21 Best Aruba Beaches (With Map & Pictures)

21 Best Aruba Beaches

Below we’ve listed all of the Aruba beaches in order from the Northwestern tip of the island down to the Southeastern tip, going in a counterclockwise direction. We’ve divided the beaches among six regions: Noord, Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, Oranjestad, Savaneta, and San Nicolas. We’ve also recommended our favorite hotel to stay in for each area, which you can find at the end of each section.

Noord Beaches

1. Arashi Beach

Arashi Beach is located on the northwestern tip of Aruba, in Noord, just off the road to the California Lighthouse. This beach is a local favorite, offering ample parking, a beach bar with drinks and snacks, and free palapas (beach huts) along the shore. The water is calm here and the marine life is plentiful. This beach is great for both swimming and snorkeling. It’s a great option if you want the typical beach amenities without the tourist crowds.

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2. Boca Catalina Beach

Boca Catalina is a small and secluded beach, just a few minutes south of Arashi Beach. The shore here is narrow but lined with palapas (beach huts), and parking can be found along the road. The beach is a mix of soft sand and rocky shoreline, making it perfect for snorkeling. Sailboats and catamarans frequent this area, and many boat tours stop at the Antilla Shipwreck nearby. We don’t advise swimming to the shipwreck from this beach though, it’s a bit too far from the shore.

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3. Tres Trapi

Tres Trapi is not technically a beach, but it’s one of our favorite places to swim and snorkel, so we wanted to include it on the list! Tres Trapi is a sandy cove with crystal clear water found on the rocky northwestern shore of the island. This is a popular snorkeling area for spotting sea turtles and schools of fish. The beach used to be a hidden gem, but now the secret’s out, so it’s been more crowded in recent years. Tres Trapi means “three steps” which represent the steps carved in stone leading down to the water.

You won’t find a spot to lay a towel down or sunbathe at this beach. Instead, you’ll park and walk out onto the rock cliff until you see the stone steps leading down to the water. The sandy area at the base of the steps is hardly ever dry, so leave all your belongings in the car or on a rock that you can see from the water. You can swim, float, snorkel, and even cliff jump into the water. It’s a bit difficult to find because you can’t see it from the street, and you can’t rely on GPS. It’s just south of Boca Catalina Beach.

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4. Malmok Beach

Malmok Beach is a rocky and narrow strip of beach found just south of Tres Trapi. To swim or snorkel here, you’ll need to wade out far into the water past the shallow rocky seafloor. Water shoes are recommended. It’s actually easier to visit this beach by catamaran or sailboat since the prime snorkeling areas are pretty far from the shore. You can see the Antilla Shipwreck from Boca Catalina, Tres Trapi, and Malmok Beach, but Malmok is the best for getting to the shipwreck from the shore.

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5. Hadicurari Beach

Hadicurari Beach is the last of the beaches before the high-rise hotel area begins. Hadicurari Beach is often referred to as Fisherman’s hut (not to be confused with the Fisherman’s hut restaurant down the road). It’s a popular place for windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons because the water is still calm and shallow here, but the rocky ocean floor begins to transition to velvety soft sand. There are several kitesurfing schools set up along this beach, and it’s even the location of the annual Aruba Hi-Winds Tournament, which is the largest windsurfing event in the Caribbean.

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Where to Stay in Noord

📍Ocean Z Boutique Hotel
Ocean Z Boutique Hotel is an upscale and intimate resort located near Malmok Beach. It’s small, with only 13 suites, but it has a very sophisticated atmosphere. The suites feature private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and high-end amenities. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a personalized 5-star experience. This hotel is a short 20-minute walk to Arashi Beach or a 5-minute drive from the Palm Beach area.

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Palm Beach Beaches

6. Palm Beach

Palm Beach is the beginning of a long stretch of picture-perfect white sand beaches that go as far as the eye can see. Palm Beach is arguably the most popular beach in all of Aruba. The location is perfect for most tourists since it’s surrounded by tons of shops and restaurants, all within walking distance of most Palm Beach resorts. The Palm Beach area is certainly the most touristy beach on the island, but it’s also the most social and has a lively party scene.

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Where to Stay in Palm Beach

📍Playa Linda Beach Resort
The Playa Linda Beach Resort is a vibrant, family-friendly resort located right on Palm Beach. The resort offers tons of exciting activities that cater to families, couples, and solo travelers. Guests can enjoy two big outdoor pools, a children’s pool, a whirlpool, and cabanas lined along Palm Beach. There are also tons of dining options, a fully equipped gym, tennis courts, and a range of water sports available. There’s even a Kids Club to keep kids entertained while parents unwind!

