The 11 Best Aruba Beaches
The tiny island nation of Aruba is situated just of the coast of Venezuela, although it is actually part of the Netherlands. In contrast to much of the Caribbean region the climate in Aruba is dry and arid with the much of the landscape rock strewn with an abundance of cactus.
Aruba is an island of two very different coasts; the windward east coast has a remote feel and is virtually undeveloped. Atlantic waves crash into the limestone cliffs creating weird and wonderful rock formations and craggy coves. The seas here are considered treacherous and given the remoteness swimming is not advised.
The east coast on the other hand is much more what you would expect from a Caribbean island. The beaches here are palm-fringed with powdery white sand which is lapped by the gentler waters of the Caribbean. This is also where all of Aruba's resorts are along with the island's main town, Oranjestad.
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1. Arashi Beach
© agustavop / iStock Located on the west coast of Aruba, towards the northern tip is the small, but lovely Arashi beach. Unlike much of the west coast the area around Arashi is virtually undeveloped with few facilities. Combined with the fact it is a little out of the way this is a perfect get-away spot. Arashi is well known among divers with the calm crystal clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling too.
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2. Baby Beach
Serge Melki Great for:- Family
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
Baby Beach in Aruba is a calm, shallow lagoon-like bay with clear turquoise waters, making it one of the best spots on the island for relaxing and swimming. The water stays waist-deep for a long distance, which is perfect for a leisurely dip and particularly suitable for families. The natural bay, is almost enclosed and protected by a reef, which keeps the currents mild and the atmosphere peaceful.
Located on… read more »
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3. Druif Beach
Roel van Deursen Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
Druif Beach is yet another stretch of soft white sand with calm, turquoise waters on the Caribbean island of Aruba. Located just outside the main town of Oranjestad, it still retains a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for those looking to unwind. The fine sand and the gentle waves create perfect conditions for sunbathing and swimming.
Unlike some of the islands busier beaches, Druif Beach is usually less crowded, even… read more »
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4. Manchebo Beach
D_M_D Great for:- Swimming
Manchebo Beach is a wide, quiet stretch of soft white sand on Aruba’s western coast. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and lack of high-rise resorts, it offers a more relaxed experience compared to the busier Palm Beach a few miles along the coast. The turquoise water is calm, making it great for swimming, while the open space and gentle breeze create ideal conditions for sunbathing and unwinding.
This beach… read more »
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5. Palm Beach
Atilin Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
Palm Beach is one of Aruba's most popular beaches. This lively, two-mile stretch of soft white sand and clear, calm waters is located on the island’s northwest coast. The gentle waves and warm Caribbean waters make it perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, while the steady breeze creates good conditions for sailing.
The beachfront is lined with high-rise resorts, beach bars, and restaurants. Always buzzing, there are plenty of activities on… read more »
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6. Eagle beach
© David Smith / 123RF Eagle beach is not only one of the best beaches on Aruba, it is the longest. A wide expanse of pristine soft white sand lapped by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Despite being a well known resort Eagle beach is relatively unspoilt and the wildlife here is testimony to that; every year several species of turtle make their nests on the beach. Eagle beach is also home to two… read more »
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7. Boca Catalina
Dan Souza Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
This small, quiet beach on Aruba, is known for its excellent snorkelling. The clear, shallow waters of Boca Catalina make it easy to spot colourful fish, and sea turtles are sometimes seen near the reef. The rocky outcrops near the shore create a further natural habitat for marine life, while the soft sand between is comfortable on the feet.
Unlike some of Aruba's larger beaches, Boca Catalina has a somewhat… read more »
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8. Flamingo Beach
vgan Located on the private barrier island of Renaissance Island, Flamingo Beach is known for its white sand, clear water, and of course, the famous pink flamingos that roam freely along the shore. The beach is part of the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, and access is limited to resort guests although it is possible to get a day-pass.
The calm, shallow water makes it a great spot for swimming, and there… read more »
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9. Grapefield Beach
Serge Melki Great for:- Kitesurfing
Set on a quiet, windswept stretch of coastline on the Aruba's eastern side is Grapefield Beach. Unlike the calm waters of Aruba’s popular resort beaches, this area is more rugged, with stronger waves and a wild, untouched feel. The sand is soft and white, but the shore is scattered with rocks and driftwood, adding to its wilderness feel.
This beach is not ideal for swimming due to the rough currents,… read more »
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10. Mangel Halto Beach
alljengi Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
Mangel Halto Beach is a quiet, secluded spot known for its shallow, clear waters and some of the best snorkeling in Aruba. Located on the island’s southern coast, it is surrounded by mangroves, creating a peaceful and sheltered feel. The water here is calm, making it perfect for swimming, while the nearby coral reefs are home to colourful fish and marine life.
Unlike some of Aruba’s busier beaches, Mangel Halto… read more »
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11. Rodgers Beach
Juan Camilo Trujillo Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
Rodgers Beach is a quiet, unspoiled stretch of white sand on the Aruba's southern coast, not far from the town of San Nicolas. It has calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming, and the lack of large crowds making it something of a hidden gem. The beach is lined with cacti and palm trees, which offer some natural shade, adding to its relaxed atmosphere.
Unlike the more developed beaches… read more »
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