You’ll discover what makes this “one happy island” when you experience the best beaches in Aruba. With some of the top stretches of sand in the Caribbean, Aruba delivers a slice of paradise with every single beach. Whether you’re in search of a place to unwind or looking to enjoy water sports in a lively atmosphere, this island has something for every type of beachgoer.
Get ready to explore some of the top beaches in Aruba, where soft, powdery sand, sparkling azure waters, and refreshing seaside cocktails under the Caribbean sun await.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach
Swimming enthusiasts will truly enjoy a day at Palm Beach, one of the best white-sand beaches in the Caribbean, where pristine, calm seas beckon for a leisurely dip along the northern coast. Allow yourself to be soothed by the sun as you lounge on the two-mile strip.
Stroll along the pathway that lines the edge of the sand or out onto the picturesque pier. Zip around on a jet ski, or dive a little deeper and explore the intriguing underwater world. Venture to the far end of Palm Beach to watch as skilled kite surfers soar from wave to wave.
Relax in the shade provided by resident palm trees, or check out the action near the high-rise hotels, casinos, and shops. If you’re hungry, plenty of restaurants and beach bars offer an ideal setting for seaside drinks and dining. This stretch of sand is also known for its amazing sunsets that cap off the perfect day at the beach, ideal for those on a honeymoon in Aruba.
Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach, one of the best beaches in Aruba, is located on the northwestern edge of the island. As the widest stretch of sand in the country, there’s ample room to enjoy this beach in peace. Discover the unique Fofoti trees that reside here. These trees grow on the beach and look very similar to the indigenous and iconic Divi Divi trees that grow all over the island of Aruba.
Grab some snorkel gear and explore the incredible underwater world that Aruba is known for right from the beach. You’ll encounter rich marine life, including friendly sea turtles that frequent the waters in this area and are known to nest on Eagle Beach.
De Palm Island
De Palm Island
Take a quick ferry ride to frolic with flamingos in paradise at De Palm Island. Laze under the shade of a cabana and sip cocktails while watching the flamingos in their natural habitat. You’ll likely share the sand with some curious iguanas hoping to soak up some sun, too.
Aside from wildlife spotting, you can play beach volleyball, enjoy watersports, embark on a banana boat ride, zip down waterslides, and even take salsa dancing lessons. Underwater adventure abounds, too; try SNUBA, where you can explore a bit further than snorkeling allows.
The swimming and snorkeling is top-notch here, too, with an accessible coral reef just a short swim away. See colorful tropical fish like the parrotfish or even a graceful sea turtle. With so much to do and a gorgeous backdrop, De Palm Island is one of the top beaches in Aruba to spend the day.
Baby Beach
Baby Beach
Baby Beach is an idyllic cove situated on the southeastern edge of Aruba’s stunning coastline. The moon-shaped lagoon is the perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear seas. The cove’s calm water is ideal for beginner snorkelers, and it’s also one of the best scuba diving spots in Aruba.
An onsite snack stand and grill offers Aruban food like burgers and seafood to enjoy while soaking up the warm Caribbean sun. Make sure to leave some time to explore the nearby cultural city of San Nicolas. Stroll the colorful streets, admire the mural artwork, taste local cuisine, and shop for souvenirs.
Druif Beach
Druif Beach
At Druif Beach, soft, powdery sand and beautifully blue seas beckon. This rustic stretch offers a quiet respite to experience nature, with rocks and coral creating a pretty contrast to the striking water and white sand.
Walk the mile-long length of shore in search of colorful sea glass, have a picnic lunch, or sunbathe in a chair rental and feel yourself rejuvenate. Cool off with a leisurely swim in the calm, turquoise water on a beach you might just have all to yourself.
Mangel Halto Beach
Mangel Halto Beach
One of the best things to do in Aruba is to embrace seclusion at Mangel Halto Beach. The calm, shallow waters here make it one of the best beaches in Aruba for swimmers, snorkelers, and kayaking enthusiasts. Paddle through scenic mangroves above impossibly clear water on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Snorkel through stunning coral reefs, where you’ll swim amongst vibrant tropical fish such as angelfish, lizardfish, snapper, trumpetfish, sea sponges, and anemones.
This is one of the best spots for snorkeling in the Caribbean, with several options for entering the water and routes to swim along the reef for varying skill levels. For divers that choose to explore deeper waters, you can see moray eels and barracuda.
