Paardenbaai (English: Bay of Horses) or Port of Oranjestad is the main seaport for passengers in Aruba.

[6][7] In 1928, Arend Petroleum Maatschappij, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, opened an oil refinery near the harbour.

[8] A wharf at the Taratata was used for the refinery,[9][10] but turned out to be too small, therefore, a 420 metre long pier was constructed near Druif Beach.

In 1974, the pier and the refinery were demolished and replaced by a tourist resort with a large beach.

[12] The harbour was large enough, however it used to be shared by cargo and cruise ships which often caused problems.