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14 Best Beaches in Aruba For Sun, Sand, And Surf

Aerial view of Manchebo beach, Aruba

Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax on a beautiful beach? Look no further than Aruba! This Caribbean Island is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. 

So, if you’re looking for the best beaches in Aruba with crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and plenty of sunshine, you’ve come to the right place.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to read a book or a lively beach party, Aruba has something for everyone. I recently visited, and even though I’ve been to plenty of stunning beaches around the world, Aruba’s are definitely some of my favorites!

While this small island has plenty of choices for a beach day, some, like Blackstone Beach, have strong currents and aren’t recommended for swimming.

Eagle Beach

Located on the Aruba’s west coast, this beach is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand.

Infographic for the best beaches in Aruba, featuring Baby, Flamingo and Manchebo Beaches
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Eagle Beach is a great spot for sunbathing, swimming, and participating in a variety of water sports. This beach has several bars and restaurants, when you need a refreshing drink or bite to eat.

One of the unique features of Eagle Beach is the presence of Divi Divi trees, which are native to Aruba. These trees provide a natural shade and a perfect relaxing spot for enjoying the stunning views.

The beach is also home to several beach huts, where you can rent chairs and umbrellas. There are also several vendors selling souvenirs and snacks.

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Flamingo Beach On Renaissance Island

If I were to choose my favorite beach, it would definitely be Flamingo Beach in Aruba! This spot is famous worldwide for being the home to several pink flamingos who roam around the beach. 

It’s located on a private island that belongs to the Renaissance Resort and is just a 10-minute ride away from Oranjestad. It’s certainly worth the splurge!

Oranjestad is a popular cruise port in the Caribbean. So, if you visit by cruise ship, you can easily reach Flamingo Beach during your port day.

The beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the surrounding waters.

Plenty of amenities are available on the beach, including beach chairs, umbrellas, and a beach bar.

A flamingo in Aruba
A flamingo on Flamingo Beach

Keep in mind that although the flamingos are used to humans, you shouldn’t touch them or feed them anything other than the special food for them sold on the island. 

If you want to take pictures, arrive as early in the morning as possible, as I noticed they get overwhelmed around 10 AM when the beach gets crowded.

Iguana Beach (Next to Flamingo Beach)

If you’re looking for a more secluded beach experience, Iguana Beach is the perfect spot for you. 

Iguana Beach over-the-water huts
Iguana Beach over-the-water huts

Located next to Flamingo Beach, Iguana Beach offers a more tranquil atmosphere without sacrificing the stunning views of the crystal-clear waters and white sands that Aruba is known for.

The beach is relatively small, but the calm waters invite visitors to swim and snorkel. The reef is located just a short swim away, where you can see a variety of colorful fish and marine life.

At Iguana Beach, you’ll find beach chairs, a restaurant, a bar, and private overwater cabanas you can rent!

Iguana Beach is located right next to Flamingo Beach, by the way! Sometimes, the flamingos cross over to this beach, giving you a chance to have a bit of a more “private” experience with them.

Palm Beach

This two-mile stretch of white sand is lined with high-rise resorts, hotels, restaurants, and shops, making it the perfect coastline location for relaxation and fun.

Palm Beach, Aruba
Palm Beach

One of the best things about Palm Beach is the crystal-clear water. The calm waves and gentle current make it the ideal spot for swimming, jet skiing, boating, and taking one of the many Aruba snorkeling tours on offer. 

That said, you can relax on the beach and soak up the sun if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience. Palm Beach has plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas available for rent, so you can stay comfortable all day long. 

If you get hungry or thirsty, beachside bars and restaurants offer plenty of food and drink options.

Palm Beach ranks as one of the best beaches in Aruba for its clear water, variety of activities, and convenient amenities. It’s also in one of the most popular areas to stay in Aruba, so keep in mind that it can get crowded.

Baby Beach

Baby Beach, Aruba
Baby Beach

The southern tip of Aruba is home to Baby Beach, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist areas. 

The beach gets its name from its shallow waters, perfect for babies and young children to wade in. So, if you’re visiting Aruba with small children, this should be your beach of choice.

The water is only waist-deep for the first 50 yards or so, so you can relax and let your kids play in the water without having to worry. This makes it one of the favorite beaches in Aruba for families.

The beach is also great for snorkeling. You’ll find plenty of tropical fish and colorful coral to, and the water is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom. You can rent snorkel gear from a nearby vendors if you don’t have your own.

There are also plenty of amenities available at Baby Beach. Restrooms, showers, changing rooms are available, and a few restaurants and bars. 

Arashi Beach

Arashi Beach
Arashi Beach

If you’re looking for a more secluded beach experience, Arashi Beach is a great option. Located on the northwest coast of Aruba, this beach is known for its clear blue water and soft white sand.

One of the best things about Arashi Beach is its calm waters, which make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. If you love to snorkel, bring your snorkel gear to check out the diverse marine life like colorful fish and sea turtles. 

If you’re looking to relax and soak up the sun, Arashi Beach is also a great place to do just that. With its soft sand and beautiful views, you’ll want to stay here all day.

While there are no restaurants or bars directly on the beach, there are a few nearby that offer great food and drinks. If you’re looking for something more casual, a few food trucks also park near the beach.

Nearby, you can also visit the California Lighthouse, a popular attraction in Aruba.

