Honestly, it doesn’t take much to sell Aruba. The beautiful southern Caribbean destination has been attracting visitors for years. It’s the perfect place to relax, to be pampered and to explore the truly unique terrain. But it’s the beaches that steal the show. From Eagle Beach to Baby Beach here are the best beaches in Aruba for snorkeling, swimming and families.
Editor's note: During COVID-19, please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government health advice. Events may be subject to change.
All beaches in Aruba are public. But amenities like chairs, umbrellas and other watersport actitivies will come with a fee.
1. Eagle Beach
Fronting a line of low-rise resorts just northwest of Oranjestad, Eagle Beach in the Aruba Resort Area is a long stretch of white sand that regularly makes lists of the best beaches in the world. There are shade trees in some areas and you can obtain every service you need, from a lounger to a cold drink. Eagle Beach is a leatherback-turtle nesting area, so parts of it may be closed from March to July.
2. Manchebo Beach
Just south of Eagle Beach, this large beach reaches out to a point. It was once a destination for topless sunbathers, but that's frowned upon these days. Still, this beach offers the best chance on the strip to get away from the crowds.
3. Andicuri Beach
Limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and crashing waves make Andicuri Beach experience different from all others on the island. This East Coast beauty is popular with surfers and boogie-boarders. Otherwise, you might have the place to yourself (note that swimming is treacherous).
It can be a challenge to find Andicuri. If you come from the north – via the Natural Bridge – you'll need a 4WD (or two strong legs to do the rough 1-mile hike); a regular car can get closer by coming through Ayo.
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4. Dos Playa
North of Boca Prins, these two stunning beaches in the Arikok National Wildlife Park have been hewn from the rock by the pounding surf. The site is an important nesting area for leatherback, hawksbill, green and loggerhead turtles. You can dip your feet in the water here, but swimming is forbidden.
5. Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is a pretty pleasant place to spend an afternoon if you're hankering after some sun, surf and sand. It's the best, most swimmable beach in Oranjestad proper, with plenty of shade and a handful of excellent bars. Kids will love the inflatable water park just offshore, which offers swings, slides, monkey bars, climbing walls and a free-floating catapult.
It's only steps from the airport, so planes taking off and landing will give you something to look at (for better or for worse).
6. Baby Beach
At the island's far southern tip, Baby Beach in San Nicolas is a nice curve of sand with gentle waters and some decent snorkeling spots. It's popular with locals but not nearly as crowded as the west-coast beaches. The beach bar (Big Mama Grill) at the eastern end is a hoot for Flintstones fans. Nearby, Rodger's Beach is also quite lovely, if you don't mind the oil refinery towering above.
7. Natural Pool
Powerful wave action has worn this depression into the coastal limestone ridge. The surrounding rocks break the surf, so – with waves crashing all around – you can take a peaceful, cooling dip. Bring your mask and snorkel and commune with the fish hiding out at this Arikok National Wildlife Park spot. You'll want water shoes for the sharp rocks.
The road to the Natural Pool is not passable in a regular car. You can reach it by 4WD or via a 3.5-mile walk from the visitors center. The scenery is stunning, but the journey is hot and windy. Bring plenty of water and start early. Along the way you'll reach the summit of Sero Arikok, Aruba's second-highest peak, yielding marvelous views of the coast and the island.
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