The tropical island paradise of Aruba is famous for its pristine sandy beaches and alluring turquoise waters. If you are planning a cruise or vacation in Aruba, enjoying a beach day is probably on your list. With so many beautiful beaches to choose from, how can you decide on the right one? This article unveils the best beaches in Aruba to ensure you make the most of your vacation or cruise to this magnificent island.
Beaches on Aruba range from long stretches of white sand to tranquil hideaways and secluded coves surrounded by rugged cliffs. Whether you want to relax at the beach bar, snorkel in some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean, or unwind under a palapa on a beach chair, Aruba offers a beach experience for everyone.
In this article, I’ve reviewed the most breathtaking beaches in Aruba. You’ll learn about the facilities and activities each beach offers. This information can help you spend a magnificent day on a cozy white-sand beach in a Caribbean paradise.
Introducing Aruba
Aruba is a tropical island in the southern Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela. It enjoys year-round warm temperatures and little rainfall. Its dry, tropical, semi-arid climate, pristine beaches, and crystalline waters make Aruba a popular South Caribbean cruise destination.
Aruba is part of the ABC Islands, which also include Bonaire and Curaçao. These three Caribbean islands belong to the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Lesser Antilles or Dutch Caribbean.
The ABC Islands have stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cultures, and friendly locals. However, when it comes to beaches, Aruba stands out as the top beach destination in the southern Caribbean.
How to Choose the Best Beaches in Aruba
How can you decide which beach in Aruba is best for spending a perfect day? Are you looking for a Caribbean beach with fun activities? Or maybe you want to stay close to the port in Oranjestad. And what about enjoying plenty of relaxation and perhaps some snorkeling? Here are some ideas on how to find the perfect beach.
Amenities: Decide on how you want to spend your beach day. Popular beaches like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach offer a range of activities like water sports, snorkeling, and palapas. However, Andicuri Beach has fewer facilities but breathtaking cliffs and scenery. Also, look for beaches with facilities such as restrooms, restaurants, and beach bars.
Safety: If you plan on swimming or snorkeling, choose beaches with shallow, calm waters and no strong currents. Generally, beaches on the island’s west side, like Druif Beach, Eagle Beach, Baby Beach, and Divi Beach, are the safest.
It’s important to note that beaches in Aruba don’t have lifeguards.
Accessibility: Opt for beaches that are easily accessible by car or public transportation. Aruba has an excellent public transport system, with buses going to the most popular beaches on the west coast and some secluded beaches on the east.
Beauty: The most dramatic beaches in Aruba are on the eastern coast. Here, secluded, off-the-beaten-track beaches are in small coves or rocky bays. Daimari Beach, Boca Keta, and Baby Beach are outstanding beaches famous for their natural beauty.
Proximity: Consider beaches close to your accommodation, attractions you want to visit, or the cruise terminal in Oranjestad. For example, Druif Beach and Manchebo Beach are the closest to the cruise terminal and are only a 5-minute taxi ride. Surfside Beach is only a 15-minute walk from the cruise pier.
Are Beaches in Aruba Free to Access?
All beaches in Aruba are public, and you can use them without charge or an entrance fee. However, you may have to pay for additional facilities like beach chairs, umbrellas, or palapas. Some exclusive resorts provide amenities for guests free of charge.
Getting to Beaches in Aruba
Thanks to a good transport system, getting to the best beaches for swimming in Aruba is easy. You can travel to beaches on the western side by car, taxi, or the reliable bus service. Due to the rough terrain, access to the more rugged eastern beaches requires a jeep or a shore excursion, offering a more adventurous journey.
Map of Aruba’s Best Beaches
Explore our interactive map to discover the top beaches in Aruba. Use it to plan your perfect beach day, whether you’re a cruiser or a vacationer.
The Most Popular Beaches in Aruba
Aruba’s most popular beaches are on the island’s southwestern coast. Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are the two most popular stretches of sand close to Oranjestad. Also, Arashi Beach on the northern tip and Baby Beach on the southernmost side are famous for their calm waters, beautiful scenery, and opportunities for snorkeling and swimming.
Beaches on the West Side of Aruba
The west coast of Aruba is home to some of the most stunning beaches on the island. Most beaches have calm waters and beautiful white-sand shores lined by palm trees. Whether you only have a few hours to spend on a cruise day or you want to spend the entire day, you’ll find a beautiful beach near Oranjestad.
Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach is the best beach in Aruba and is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its vast stretch of white sand and calm, warm waters make it ideal for swimming. The beach gently slopes into the Caribbean, making it safe for families and kids.
Facilities at Eagle Beach include beach chairs, umbrellas, and palapas for shade. Several water sports clubs rent equipment for a range of fun water activities if you want more adventure. The beach is well-maintained and clean, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Eagle Beach is also famous for its renowned Fofoti trees. These trees have a trademark silhouette pointing toward the Caribbean. They are unique, highly recognizable, and featured in various Aruba advertising campaigns. Eagle Beach is also a nesting spot for sea turtles.
Nearby attractions are the Bubali Bird Sanctuary and Butterfly Farm.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 3 miles (4.8 km) and accessible by car, taxi, or public bus
- Facilities: Variety of water sports, beachside restaurants and bars, umbrella and chair rentals, and outdoor showers
- Atmosphere: Relaxed, scenic, welcoming, and spacious
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is a vibrant, bustling two-mile (3.2 km) stretch of beach just north of Eagle Beach. It’s one of the most popular beaches with cruisers or vacationers due to its white sands, turquoise waters, and range of water sports. Its calm waters are perfect for swimming or various water sports and activities.
The range of facilities at Palm Beach is why the beach is so popular. Beachfront restaurants, bars, souvenir stalls, and water sports equipment rental places line the shore. Here, you can book banana boat rides, wakeboarding, water skiing, parasailing, and jet skiing.
If you’re looking for a luxurious beach experience, several all-inclusive resorts with palm-studded hotel gardens line the beach. The beach comes alive in the evening when vacationers come for the beach clubs, restaurants, bars, and water fountain displays. It’s also one of the best places to marvel at stunning tangerine sunsets.
It’s also possible to walk from Palm Beach to Eagle Beach. A leisurely stroll along the shoreline takes around 40 minutes. So, be prepared with sunscreen and plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 6 miles (9.6 km) north
- Facilities: Extensive water sports, numerous beachfront dining options, umbrella and chair rentals, water sports rentals, and nearby shopping malls
- Atmosphere: Energetic, vibrant, family-friendly, and cosmopolitan
Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in Aruba and downtown Oranjestad. It’s a family-friendly beach popular with locals and tourists. It has calm, shallow waters and excellent facilities. Trees line the narrow stretch of sand, giving plenty of room for unwinding in the shade.
Surfside Beach is the only beach within walking distance from the cruise pier. The cozy beach, soft sand, and glistening water make it an ideal place to relax and unwind in the gentle Caribbean breeze. Access to the beach is free, and you can rent beach loungers, umbrellas, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment.
Surfside Beach is ideal if you plan to visit downtown Oranjestad on your cruise day or vacation.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) or 30 minutes on foot
- Facilities: Water sports rentals, beachfront bars and restaurants, picnic areas, restroom, and shaded spots
- Atmosphere: Relaxed, convenient, family-friendly, and scenic
Manchebo Beach
Manchebo Beach is a wide stretch of soft, powdery sand, excellent waves, gentle surf, and calm waters. Located on Aruba’s most westerly point, the beach offers a wide range of activities for a superb beach day. The most popular activities are swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the soft white sands.
Facilities at Manchebo Beach include cabanas, palapas, picnic tables, and beach chairs. Thanks to its tranquil and laid-back atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to soak up the Caribbean sun in a serene setting away from crowds of tourists. Like the nearby beaches of Divi Beach, Druif Beach, and Eagle Beach, it’s easily accessible by car, bus, or taxi.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 3 miles (4.8 km)
- Facilities: Beachfront dining, beach chair and umbrella rentals, spa services, and restrooms
- Atmosphere: Uncrowded, relaxing, and tranquil
Druif Beach
Druif Beach is a mile-long, wide strip of white sand and calm Caribbean waters. The beach gently slopes into the shallow waters, making it relatively safe despite the lack of lifeguards. This quiet, serene beach also has convenient access to nearby restaurants, beach bars, and resort facilities.
At Druif Beach, you can relax on the soft sand, swim in the warm waters, and snorkel to explore the vibrant marine life. Also, the rocky outcrop of this small crescent-shaped bay is a popular fishing spot, and you may spot pelicans. At the public beach, look out for the “I Love Aruba” sign.