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Eagle Beach Beaches

7. Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach was rated the 3rd best beach in the world by the 2023 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. It’s one of the most incredible beaches we’ve ever seen to this day, and it’s our favorite beach to swim at in Aruba. At Eagle Beach, you’ll find powder white sand and turquoise blue waters, tons of parking, beach huts, palapas, water sports, and a few restaurants and food trucks. This beach is located in the low-rise hotel zone, which gives it an authentic and relaxed feel. You’ll also find the famous Fofoti tree on Eagle Beach.

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8. Manchebo Beach

Manchebo Beach begins where Eagle Beach ends. Unlike Eagle Beach, Manchebo sits in front of several large resorts, including the popular Costa Linda Beach Resort, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, and Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa. Manchebo Beach is just as stunning and swim-worthy as Eagle Beach, but it is more difficult to park and get to. Unless you’re staying at one of the resorts we just listed, we recommend parking at Eagle Beach and walking down to Manchebo along the shore.

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9. Druif Beach

Druif Beach is often called Divi Beach or Drulf Beach and shouldn’t be confused with the rugged Druif Beach located on the northeastern tip of the island. Druif (or Divi) Beach is located in front of the Divi Villiage Golf & Beach Resort, which is a popular place to stay in Aruba. The water here is shallow and calm with patches of seagrass. The beach is accessible to anyone, but probably not worth visiting unless you’re staying at a Divi Resort property. Eagle Beach and Manchebo Beach are more accessible for non-resort guests.

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Where to Stay in Eagle Beach

📍Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa
Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa is an amazing boutique resort located on Eagle Beach, perfect for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. We think this property has the best part of the Eagle Beach strip. It’s at the end of the beach, so it feels very private. The resort features a wellness-focused atmosphere too, with yoga and Pilates classes daily! There’s also a fitness center, a full-service spa, multiple dining options, and beautifully appointed rooms with private balconies and patios.

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Oranjestad Beaches

10. Bushiri Beach

Bushiri Beach is connected to Druif Beach, but further from the Divi Resort properties. This is the last beach before the cruise terminal and shopping area begin in downtown Oranjestad, and it’s the official end of Eagle Beach. It was once the home of the Bushiri Beach Hotel, which closed many years ago. The property remains empty today. The beach has a rocky raised shoreline, and it’s the perfect place for snorkeling. The water here is deep enough to see schools of fish but shallow enough to stand in most places.

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11. Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach is where you’ll find the popular Barefoot Restaurant, which is one of Aruba’s best restaurants on the beach. This beach is actually the first and only beach past the cruise terminal and downtown Oranjestad, just before Aruba’s airport. The water is calm and shallow, with large areas of seagrass. Boats tend to congregate here because of the calm water. This beach wouldn’t be our top pick for swimming or snorkeling, but it’s a great place to grab a drink at the Surfside Beach Bar or dine at Barefoot with our toes in the sand.

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12. Renaissance Island Beach (Flamingo Beach)

Renaissance Island Beach or Flamingo Beach is a small private island owned by the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. Despite what you may have heard about the flamingos in Aruba, this is the only place you will find them. To get to the island, you’ll need to be a guest of the hotel or purchase a Day Pass for $125. Day passes go on sale at 9 AM every Saturday for the upcoming Monday until Sunday of each week. Passes sell out within seconds, so you’re better you’re better off staying at the hotel itself. The beach is protected from the sea by a barrier, so the water is calm. There are also tons of beach chairs and a beach bar. The flamingos are free to roam where they please, and they aren’t shy, so you can expect plenty of encounters with the friendly birds.

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Where to Stay in Oranjestad

📍Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
This swanky waterfront property sits right in the heart of Oranjestad. The hotel is split into two distinct properties — an adult-only hotel right next to the cruise terminal, and a family-friendly oceanfront hotel across the street. Both properties offer several restaurants, shopping areas, and three pools. Guests of this hotel have unlimited access to the private Renaissance Island where the famous flamingos live. At the time of this post, they do have a two-night minimum stay in place.

