15 Best Beaches in Aruba

By Tristan Ralston on 3rd November, 2023

From action-packed sands to serene stretches of sand and secluded coves, each of Aruba’s alabaster world-renowned beaches has its own unique signature. 

In 2021, Aruba took the top slot in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award in the category of World’s Best Islands for Beaches. Aruba’s Eagle Beach was named on the list of TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for World’s Best Beaches in 2021 and 2022. And these are just a few of the latest accolades.

beaches in aruba

Much of the seven-mile strip along the west coast is lined with resorts and sun worshippers. In contrast, the beaches of Aruba on the northeast coast have no amenities but they do offer tranquility, turquoise water, privacy, and magnificent natural phenomena. Here, however, swimming is not recommended due to the strong undertow and crashing waves. Both coasts afford spectacular Caribbean views and all beaches are open to the public.

Get ready to dip your toes into a world of paradise as we explore the 15 best beaches in Aruba and what this captivating island has to offer:

 

1. Arashi Beach

The northwesternmost stretch of beach is Arashi, just after the California Lighthouse. Arashi Beach is one of the best snorkeling beaches in Aruba and is perfect for swimmers to discover underwater life. With makeshift huts and a large parking area, Arashi attracts snorkelers with its gentle, calm waves and abundant sea life.

Snorkel gear can be rented nearby, allowing you to uncover the secrets of Aruba’s marine biodiversity. Shallow waters extend for hundreds of yards. Its amenities include palapas, a beach bar, and a large parking area. This is a popular beach with the locals and great fun for families. 

 

2. Boca Catalina Beach

Going towards the hotels, Boca Catalina is in the Malmok Beach area and is one of Aruba’s best beaches for swimming. Boca Catalina Bay is surrounded by rocky shores making it fun for both fishing and jumping in the water. The white sandy beach with calm clear waters and abundant sea life is accessible by stone steps. The area is craggy and rocky, Boca Catalina Bay also has plenty of parking along the road. 

Along the bay, there are many beach huts to keep you cool from the Caribbean sun and the beach is perfect for families who are wanting a swim or snorkel. The secluded stretch along the sand lets the whole family relax or play beach ball games in the water. The beach is also a five-minute drive from the Lighthouse and resorts in Palm Beach. 

 

3. Malmok Beach

Malmok Beach is a beautiful Aruba beach offering a narrow stretch fronting luxury homes and modest windsurfing residences. Its shallow clear waters attract snorkelers. Here catamarans and sailboats drop anchor for a daytime snorkeling stop just offshore.

Reefs and sunken wrecks nearby offer excellent diving. The crystal clear waters are perfect for relaxing and are a great spot for swimming if you want to discover the colorful fish underwater! 

 

 

4. Hadicurari Beach

Hadicurari Beach known as Fisherman’s Huts is home to windsurfing and kite surfing schools and the venue for Hi-Winds and other such events. It is a rocky strip right before the Ritz-Carlton. Hadicurari Beach has become a popular spot for windsurfing, sporting events, and kiting.

The beautiful beach has a stretch of white sand and blue waters. The water is perfect for anyone who is interested in watersports such as snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. 

 

 5. Palm Beach

Extending two miles, Palm Beach is home to luxury high-rise resorts, shopping/entertainment centers, and world-class restaurants. Myriad watersports companies rent all kinds of boats and equipment; hotels and piers feature beachfront shops, cafes, bars, and eateries. So you are able to take a boat ride along the Caribbean waters on your beach day. 

This world-famous beach is lined with calm waters, lounges and huts, just steps from resort amenities. Beach bars at resorts and on piers have happy hours throughout the day and there are many choices for a snack or meal. Early morning walks and sunset watching are popular pastimes.

 

 6. Eagle Beach

Close by is Eagle Beach, a popular public beach with some palapa huts for shade. Nearby hotels provide cabanas and lounges for their guests. The powdery ivory sands are fringed by some local vegetation. The turquoise waters make for a stunning beach vista.

Opt for a remote beach spot or get closer to the action of the neighboring resorts. Iconic fofoti (divi-divi) trees dot the landscape and add to Instagrammable moments. The water is relatively calm but high waves can sometimes make swimming tricky.

 

7. Manchebo Beach

Dotted with swaying palms is the widest stretch of glorious beach. The beach is located right in front of Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa. Watch out for rough surf from converging currents at this most westerly point. This Aruba beach is 800 meters long and 90 meters wide, making it one of Aruba’s widest beaches filled with calm water and a long stretch of sand.

Located on the family-friendly beach is the Pega Pega Beach Bar & Grill, where the whole family can enjoy delicious food, tropical refreshing cocktails, and snacks. Manchebo Beach is a perfect spot for families to come and enjoy the Caribbean Island.