It’s the perfect beach in Aruba if you want to relax and enjoy a crowd-free beach experience. At the same time, you are close to amenities in the low-rise hotel area.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
- Facilities: Beach bars, restaurants, beach walks, water sports
- Atmosphere: Peaceful, scenic, family-friendly, and welcoming
Divi Beach
Divi Beach is located in the bay next to Druif Beach. The wide, mile-long white-sandy beach is dominated by two all-inclusive beach resorts, Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba. There is also public access to the beach, where you can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, and unwind in the warm sunshine away from crowds.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 2.7 miles (4.3 km) or an hour’s walk from the cruise terminal
- Facilities: Restaurants, beach bars, all-inclusive resorts, beach chairs, and palapas
- Atmosphere: Relaxing, family-friendly, and uncrowded
Baby Beach
Baby Beach near San Nicolas is one of the most popular family beaches on the island’s south side. Located in an attractive crescent-shaped bay, the wide beach has soft white sand, crystal clear, calm waters, and fantastic snorkeling opportunities. The water is between knee and waist deep, making it ideal for families.
The gentle slope of the shore creates a shallow lagoon for safe, peaceful swimming. Aside from swimming, Baby Beach also offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, as you can almost walk to the reef. Here, you can marvel at colorful tropical fish, stunning coral reefs, and other marine life.
There is no cost to access Baby Beach, and there are huts on the beach that you can use for free. However, strong currents in the sea at the mouth of the bay make swimming so far out unsafe. You can get to Baby Beach by bus, car, or taxi.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 15 miles (24 km)
- Facilities: Basic amenities, including restrooms, picnic areas, snorkel gear rentals, and nearby food stands
- Atmosphere: Serene, family-oriented, picturesque, and peaceful
Mangel Halto
Located 7 miles (11.2 km) south of Oranjestad, Mangel Halto Beach is a stunning, secluded beach surrounded by mangroves. It is ideal for swimming and snorkeling and offers an off-the-beaten-path experience. Beach huts and palapas make it perfect for a picnic lunch or watching Caribbean sunsets.
Mangel Halto Beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reef close to the shore. Therefore, it’s a haven for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The calm and shallow waters and impressive corals are teeming with marine life to explore. You can also rent paddle boards or kayaks.
One of the highlights of Mangel Halto Beach is the mangrove forest that surrounds the area. These mangroves serve as nurseries for various marine life and offer a unique ecosystem to explore.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 7 miles (11.2 km)
- Facilities: Palapas, bar, parking, SUP, and kayak rentals
- Atmosphere: Quiet, secluded, and remote
Rodgers Beach
Rodgers Beach is located on the southeastern tip of Aruba, adjacent to the town of San Nicolas. This serene beach is in close proximity to the famous Baby Beach, making it an ideal spot for visitors seeking a quieter alternative. The waters are crystal clear, and the gentle waves make it a perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty.
This quiet, serene beach is perfect for escaping the crowds and enjoying a peaceful day by the sea. You’ll love the fine white sands and warm waters. There are also excellent photo opportunities with the fishing boats moored at the bay’s far end and colorful beach huts, creating a unique and charming backdrop.
Rodgers Beach offers stunning views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea and the striking contrast of the nearby oil refinery. The view of the refinery from Rodgers Beach is a matter of personal perspective. For some, the sight of the refinery may detract from the natural beauty of the beach, as it introduces an industrial element to an otherwise pristine setting. The refinery’s presence can be seen as an eyesore, interrupting the typical picturesque landscape of turquoise waters and white sand.
Ultimately, whether the refinery view makes Rodgers Beach less appealing depends on individual tastes. If you prefer a completely unspoiled natural environment, you might find the refinery distracting.
On the other hand, if you appreciate unique and varied landscapes, you may find the contrast between the beach and the refinery intriguing and visually compelling. Despite the refinery, Rodgers Beach still offers clear waters, soft sands, and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a worthwhile visit for many beachgoers.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 16 miles (25.7 km)
- Facilities: None; however, facilities at Baby Beach are a 10-minute walk away
- Atmosphere: Tranquil and mostly deserted
Savaneta Beach
Savaneta Beach is located about 8 (12.8 km) miles south of the cruise terminal in Aruba and past Pos Chiquito. This small, secluded beach offers a peaceful retreat among beautiful mangroves. It’s a stunning location, and the beach is undeveloped without amenities or facilities, adding to its rustic charm.