Beach huts provide shade, or you can opt to lounge in the sun on the sand. If you’re looking for solitude and excellent snorkeling, Mangel Halto Beach is a fantastic choice.
Boca Catalina
Boca Catalina
Head to the serene Boca Catalina Beach, one of Aruba’s best beaches for locals and visitors alike. Located on the northwestern tip of the island, this beach is perfect for those interested in discovering marine life while snorkeling in the pristine seas directly from the beach.
You could encounter curious sea turtles, sea sponges, and angelfish while swimming offshore here. The nearby shipwreck, the Antilla, can be seen from the beach, adding to the alluring scene.
Blackstone Beach
Blackstone Beach
Uncover the natural wonder and hidden stretch of sand favored by photography enthusiasts on the eastern side of Aruba. On Blackstone Beach, you’ll be treated to a beautiful scene composed of blue seas, dark sand, volcanic black stones, and many rugged rock formations. Wander the beach, taking in the scenery; you may even have it all to yourself.
Explore past the beach with a visit to the nearby Arikok National Park, which spans almost 20 percent of the island. A trip to this park will give you the opportunity to learn about plants and animals indigenous to Aruba.
Embark on a guided nature walk and view stunning landscapes and mystical caves like the well-known Quadiriki Cave. You’ll see authentic rock drawings, natural formations caused by lava, and rocks such as quartz diorite and limestone. You’ll also have access to gorgeous isolated coves like Boca Prins and Dos Playa.
Boca Prins Beach
Boca Prins Beach
For a purely natural beach experience in Aruba, look no further than the secluded and striking Boca Prins Beach, named after an old plantation in the area. Located on the northeast coast within Arikok National Park, this cove offers spectacular scenery. Climb down the wooden stairs to explore this unspoiled cove.
Although swimming is prohibited due to its rough seas, the gorgeous landscape is perfect for exploring on foot and taking incredible photographs. Sand dunes, azure water, driftwood, and a rocky shore create a cinematic backdrop. Watch as resident crabs scurry across the sand, then enjoy local fare and a refreshing drink at the nearby restaurant and fully relax in this secluded paradise.
Rodgers Beach
Rodgers Beach
Situated just west of Baby Beach and in close proximity to the city of San Nicolas, Rodgers Beach is a local favorite and one of the best beaches in Aruba. The uncrowded shores, spectacular sand, and vibrant blue water will lure you in for a relaxing day.
Unwind as you gaze at the fishing boats bobbing in the water on the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Calm seas in a protected cove make for excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions, and picnic huts provide shade for a tranquil meal on the shore.
If you’re looking to get away from it all in a gorgeous setting, Rodgers Beach is a great choice. You’ll also be able to spot the Aruba Lago Refinery, the island’s first oil refinery started by a British captain whom the beach is named after.
Arashi Beach
Arashi Beach
Hailed as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean for snorkeling, Arashi Beach is a great place to rent some gear for underwater exploration during your vacation to Aruba. On the west side of the beach, calm seas with a soft, sandy bottom are host to abundant marine life, while fun, gentle waves provide excitement for those looking to try bodyboarding on the opposite end.
Nearby, you can stop at the famed California Lighthouse, named after a steamship that sank in the early 1980s. This old stone lighthouse is perched on the Hudishibana Hill and is the subject of many photographs. A climb to the top of this iconic island landmark rewards with expansive, 360-degree views that are sure to leave you awestruck.
Daimari Beach
Daimari Beach
On the northeastern edge of Aruba, you’ll find the rugged Daimari Beach in Arikok National Park. This stunning cove is host to horseback riding tours that start from an old coconut plantation dating back to the 16th century. If you choose to ride, you’ll trot through some of Aruba’s striking untouched landscapes while learning about the historical plantation grounds.
Swimming is not recommended here, but you can admire the gorgeous scenery, where turquoise waves crash dramatically into the limestone rock that creates the cove. For a thrill, ATV tours and hiking are also popular in this area in order to reach the famed Natural Pool and Boca Keto Beach, an equally alluring and secluded beach destination on the east coast of Aruba.
Read: Best Places to Visit in Aruba
Aruba
A luxury cruise to Aruba is an excellent way to experience the golden sand and sunny seas that this Southern Caribbean island has to offer. From unspoiled and secluded national park coves to world-class snorkeling and mingling with flamingos, Aruba will have you feeling rejuvenated in no time.
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