13 Can’t-Miss Beaches in Aruba that Will Take Your Breath Away
A trip to Aruba isn’t complete without a little bit of beach hopping! Lucky for you, after spending quite a bit of time on the island, I’ve gathered up a list of the best beaches in Aruba that show off everything that this country has to offer.
Aruba has some of the best beaches in all of the Caribbean and few that are competing in the world. With soft white sand and clear water that you can see your toes in, these beaches will make your holiday a true paradise.
It’s more than just chairs and cabanas. Some of these beaches also have some awesome snorkeling and water sports. Even the most adventurous traveler will find a beach in Aruba that checks their boxes.
The Island is located in the South Caribbean Sea, making it perfect for warm waters, with little waves and great weather all year round. So, whatever beach you choose will be perfect for soaking up the sun and relaxing.
One important thing to know about visiting these beaches is to be sure you use reef safe sunscreen! Any sunscreen that contains oxybenzone is banned in Aruba, so be sure you bring some that’s safe for the reef.
So, without further ado, here are my top 13 beaches in Arbua that you have to visit on your Caribbean adventure!
Best Beaches in Aruba Map
Best Beaches in Aruba
1. Baby Beach
The Half Moon Bay of Baby Beach is one of my favorite beaches for lounging around and spending my days in the water.
What used to be a bit of a hidden gem, being on the Southern tip of the Island has now become a really popular spot among families. But even with the people, it’s still one of the best beaches in Aruba.
The water looks like cool blue Gatorade, and with calm waters, it’s perfect for snorkeling around or just floating in the shallow waters. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great beach spot, as the current never really picks up, and the waters aren’t too deep until a bit further out.
2. Arashi Beach
If you’re like me and you like to get away from the crowds and have a little bit of wilderness to your beaches, then you’ll love Arashi Beach. It’s located in the north, just a short drive away from the more popular beaches, but it really feels like a different island completely!
While it still has blue waters and soft sands, it’s missing all the beach huts, big resorts, and other people. You’ll find a few places to grab food and drinks.
The Arashi Beach Shack is my go-to. The chicken skewers are tender and juicy – totally hit the spot on a hot day by the beach!
It’s not totally deserted – you can still rent some chairs and umbrellas to hide from the sun if you need.
Arashi Beach is one of the local’s (and mine) favorite beaches, it has everything you need for an afternoon of beaching. And make sure to bring your snorkeling gear. There are a few areas where you’ll find some schools of fish.
3. Manchebo Beach
If you’re heading to the west, you’ll find Manchebo Beach, a long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters. You’ll also find a lot of luxury here, with the low-rise hotel area that offers plenty of secluded places to stay.
It’s definitely more popular with couples and honeymooners because of the seclusion. Manchebo Beach Resort is also a higher end “honeymoon/couple” resort.
The waters are gorgeous. Because of a tide shift in the ocean, you’ll get the best of calm waters as well as a few waves to boogie board on if anyone is getting a bit restless laying on the beach.
It’s typically not too crowded, and the rows of palm trees really turn up the tropical atmosphere. Manchebo Beach has plenty of romantic activities for couples, so if you’re here on your honeymoon, this is the one for you.
4. Malmok Beach
If you prefer a bit of adventure on your beaches, I highly suggest adding Malmok Beach to your Aruba itinerary. The beach is settled between the rocky limestone coast, which is perfect for spending the day snorkeling.
The water is among the clearest in all of the beaches in Aruba, I don’t know if it’s the drastic change from the huge rocks on the shore to the immediate blue waters or if they really are just clearer on this side of the island. But it makes swimming here feel like a magical experience!
The best way to experience this beach and area is by hopping on a catamaran. There are some incredible diving spots with sunken ships. Each cove around the beach seems to get bluer than the last.
And if you prefer to stay on land, the highway leading to Malmok Beach is always full of hikers and bikers. (but make sure to get up early. It gets super hot by 10 AM – especially if you’re visiting in August or September)
5. Rodger’s Beach
Just a few minutes’ drive from Baby Beach, Rodger’s Beach is a slightly more secluded gem that locals love to spend their weekends at. The beach isn’t as big or built up as its neighbor, but it’s still gorgeous.
With stunning blue waters and powdery sand, it’s the perfect beach to lay down a towel, grab your book, and cool off in the water when the sun starts to make you sweat, which seems to be just about every six minutes.
6. Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in all of Aruba – actually, the world – with its picture-perfect Fototi trees and gorgeous blue waters. Regardless of the time of year, this beach is packed with beachgoers and is perfect for families.
The beach is full of playgrounds, picnic tables, umbrellas, tons of beachside resorts to stay at, and loads of cafes, so you won’t need to pack a bag if you don’t want to. It’s also home to the famous sea turtle nesting site, where you can see the turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean.