Savaneta Beach features a white sandy shoreline and crystalline waters, surrounded by mangrove trees and sea grapes. These features create a tranquil and picturesque setting. It’s usually deserted during the week and gives fantastic views of Commander’s Bay, the Caribbean, and orange sunsets.
This beach is best suited if you want a quieter and more authentic Aruban beach experience away from the typical tourist hotspots.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 8 miles (12.8 km)
- Facilities: None
- Atmosphere: Calm, peaceful, with no noise
Barcadera Beach
Barcadera Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Aruba for kitesurfing. The peaceful, isolated, unspoiled beach has soft white sand, rocky underground, and some mangroves. It also has a beautiful reef near the shore. Snorkeling here lets you explore beautiful corals, tropical fish, and other marine life.
Barcadera Beach is best known for its calm and clear waters, as it’s protected by De Palm Island. With its secluded location away from the busy tourist areas, Barcadera Beach provides a peaceful retreat for families looking to escape tourist crowds.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 6 miles (9.6 km)
- Facilities: None
- Atmosphere: Isolated and tranquil
Hadicurari Beach
Hadicurari Beach, also known as Fisherman’s Huts, is a stunning white-sand beach on Aruba’s northwest coast. Due to its steady trade winds, this beach is famous for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Several surf schools on the beach offer equipment rental and lessons for beginners. It’s one of the most popular windsurfing locations on the island.
The water in this area is extremely shallow and calm, making it a popular spot for local families with young children. It’s also generally free from crowds of tourists who typically head for Eagle Beach or Palm Beach.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 5.5 miles (8.8 km)
- Facilities: Surf schools, water sports equipment rental, palapas, beachfront bars
- Atmosphere: Fun and lively, and not many tourists
Malmok Beach
One of the best spots for snorkeling in Aruba is Malmok Beach. Located on the northwest coast of Aruba, Malmok Beach has some of the clearest waters in Aruba. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, Malmok Beach offers an unparalleled experience for snorkelers of all experience levels.
The beach consists of fine white sand and rocks. It’s also next to the main road from the Cruise Terminal in Aruba, L.G. Smith Blvd., and there is a bus stop and car park nearby. The sandy part of the beach also has complimentary palapas to shade from the hot Caribbean sun. It is important to note that no facilities are available at the beach.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 6 miles (9.6 km)
- Facilities: None
- Atmosphere: Peaceful and tranquil, with few tourists apart from snorkelers and divers
Boca Catalina Beach
Boca Catalina Beach is between Malmok Beach and Arashi Beach on the northwestern side of Aruba. This small bay beach has soft white sand and crystal-clear warm waters. Like the neighboring beaches, it’s a magnet for snorkelers and divers.
The small, narrow strip of sand at the secluded bay is also the closest point to the famous Antilla Shipwreck. This popular diving spot is the largest wreck in the Caribbean. The German freighter is 400 feet long and covered in corals with tropical fish and lobsters inhabiting it.
The beach does not have many facilities, so bringing your own snacks and drinks is recommended. Overall, Boca Catalina Beach is the best secluded beach for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 7 miles (11.2 km)
- Facilities: None, except a few palapas
- Atmosphere: Calm and peaceful, with only a few visitors during the week
Arashi Beach
Arashi Beach is a picturesque beach located at the northernmost tip of Aruba, near the California Lighthouse in Noord, Aruba. This stunning beach is known for its gentle currents, calm, crystal-clear waters, and soft white sands. It’s ideal for snorkeling, sunbathing, or swimming. The gentle surf is also suitable for beginner body-boarders.
Arashi Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean Sea. Compared to nearby beaches, the beach has better facilities. These include palapas for shade, beach chairs, umbrellas, and a beach bar serving refreshing drinks and snacks.
The calm and shallow water make Arashi Beach ideal for traveling with children who can safely swim and play in the gentle surf. The diverse aquatic life just off the shore is also ideal for snorkeling. On windy days, kitesurfing is popular at the beach.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 7 miles (11.2 km)
- Facilities: Shade from palm trees and palapas, beach bar
- Atmosphere: Calm and peaceful, and mostly deserted during the week
The Best Beaches of Aruba’s Private Islands
Two private islands in Aruba have some of the most stunning white sand beaches in the Caribbean. It’s also where you can find beaches with flamingos in Aruba. Here are three stunning beach locations—two on Renaissance Island and one on De Palm Island.
