Top Beaches on Aruba
Whatever your heart desires, Aruba has a beach for everyone. Laze in the sun, dive tropical reefs, windsurf with the champions, or watch the kids splash happily in calm shallows. You can also dine barefoot on soft white sands, swim in a hidden rock pool way off the beaten track, walk on the island’s “wild side,” or share a breathtaking sunset with that special person.
Read up about some of the top beaches on Aruba below!
Eagle Beach
Miles of white sands, clear waters, natural wonders, and calm surf have earned Eagle Beach the award for the fourth-best beach in TripAdvisor’s 2019 Travellers’ Choice Top 25 Beaches of the World. The beach is also home to hatching sea turtles and Aruba’s unique fofoti trees. Watersports huts offer everything from snorkel gear to floating mat rentals for added enjoyment.
Location: West Coast
Ideal for: Swimming, sunbathing, walking, families, nature lovers, sunset lovers
Facilities: Refreshments, restrooms, parking, shaded picnic areas, beach shelters
Access: Car, taxi, public bus
Manchebo Beach
Manchebo Beach is not only stunning, but it’s also Aruba’s widest beach. Located in the low-rise hotel area and on the most western tip of the island, this beach is also known as ‘Punta Brabo’, named after the sometimes high surf as a result of converging sea currents. This long stretch of silky white sand is also the perfect place to witness one of Aruba’s mesmerizing sunsets.
Location: West Coast
Ideal for: Swimming, adventure lovers, sunbathing
Facilities: Parking, refreshments, dining facilities, restrooms
Access: Car, taxi, public bus
Tres Trapi
Tres Trapi, meaning “three steps” is a hidden gem on Aruba’s northwestern shoreline. Accessible by three steps carved into the rock, this charming sandy cove offers easy entry into Aruba’s crystal-clear waters. This small 10-meter-long beach is a top spot for snorkeling enthusiasts! While you can snorkel amongst colorful fish and spot starfish all day, plan your visit in the morning for the best chance to spot turtles.
Location: West Coast
Ideal for: Swimming, snorkeling, shore diving
Facilities: Parking
Access: Car, taxi, public bus, tours
Arashi Beach
White sand, calm, shallow waters, and abundant underwater life make Arashi a local favorite for sun, sand, and sea activities. The quiet, narrow stretch of beach near the California Lighthouse is a great place to get away from it all. Dive the elkhorn coral reef a short swim from shore, or just lie peacefully under a palapa and watch the pelican’s fish.
Location: West Coast
Ideal for: Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, nature watchers
Facilities: Parking, beach shelters, refreshments, restrooms
Access: Car, taxi, public bus, tours
Renaissance Island
Renaissance Island is a stunning retreat reserved for guests of the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino. However, based on availability, non-guests may pay a fee to visit this 40-acre tropical wonderland, complete with pink flamingoes and iguanas. The island is divided into two protected beaches: one for families and one for adults-only, and both sides have luxury cabana rentals.
Location: Off Aruba’s West Coast
Ideal for: Swimmers, families
Facilities: Watersport’s rentals, refreshments, restrooms
Access: Water taxi
Palm Beach
Both Condé Nast Traveler and the Travel Channel have voted Palm Beach one of the world’s best beaches, especially for families. Dotted with watersports kiosks, piers, beach bars, restaurants, and shops, the white sands and calm waters make this two-mile stretch the perfect spot for all vacationers. Sunbathe, sail, swim, snorkel, shop, or stop for a tropical drink in the magnificent garden of a beachfront resort.
Location: West Coast
Ideal for: Swimming, sunbathing, families, water sports enthusiasts, people-watchers, shoppers
Facilities: Refreshments, restrooms, beach shelters, hotel amenities, bars, restaurants, nightlife
Access: Car, taxi, public bus
Baby Beach
A gorgeous half-moon bay with white sands, set in an idyllic lagoon protected by rocky breakwaters, has made Baby Beach a family favorite. Swimmers can wade out for a long-distance and still touch the sea bottom. Start a perfect day by watching a stunning sunrise, then snorkel the warm, aqua waters to see flourishing coral and tropical fish. On weekends, Arubans like to party here with music and barbecues.
Location: East Coast
Ideal for: Snorkeling, swimming, walking, families, picnics
Facilities: Beach shelters, beach equipment rentals, refreshments, restrooms
Access: Car, taxi
Malmok
Another popular swimming and snorkeling spot, Malmok is a narrow sandy stretch set in limestone and rocky terrace along the surrounding coast. Calm, shallow, clear waters create ideal conditions for snorkeling, and there are lots of tropical fish. All major snorkel tour boat operators anchor out front just offshore where the famous Antilla shipwreck is located, which is also a favored spot for divers.
Location: West Coast
Ideal for: Swimming, adventure lovers
Facilities: Parking, beach shelters
Access: Car, taxi, public bus
Hadicurari (Fisherman’s Huts)
Once home to Aruba’s fishermen, this rocky strip is now known as the island’s mecca for windsurfing. Every year, Hadicurari hosts the Aruba Hi-Winds World Challenge, while every day, you can watch brilliantly colored sails and surfboards dance along the waves. Pebbles and shells fleck the water’s edge of a white sandy beach known throughout the Caribbean for its action and excitement.
Location: West Coast
Ideal for: Swimming, windsurfing, kitesurfing
Facilities: Parking, picnic tables, beach shelters
Access: Car, taxi, public bus
Mangel Halto Beach
This secluded beach with spectacular views, powdery sand, and shady huts is a favorite spot for lovers of marine wonders. Mangel Halto’s calm, shallow waters are rich in sea life and supported by a fascinating network of mangroves. You can walk out to the edge of the coral reef to spot parrotfish, yellowtail snapper, sponges, anemones, and many other tropical species.
Location: East Coast
Ideal for: Swimming, snorkeling, shore diving, mangrove kayaking, picnics, nature lovers
Facilities: Parking, beach shelters
Access: Car, taxi, public bus, tours
Boca Grandi
Extreme sports enthusiasts rave about the steady winds, strong currents, and powerful waves that challenge advanced windsurfers and kitesurfers. Boca Grandi is not suited for a leisurely swim, but beachcombers have a great time wandering through the sand dunes to scour the shore for driftwood, coral, and the occasional treasure washed up by the ocean.
Location: East Coast
Ideal for: Windsurfing, kitesurfing, strong swimmers, thrill seekers, beachcombers
Facilities: None, except parking
Access: Car, taxi
We hope you enjoyed learning about some of the top beaches on Aruba!