Land of the Fofoti trees and aquamarine waves, Aruba is one of the South Caribbean’s best unkept secrets.
The westernmost island of both the ABCs and the Leeward Antilles, Aruba sits 700 miles south of the Bahamas.
Aruba is actually three islands: Aruba, Palm Island, and Renaissance Island.
An autonomous protectorate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this volcanic grouping has some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.
Aruba is also home to the International Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival, fishing tournaments, and sailing regattas.
It’s no wonder that famed pirates and contemporary anglers have long made this group of islands home.
The island’s western side boasts warm winds, calm waters, and soft sand.
While the eastern side is made up of rocky shores and caves with much larger waves.
With few exceptions, the over 40 beaches of Aruba are free to the public and connected by Route 1 public trolleys with stops near each beach.
These island inlets range from hidden slips of sand to sprawling shores perfect for ocean-infused activities.
Several beaches are known for their family-friendly shallows and unique pink and black sands.
Accessing a few locations may be challenging, but island adventurers are rewarded with rock-protected pools and tropical bird sanctuaries.
With 49 miles of coastline on this 75 square mile island, there will surely be a favorite sandy spot for everyone.
11 Best Beaches in Aruba
1. Eagle Beach
Anyone who has visited Eagle Beach knows this breathtaking Aruban stretch couldn’t be kept secret for long.
Located north of the Pos Abao neighborhood, Eagle Beach sits on Aruba’s northeastern shore.
TripAdvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice Awards ranked it the top Best of the Best Beach in the Caribbean.
The prestigious awards also ranked Eagle Beach as the #2 Best of the Best Beach in the World.
Yes, it’s that beautiful.
But there is also lots to do on Eagle Beach.
Considered the widest of Aruba’s beaches, the cotton-soft vanilla white sands offer visitors a day of frolicking fun.
It has public parking, beach huts, snorkeling, parasailing, and other water activities.
And the cooling shade is graciously provided by the iconically Aruban fofoti trees.
But Eagle Beach is more than just a tourist destination; the locals camp on the beach each Easter week.
While soaking up the sun, don’t be surprised to find a turtle or two.
And all beachgoers are expected to share the sands with Aruba’s four sea turtle species, especially since most of their nests are near Eagle Beach.
2. Druif Beach
Druif Beach is a long, oval-shaped stretch of ivory sand and calm waters.
It is easily accessible from the casual resorts of Tamarinjin and Divi.
Part of the Route 1 beach route Druif Beach, is also directly connected to the area’s other sandy stretches.
Druif Beach, one of the few beaches that allow motorized craft near shore, is a curious mix of water sports and shore activities such as volleyball and aqua jogging.
Resort cabanas are scattered along the sand, perfect hideaways to watch the local pelicans and admire the stunning blue waters.
3. Palm Beach
Palm Beach is one of Aruba’s true gems.
Part of the Island’s northern coast, the beach sits just above the Bubali Bird Sanctuary.
Sun worshipers can grab a drink, shop at Paseo Henrecia Mall, and dine on the shores of this palm tree-lined (hence the name) sandy stretch.
And it is steps away from luxury hotels, nightclubs, cafes, and casinos.
Snorkelers love this beach for its calm waters and bountiful marine life.
Sailing and scuba tours launch from the area pier.
And watercraft, including paddle board rentals, are available north and south of the main stretch.
Because there is something for everyone, Palm Beach is part of daily life in Aruba.
It is common to find locals and visitors out for a morning walk or a tangerine-sunset stroll to round out your Caribbean vacation.
4. Arasi Beach
The white sands of Arashi Beach are a local favorite, perfect for families and water enthusiasts.
Its calm waters make for ideal snorkeling with abundant marine life, and the gentle waves may for great body boarding and easy swimming.
Arashi Beach is located north of Malmok Beach, at the island’s northern tip.
The California Lighthouse is a few steps away.
Cabana huts are sprinkled along the shore, and there is ample parking.
An iconic beach bar rules the day with live music, fried shrimp, and plenty of rum.
The area has a few rental stands which provide sunbathers with basic needs such as lounge chairs and umbrellas.
And public transportation is a few steps away.
5. Boca Prins
Boca Prins is part of Aruba’s National Park Arikok.
This sandy inlet is named after the nearby Prins plantation.
And it is an authentic example of the Island’s eastern shore, where white windswept dunes contrast rocky shores.
Weathered wooden stairs lead down to the pristine bay.
And while tempting, the waves and undertows on this side of the island are dangerous, reinforcing the ‘do not swim’ signs posted along the shore.
Rustic, the beach itself, has no amenities, but the nearby Boca Prins Restaurant is a local favorite.
For island adventurers, Boca Prins marks the entrance to Dos Playa Trail near Fountein and Quadirikiri coastal cave systems.
