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Relax on Aruba's Beaches

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The beaches of Aruba are considered to be among the cleanest, widest, and most spectacular in the Caribbean region. An Aruba beach typically consists of powder-fine, white-sand, perfect for soaking up the Caribbean sun. All you need is plenty of suntan lotion and a refreshing cocktail, both of which are not hard to come by on Aruba!

Famous Aruba beaches include Eagle Beach which has been singled out as the number one Caribbean beach in a USA Today survey of travel writers, travel agents and frequent travelers. Also, in 2018 it has been featured in National Geographic's 24 Best Spots in the Caribbean!

Arashi Beach

  • Swimming Conditions: Excellent with calm water.
  • Beach facts: White powder sand. No facilities, recently upgraded with palapas and beach huts for shade, and plenty of parking.
  • Accessible by car or taxi, or a 10-minute walk from the last bus stop on Malmok.
  • Accommodations nearby: Not Available

Arashi Beach is a nice beach with great waves, sand, huts and a large parking lot in front of it. You can also visit this beach by bus as Arashi Beach is the last stop of line 10a. The calm currents and the eco-rich underwater life makes this beach a perfect spot for snorkeling and a favorite with locals. Arashi Beach is the last stretch of beach on the northwestern side of Aruba and is located next to Boca Catalina. From the beach, you can see the lighthouse behind you.

Boca Catalina

  • Swimming Conditions: Shallow water and lots of fish make this another good choice
  • Beach facts: White sand with some pebbles and stones. No nearby facilities.
  • Accessible by car or taxi.
  • Accommodations nearby: Not Available

Boca Catalina is a beautiful little beach that offers a great snorkeling experience with a diversity of aquatic life very close to the shore. This small inlet is located between Malmok and Arashi Beach but is not visited as much as these beaches. A popular attraction in front of Boca Catalina is the sunken German shipwreck (the Antilla) that is sticking out of the water. However, swimming to the Antilla from Boca Catalina is too far. Although this attraction is visited a lot by many catamarans and sailboats, it's still very quiet and relaxing at this beach. The best time to visit this beach is in the morning when the wind and current are not as strong

Fisherman's Huts (Hadicurari)

  • Swimming Conditions: Very shallow water. Excellent for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
  • Beach facts: White powder sand; some pebbles and stones.
  • Accessible by public bus, car or taxi.
  • Accommodations nearby: Aruba Beach Villas, Sunset Beach Studios

Hadicurari Beach, better known as the Fishermen's huts, is a quite beach popular with windsurfing and kitesurfing fanatics. The beach is also well-known for the many sporting events that are being organized throughout the year, as well as the many Wind & Kite Surf schools that are located here. The Aruba Hi-Winds Tournament, the largest windsurfing event in the Caribbean is being held annually in June or July at this beach. Hadicurari Beach can be found between The Ritz-Carlton Resort and Malmok Beach.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a two-mile strip known for its white sands and turquoise waters. This beach is a popular hangout for tourists as it is concentrated in front of the high-rise resorts in Aruba. There is a paved sidewalk that will lead you along all the high-rise resort, a great place for a walk and to sneak peek into the garden of these resorts. This lively beach with calm and clear waters is great for swimming, sun-tanning, relaxing and partying. Both young and old will find everything they need as the beach features several bars, restaurants, hotels and water sports companies.

Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach has been rated as one of the best beaches in the world and belongs to the top 3 best beaches in the Caribbean. This pristine long stretch of beach with soft white sands and aqua blue waters features a variety of water sports and some palapas. Eagle Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists and is located in front of the low-rise hotels. The beach is the host of Aruba's most photographed fofoti (divi) tree and is known to be a favorite nestling sport for sea turtles.

Manchebo Beach

  • Swimming Conditions: Gentle surf.
  • Beach facts: Broad stretch of white powder sand and hotel facilities nearby.
  • Accessible by public bus, car or taxi.
  • Accommodations nearby: Not Available

Manchebo Beach is a wide stretch of beach on the most western point of the island, located in the low-rise hotel area in front of the Manchebo Beach Resort. The beach offers a combination of exciting waves, due to converging currents, and calm waters. The beach is not crowded and is perfect for relaxing and sunbathing.