Flamingo Beach
Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island is the place in Aruba where you can see iconic pink flamingos. The private beach gives you a taste of living on a paradise island. The exclusive retreat has a bar, grill, and private cabanas looking out over crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Access to Flamingo Beach is only available for resort guests or those who buy a day pass. The water taxi from the Seaport Village Marina takes 15 minutes to reach the island.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
- Facilities: Private beach area, shaded cabanas, beach chairs, umbrellas, restaurants, bars, restrooms, showers, water sports, walking trails
- Atmosphere: A taste of tropical paradise
Iguana Beach
Iguana Beach is a private beach on Renaissance Island near the port of Oranjestad. This family-friendly beach offers relaxation in a secluded atmosphere away from busy tourist areas. The beach has private cabanas providing stunning views of the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Access to the private beach is only through the Renaissance Resort. A day pass or staying at the resort allows you to use the facilities and also visit the nearby Flamingo Beach, another popular attraction on the island.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
- Facilities: Full resort facilities, including beach chairs, towels, cabanas, spa, massage, and water sports.
- Atmosphere: Laid-back, serene, tranquil
De Palm Island Beach
De Palm Island Beach is the other private beach in Aruba. The ferry to the island leaves from the ferry terminal near the Spanish Lagoon and takes five minutes. The stunning beach is part of the all-inclusive resort and has soft white sand and some of the clearest waters in Aruba. You can enjoy a waterpark, snorkeling, banana boat rides, and flamingos at the resort.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 6 miles (9.6 km)
- Facilities: Private cabanas, zipline, waterpark, sea trek, snorkeling, banana boat rides, hammocks, massage services, all-inclusive dining, free WiFi.
- Atmosphere: Laid-back and family-orientated
Beaches on the East Side of Aruba
The beaches on the east side of Aruba are rugged and less developed, featuring dramatic coastlines, rocky outcrops, and powerful waves. They offer stunning natural beauty, perfect for exploration and photography. It’s good to note that the beaches on the east coast are unsuitable for swimming.
Boca Grandi
Boca Grandi is the most popular spot for windsurfers and kiteboarders in Aruba. It’s an attractive pebbly sand beach located on the island’s east side, close to Baby Beach. The attraction is the constant trade winds, perfect for advanced windsurfing and kiteboarding enthusiasts.
Getting to Boca Grandi is possible by taxi or car. You know you’ve arrived when you see the giant red anchor at the beach’s entrance. Due to the strong winds and currents, swimming is not recommended here. However, sitting and watching the colorful kites gliding over the water is fun.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 14 miles (22.5 km)
- Facilities: A snack bar and a few palapas
- Atmosphere: Fun and lively
Grapefield Beach
Round the corner from Boca Grandi is Grapefield Beach—a beautiful, secluded beach with great surf. It’s a picturesque beach of soft sand and crystal-clear blue waters. The consistent onshore trade winds, strong currents, and powerful waves make it a popular spot for experienced surfers.
Due to its remote location on the island’s southeastern coast, the beach is mainly deserted. Therefore, it’s a perfect spot for sunbathing, having a picnic, or watching kiteboarders or windsurfers. At the same time, the sounds of crashing waves and gentle sea breezes provide a relaxing atmosphere.
Keep in mind that there are no facilities available at Grapefield Beach. There’s also no shade or beach chairs to rent. However, you get the feel of an authentic Caribbean beach.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 14 miles (22.5 km)
- Facilities: None
- Atmosphere: Peaceful and secluded
Bachelor’s Beach
Bachelor’s Beach is a beautiful beach on Aruba’s southeastern coast. Also called Boca Tabla, this relatively small beach is an excellent spot for windsurfing. However, the currents are not as strong as Boca Grandi, making it suitable for beginners who are surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing.
