Grab your camera, snorkel and swimsuit, as we discover the best beaches in Aruba.
Love the beach? You’ll love Aruba. Whatever kind of beach lover you are, you’ll be hooked on this Caribbean island getaway. There are family-friendly waters at Baby Beach, the stunning stretch of sand at Palm Beach and snorkelling to remember all over the island.
Hit the beaches in Aruba
Where to go and what to expect
The beaches in Aruba are well life truly happens on this island. The locals learn to swim, walk and love on these stretches of sand. And we’re sure you’ll find your Aruban sanctuary too.
Aruba is just 20 miles (32km) long and six miles (10km) wide, so it’s easy to get around and discover a new beach every day. Hiring a car is always a good idea, so you can explore at your own pace and not rely on public transport or pay for taxis. Plus, it gives you the option of stumbling across a hidden gem or quiet cove.
There’s so much to discover in Aruba. We love Surfside Beach and Baby Beach for families. Eagle Beach has been named the world’s best beach, and snorkelling is not to be missed at Arashi Beach, Malmok and Boca Catalina. You can even find flamingos if you head to Flamingo Beach – part of the Renaissance Aruba Resort. Just remember you’ll need to pay around £100 for the day, but if you these pink tropical birds, it’s worth it.
8 of the best beaches in Aruba
Find your slice of Aruban heaven with eight of the best beaches on the island. We’ve got family-friendly beaches, snorkelling spots, water sports and views you’ll never forget.
Baby Beach
Around 23km east of the airport
Around 23km east of the airport and 30 minutes drive, Baby Beach is one of the best family beaches on the island. The clear turquoise water is generally knee to waist deep and is sheltered from the rough seas by man-made breakwater. The kids will love playing in its shallow waters. Come snorkelling and for a family hang out on the sand.
Insider tip:
At the end of the bay, the current gets stronger, and the water gets deeper. Stay away from this spot with the kids.
Surfside Beach
4km from the airport
Just 4km from the airport and a 10-minute drive in your hire car, Surfside Beach is ideal for families. The water is shallow and calm, plus there’s a beach bar and restaurant. You can rent umbrellas too, and downtown Oranjestad is just a short drive away.
Palm Beach
about 9km from the airport
This two-mile strip of white sand and turquoise waters is a popular tourist hangout, as it’s in front of the main high-rise resorts. And there’s plenty of action to be had right here. We’re talking swimming, sun-tanning, relaxing on the sand, water sports and beach bars and restaurants. If you’re looking for all-out luxury this is it. Fancy a cocktail on the sand? You got it. Or how about a relaxing massage? It’s all here. The long sidewalk that runs along the strip is ideal when you want to stretch your legs. It’s about 9km and 20-minutes’ drive from the airport.
Eagle Beach
8km from the airport
Hop in your hire car for the 8km and 15-minute drive from the airport to hit beachside heaven. Eagle Beach has consistently been voted the best beach in the Caribbean and the world. There’s a long stretch of pristine white sand, aqua blue waters and palapas to shelter from the sun. The views are everything. It’s also home to Aruba’s most photographed Fofoti tree (it’s now protected) and is a nesting spot for sea turtles.
Arashi Beach
12km drive from the airport
Arashi Beach is the last stretch of beach on the northwestern side of the island and a favourite for locals. Don’t forget your snorkelling gear as it’s one of the most popular snorkelling spots in the Caribbean. The currents are calm, the water clear and there’s so much life in the ocean. You’ll spot colourful fish and sea turtles. And when you’re done, relax under the shade of a palapa. The 12km drive from the airport will take you 25 minutes.
Manchebo Beach
about 8km from the airport
Just after Eagle Beach on the most western point of the island lies Manchebo Beach. This wide stretch of sand has good waves due to its converging currents, as well as calm areas too. It’s right in front of the Manchebo Beach Resort, but the sands aren’t too crowded with space for soaking up the sun. It’s just 8km and a 15-minute drive from the airport.
Insider tip:
Don’t miss happy hour at the local bar. Rum punch anyone?
Malmok Beach
11km from the airport
Located on the northwestern shore between the beaches of Fisherman’s Hut and Tres Trapi, Malmok Beach is a narrow rocky strip that’s ideal for snorkelling and fishing. The shallow, clear and warm waters are the real draw for snorkellers. The small stretch of pebbly white sand is just 11km from the airport, and around 20 minutes by car.
Insider tip:
Come for snorkelling, stay for the sunsets. Need we say more?
Boca Catalina
just 12km north of the airport
This beautiful little stretch of sand is found between Malmok and Arashi Beach, just 12km north of the airport (the drive takes around 25 minutes). The water is shallow and there’s so much life to be found – snorkelling is an experience to remember. Plus, despite the occasional catamaran in the water, it’s a relatively quiet inlet. You’ll see the Anitlla (a sunken German shipwreck) just offshore, but it’s a little too far to swim to.
Top tips:
Rent a car. Even if you’re staying by the beach, a hire car gives you the flexibility to explore the best beaches in Aruba at your own pace.
Bring your dollars. Everywhere takes both Aruban Florins and dollars. You can even get dollars from the ATM.
Wear sunscreen, you’re in the Caribbean. Aruba is windy, so don’t make the big mistake of thinking the sun isn’t intense. You’re close to the equator where the sun is super strong.
Thinking of travelling to Aruba? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
