The quick answer
Cruise ships use the port in Oranjestad. Official Aruba visitor information places the main bus terminal about a five-minute walk from the cruise terminal and taxis directly outside.
Boca Catalina and Tres Trapi are on the northwest coast, so a visit is practical only when the ship schedule leaves enough time for transport, changing, snorkeling and a conservative return margin.
Read more: Official Aruba cruise guide
Choose transport before choosing the beach
Bus: Arubus says cruise passengers can board L10A, L10B or L10C near the terminal for the hotel strip and Arashi. The official information does not establish an exact Boca Catalina or Tres Trapi drop-off, so check the current route and nearest stop before relying on it.
Taxi: Aruba taxis use fixed rates and licensed vehicles display a TX plate. Confirm the fare and return arrangement before leaving the terminal.
Tour or transfer: confirm the precise port meeting point, departure and return times, swimming requirement and what happens if the ship or sea conditions change. Do not infer cruise-port pickup from a listing that only says hotel pickup.
Read more: Arubus cruise-passenger FAQ · Official Aruba taxi information
Choose a realistic itinerary
For a shorter port call, one site is clearer than trying to combine several beaches. Boca Catalina is the more straightforward documented entry.
Consider Boca Catalina plus Tres Trapi only when transport and return timing are confirmed and conditions suit every swimmer. Tommy’s sunrise-relative route may not match a ship’s arrival time; do not force a timing window when the vessel schedule makes it impractical.
Work backward from the ship deadline
Use the all-aboard time supplied by the cruise line, not a third-party port estimate. Work backward to allow for the swim, drying and changing, transport variability and terminal re-entry.
This guide does not publish an untested taxi time, nearest bus stop, return buffer or pickup promise. Confirm those details for your specific ship and date.