Please note that Bachelor’s Beach has minimal facilities, with no restaurants or bars nearby. Even though it’s calmer than nearby beaches, swimming and snorkeling are not recommended.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 14 miles (22.5 km)
- Facilities: None
- Atmosphere: Calm and relaxing without the tourists of the more popular beaches
Rincon Beach
Rincon Beach joins Grapefield Beach and offers a tranquil escape from the more crowded tourist beaches. This beautiful stretch of beach consists of rough white sand, clear turquoise waters, and gentle waves. The driftwood and other items that wash up on it make it suitable for beachcombing.
Apart from the uninhabited colorful shacks lining the shoreline, there’s not much to see at the secluded spot. Some of the beach huts are simple plywood constructions. Others have two stories, running water and weathered furniture. This beach is a sheltered, out-of-the-way location. Swimming is not advised.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 14 miles (22.5 km)
- Facilities: None
- Atmosphere: Deserted strip of beach
Andicuri Beach
Andicuri Beach is the perfect beach on Aruba’s east to escape the crowds. The beautiful beach is in a small cove with rough surf and is surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. The strong currents and waves make it popular with surfers and bodyboarders.
If you want to witness one of the most beautiful, rugged beach locations in the Caribbean, Andicuri Beach is your answer. It’s close to the famous collapsed natural bridge and Black Stone Beach. Please remember that facilities at Andicuri Beach are limited, and no restaurants or shops are nearby.
Accessing Andicuri Beach is challenging. You can drive if you have a 4×4 vehicle, or you can walk from the former Natural Bridge Center.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 7 miles (11.2 km)
- Facilities: None
- Atmosphere: Peaceful yet dramatic thanks to the cliff formations
Blackstone Beach
Blackstone Beach is a unique and dramatic beach located on the east coast of Aruba, near Andicuri Beach. The beach consists of rough, black stones instead of sand. The pounding waves, limestone cliffs, and natural bridges make this wild beach one of the most unique on the island. It’s also home to the famous Tripod Bridge which collapsed in 2005.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 7 miles (11.2 km)
- Facilities: None
- Atmosphere: Crashing waves and dramatic cliffs
Daimari Beach
Located in Arikok National Park, Daimari Beach is a wild beach with pristine sands surrounded by rugged limestone cliffs. The stunning beach is about 300 ft. (100 m) wide and stretches 0.4 miles (700 m) inland, making it one of the most unusual beaches on the island.
The rugged beauty of Daimari Beach draws visitors, especially those on horseback tours at the local Daimari Ranch. However, its high waves and strong currents make swimming and snorkeling unsuitable. Additionally, facilities are minimal, and vehicle access is only by a 4WD Jeep.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 11 miles (17.7 km)
- Facilities: None
- Atmosphere: Wild and rugged with dramatic landscapes
Boca Keto
Boca Keto is a picturesque beach in a beautiful cove beside Daimari Beach on Aruba’s east coast. The secluded beach doesn’t get many visitors, offering a tranquil escape from the busier tourist hotspots. The smooth white sand contrasts against the backdrop of limestone cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Boca Keto Beach is ideal for enjoying an unspoiled beach experience. It’s famous for a tabletop plateau rock formation called Klein Aruba (Small Aruba) in the middle of the bay. Like many beaches on Aruba’s east side, the tides and surf are rough, and swimming is not recommended.
Access to Boca Keto is by a half-mile-long hike from the parking lot at Conchi Natural Pool. There are no facilities or shade at the beach.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 8 miles (12.8 km) plus a hike from Daimari or Conchi
- Facilities: None
- Atmosphere: Dramatic cliff formations
Conchi Natural Pool
Also called Cura di Tortuga, it is one of Aruba’s most dramatic swimming locations. Located inside Arikok National Park, the tranquil, secluded pool has no beach but is famous for its refreshing waters and breathtaking scenery. While swimming in safety, you can experience the waves crashing on the other side of the cliffs.
This hidden gem’s breathtaking scenery and natural beauty make it one of the most popular nature attractions on the island. Several tour operators organize excursions from the cruise terminal. If you are on vacation in Aruba, you can reach the natural pool by a 4×4 Jeep.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 8 miles (12.8 km)
- Facilities: Small hut selling snacks and refreshments
- Atmosphere: Fun swimming in the refreshing pool surrounded by cliffs
Wariruri Beach
Wariruri Beach, located on Aruba’s rugged northeastern coast of Aruba, offers one of the most stunning surfing experiences on the island. The pristine, secluded beach features high tides and surf, making it popular with local and tourist surfers. You can view stunning cliffs, a rugged coastline, and strong waves here.
