[1][2] MPAs consists of four designated marine reserves, which are legally protected due to their vast biodiversity.

[3][4] These include the coastal waters adjacent to Arikok National Park (16.5 km2 (6.4 sq mi)), the coastal water around the "Eastern Cape" of Seroe Colorado (18.7 km2 (7.2 sq mi)), the coastal water along Mangel Halto, Isla di Oro, Santo Largo, with coastal mangroves (16 km2 (6.2 sq mi)), and the reef islands of Oranjestad from the lagoon next to Governor's Bay Beach up to Punta Brabo, excluding the cruise ship passage channel (9 km2 (3.5 sq mi)).

These marine reserves (0.2% of Aruba's territorial waters)[5] serve as natural habitats for coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangrove forests and act as breeding and foraging areas for sea turtles, seabirds, and sharks.

[1] The designated marine parks on Aruba include some of the island's most valuable reefs.

Nevertheless, in Bonaire, where several marine ecosystems have been safeguarded since 1979, it's feasible to host cruise ships.