Every cruise port has that one bar. The one where people swear they’ll “just stop for a quick drink” before heading back to the ship… and then suddenly it’s two hours later, you’ve ordered nachos the size of a beach towel, you’re using their Wi-Fi like it’s a corporate office, and someone at your table is seriously considering buying property in Aruba.
Welcome to Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar in Aruba.
Located along the marina in downtown Oranjestad, Lucy’s is a colorful, open-air waterfront hangout that feels like Margaritaville’s cooler, slightly more mischievous cousin. It’s casual, lively, and dangerously convenient if you’re sailing out of Aruba. Which is exactly why cruise passengers keep wandering in… and coming back again.
First Things First: No, You Don’t Have to Be a Surfer
The name “Retired Surfers” sounds intimidating if your most athletic ocean activity involves floating on a pool noodle. Relax. Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar in Aruba isn’t full of bronzed wave riders discussing swells and surfboards. It’s full of happy people drinking margaritas and pretending they once surfed in Hawaii in 1998.
The “retired surfer” concept is really about the lifestyle:
laid-back, beachy, sun-soaked, and stress-free.
Basically, if you enjoy burgers, beers, and cocktails with a view, you qualify.
But… Is There Actually Surfing in Aruba?
Surprisingly, yes. While Aruba is famous for its calm beaches, the island’s north and northeast coasts face the Atlantic and can produce real waves at spots like Andicuri Beach and Dos Playa. Lucy’s, however, is where the retired surfers hang out. Translation: people who once stood on a surfboard… or watched someone else do it.
Aruba actually has a small but very real surf scene — you just have to know where to look. The island’s postcard‑calm west side is what most visitors see, but the north and northeast coasts face straight into the Atlantic, which means wind, swell, and waves that feel like a completely different island.
🌊 Where the Waves Actually Break
A few spots consistently draw the island’s surfers — the ones who haven’t “retired” to Lucy’s yet.
Andicuri Beach — A legit, exposed beach break with very consistent surf, powered by north swells and strong Atlantic energy. It throws both lefts and rights, and it’s known for big waves, rips, and rocks — the opposite of Palm Beach’s float‑on‑a‑raft vibe.
Dos Playa — Tucked inside Arikok National Park, this is the local surfers’ go‑to. Two side‑by‑side coves framed by limestone cliffs, with raw, untamed water and steady swell. It’s considered the island’s top surfing spot and feels almost secret compared to the resort beaches.
Wariruri, Urirama, and the Dunes — Smaller, windier breaks that show up on surf reports with overhead conditions when the Atlantic is pumping.
🌴 The Vibe: Easy, Breezy, and Beautiful
Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar in Aruba sits right on the marina across from the Renaissance, where the water is that glassy, impossible shade of blue and the boats look like they’re posing for postcards. Pelicans glide overhead like they’re on the payroll, and every so often one will drop into the water with the confidence of a local who’s been doing this longer than you’ve been alive.
The restaurant itself is pure Caribbean‑casual with a wink — bright colors, open-air everything, and easygoing staff who will get to you when they get to you. There’s a big wraparound bar at the center where the drinks are strong and the vibe is lively. It’s a surf bar in the same way a Jimmy Buffett song is a business plan: spiritually accurate, factually flexible.
🍹 What You’ll See, Smell, and Hear
- Servers in bright shirts who move with the efficiency of people who’ve carried a thousand trays through a thousand trade winds.
- Color everywhere — turquoise walls, coral accents, surfboards hanging like retired trophies, and string lights that make everything look like golden hour even when it’s not.
- Open-air seating — breezy tables facing the marina, where you can watch the water taxi pull in while your margarita sweats on the table.
- A soundtrack of island pop, classic rock, and whatever the bartender is vibing with, usually loud enough to feel festive but not so loud you can’t hear your friend’s story about the time they “almost caught a wave” at Andicuri.
- The smell of fried seafood and citrusy cocktails drifting through the air like a permanent invitation.
- Photo Ops — Surfboards, neon signs, goofy props. It’s engineered for vacation Instagramming.
Why Cruise Passengers Love Lucy’s
Lucy’s is basically the perfect “last stop in Aruba” bar. Or “first stop in Aruba” bar depending on which way you’re going.
Reasons cruisers flock here:
It’s an easy walk from the cruise terminal – No taxis, no planning, no stress.
There’s Wi-Fi – Because someone in your group needs to upload Aruba photos immediately.
Service is (sometimes) quick, and (sometimes) not – You’re on island-time, bro. Just be sure to keep an eye on the clock.
Waterfront views everywhere – Even your margarita gets a view.
It’s the kind of place where you can decompress after a dusty ATV tour and pretend you’re staying on the island another week.