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Savaneta Beaches

13. De Palm Island Beach

De Palm Island Beach is part of De Palm Island which is a private island with a waterpark, underwater activities, snorkeling, food and drinks, a beach bar, and of course — a beach. De Palm Island is an all-inclusive experience, so you’ll need to purchase a Day Pass to visit. The day pass includes all areas of the park and unlimited food and drink. There are some upgrade options available, such as premium cabanas, a snuba experience, and an underwater walk. De Palm Island Beach is packed with shaded palapas and it’s great for swimming. You’ll also find Flamingos at De Palm Island, but they are not free-roaming and you can only view them from a distance. The De Palm Island ferry terminal is located just before the Spanish Lagoon bridge, on the way to Savaneta.

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14. Mangel Halto Beach

Mangel Halto is a stunning beach surrounded by mangroves, and it’s a favorite among locals. It’s located just 5 minutes down the road from the De Palm Island ferry terminal. You’ll find plenty of parking opportunities along the street leading up to a small parking lot surrounded by trees. You can enter the water through the mangroves, or you can climb down the ladder found on a small dock near the parking area. Mangel Halto is known for superior snorkeling, especially past the reef that runs parallel to the shore. This is for advanced snorkelers only though, as the current here can be extreme. We’ve personally experienced the strong current here, and it was honestly terrifying. We don’t recommend snorkeling beyond the reef unless it’s a calm day with little wind.

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15. Santo Largo Beach

Santo Largo Beach is a secluded beach in Savaneta that sees very few visitors. The water is calm, shallow, and crystal clear, and the ocean floor is covered in seagrass. This is a popular spot for shore diving, snorkeling, and even kayaking. While we wouldn’t pick this beach for swimming, it would make a great spot to have a private picnic! We’ve stopped here a few times on our way through Savaneta, and we were the only ones there each time.

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16. Savaneta Beach

Savaneta Beach is just a few steps away from Santo Largo, separated only by a small patch of trees. Savaneta Beach is a bit shorter than Santo Largo, but otherwise the same — calm, shallow, and crystal clear water with plenty of seagrass. Just past the trees to the north is a short row of homes and a beach chalet with rooms for rent.

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Where to Stay in Savaneta

📍Serene by the Sea
Serene by the Sea is a charming boutique hotel located in Savaneta. It’s a tranquil and intimate escape that’s perfect for travelers seeking a relaxing and serene environment away from the busier tourist areas. Each unit is beautifully decorated and amenities include a private beach area with loungers and hammocks, complimentary snorkeling gear, kayaks, and a garden terrace where guests can relax and unwind. The property is also right next door to one of Aruba’s best waterfront restaurants, Flying Fishbone!

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San Nicolas Beaches

17. Rodger’s Beach

Rodger’s Beach is a small beach located right next to Baby Beach. This beach is comparable to Baby Beach and is favored by locals. The water is calm and clear here, and fishermen anchor their colorful boats off the shore, giving the beach an authentic feel. This would be a good alternative if Baby Beach is too crowded. Aruba’s oil refinery can be seen from Rodger’s Beach.

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18. Baby Beach

Baby Beach is located at the Southern tip of the island, just past San Nicolas. This beach is a picturesque bay with warm and shallow water that is protected from the rough sea by a man-made breaker. This makes it perfect for families with children and even handicapped persons who want to enjoy the water without waves. It’s a 35 to 45-minute drive from the popular hotel areas around Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, so it makes for a great day trip, especially if you add on some other attractions on the south end of the island.

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19. Bachelor’s Beach

Bachelor’s Beach is a small beach next to Boca Grandi, and it’s known for kitesurfing. The road to this beach is not as noticeable as the road to Boca Grandi, so it’s not a popular stop with tourists. Most kitesurfers seem to prefer Boca Grandi, probably because it’s much larger, but there are usually at least two or three kitesurfers at Bachelor’s Beach too. To get to Bachelor’s Beach, look for a dirt road on your left as soon as you pass the Red Anchor.

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20. Boca Grandi Beach

Boca Grandi Beach is a beautiful beach located on the lower southeastern side of Aruba. Here you’ll find the most skilled kitesurfers on the island and an advanced kitesurfing school. We have swum in Boca Grandi before, but it is usually too rough for swimming because of the strong winds here, so use your best judgment before getting in the water. We love just sitting on this beach and watching the kitesurfers soar into the air and show off their incredible skills. Boca Grandi is a popular stop when driving to Baby Beach. The single road that leads to both beaches will come to a fork at a big Red Anchor. Boca Grandi is to the left of the Anchor, and Baby Beach is down the road on the right. There’s often a man selling fresh coconut juice by the Red Anchor, too.