7. Palm Beach
If you’ve heard of a beach in Aruba, it’s most likely Palm Beach. It’s definitely the most popular beach on the island, is known for its nightlife, and is bustling with tourists all year long.
It’s two miles long and is lined with high-rise apartments, all inclusive resorts, and hotels. But despite all of the restaurants and tourist shops, it still has a laid-back island vibe.
The beach itself is beautiful – crystal-clear water and powdery sand, perfect for swimming or just lounging under an umbrella all day. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of water sports to try, like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
Personally, Palm Beach isn’t my first option for Aruba beaches, but it’s great for your first or last day if you want to hang around your hotel or go for a walk along the beach.
8. Renaissance Island (“Flamingo Beach”)
Okay, I lied. Flamingo Beach is probably the most popular beach in Aruba, but it’s a must-see for many visitors. However, it’s located on the private Renaissance Island which you can reach by staying at the Renaissance Wind Creek Resort.
Access to this beach is exclusive to guests of the Renaissance Resort, but they offer day passes (have to purchase in advance) that will allow you to use their amenities as well as the private complimentary water taxis to and from the flamingo beach.
Guests of their spa services also gain access to the island’s beach.
The beach is a paradise with soft white sand and crystal-clear water, but the real highlight for most travelers is the bright pink flamingos that roam around freely. You can get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures and take some amazing Instagram-worthy photos.
Small note: if you prefer eco-friendly, natural experiences, steer clear. These flamingos are not native to the island and while they roam freely, they are tagged. No judgment from me either way!
9. Boca Catalina Beach
If you’re staying on Palm Beach but you’re looking for some peace and quiet without having to venture too far on the island, then head to Boca Catalina for a day in the sun. You just might find a beach all to yourself.
During the week, the beach is practically empty, with some homemade beach shacks for shade, and on the weekends, you may find some locals having a BBQ. The water here is perfect for snorkeling, with a variety of colorful fish and even the occasional turtle passing by.
While visiting, be sure to check out Tres Trapi which is a small white-sand cove that’s reached by a small staircase carved right into the coral wall. This is one of the best places for snorkeling and swimming, and if you’re lucky, you might get it all to yourself!
10. Mangel Halto
For some calm water sports, head to Mangel Halto. This secluded beach is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just floating around in the shallow, clear waters.
The beach is known for its lush vegetation and mangroves, making it great for snorkelers as well. The waters are shallow, and you can walk out to the reef edge to spot parrot fish, angelfish, and a few other colorful marine life creatures.
It’s definitely one of the more nature-preserved beaches on the island. One of the best parts: the sunset from here is incredible.
But if you’re looking to get some shade and you don’t have an umbrella, I recommend getting here early, as all the shady spots are taken quickly!
11. Blackstone Beach
Blackstone Beach is exactly what it sounds like, and it’s one of the most unique Aruba beaches that you should see. It’s located close to Arikok National Park and is perfect for a day trip to explore things other than blue waters and white sands.
The beach is made up of black pebbles and volcanic rocks, a stark contrast to the typical white sandy beaches on the island. The waters are not suitable for swimming, so it’s just a quick sightseeing opportunity versus a day at the beach.
12. Andicuri Beach
For those who are big into bodyboarding, heading out to Andicuri Beach should be at the top of your list. The tucked-away cove is super popular among locals and those who like to surf and bodyboard. The waves are perfect for it and the beach is usually not too crowded.
It’s also a great spot to just relax on the sands, catch some sun rays, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings…or watch the bodyboarders and surfers catch the waves! However, be careful when swimming here as the currents can be strong at times.
There also aren’t any facilities, so make sure to pack a picnic and have plenty of water.
Andicuri Beach is also on your way to Black Stone Beach, so it’s easy to combine both of these Aruba beaches in a day trip.
13. De Palm Island
De Palm Island is perfect for those who just want to show up and enjoy. Everything is taken care of for you on this all-inclusive island getaway. If you have a big family or are bringing little kids with you, I think De Palm is a great option.
The island literally has everything you want for a perfect beach day — white sands, crystal clear waters, water activities, and all the food and drinks you could want. It also has a water park with slides and a kiddie pool for the smaller ones.It costs about $130 for a day pass, but you can snorkel, swim with flamingos, and use all the amenities I mentioned above. Day passes will include round-trip transportation from your hotel.
Beaches in Aruba Near Cruise Port
If you’re headed to Aruba on a cruise, your options might be a little more limited as you only have one day to explore! But don’t worry, there are still some great beach options near the cruise port.
The closest beach is Surfside Beach. It’s only about a 15-minute walk, but it can get crazily packed, especially if there are a few ships docked that day.