Due to the strong currents and surf, swimming is not recommended. The beach is accessible by 4×4 vehicles, horseback, hiking along the coast, or walking trails from the Gold Mine Ranch.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 7 miles (11.2 km)
- Facilities: None
- Atmosphere: Peaceful and serene
Other attractions near Wariruri Beach that make visiting worthwhile include the following:
- The Gold Mine Ranch
- Historic gold mine ruins at Bushiribana
- The Aruba Cave Pool
- The stunning natural bridge at Wariruri Beach
- The Ostrich Farm
Dos Playa
Literally two beaches in one (or two bordering coves accessible by foot), Dos Playa, located in Aruba’s Arikok National Park, is a wild, unspoiled beach surrounded by limestone cliffs. The remote beach is famous among experienced surfers for its rough waters and strong currents. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy the picturesque scenery of Aruba’s rugged coastline.
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 11 miles (17.7 km), plus a hike to get to the beach
- Facilities: None
- Atmosphere: Serene and rugged atmosphere, characterized by its secluded coves, dramatic cliffs, and powerful waves
Boca Prins
Boca Prins is one of the most spectacular white sand beaches on Aruba’s rugged eastern coast. The remote beach has stunning sand dunes contrasting with the blue ocean and dramatic cliffs. The wooden steps down to the sandy beach add charm to its raw beauty.
Getting to this isolated beach is only possible by a 4×4 Jeep or hiking. However, its isolation means you can enjoy the dramatic scenery peacefully, away from noisy beach bars or tourists. Like all the beaches along the eastern coastline, swimming is not advisable, and there are no facilities here.
The effort to get to Boca Prins is well worth it to see its breathtaking coastline. Also close are the spectacular Fontein Caves, Quadirikiri Caves, and ruins of an old Dutch plantation (Plantage Prins)
- Distance from the cruise terminal: 10 miles (16 km)
- Facilities: None
- Atmosphere: Tranquil and dramatic, with rolling dunes and striking turquoise waters creating natural wild beauty
Best Beaches in Aruba: FAQs
Where not to swim in Aruba?
Swimming is not recommended at the rocky beaches on Aruba’s eastern shore. The water there has strong currents, rocky bottoms, and large swells. Extensive signage warns against swimming at dangerous beaches. Also, be cautious at popular beaches on the western coast, as they don’t have lifeguards.
Which beach is better, Eagle Beach or Palm Beach in Aruba?
Eagle Beach is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It also offers better swimming options, with calm and warm waters, a gentle slope, and safe currents. In contrast, Palm Beach is livelier, with more resorts, restaurants, and water activities.
Is Baby Beach better than Eagle Beach?
Baby Beach is better if you have young children and want to enjoy a peaceful beach day. The bay is almost oval in shape, and the water is calm and rarely gets deeper than waist height. There is also excellent snorkeling at the entrance to the bay.
What’s the best time of year to visit beaches in Aruba?
There is never a wrong time of year to visit Aruba. The ABC Islands are outside the Caribbean Hurricane Belt and are known for their semi-arid climate and warm and sunny weather year-round.
However, remember that the peak tourist season in Aruba is from December to April. During this time, beaches are more crowded, and cruises and accommodations are costlier. Traveling to Aruba off-season can mean getting better deals or cheaper cruises.
What is the water temperature like at Aruba’s beaches?
The water temperature at Aruba’s beaches is consistently warm throughout the year, ranging between 79°F and 85°F (26°C to 29°C).
Are there lifeguards on duty at the beaches?
Beaches in Aruba generally don’t have lifeguards on duty. Therefore, you should exercise caution when traveling with young children. The three safest beaches known for their calm waters and gentle currents are Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, and Baby Beach. These beaches are ideal for swimmers of all levels and offer a safe environment for beachgoers.
Are pets allowed on beaches in Aruba?
Pets are generally not allowed on Aruba’s beaches, especially in tourist areas and protected nature reserves.
What is the currency in Aruba?
The currency in Aruba is the Aruban Florin (AWG), but US dollars are widely accepted throughout the island.
What language is spoken in Aruba?
The official languages are Dutch and Papiamento—a type of Afro-Portuguese Creole language. However, most Arubans also speak English and Spanish.
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