Rodgers Beach

Rodgers Beach
Rodgers Beach

Located on the southern tip of the island, Rodgers Beach is Aruba’s hidden gem, but well worth exploring as an altertive to the more popular beach spots.

The beach itself is relatively small, but the calm waters and soft sand make for a peaceful and enjoyable experience. You won’t find any crowds here, so you can truly unwind and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

One of the unique features of Rodgers Beach is the abundance of sea glass that you can find along the shore. If you’re a collector, be sure to bring a bag and take home some of these beautiful pieces as a souvenir.

There are also a few small food stands nearby, so you can grab a snack or a drink while you relax. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are some great snorkeling spots just off the coast.

If your kids are into beach combing, looking for sea glass offers a unique experience.

Malmok Beach

Malmok Beach
A section of Malmok Beach

Malmok Beach is located on the northwest coast of Aruba, just a short drive from the popular Palm Beach area.

Malmok Beach is known for its clear blue waters and abundant marine life, which provides an ideal spot for snorkeling and scuba diving in Aruba.

There is plenty of space to spread out and relax, even on this relatively small beach. You’ll find soft white sand and a calm ocean, making it a great spot for swimming or simply lounging in the sun.

Malmok Beach provides the best conditions to learn if you want to learn to surf. Here, you can rent equipment or take a lesson from a surf school.

Keep in mind that there are no facilities or amenities at Malmok Beach, so be sure to pack everything you need for a day at the beach. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, as you’ll find no shade at certain times of the day.

Manchebo Beach

Manchebo Beach
Manchebo Beach

You’ll find Manchebo Beach on Aruba’s western coast. It has calm waters, soft white sands, and green surroundings, similar to other beaches on the western side.

One of the best things about Manchebo Beach is that it is less crowded than other beaches on the island. This means you can relax and enjoy the stunning views without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.

Another great feature of Manchebo Beach is its proximity to some of the island’s best resorts. If you stay at one of these resorts, you can access the beachfront with a short walk and spend the day lounging in the sun.

Boca Catalina Beach

If you’re after a beach that is great for snorkeling independently, Boca Catalina is a great option! 

Its crystal-clear waters are perfect for exploring the underwater world thanks to how clear they are and how much marine life swims about. You can see a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, coral reefs, and colorful fish. 

Boca Catalina Beach

Another thing that makes Boca Catalina great is the abundance of shade. Palm trees and other vegetation provide a natural canopy, making it a great spot for a picnic or relaxing in the shade.

Remember that Boca Catalina doesn’t have amenities, so make sure you bring everything you need for your time here, including water, snacks, chairs, towels, etc.

Boca Ketu

Boca Ketu is known for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. Getting here is a bit of a trek, but definitely worth it!

You must take a short trek through the rugged terrain to get to Boca Ketu. The hike is not too challenging, and the journey is well worth it. Once you get there, you’ll fall head over heels in love with stunning coastline views and the surrounding hills. 

Boca Ketu, Aruba
Boca Ketu

Moreover, if you’re looking for adventure, you can hike along the nearby cliffs or explore the nearby caves, making it one of the best beaches in Aruba to visit if you want to combine time under the sun with nature!

Druif Beach

Druif Beach is less crowded than other beaches in Aruba, making it a great option to relax and enjoy the sun without the noise and hustle of large crowds. 

As if that weren’t enough reason to visit, Druif Beach is also perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.

One of the best features of Druif Beach is its calm waters, which makes it an ideal spot for families with young children. Here, you’ll find conveniences, such as showers, restrooms, and changing facilities.

If you want to take a break from the sun, you can rent a beach chair or cabana and enjoy a refreshing drink from the nearby beach bar. 

Druif Beach at sunset
Druif Beach at sunset

The beach bar also serves delicious local food, including fresh seafood and tropical fruit drinks, so you don’t have to worry about packing anything to spend the day here.

Andicuri Beach

Set on the eastern coast of Aruba, this beach is known for its large waves, making it a favorite spot for surfers. It’s also a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to Aruba beaches, so it’s perfect if a more secluded beach with fewer crowds is what you’re seeking.

The beach is near a natural bridge surrounded by rocky cliffs, giving it a unique and rugged feel. The sand is soft and golden, and the water is crystal clear. It’s a great place to relax, soak up the rays, or take a refreshing swim in the ocean.

There are no facilities or amenities on the beach, so make sure to bring your own food, drinks, and beach gear. 

If you’re into kite surfing, check out Boca Grandi (Grapefield Beach) or Hadicurari Beach instead.

Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach in Aruba
Surfside Beach

If you’re looking to escape the crowds of the more popular beaches, Surfside Beach may be more suitable for you. It’s a small, cozy beach with lots of shade, popular among locals and tourists. 

Renaissance Island shields this beach, offering calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. There’s a beach bar offering drinks and snacks. 

A kids’ playground and freshwater pool provide areas for the little ones if they want to escape the salt water.

Conclusion: Best Beaches in Aruba

Even though I’ve been to plenty of beaches all over the world, the ones in Aruba are truly something special!

What’s best? Thanks to the island’s small size, it’s easy to visit plenty of them in a single trip, so even if you don’t like one, you can always hop over to the next in no time.

I hope this guide to the best beaches in Aruba helped you plot a perfect beach-hopping itinerary!

Infographic for the best beaches in Aruba featuring Eagle, Flamingo, Druif, and Baby Beaches