Best Beaches in Aruba

Regularly rated as one of the top three best beaches globally, Eagle beach is a must visit when in Aruba. Located on Aruba’s northern coast and recognised as the widest beach in Aruba, Eagle beach boasts white, sugar-like sand to dip your toes into and tranquil, calm waters that are idyllic for swimming in. The iconic and notoriously photographed fofoti tree takes centre stage here and is one of the many natural and beautiful attractions that entice people to visit Eagle beach. Eagle beach doesn’t just attract humans, as is also home to the majority of nests inhabited by the four different species of turtle that live on the island. This little slice of paradise is easily accessible by car and has all the amenities you could hope for, including parking, watersports and authentic Aruban restaurants on the waterfront.

If you’ve ever seen an advert for Aruba, then you may be under the impression that flamingos are free to wander the island. However, this isn’t actually the case. Instead, flamingos only congregate in one area; Flamingo beach. This one of a kind beach is located on Renaissance island; a private island that is only accessible by boat. If you stay at the Renaissance Aruba resort you will have unlimited free access to the beach. However, if you are staying somewhere else, Flamingo beach requires a little bit of planning to visit. Day passes can be purchased in advance and kids under 12 can visit for free. However, if you plan to take your children to this fantastic experience bear in mind that they are only allowed between nine and ten o’clock in the morning, this is to minimise the disturbance to the birds.

Situated along Aruba’s east coast, Andicuri beach is one of the most secluded on the island. This 230 feet of shoreline is surrounded by limestone cliffs that provide shade from the sweltering sun. This beach also hosts very choppy waters that aren’t suitable for swimming or snorkelling, however, the strong waves appeal to many keen and avid bodyboarders and kitesurfers; even local competitions often take place here. This rugged, yet beautiful beach doesn’t have any facilities so be sure to bring your own snacks and drinks!

Renowned for its low-level calm waters, Baby Beach is notoriously popular amongst avid snorkellers and families. Situated at the Southern tip of Aruba and roughly a 45-minute drive from Palm Beach, this half-moon stretch of sand is the ideal destination to escape all the hustle and bustle.

This slice of paradise has everything you could hope for. There are huts dotted around the beach that provide much-needed relief from the sun and sun loungers and windscreens are available to rent for a small fee. There is also a nearby shop that provides snorkelling equipment.

After some fun in the sun, head over to the kiosk located on the beach for a well-deserved refreshment and a bite to eat, or check out Big Mama’s Grill if you’re feeling extra peckish.

Hadicurari Beach is situated on the north-western side of Aruba, to the north of Palm Beach. Renowned for its windy conditions and shallow waters, the beach is a haven for wind and kite surfing. Easily reached by car, taxi and public transport it provides the ideal opportunity to pack up your water sports gear, make a picnic and head off for a day of water-based fun for all the family. At the end of June or the start of July, you may even want to try your skills in the annual Aruba HI-Winds Kitesurfing and Windsurfing competitions; but beware, the beach does become very crowded during these events.

Don’t ignore Hadicurari Beach if windsurfing is not a major hobby. There are lovely white sands to be enjoyed and the calm sea is a fantastic environment in which to introduce your little ones to swimming or snorkelling. Finally, you may hear the beach referred to as Fisherman’s Huts, because of the quaint wooden buildings that remain on the beach and were once home to the small boats used by the locals when heading out to catch fish. A really fitting backdrop to a wonderful beach.

Located in downtown Oranjestad, this beach is a great place to head to and watch the world pass you by from one of its many bars and restaurants. Of course, it would not be Aruba if the beach did not also boast a beautiful strip of sand and pleasantly warms seas, a combination sure to offer ample opportunities to idle away the hours.

But in our opinion, Surfside’s urban location makes its main attraction the ability to grab a cocktail, order a meal and watch as the cruise ships and planes disappear into the setting sun, secure in the knowledge that you will be waking up tomorrow, still in your own piece of paradise.

Mangel Halto Beach is renowned as one of the best-secluded beaches on the Island and is very popular with families seeking a bit of a break from some of the more ‘full on’ sun and sea locations. It is also regarded as one of the best places to take the kids. The adventure begins by the approach to the area through intertwining mangroves, before emerging onto 600m of unspoilt sand. Take a picnic, claim one of the public beach huts for your family and let the young ones explore.

The water is shallow and clear and your little adventurers will encounter many marine species as they mess around. It is even possible to splash out to the reef and spot many varieties of brightly coloured tropical fish. If they tire of that, why not consider hiring some kayaks and taking the family on a mangrove swamp tour of discovery. Whatever your favourite pastime, make sure that you factor time in your holiday to visit Mangel Halto Beach, just don’t tell anyone else how good it is!

Located in Santa Cruz, Daimari beach provides a 100-meter wide rugged coastline with plenty of choppy waves that offer the perfect conditions for any keen and confident surfer. These conditions do means that snorkelling or swimming isn’t recommended, however, don’t be disheartened as there is still plenty of fun to be had here.

Take a scenic hike around the limestone rocks that surround the beach or head over to the Daimari ranch that’s situated just a few minutes away where you can plan a horseback riding tour.

Bring your own food and drink to Damairi beach and enjoy a picnic in the sun or grab something tasty at Daimari ranch’s café.

Blessed with snow-white sand and tranquil waters, Palm beach is the perfect spot for any of you beach bums that love to lay back and soak up the sun. As the name implies, there are plenty of palm trees dotted around to keep you protected from the heat.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a beach that has everything going on all in one place, then Palm Beach is also the place for you. Located northwest of Oranjestad, Palm beach plays host to many of Aruba’s main hotels and features bustling beach bars, restaurants, shops and even casinos.

If you’re the ultimate water baby then you won’t be disappointed. Palm beach’s calm waters are ideal for participating in any watersport and there are plenty of places where you can rent equipment from.

Positioned on the East side of Aruba, Black beach offers something a little bit different to other beaches on the island. Black beach is the only one of its kind on the island as it’s lined with black eroded stones instead of soft sand and is one of the most secluded on the island. Off the beaten track, reaching Blackstone beach is an adventure in itself.