What to Eat: The Menu Is Basically Vacation Food
Lucy’s describes its menu as coastal fusion—which translates roughly to “everything you want to eat while drinking tropical cocktails.” lThe menu blends California, Southwestern, and Caribbean influences, meaning tacos, seafood, burgers, and lots of shareable dishes.
Lucy’s Aruba Lunch and Dinner Menu
Crowd Favorites
Serious Nachos
And yes, they are serious. Think mountain-sized.
Shaka Ceviche
Fresh seafood with bright citrus flavors—perfect in the Aruba heat.
Rock-A-Mole (Guacamole)
Because guacamole tastes better when eaten next to a marina.
Tacos
Especially during Taco Tuesday when they’re practically begging you to order six.
Jerk Chicken
Caribbean spice, island flavor, and exactly what you want on vacation.
And if you went fishing earlier in the day? Bring your catch and they’ll cook it for you. That’s about as fresh as dining gets.
What to Drink (Besides “Another One”)
Lucy’s cocktail menu leans heavily into fun. Not subtle fun. Big colorful tropical fun.
Popular drinks include:
The Wipeout
A dangerously easy-drinking tropical cocktail.
Tropicolada
Bright orange, strong, and very photogenic.
Shark Attack
A drink with dramatic presentation.
The Famous Scorpion Shot
Yes, it contains a real tequila-soaked scorpion.
Yes, people drink it.
Yes, you get bragging rights (and a free t-shirt_
Vacation bravery is real.
The Perfect Cruise Day Strategy
Here’s the winning move:
Spend the day exploring Aruba—maybe an ATV tour, beach stop, or snorkeling adventure. Then stop at Lucy’s before heading back to the ship. Grab a cold drink, connect to Wi-Fi, watch boats glide through the marina, and soak up those last few minutes of island life.
It’s the kind of place that reminds you why Aruba calls itself “One Happy Island.”
Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar in Aruba: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lucy’s good for cruise passengers?
Yes—and that’s part of its charm. Lucy’s is about a 5–10 minute walk from the cruise terminal, making it one of the easiest places to grab a drink or meal before heading back onboard. You can literally see ships in port while sipping your cocktail.
Can kids go to Lucy’s?
Absolutely. While it has a lively bar atmosphere, Lucy’s is very family-friendly during the day and early evening. You’ll see plenty of families stopping in for tacos, burgers, and mocktails.
Is there a kid’s menu?
Kid’s Menu Musts
Yes. Lucy’s offers kid-friendly options like:
- chicken tenders
- “nino” burgers
- cheese quesadillas
- basically, simple favorites picky eaters approve of
Vacation rule: happy kids = happy parents.
Are the bathrooms clean?
Yes—always an important travel question. Lucy’s bathrooms are generally clean and well maintained, especially compared to what you might expect from a lively waterfront bar. Not glamorous, but definitely respectable.
Are the staff friendly?
Yes, and it shows in the reviews. Bartenders and servers are known for being welcoming, fast, and genuinely fun, which contributes a lot to the relaxed vibe. You’re treated like someone who just wandered into a party.
What are the views like?
Pretty great, honestly. Lucy’s sits right on the Renaissance Marina, so you’ll have boats drifting by, waterfront scenery, sunset lighting over the harbor, and people-watching galore. It’s the kind of view that pairs perfectly with boozy beachy drinks.
Is Lucy’s expensive?
Not really. Prices are typical for Aruba’s tourist area, but specials like happy hour and Taco Tuesday make it easy to eat and drink without blowing your cruise budget. You’re looking at $10-$20, so not bad at all for the Caribbean.
Is it worth visiting if you only have a few hours in port?
Yes. If you’re short on time, Lucy’s is an easy, fun, low-stress stop that lets you experience the island’s relaxed energy without traveling far from the ship. Plus: tacos and drinks.
Go to Lucy’s, Get a T-Shirt
Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar in Aruba isn’t fancy. It’s not trying to win a Michelin star or impress food critics. Instead, it offers something arguably better: good drinks, good food, marina views, friendly people, and the exact kind of laid-back Caribbean energy you hoped to find in Aruba. (The t-shirts are pretty cool, too).
And if you leave thinking you might retire and become a surfer someday…
Well, Lucy’s has been known to inspire that. 🌴🍹🏄♂️
Learn more at lucyssurf.com
Address: L.G. Smith Blvd 82 Oranjestad, Aruba
Phone (297) 746-4201
Hours:
Monday | 11am – 9pm
Tuesday | 11am – 10pm
Wednesday – Sunday | 11am – 9pm
Reservations: Groups of 10+, give us a call to reserve a table!
