Eagle Beach Aruba from the Cruise Port: What It’s Really Like

By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | Eagle Beach Aruba

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Eagle Beach Aruba looks perfect on paper: wide white sand, calm turquoise water, and easy access from the cruise port.

That’s exactly why we chose it for our Aruba cruise stop. But like a lot of popular beaches, how your day actually plays out depends on timing, crowds, and whether you’re willing to adjust on the fly.

This is the story of how our Eagle Beach plans nearly went sideways — and how a simple pivot turned it into a relaxed, comfortable beach day instead.

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Table of Contents

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Our Firsthand Experience at Eagle Beach Aruba

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Getting to Eagle Beach from the Cruise Port

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We were in Aruba as part of a Holland America ABC Island cruise and decided to head to Eagle Beach with another couple we met onboard. The goal was simple: a beach that wasn’t too far from the cruise port and somewhere we could just chill, swim a little, and enjoy the day.

Right after getting off the ship, we grabbed a taxi outside the Aruba cruise terminal. The ride to Eagle Beach took about 10 minutes and cost roughly $20 total for the four of us. The driver dropped us near Coco Loco Beach Bar, a popular spot right on Eagle Beach.

At first glance, Eagle Beach lived up to the hype. It’s a long, wide stretch of soft sand with clear blue water and plenty of space — in theory. In reality, it was already busy when we arrived. The beach itself felt crowded, and there was a long line at the bar. We quickly realized that standing in line and baking in the sun wasn’t how we wanted to spend our cruise port day.

At that point, it honestly felt like choosing Eagle Beach had been a mistake.

Finding a Quieter Spot Near Costa Linda Beach Resort

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Instead of calling it a loss, we decided to walk down the beach toward the neighboring resort area near Costa Linda Beach Resort. Almost immediately, the vibe changed. There were noticeably fewer people, more space, and a calmer atmosphere.

We weren’t sure if this section of the beach was private, but we soon learned that Aruba’s beaches are public. You just can’t use the resort’s lounge chairs or umbrellas unless you’re a guest. That was fine with us — the extra breathing room alone made it worth the walk.

To escape the heat, we grabbed seats at Water’s Edge Restaurant & Bar, which is open to the public. That ended up being the best decision of the day.

While Michelle and Anitka headed back out to the beach to swim, Ty and I stayed at the bar. The water was warm and inviting, and the sand here was soft and non-rocky — ideal for a true beach day.

This isn’t a snorkeling spot, and Eagle Beach isn’t known for reefs or marine life. It’s about relaxing, floating, and cooling off.

We lucked into the bar’s 2-for-1 happy hour from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, arriving just in time. I tried Balashi Brewery’s Chill beer — a light, refreshing island lager served with lime — and it hit perfectly in the heat. I ordered a cheeseburger, and we shared chicken wings. The food was surprisingly close to what you’d expect at a casual U.S. restaurant, which made ordering easy and familiar.

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The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, including the bar manager who took great care of us.

One thing you’ll definitely notice here: wildlife. Iguanas casually wandered through the restaurant area, and small birds popped in looking for crumbs or something sweet. It added character rather than being a nuisance.

When it was time to head back, we walked through the pool area and front lobby, and had the staff call us a taxi back to the cruise port. From there, we still had time to browse the shops and pick up a few souvenirs before boarding.

From what I could see, Costa Linda Beach Resort looked like a really solid place to stay if you’re visiting Aruba for more than a cruise stop. The resort felt relaxed and well-kept, the beachfront was quieter than the main public access areas, and having easy access to food, drinks, and shade made the whole area feel more comfortable. If we were planning a full Aruba vacation instead of cruising, this is a resort I’d seriously consider coming back to and spending a few nights at.

In the end, I was glad we didn’t stay at the main Coco Loco area of Eagle Beach. The resort side was quieter, cooler, and far more enjoyable.

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Who Eagle Beach Aruba Is For (and Who It’s Not)

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A Good Fit for You If:

• Want a laid-back beach day with soft sand and calm water
• Aren’t focused on snorkeling or reef exploration
• Don’t mind crowds as long as you can escape them with a short walk
• Appreciate having food, drinks, and shade nearby

Not Ideal for You If:

• Are looking for top-tier snorkeling right off the beach
• Want guaranteed loungers and umbrellas
• Don’t want to deal with crowds at all during peak cruise hours

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Location: Where Eagle Beach Aruba Is and Why It Matters

Eagle Beach Aruba is located just west of Oranjestad, about a 10-minute drive from the Aruba cruise terminal, making it one of the easiest beaches to reach on a cruise stop. Its size means you can walk away from the busiest access points and find quieter sections near resorts like Costa Linda, which can make a big difference on crowded ship days.