6. Rodger’s Beach
A hidden gem of Aruba’s best beaches with lots of local flavors is San Nicolas’s Rodger’s Beach.
The area was named after the oil refinery founder British Captain Rodger.
And this narrow powdery white area can be found at the southernmost tip of the Island.
Divers and snorkelers, families, and fishermen share its calm bay waters.
To make the most of your visit, local dive shops offer gear rentals, hot snacks, and public amenities.
The crystal clear waters of Rodger’s Beach are quiet, at least during the week.
But the weekends see an influx of Arubans hoping to enjoy a day of sunshine.
The adjacent Baby Beach is a beautiful alternative if you are looking for calm seas and quieter sands.
7. Baby Beach
Baby Beach is a definite must in Aruba.
Right next to Rodger’s Beach in San Nicolas at the island’s southern tip is a memorable half-moon sandy stretch.
With its aquamarine water, Baby Beach appeals to sunbathers and snorkelers.
And its calm, shallow lagoon is ideal for families.
About 45 minutes from local hotels, Baby Beach has plenty of amenities for a full day in the sun.
Beach gear and hot dog vendors sit next to full-service bars and restaurants.
And the sands are peppered with beach beds and screens.
Baby Beach is a stop on the bus route, and there is plenty of free parking.
8. Mangel Halto Beach Aruba
Easy to get to by public transport, Mangel Halton sits on the lower western shore of the Island.
For anyone looking for an Aruban adventure, Mangel Halto Beach is the perfect mix of sunbaked sands and calm waters for open-water kayaking and SUP.
The ancient mangrove trees teem with life in and out of the shallows.
And because of its seclusion, the beach is often a quiet hideaway.
There are available beach huts, a wooden sun, and a swim deck that is also a great place to watch the sun’s colors fade.
The shallow shelf makes the reef’s edge accessible.
It also makes Mangel Halton Beach one of the best beaches in Aruba for shore diving.
The reef is full of parrot fish and blue tangs.
And the 110′ shelf is home to octopi and Caribbean morays.
9. Renaissance Island – Flamingo Beach
Renaissance Island is home to several of Aruba’s private beaches.
The luxurious sanctuary is a 40-acre tropical paradise for its pink sands and family of pink flamingos.
Flamingo Beach and its adjacent sands are accessible from sunrise to sunset.
Water taxis ferry resort guests to this stunning oasis.
Part of the experience is Spa Cove – an undeniably decadent place to pamper and relax.
Activities include beach tennis or relaxing in private cabanas.
Renaissance Beach is also home to Papagayo Bar & Grill and the Mangrove Beach Bar, with sea-to-table creations and fresh fruit-infused libations.
10. Hadicurari Beach (Fisherman’s Huts)
Once the purview of Island fishermen, Hadicurari Beach, in the North Eastern Noord area, is known as Fisherman’s Huts.
But because of the warm winds, this rocky strip on L.G.
Smith Boulevard has become Aruba’s best place to wind and kite surf.
Area vendors teach aeronautic basics and rent SUP and kayaks for a more water-centric experience.
One of the largest Caribbean windsurfing competitions, Aruba Hi-Winds, is held here.
And Hadicurari Beach is a favorite training ground for the PWA World Tour.
11. Surfside Beach
In the heart of downtown Oranjestad’s Paardenbaai Bay sits the popular Surfside Beach.
Native Kwihi trees line this long, narrow strip of beach.
Only on an island can such a beautiful beach sit just two minutes from the airport.
The adjacent water park is perfect for families and kids of all ages.
Vendors rent beach beds and chairs.
And for water adventurers, Surfside Beach is home to a dive school and gear rental.
The bay’s calm waters invite SUP paddle boarding and canoeing and such.
Locals often recommend Surfside Beach for friendly gatherings and picnics.
Near Linear Park, Surfside Beach is framed by beach-upscale restaurants and bars, including the famous Surfside Beach Bar, right on the water’s edge.
Aruba Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Aruba Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Aruba?
Aruba, an island grouping in the south Caribbean Sea, is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
It is scant 13 degrees north of the equator.
The Bahamas are 700 miles to the northwest.
But because of its place near the equator, its weather is semi-tropical – averaging 82 °F.
Is there a fee for public beaches in Aruba?
All beaches on Aruba, except for the private Renaissance Island and De Palm Island, are public.
Any palapas or bathing huts are also shared.
However, if a beach is near a resort, you may be charged for palapas and other gear, as the equipment may be part of hotel amenities.
Double-checking before settling on the sand is always a good idea.
What color is the sand in Aruba?
Most Aruba sand is vanilla white.
It is often cool to the touch because it is made from crushed shells.
On Flamingo Beach, the sand is pink, blending with its most famous residents, the flamboyance of flamingoes, who freely roam the beach.
The intimate Blackstone Beach on the eastern shore highlights Aruba’s creation.
Its black sand is actually small volcanic stones.
