These beaches are necessary to visit in order to make the most out of your Aruban vacation.
When you think of the name “Aruba,” chances are, you’re picturing stunning beaches with white sand softer than you could ever dream up. Maybe some palm trees, bright blue waters, and the calming relaxation of paradise. Your imagination is right, and is also underestimating the beauty of Aruba’s beaches. To experience the best of them that Aruba has to offer, we’re here to guide you in the right direction.
1. Palm Beach
Palm Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Aruba, and rightfully so, as it boasts two miles of gorgeous white sands, palm trees, and an abundance of water activities. If you are looking to parasail, wakeboard, snorkel, and much more; Palm Beach is the perfect place to be. The waters are peaceful, making it a great location for swimming.
This beach also offers numerous concessions, stores, and restaurants within close distance. At night, Palm Beach ignites with energy as it also has casinos and bars.
Due to the numerous activities, Palm Beach tends to be more crowded than the other beaches on this list. If you do not mind packs of people, Palm Beach is a must-visit location.
2. Boca Catalina
It is a lesser-known, small, beautiful bay with calm and warm waters, Boca Catalina is a popular place for travelers to snorkel, as there is a diversity of wildlife swimming around. It is far less crowded than Palm Beach, and only a five-minute drive away. If you come here on weekdays, you may even have this beach to yourself. It is a popular option among locals, so you definitely would be immersed in Aruban culture by visiting Boca Catalina.
3. Eagle Beach
You cannot get as close to paradise as Eagle Beach. As one of the top-ranked beaches in the world, Eagle Beach is famous for its fluffy, white sand, Fofoti trees, stunning views of the Caribbean, and its tranquility.
This beach faces northwest, giving perfect views of beautiful Aruban sunsets. As popular as it is, you will still feel a sense of privacy and peace while at Eagle Beach. Feel free to sunbathe and swim in the serene waters, snorkel, or take part in some of the water activities that are offered: jet skiing, paddleboarding, banana-boating, and more.
4. Arashi Beach
This is the perfect choice for families looking to swim, fish, sunbathe, or hum along to live music. There is a bountiful amount of wildlife to explore at Arashi Beach, making it ideal to body surf or boogie board. You can also expect to see some surfers, as this beach has a fair surf.
Arashi Beach now provides showers and lounge chair rentals for beachgoers to help create the best experience possible for visitors.
5. Baby Beach
Baby Beach is a beautiful crescent-shaped lagoon located in San Nicolas in the southern area of Aruba – about a 45-minute drive from the Palm Beach area.
Baby Beach is a favorite among families with children due to its swimming depth of the water which generally remains knee to waist-deep. There is also a designated area to snorkel.
There are amenities on Baby Beach, such as beach chair and snorkel rentals, a concession stand, and a restaurant named Big Mama Grill. There are no public restrooms, but you can access the one inside Big Mama for a fee of typically $1 USD in cash.
6. Manchebo Beach
Manchebo Beach is neighbors with Eagle Beach and is just as beautiful, however, if you prefer all the beauty with smaller crowds, Manchebo Beach is a great option.
Swim, sunbathe, and relax here while enjoying the soft, bright white Aruban sand and the warm blue waters while being secluded from other tourists. There are also no water sports permitted here, making it more quiet than some of the other beaches on this list. If you are in need of refreshments, this beach is conveniently located right near Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa.
7. Rodger’s Beach
Rodger’s is a quiet oasis of a beach. Although located within walking distance to Baby Beach, this one is often not crowded on weekdays and is usually visited by locals on weekends. If you are looking for a secluded paradise, Roger’s Beach is an absolute delight, it feels like a private beach despite that it’s public. There are amenities next to Rodger’s Beach, including a restaurant, a place to shower, and a dive shop to rent snorkel gear.
Rodger’s Beach is named after Robert Rodger, a sea captain who opened Aruba’s first oil refinery in San Nicolas in 1928.
8. Andicuri Beach
Andicuri Beach may be tricky to reach, but it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Aruba. Here, you will discover magnificent limestone cliffs that create stunning and picturesque scenery.
It is also secluded from other areas on the island, so there are no amenities around, be prepared when making your visit. Also, you will need a 4WD vehicle in order to access this beach. If unattainable, it is a 500 meter hike from the Natural Bridge.
As beautiful as the water looks, swimming is not recommended due to the rough surf. In fact, Andicuri is a popular location for body-boarding competitions due to the waves.
9. Mangel Halto
Mangel Halto Beach is an amazing destination for snorkeling in Aruba. There is an abundance of sea life located here, as well as a reef that you can walk out to in the warm waters.
Mangel Halto provides gorgeous scenery, as it is filled with beautiful mangrove trees, and boasts white sand and crystal clear waters. If you are looking to do more than snorkel, sunbathe, or swim, this beach also provides opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing.
10. Arikok National Park Beaches
Arikok National Park is Aruba’s only national park and makes up approximately 20% of the island. Within the park, there are numerous beaches that you must visit when traveling to Aruba.
Swimming is not recommended for most of these beaches due to rough surf, but the visit to the shore is worthwhile as the views are simply spectacular, especially for a picnic. Getting to these beaches are also more challenging, and a 4WD vehicle is recommended, or a hike will be needed. Some popular beaches within Arikok National Park include Boca Prins, Boca Ketu, Daimari Beach, and the Natural Pool.