 

8. Druif Beach

Druif Beach, a long narrow oval-shaped stretch, is home to the low-rise Divi Mega Resorts. Passing through downtown Oranjestad and driving towards the airport on the way to San Nicolas, one can see shallow and calm mangrove-covered lagoons that front narrow sandy stretches. This secluded beach in Aruba allows you to truly relax and listen to the sounds of waves whilst laying on the soft sand with your beach towels.

The Aruba water is perfect for swimming or snorkeling, so remember to bring your snorkeling gear! There are plenty of beach huts and lounge chairs available if you fancy basking in the sun.

 

9. Mangel Halto

Mangel Halto is a small quiet beach in Pos Chikito. It is a perfect spot for snorkeling, picnicking, sunning, and shore diving and is rich in sea life supported by a network of mangroves. This public beach in Aruba also offers beach huts and beach chairs, letting guests truly relax on the powdery sand.

Fancy doing a spot of snorkeling? You will have a chance to discover tropical fish, blue tangs and parrotfishes. Mangel Halto is one of the best beaches to visit in Aruba if you’re looking for a great snorkeling spot or just want to relax on the golden sands of the Caribbean. 

 

10. Baby Beach

Past the town of San Nicolas in Seroe Colorado is Baby Beach, a placid half-moon lagoon for shallow wading. If the 45-minute drive from your hotel has left you hungry or thirsty, food and drink are for purchase. You’ll find welcome relief from the sun under one of the palapas.

You can rent a snorkel and dive gear at the nearby dive shop. Be careful about strong currents at the mouth of the lagoon and stay within marked snorkel areas. 

 

11. Rodgers Beach

The neighboring Rodgers Beach overlooks the refinery but the powdery white beach itself is idyllic and the lagoon with its seagrass beds offers interesting snorkeling. Fishermen anchor their boats there in the calm waters. For 65 years, it was part of the Lago Oil Refinery and was named after an executive there.

For those in search of a tranquil escape, Rodgers Beach offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Its calm waters and swaying palm trees create a serene ambiance, making it a fantastic spot for a leisurely beach day. There is also a local dive shop where you are able to hire snorkel gear and diving gear. 

 

12. Boca Grandi

If coming from nearby San Nicolas, turn left at the giant red anchor to reach Boca Grandi. Meaning “big mouth” in Papiamento, it is named for the wide half-circle sugar-white beach that wraps around a bay. A reef-protected cove, its constant on-shore winds make it a mecca for advanced kite surfers.

The current is strong here and swimming is strongly discouraged, but all kinds of interesting treasures wash up on the sands.

 

13. Grapefield Beach

Just north, is a wider secluded white sand oasis known as Grapefield with cliffs on one side and a beach on the other. Here too, swimming is not recommended due to strong currents and trade winds. It is a favorite picnic spot amidst large sea grape groves.

 

14. Andicuri Beach

Andicuri Beach is a breathtaking beach offering views of rocky cliffs, blue waters, and strong winds. This Aruba beach is perfect for experienced swimmers and many swimming competitions are also held here. Compared to other popular beaches in Aruba, Andicuri Beach is known for being quiet and a chance for anyone to relax on the sand.

If you’re traveling to Andicuri Beach you can also travel to Blackstone Beach along the way and see the limestone bridge. There are no facilities here, so bringing a picnic or packed lunch would be ideal when visiting. 

 

15. Flamingo Beach

Picture yourself lounging on powdery soft sands, turquoise waters lapping at your feet, and a flock of vibrant pink flamingos wading gracefully nearby. This dreamlike scene comes to life on Flamingo Beach in Aruba, a truly unique and Instagram-worthy destination that captures the essence of Caribbean beauty and luxury. 

Flamingo Beach, located on Renaissance Island—a private island owned by the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino—is a haven of serenity and natural splendor. What sets this beach apart from the rest is its resident population of flamingos. This beach experience is truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment being able to get up close to these beautiful creatures. 

Access to Flamingo Beach is exclusive to guests of the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino. The resort offers boat transfers from the main island to Renaissance Island, providing a secluded oasis where you can unwind in style. This exclusivity ensures that your time on Flamingo Beach is tranquil and free from crowds, allowing you to bask in the stunning surroundings.

 

Aruba’s beaches are as diverse as they are beautiful, offering something for every kind of beachgoer. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a slice of paradise, Aruba’s shores will undoubtedly leave you enchanted and eager to return. Make sure to let us know which beaches you visited on your vacation.

Check out our Aruba blogs; Best Family Hotels and Resorts in Aruba, Best Hotels & Resorts in Aruba, 9 Best Beach Bars in Aruba