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21. Andicuri Beach

Andicuri Beach is one of the only beaches on the eastern side of Aruba where swimming is not prohibited. Visitors should still take extreme caution when swimming here. The ocean waves can be massive and the current is always strong. This makes Andicuri Beach popular with boogie boarders and body surfers. The beach is located near the Ayo Rock Formation and is just a short drive from the Natural Bridge. The road leading up to the beach is a bit rough, so take your time, but it is not considered “off-road” so you can take a regular vehicle here.

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Where to Stay in San Nicolas

📍Little Bit of Heaven
There are currently no typical hotels in San Nicolas — instead, you’ll find house rentals and apartment rentals. There’s currently an all-inclusive hotel being built on Baby Beach, but it’s not completed yet. We recommend renting a beautiful home in Ceru Colorado called Little Bit of Heaven. It’s right next to Rodger’s Beach. This spot may not be ideal for first time visitors to the island, but if you’ve been before, and you’re looking for a peaceful retreat away from other tourists, this is the place for you!

Aruba Beaches Map

Hit the button in the top right-hand corner of the map below to expand it and view the legend of the 21 Best Aruba Beaches!

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How to Get Around in Aruba

One of our best tips for visiting Aruba is to rent a car! It can be intimidating to drive in some countries, but it’s really easy to drive in Aruba! Other than a couple of two-lane roundabouts, the roads are easy to navigate and the signage is clear.

Any rental car company will give you a map of the island that includes basic street signs and their meanings. Speed limits are posted in kilometers, but so is your car’s speedometer, so just match the posted speed. Arubans also drive on the right side of the road, just like the in the U.S.

If you really don’t want to rent a car though, Aruba does have plenty of other options. You can choose from a wide variety of different transportation options to get you from the airport to your hotel. Then you can use taxi services or the public bus to get around the island. Most Island Tours also offer hotel pick-up and drop-off!

What Beach is Nicest in Aruba?

Eagle Beach is arguably the nicest beach in Aruba. Eagle Beach is an incredible mile-long stretch of pristine white sand and sparkling turquoise water. The ocean floor is completely free of seagrass and rocks, which makes it absolutely perfect for swimming.

Eagle Beach is rated among the top beaches in the world. The shore is wide and unencumbered by hotels, and it’s often less crowded than its neighbor, Palm Beach. The water here is deeper than many other beaches in Aruba, so it’s our favorite place to float with waves using our inflatable pool noodles. The famous Fofoti Tree is also found here, which is one of Aruba’s most Instagrammable spots!

Are Beaches Swimmable in Aruba?

Aruba has the most swimmable water of any beach we’ve ever been to. The northwest side of the island is surrounded by calm, clear, and shallow waters, and pristine white beaches are lined up one after another. When we dream of splashing in the waves or floating with the current, we can’t help but picture ourselves in Aruba.

Which Beach in Aruba has Pink Sand?

There’s talk of a pink sand beach in Aruba, at the northern tip near the California Lighthouse, at Westpunt Beach. The path to the beach is hidden, so many visitors go right past it without even noticing. If you do find it, you’ll be greeted with rocky terrain, boulders scattered along the shore, and crashing waves.

So is there pink sand at Westpunt Beach? That depends. The color of the sand runs a fine line between light pink and tan. Everyone seems to have their own opinion on the color of the sand. Personally, we didn’t think the sand appeared pink, but we were still glad we made the stop! This area was unique and different from all the other beaches in Aruba.

Where is the Clearest Water in Aruba?

Arashi Beach is known for having the clearest water in Aruba. The water here is very calm and shallow, revealing the sandy ocean floor. Arashi Beach is popular with locals but often uncrowded. It’s a great escape from the tourist scene near Palm Beach. It’s the perfect place for swimming and snorkeling, or just sunbathing for the day.

Final Thoughts: Aruba Beaches

Aruba has some of the best beaches we’ve ever seen and it’s exciting to have so many different types of beaches to choose from on one small island. We’ve narrowed down our favorite five Aruba beaches, but there’s something great to be said about every single beach on the island, so be sure to explore them all!

OUR TOP FIVE ARUBA BEACHES

✅ Eagle Beach

✅ Tres Trapi

✅ Arashi Beach

✅ Mangel Halto

✅ Baby Beach

Aruba Resources

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• Looking for Aruba’s entry requirements? Here you go!
• Visiting from another country? Stay Connected!

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