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Tips for Visiting Eagle Beach Aruba on a Cruise Day

• Don’t stop at the first beach bar you see — walk a little farther
• Expect crowds near popular access points, especially midday
• Plan for shade, whether that’s a resort bar or your own gear
• If you just want to swim and relax, this beach delivers
• Skip this beach if snorkeling is your top priority

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What to Pack for Eagle Beach Aruba

This is a comfort-first beach, especially on a cruise day.

• Sandals or beach shoes – The sand gets hot, and the walk can add up
• Lightweight sun shirt or cover-up – Shade isn’t guaranteed unless you’re at a bar or rent an umbrella
• Reef-safe sunscreen – You’ll be in direct sun most of the day
• Insulated water bottle – Staying hydrated matters more than you think
• Quick-dry towel – Nothing fancy—just something easy to bring with you.
• Small beach bag – Easy to carry if you decide to walk down the beach to a quieter spot

These are the kinds of items that make the difference between a tiring beach stop and a relaxing one.

Pro Tip: American Express is not widely accepted in Aruba.

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Is Eagle Beach Aruba a Good Cruise Stop?

Eagle Beach Aruba works well for cruise passengers if you’re flexible. It’s close to port, easy to reach by taxi, and forgiving for travelers with mobility concerns thanks to its flat, sandy shoreline. The key is being willing to move away from the busiest areas and use nearby resorts and restaurants as your base.

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Verdict: Is Eagle Beach Aruba Worth It?

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Yes — but only if you adjust your expectations.

If you’re chasing empty beaches or great snorkeling, this isn’t the spot. But if you want a classic Caribbean beach day with warm water, soft sand, and an easy escape from the ship, Eagle Beach can absolutely work. Just don’t plant yourself at the first bar you see.

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Quick Summary: Is Eagle Beach Aruba Worth It?

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Eagle Beach Aruba is an easy taxi ride from the cruise port and offers a classic, laid-back beach experience, but it can be very busy near the main access points. The beach becomes noticeably quieter and more enjoyable the farther you walk toward the resort areas, which is where we found the best overall experience. It’s a great spot for swimming and relaxing in warm, clear water, but it’s not a good choice if snorkeling is your main goal. Overall, Eagle Beach is best enjoyed if you’re willing to walk a bit, adjust your plan, and avoid settling for the first crowded section you see.

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FAQs About Eagle Beach Aruba

Is Eagle Beach Aruba crowded?

Yes, especially near popular access points and bars during cruise ship hours. Walking farther down the beach helps.

How far is Eagle Beach Aruba from the cruise port?

About a 10-minute taxi ride from the Oranjestad cruise terminal.

Is Eagle Beach Aruba good for snorkeling?

No. The water is calm and clear, but there’s little reef or marine life compared to other Aruba beaches.

Can cruise passengers use resort areas at Eagle Beach?

Yes, the beach is public. You can’t use hotel loungers or umbrellas, but restaurants and bars like Water’s Edge are open to everyone.

Is Eagle Beach Aruba good for travelers with mobility issues?

Generally yes. The sand is soft but level, and there are no rocks or coral to navigate.

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Make Your Aruba Cruise Beach Day Easier

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If you’re planning an Aruba cruise stop, Eagle Beach can be a great option — especially if you know how to avoid the busiest areas. For more realistic planning help, check out these guides:

• Top Things to Do in Aruba: Discover Beaches and Adventures You’ll Love
• Best Snorkeling in Aruba: Where to Find Clear Water and Colorful Reef Life
• Best Cruise Ports in the Caribbean: What’s Worth Revisiting?
• Cruise to ABC Islands: Real Stories, Tips & Island Magic

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Closing Thoughts

Eagle Beach Aruba is best for cruise travelers who want a simple, relaxing beach day and don’t mind adjusting plans once they arrive. If you’re flexible, willing to walk a bit, and focused on comfort over adventure, this beach can still deliver.

If you’re on the fence, remember this: the beach itself isn’t the problem — expectations are. A small pivot can turn a crowded stop into a genuinely enjoyable day.

Adventure Awaits. Book It!