If you’re looking for something less crowded, I recommend grabbing a taxi to Eagle Beach. It’s only about a 10-minute drive and has loads of water activities. Aruba is safe and easy to get around, so don’t be nervous about transport from the cruise port. But you will need cash (USD is fine)!
The sand is soft, and the waters are gorgeous. It’s super easy to spend a whole day just lounging on this beach.
If you want a bit more flair to your Aruba cruise stop, then just a bit further north from Eagle Beach is the popular Palm Beach. Here, you’ll nice waters for swimming, white sands, and loads of bars and restaurants to fully enjoy yourself on the island.
Aruba Packing List for a Seamless Beach Experience
✅ Breathable Sports Gator
Sports gators or bandanas will keep the winds and dirt dust out of your face. This brand keeps my face warm during ski season and cool during hiking season! Whether you’re ATVing Aruba or ziplining in Belize, this will come in handy.
☀️Reef Safe Sunscreen
Reef-safe sunscreen is required by law in most Caribbean islands. Be aware that just because it says “reef-safe” doesn’t mean it is! Check the reef-safe.org guide to be sure you’re buying sunscreen that will protect the beautiful Caribbean coral reefs.
🤿Snorkel Gear!
Some of these tour includes jumping into coral reefs and warm clear waters! While they usually include snorkeling gear, often they don’t fit right or leak. I prefer to bring my own!
Then, I have the option of snorkeling whenever I want, not just on the tour! A friend turned me on to Cressi’s snorkeling gear a while ago. I’ve snorkeled in Turks and Caicos, Aruba, Grand Cayman, and other Caribbean islands and this gear always pulls through.
🤢Sea Bands or Dramamine
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want sea bands or some motion sickness relief. Dramamine Non-Drowsy with Natural Ginger is my go-to for planes, jeeps, and boats. If you catch a day when the waters are rough, it can easily ruin your snorkeling experience.
📷 GoPro!
Phones have great built-in cameras these days, a GoPro can be really helpful for recording memories without having to worry about your phone all day! I recently invested in a GoPro 10 and it has been a game-changer for making memories.
Plus, you likely don’t want to worry about your phone in the water. It’s easy to strap on your GoPro and capture memories without worrying about a thing.
🌊Floating Waterproof Phone Case
If you don’t want to commit to a GoPro, a waterproof and floating phone case will do the trick! I love being able to capture memories on land and in the water! I didn’t want to bring a good camera on my Stingray City tour in Grand Cayman, so I used this, and it worked great.
☁️Sand Cloud Quick Dry Towel
I don’t go to any beach without my Turkish quick dry towel. You’ve likely heard about them from Shark Tank a long time ago. I HATE sand. So, a towel that dries quickly and shakes the sand out easily is the towel for me.
Where to Stay in Aruba
✅ Wonders Boutique Hotel – Adults Only
✅ Bucuti & Tara Boutique Beach Resort – Adults Only
✅ Luxury Eagle Beach Penthouse
✅ Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
FAQ: Top Beaches in Aruba
What is the nicest beach in Aruba?
The nicest beach in Aruba is Eagle Beach. It’s been voted as one of the best beaches in all of the Caribbean and offers some of the most beautiful waters and softest sand.
Which side of Aruba is better?
The most popular side of the island is the North West, as it has some of the most beautiful beaches and is also home to the capital city, Oranjestad. However, the southeast side of the island offers a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds and a more natural atmosphere.
Is Eagle Beach rough water?
Eagle Beach water has a little bit more waves than Palm Beach, but it’s still considered calm and perfect for swimming.
What is the least crowded beach in Aruba?
The least crowded beach in Aruba is Rodgers Beach. It’s located close to Baby Beach and is perfect for a secluded day at the beach.
What’s the difference between Palm Beach and Eagle Beach Aruba?
Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are both two of the most popular beaches in Aruba. But Eagle Beach is slightly smaller and feels more intimate. Palm Beach is longer, has more dining and nightlife options, and also offers a variety of water sports activities. Both beaches have insanely clear waters and soft white sand.
What beach do the locals go to in Aruba?
You can find locals at just about any beach in Aruba, but one of their favorites is Baby Beach. This beach offers calm waters, a pristine shoreline, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxing with friends and family.
Summary of Aruba’s Best Beaches
Aruba’s beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. I mean, they are bluer than the sky, the sand is soft, and on a few of the beaches, you can get some unique experiences like black sand or the famous pink flamingos.
The island is only about 21 miles long and six miles wide, meaning if you’re on the island for more than a few days, you’ll be able to see more than just one of the amazing beaches Aruba has to offer and can decide for yourself which is the best one for you!
