hour in Aruba, look no further. Their 2-for-1 drink special runs until 9pm which is practically unheard of!
6. La Ronda Café – With an open-air patio and great environment, you’ll have everything from DJs and dancefloors to karaoke nights.

Breweries

1. Fireson Brewing – Everyone loves a good brew, especially when on vacation in a tropical paradise. As the first microbrewers on the island, they offer excellent service and even better beer. 

Nightclubs

1. Gusto Night Club – This L-shaped bar is always a lively place full of varied music, from hip-hop to salsa.
2. 809 Nightclub – This club is pretty big, with a dancefloor sized to match! International and local DJs play here, along with world-class sound and light engineers to ensure an all-around great experience.
3. South Beach Aruba – Yeah, the name may not be very ingenious but it’s a hotspot for those looking to enjoy some drinks and dancing with top-notch VIP service.
4. Sand Aruba by Brickell Bay – You’ll often find locals here on the weekends, and it’s hard not to join in! This is the place to be if you’re looking to dance until you can’t anymore. They not only offer great music, drinks, and dancing, but hookah and food, too!

Weather

Aruba’s weather doesn’t change much throughout the year, which makes it quite easy for planning your trip. You can expect temperatures in the low 80s all year long, with it getting just a bit hotter between May and October. It does rain a bit from October to December, but it’s not usually so much that it puts a damper on outside plans.

`Attractions

1. Arikok National Park – Deserted beaches and rocky coves scattered with cacti and limestone caves dating back hundreds (if not thousands) of years, contrasts quite a bit with the soft sand beaches on the island. Covering almost a whopping quarter of Aruba, the park is great for venturing around.
2. Aruba Aloe Factory and Museum – Native to Aruba, the aloe plant is treasured due to its medicinal properties. This factory and museum will show you all about how to cut, test, and package the products but also the history behind this magical plant.
3. Antilla Shipwreck – Aruba’s waters are covered in shipwrecks due to the treacherous rocks in the Caribbean. This actually makes for quite interesting diving and snorkeling spots, as the wrecks are inhabited by rich and varied marine life. This one in particular is what’s left of an 80-year-old cargo ship.
4. Ayo and Casibiri Rock Formations – You’ll see these on many of the tours we covered. These smooth rock formations are fun to climb on, but just as impressive to watch from afar.
5. Philip’s Animal Garden – This nonprofit provides a sanctuary for over 50 types of critters, and you’ll get to see and interact with many of them! Tropical birds, leopards, pigs, and much more are waiting!
6. Lourdes Grotto – This grotto is an intricate shrine carved into a limestone hill, built in 1958. The star of the show is the 1,500-pound statue of the Virgin Mary adorned with candles, flowers, and more.

Tips

1. If you have long hair, you seriously need to bring ponytails and/or head coverings. Aruba is windy, and it’s like this year-round. It’s not just a little breeze either! If you want to keep your hair out of your face during your trip, these are necessities.
2. Bring casual outfits. One or two nicer outfits are okay for a romantic dinner, but overall everyone is super casual.
3. Go into the water. There are so many beautiful beaches and clear waters, that you have to try getting out there! IF you don’t want to go snorkeling or swimming, at least try getting on a boat.
4. If you’re a beer lover, be prepared for the prices. Just a case of Coors Light will set you back about 60 bucks.
5. Bring a payment method that isn’t American Express. They get denied a good amount of time in Aruba. Even better, have some cash handy!