Andicurari

  • Swimming Conditions: Not recommended for swimming due to huge waves and strong currents. Better suited for surfing.
  • Beach facts: White powder sand.
  • Accessible by car, walking
  • Accommodations nearby: Not Available

If you like to see the waves crashing into the cliffs, then this is the beach for you. This quiet and beautiful strip of beach is flanked on both sides by rock formations and is well-known for its large waves reaching up to 2 to 3 times your height. Reaching Andicuri Beach can be quite adventurous as it could be difficult to find and is only accessible by 4X4 vehicle, but the impressive scenery makes it worthwhile. The beach is located near the Natural Bridge. When you leave the Natural Bridge back to the paved road, take the first road left and then the first road right. After passing the Ayo Rock Formations turn left to Andicuri. Once you found Andicuri Beach it is a great place to rest and cool down.

Druif Beach

Druif Beach is a mile long, narrow oval-shaped stretch of beach between Oranjestad and Manchebo Beach. This beach is home to the low-rise Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Resorts, with restaurants and hotel rooms just steps away from the white sand beach. This beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming and is accessible by car, taxi or bus (line 10).

Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach is the beach located next to the airport and is only 5 minutes away from down town Oranjestad. This beach is perfect for families with children since the water is shallow and calm. The beach offers several facilities such as a kitchen, bar, bathrooms and the opportunity to rent beach chairs.

Renaissance Island

  • Swimming Conditions: Excellent with calm water.
  • Beach facts: Broad stretch of white powder sand and hotel facilities nearby. You choose between the public or the private beach.
  • Accessible by boat trip offered by Renaissance
  • Accommodations nearby: Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino

Aruba's only private beaches are located on the Renaissance private Island, a tropical oasis a short ride away from the shore. The island belongs to the Renaissance Aruba resort and is exclusively available to their guests. Iguana Beach is available for parents with children, while Flamingo Beach is exclusively available for adults.

De Palm Island

  • Swimming Conditions: Gentle surf, great for snorkeling
  • Beach facts: White powder sand. Good spot for picnics. Waterpark for kids available.
  • Accessible by boat trip offered by De Palm Island
  • Accommodations nearby: Not Available

De Palm Island is an all-inclusive private island off the western coast of Aruba. This family gateway is known for snorkeling with the famous blue parrot-fish, which could only be found in this area. The island is a great escape for couples and families who are looking for fun, adventure, relaxation and/or pampering. Drive in the direction of San Nicolas and follow the signs right after the airport. Transportation packages are also available at De Palm Tours.

Mangel Halto

  • Swimming Conditions: Shallow water
  • Beach facts: White powder sand. Good spot for picnics.
  • Accessible by car or taxi
  • Accommodations nearby: Sea-Breeze Apartments

Mangel Halto is a small beach located in Pos Chiquito, which you will find on your way to San Nicolas. The beach is surrounded by mangroves and is a favorite among locals for a relaxing day on the beach. Mangel Halto is also known as a perfect snorkeling and shore diving spot due to the calm and shallow waters. One can walk out from the mangroves and swim toward the breaker where you will find a great reef structure with a diversity of fish.

Santo Largo

  • Swimming Conditions: Shallow water
  • Beach facts: White powder sand. No facilities.
  • Accessible by car or taxi
  • Accommodations nearby: Not Available

Santo Largo is also known as Savaneta Beach and can be found between Mangel Halto and Savaneta. This quite beach with shallow and calm crystal clear waters is the perfect escape from the more crowded beach. The beach is divided into three little beaches surrounded with mangroves and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling.

