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Beaches
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Fringing turquoise Caribbean waters, kissed by the sun and cooled by constant trade winds, Aruba’s beaches include wide shaded expanses, quiet retreats, and busy sunbathing and water sports meccas. Much of the seven-mile strip along the west coast is lined with resorts and packed with activity. Beachgoers relax on their comfortable lounges, lost in their favorite book or enjoying people-watching. Swimming, snorkeling, kitesurfing, waterskiing, tubing, parasailing, banana-boating, and all kinds of wet ‘n wild adventures are just steps away.
In contrast, the beaches along the windward coast are in more secluded and undeveloped areas. Here magical coves carved out of limestone and inlets formed by the relentless pounding of waves are overlooked by craggy desert terrain. Because of strong undertow and crashing waves, swimming here is not recommended. But the beaches on Aruba’s wild coast do afford tranquility, privacy and unique natural phenomena. Both coasts afford spectacular, glittering Caribbean views that will surely take your breath away. All beaches are open to the public. |
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The renowned two-mile-long strip known as Palm Beach is home to glamorous high-rise hotels and dotted by water sports concessions, piers, beach bars, restaurants and shops. Calm waters make this a comfortable haven for swimmers and snorkelers. A walk along the coast at dawn or sunset is perfect for exercise and quiet reflection. Taking in the magnificent tangerine sunset or enjoying candle-lit, barefoot dining on the beach can be the perfect finale to a lazy or exciting day of sun and sea.
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Baby Beach is located in Seroe Colorado at the southeastern end of the island. This area was once known as “The Colony” because executives and their families lived in a gated community during the bustling half-century operation of the Lago Refinery. Baby Beach is a sandy half-moon sandy expanse in a calm lagoon, with a refreshment stand and huts. The waters are shallow; swimmers can wade out for a long distance and still touch the sea bottom. Where the bay opens out to the sea, snorkelers will behold a colorful kaleidoscope of coral and tropical fish, but watch out for strong currents here. Rodgers Beach is a narrow powdery white strip close-by, where fishermen anchor their boats, protected by the calm waters of the bay.
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Malmok Beach is a narrow sandy stretch that is home to sprawling homes and a variety of modest windsurfing residences; its shallow clear waters make it a popular snorkeling spot. Here catamarans and sailboats stop for a daytime snorkeling stop just off the shoreline. Reefs and sunken wrecks nearby afford excellent diving. Boca Catalina is a small, secluded bay accessible by steps, perfect for a private swim.
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Arashi Beach is located north of Malmok Beach, at the edge of a lovely residential area. It skirts a barren lunar landscape and the winding road that leads up to the majestic California Lighthouse. This is a quiet narrow stretch of beach with makeshift huts and a large parking area. A favorite with locals, Arashi Beach boasts gentle currents and abundant underwater life, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling.
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Eagle Beach is a popular public area fringing the main road, affording clear, sparkling seas, ample parking, shaded picnic areas, some huts, and a variety of motorized water sports. Several hotels are nearby and just across the road; some provide cabanas and lounges for their guests. During Easter week, tents dot the coastline as local families enjoy the tradition of camping out.
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Druif Beach, a long, narrow oval-shaped stretch of ivory sand, is home to the casual low-rise resorts. Here, rooms are just steps away from the relatively calm Caribbean waters. Though not too far from bustling downtown Oranjestad, Druif Beach is a quiet and relaxing spot for sunning and socializing.
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Just past the low-rise resorts is Manchebo Beach, a very private, undisturbed area named after an Arawak chief. This very wide stretch of flat beach is dotted with swaying palms and the occasional beach lounge. Jutting out at the island’s most western point, this location is aptly named Punta Brabo for some angry surf resulting from converging currents. |
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Hadicurari Beach (Fisherman’s Huts) is a rocky strip out past the Marriott Aruba Resort, where windsurfers slice the water and the aeronautics of colorful kite-surf crescents punctuate the horizon. Once home to the island’s fishermen, it is a popular spot for surfing enthusiasts and the venue for sporting events and tournaments throughout the year.
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Mangel Halto is located in Pos Chiquito on the southeast coast just south of the Spanish Lagoon. It is a perfect sunning and snorkeling spot with calm, shallow waters rich in sea life supported by an intriguing network of mangroves. It is a secluded beach area perfect for picnics with white powdery sand and huts for shade. An excellent shore diving site, it is possible to walk out to the edge of the reef to behold such fish as parrotfish, yellowtail snapper, sergeant majors and blue tangs as well as deep water gorgonians, sponges and anemones. The reef plunges to depths of 110’ where octopi, morays and barracuda abound. |
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Aerial view of Eagle Beach
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