Is Aruba on your travel list for 2022? When you are ready and able to travel to the happiest island in the Caribbean, make sure to visit these breathtaking beaches!
Arashi Beach
A nice quiet and relaxing beach with calm water, white sand, palapas & huts, a snack shack, and a large parking lot. The calm currents and plentiful underwater marine life make 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 past Boca Catalina just before the California Lighthouse.
Druif Beach
Druif Beach, also referred to as Divi Beach to some, is a mile-long, stretch of beach between Oranjestad and Eagle Beach. This beach is home to several Divi Resorts and a picturesque beach bar just steps away from the soft white sand beach – a perfect place to watch the sun go down!
Beach bum tip: This beach is a bit closer to the downtown area than other beaches, so if you need to stay closer to Oranjestad or the Cruise Ship Terminal, this is the beach for you! If you walk a bit further down you can also reach Eagle Beach, that’s right, two beaches in one day!
Boca Keto
This unique spot is a bit hidden and off the map (let’s just say it takes an adventure to get here), but it is most definitely worth making the effort to get to! It’s located on the wild Northeast coast, in between Rancho Daimari and Conchi (The Natural Pool). Once you arrive you will find it to be wildly refreshing… just you, the ocean and nature. What more could you ask for?
Beach bum tip: You can either drive a jeep into the National Park and park nearby and walk the rest of the way or, you can hike from the Rancho Daimari area (yes a real hike and some great exercise).
Mangel Halto
Located nearby the Spanish lagoon, in Pos Chiquito (South of the airport in the direction of Savaneta), Mangel Halto is secluded, peaceful and intimate. There are plenty of little nooks and crannies to discover at this unique beach. Choose from the sandy and lush mangrove spots, or one of the mysterious old rock stairways leading down to the calm and mesmerizing shades of blue.
Boca Grandi
Located just past (and to the right of) the big red anchor in Sero Colorado, Boca Grandi is a wild and blue heaven for experienced and daring kite surfers. Making for the perfect place to sit and watch the surfers glide by! Find yourself some shade from the strong sun under one of the several handmade driftwood shacks spotted along the coastline.
Beach bum tip: We do not recommend swimming in these waters if you are not a well-experienced swimmer, the current can get quite strong on this side of the coast.
Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach is… simply perfection. You very well may have already heard of this beach, as it is a top-rated beach in the world, time and time again! A wide, spacious beach with plenty of palapas and some shaded tree areas to plop down under to spend the day relaxing. With the soft white sand and nice open water conditions, it is a great place for a swim! Let’s just say it is the epitome of a perfect beach in paradise. Eagle Beach is located in the low-rise hotel area.
Baby Beach
Baby Beach is located at the Southern tip of the island, just past San Nicolas, on the other side of the island from the popular hotel area. The clear turquoise water in this picturesque bay is warm, shallow, and is sheltered from the rough seas by a man-made breakwater. Picture a pool of pretty shades of blue, calm and shallow – perfect for wading the day away! This beach is popular for sunbathing, snorkeling, and the perfect hang-out for families, as the water level is generally between knee and waist-deep, making it a perfect place for kids to swim.
Beach bum tip: Towards the end of the bay, the water gets significantly deeper and the current gets stronger, it is highly encouraged to stay away from this area.
Boca Catalina
This beach may be smaller in size compared to others, but it is just what you need to have yourself the perfect day in paradise! Boca Catalina is beautiful and peaceful, and offers great scenery (you’ll have a great view of the passing catamarans, boats and adorable pelicans). This area also has perfect conditions for snorkeling, you will find a diversity of marine life very close to shore.
Beach bum tip: Try to get there on the earlier side to claim a palapa or shady tree area, as there are not too many available. Don’t forget to pack your cooler, there are very few places to grab a snack or drink nearby.
Tres Trapi
While Tres Trapi is not exactly a beach, and more of a nook found among the carved-out rock and coral walls, once you take the stairs down to the sand, you’ll witness one-of-a-kind crystal clear water conditions and have yourself a dip of a lifetime! Its location is a bit hidden, you’ll find it situated between Malmok and Boca Catalina on the Northwestern side of the island.
Beach bum tip: Head there in the morning hours while it’s still more on the quiet side and you’ll be able to swim alongside the sea turtles that often come floating by! Just please always remember to keep a safe distance from all marine life to ensure they are safe and remain protected.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is a two-mile strip known for its white sand and turquoise water. Looking for a little action and fun? This place is filled with it but don’t worry there is still room for plenty of relaxation! This beach is a popular hangout for tourists as it is concentrated in front of the high-rise resorts. There is a long sidewalk that runs along the strip making it a great place for a walk with a view. This lively beach with calm and clear waters is great for swimming, sun-tanning, relaxing, and socializing. Both young and old will find everything they need as the beach features several beach bars, restaurants, hotels, and watersports companies.
Beach bum tip: This is the perfect area for grabbing lunch or dinner beachside or beach bar hopping. View our guide to the happiest beach bars to see which ones you’ll find in Palm Beach!