Boca Grandi

  • Swimming Conditions: Better suited for extreme sports enthusiasts like kite and board surfing. Not suited for swimming due to strong currents.
  • Beach facts: White powder sand. No facilities.
  • Accessible by car or taxi
  • Accommodations nearby: Not Available

Boca Grandi (means Big Mouth) is named after the wide, half circle shape of this beach. It is located in the south east of the island, near the popular Baby Beach. Instead of turning right to Baby Beach turn left at the big red anchor. This beach is visited a lot by locals as the constant onshore wind makes it a great kite surfing spot. It is not recommended for swimming, but is a nice stop while you are traveling around through Aruba's countryside. Let the locals impress you while they are practicing their kite surfing moves.

Bachelors Beach

  • Swimming Conditions: Better suited for snorkeling and windsurfing than swimming.
  • Beach facts: White powder sand. No facilities.
  • Accessible by car or taxi
  • Accommodations nearby: Not Available

Bachelor's Beach, also known by locals as Boca Tabla, is located in the south east of the island, next to Boca Grandi. Due to the location of this relatively small beach, the constant north-east trade winds makes it great place to learn how to windsurf. The wind and waves are calmer then at several other beaches and the shoreline has plenty of room to try out all your new moves. Bachelor's Beach offers also spectacular snorkeling and diving options, but it is recommended to dive with an instructor. Because of the strong winds, Bachelor's Beach is only accessible when winds are from the West.

Rodgers Beach

  • Swimming Conditions: Excellent with calm water.
  • Beach facts: White powder sand.
  • Accessible by car or taxi
  • Accommodations nearby: Not Available

In walking distance from Baby Beach, you will find another great beach called Rodger's Beach. This beach is more private then Baby Beach and is rarely crowded during the week, but is very popular with locals in the weekend. Fishermen anchor at the far end of this bay creating a picturesque scene.

Baby Beach

  • Swimming Conditions: Excellent and a great spot for snorkeling. Outside the large shallow lagoon caution is required due to strong currents.
  • Beach facts: Very shallow water. White powder sand. Recently updated with some facilities like beach palapas, bathrooms, etc.
  • Accessible by public bus, car or taxi
  • Accommodations nearby: Not Available

To get to Baby Beach you will need to travel across the island as this bay is located on the southeast end of Aruba near San Nicolas. Baby Beach is also accessible by bus as the last stop on line 900 departing from the San Nicolas Bus station. The water in this picturesque bay is warm, shallow and is sheltered from the rough seas by a man-made break-water. This beach is popular for sunbathing and snorkeling and the perfect hang-out for families as the water level is generally between knee and waist deep. Snorkeling at this location is great for children and travelers new to snorkeling as the water is calm and very clear. Towards the end of the bay the water gets significantly deeper and the current gets stronger.

Malmok Beach

  • Swimming Conditions: Excellent with calm water.
  • Beach facts: White powder sand some pebbles and stones
  • Accessible by car or taxi or by foot
  • Accommodations nearby: Villa Bougainvillea Vacation Rentals

Malmok Beach can be found on the northern western shore with the main road leading to the California Lighthouse. This narrow rocky strip is a popular fishing and snorkeling spot. The shallow and calm waters make it the perfect snorkeling spot for many catamarans and sailboats.

Blackstone Beach

  • Swimming Conditions: Not recommended for swimming due to huge waves and strong currents. Better suited for surfing.
  • Beach facts: Black rounded stones. No facilities. Plenty of parking.
  • Accessible by 4-wheel drive, horseback, or on bicycle
  • Accommodations nearby: Not Available

Blackstone Beach is not officially on the map, but is a spectacular find. This hidden little beach is a one of a kind beach, located within walking distance of Andicuri Beach. This secret hideaway is an excellent spot for photography enthusiast and escaping the more crowded beaches near the hotels. This secluded and scenic little bay is especially beautiful as the sunrise hits the rounded black stones the beach is named for.

Grapefield Beach

  • Swimming Conditions: Not recommended for swimming due to huge waves and strong currents. Better suited for surfing.
  • Beach facts: White sand and pebbles
  • Accessible by car, walking
  • Accommodations nearby: Not Available

Next to Boca Grandi you will find Grapefield Beach, a secluded beach perfect for surfing. Swimming and snorkeling is not recommended because of the strong currents and trade winds, but is a great place for a pick-nick.

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