Best Beaches Aruba
From water sports hotspots lined with luxury resorts to secluded coves sandwiched by limestone cliffs, Aruba’s breathtaking variety of beaches offers something special for everyone.
You can dip your toes in the powdery-soft alabaster sand and sunshine of Eagle Beach, the third best beach in the world according to TripAdvisor; snorkel the delicate reefs and shallow waters of Mangel Halto; or, get away from the crowds and treat yourself to the quiet solitude of Baby Beach.
Boca Catalina
Bask in the sun at this tranquil bay that provides easy sea access and swimming and snorkelling options for all ages.
The crystal clear, calm waters make this local gem Boca Catalina the perfect location for a private swim and snorkelling in Aruba.
Boca Catalina in Aruba is a small, secluded bay in the Malmok Beach area. The white sandy beach is accessible by steps from a spacious parking area alongside the road.
During week days you can have this calm bay all to yourself; at weekends it attracts a fun mix of local families and tourists.
Boca Catalina bay offers a white sand beach area with some makeshift beach huts to protect you from the sun. There is easy access to the crystal clear ocean which makes this an ideal beach for families of all ages. Boca Catalina is popular with snorkellers and those who are looking for a more private and calm beach experience.
You will find this beach on a short 5-minutes drive from the resorts on Palm Beach on the main road towards the California Lighthouse.
Andicuri Beach, Aruba
Be surprised by this great escape from the crowds and enjoy the adventure of reaching this beach, a body-boarders’ haven.
Situated on the Island’s windward coast, just south of the collapsed Natural Bridge, dramatic bluffs flank a sandy cove area, leaving beach-goers in a world of their own. The locals tend to go here.
Body-boarders love it here for the stronger surf; experienced swimmers can enter the water, although they should be aware of strong currents.
If you make the journey to Andicuri, be sure to travel a little further along the dirt track to see Black Stone Beach and a fascinating triple-arch limestone natural bridge.
Andicuri Beach boasts a breathtaking and scenic setting. The wide bay is enclosed by coral-stone cliffs, which in some places provide coolness and shade. Due to its perfect waves and stronger surf, various local body-boarding competitions are held here. Locals love to come here for the peace and quiet in comparison with the more popular beaches on Eagle and Palm Beach.
There are no catering facilities here, so bring your own picnic, but please leave our beaches clean. Driving and barbecuing on the sand are forbidden.
Surfside Beach
Walk along the shallow and almost completely calm waters of the Caribbean Sea at Surfside Beach, a favourite among local families.
Relax in the cool shade of the Kwihi trees and enjoy a beautiful sunset whilst majestic cruise ships and local fisherman pass by.
Surfside Beach boasts a long stretch of beach, ideal for gatherings and picnics under the trees and calm waters that make this area an excellent playground for stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing and such like. This beach is right by the famous Linear Park in Oranjestad.
Surfside Beach hosts various bars and restaurants, including Pincho’s, Barefoot and Reflexions Beach Club.
Nearer the airport a spacious soft sand beach awaits for a swim and sun bathing. Beach beds and lounge chairs are for rent from Reflexions and kids can enjoy themselves on a floating water park. This beach is also home to a diving school and a casual Surfside beach bar, right on the water’s edge.
Surfside Beach is just a two-minute drive from the airport and is ideal for plane spotting.
Palm Beach
Step onto the white sand of the renowned 3km plus Palm Beach, home to Aruba’s glamorous hotels.
Palm Beach is dotted by palm trees, hotels, casinos, water sports concessions, piers, beach bars, restaurants and shops. Calm waters make this beach a comfortable haven for swimmers and snorkellers.
A walk along the coast at dawn or sunset is perfect for exercise and quiet reflection during your Caribbean holiday. Taking in the magnificent tangerine sunset or enjoying candle-lit, barefoot dining on the beach in Aruba can be the perfect end to a lazy or exciting day of sun and sea.
After sunset, the Palm Beach area just off the beach comes to life as buzzing clubs and casinos in Aruba offer an upbeat nightlife. Two of the largest shopping centres in Aruba cater to the needs of those on a shopping spree and also offer cinema theatres, water fountain shows, bowling and spa facilities.
Mangel Halto
Go out on adventure and discover Mangel Halto, offering some of Aruba’s best snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding.
This secluded beach is a perfect sunning and snorkelling spot in Aruba with calm, shallow waters rich in sea life supported by an intriguing network of mangroves.
Sunbathers who like a quiet beach and their privacy tend to go here. The public beach huts and shaded areas are also perfect for a beach picnic or to watch Aruba’s sunset. The area offers a sandy beach, a wooden sun deck and access through the mangroves for open water kayaking and SUP boarding.
Mangel Halto Beach also serves as an excellent shore diving site in Aruba. It is possible to walk out to the edge of the reef to see such fish as parrot fish, yellowtail snapper, sergeant majors and blue tangs as well as deep-water gorgonians, sponges and anemones. The reef plunges to depths of 110m where octopi, morays and barracuda abound.
Druif Beach
Druif Beach, a long, oval-shaped stretch of ivory sand, is home to the casual resorts of the Eagle Beach area.
Here, rooms and restaurant facilities are just steps away from the relatively calm Caribbean waters. Although not too far from bustling central Oranjestad centre, Druif Beach is a quiet and relaxing spot.
Druif Beach is directly connected to other beaches in the Eagle Beach area, together forming white sand beaches stretching for miles. It’s the excellent setting for day-long beach fun, water sports and unique beach walks with the most amazing ocean views.
The calm, crystal-clear waters make this area perfect for swimming and aqua jogging or other forms of exercise. Both motorised and non-motorised water sports are offered in this area and plenty of beach huts and chairs allow great beach lounging. Active sun-lovers can challenge friends and family on the beach volleyball court to some fun in the sun, while others just take in the amazing view and simply relax. Look out for the pelicans roosting on poles in the water, providing local colour.
Rodger’s Beach
Try the local flavour of a hidden gem amongst the best beaches in Aruba: Rodger’s Beach, offering clear swimming water.
Rodger’s Beach is a narrow powdery white coastline close to famous Baby Beach, yet has a more authentic feel to it as fishermen anchor their colourful boats here, protected by the calm waters of the bay.
During the week Rodger’s Beach is very quiet and perfect to read a book or indulge in the crystal clear Caribbean; at weekends this Aruba beach is often populated by local families. If you want to stay away from the crowds you’ll find on Palm Beach and Baby Beach, this is a great, quieter alternative.
Adjacent to Rodger’s Beach is a local diving shop offering snorkel and diving gear for rent, a shower and a restaurant. If you want to explore the fun, bars and underwater world of Baby Beach, it is a minute’s drive away.
Fun fact: Rodger’s Beach was named after the British Captain Rodger, who opened Aruba’s first oil refinery in San Nicolas, Aruba Lago Refinery in 1928. With captain Rodger at its helm, the refinery brought prosperity to Aruba. The refinery can be seen from Rodger’s Beach.
