We chose to take our summer vacation in Aruba this year because we wanted a quiet, tropical beach location to just relax for a week.

Things seem nice but we're wondering where the nice, tropical, white sand beaches with turquoise waters are? The water in front of the hotel is pretty standard, nothing jaw dropping and we went to the Reniassance Island and it wasn't much better.

We did some image searching online and the beaches/water looked much better...were the photos enchanced?
We were expecting something along these lines...are there beaches here that are similar to these that we havn't made it out to yet?

Yes, there are better beaches than Renaissance. You need to get to Eagle beach. You are staying at a downtown resort and the water tends to get a little cloudy from the cruise ships.

Get down to Costa Linda and walk along Eagle beach. You'll love it.

The top picture you posted above is looking from the Tamarijn and showing the Divi.

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, steering wheel in one hand, Martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “Haaa Wooo” what a ride!!!"

As other have said try Eagle Beach, or if you're up for a little drive maybe head to Baby Beach for a few hours.

The pictures you posted appear to be from either a travel/tourism website or brochure, so they were taken under the most pristine conditions and at the most opportune time(s) weather and light-wise. In addition I can almost guarantee that they are enhanced to make things appear more vivid and vibrant.

If you take a look at the gallery linked in my sig below you'll find some beach pictures from our last trip. These are largely untouched as far as color enhancement is concerned, and for the most part were taken under less than ideal conditions and with average equipment, but are probably closer to the "real" Aruba than what you'll find in a travel/tourism brochure.

Chip
Aruba - March 2008 Gallery

from my experience even the beaches on palm beach (high rises) were better than the downtown ones......

unaltered photos, click on thumbnail for enlargement

Radisson Palm Beach, early morning

Druif Beach at the Tamarijn

Arashi Beach

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18
Christmas & New Years Aboard the Queen Mary 2

I just took these photos in April and Sept. This is Eagle Beach in front of Amsterdam Manor:

~Amy~®

19th Trip to Aruba: April 2009

Please do yourself a favor and take a bus or taxi down to Eagle Beach. The nice beaches there are Divi Beach Resort, Casa del Mar, Manchebo Beach Resort, Bucuti Beach Resort, Costa Linda and beyond Costa Linda you will find more beautiful white sand and beautiful turquoise waters. RIU has a lovely beach as well as Radisson. As you go on to Palm Beach, the beaches are OK, but the water can be sponge like under your feet. We visit Aruba several times a year and have been doing so for almost 30 years. We always stay at Eagle Beach, so please do not be disappointed in Aruba or it's beaches. You do not mention how long you are staying, but you will find that many of the locals that you meet are very friendly and accomodating. Have a wonderful time on your vacation and please feel free to send me a PM if you want any suggestions to make your vacation in Aruba very special.

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Your Aruba Wedding Planner

Oh, I forgot to add Aruba Beach Club which is between Casa del Mar and Manchebo Beach Resort.

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Your Aruba Wedding Planner

Hi as everyone seems to be recommending, head to Eagle Beach it is stunning, beautiful white sand, turquoise waters, great for swimming or taking a nice long walk and stop in at any number of beach side restaurant/bars for a nibble or a cool drink. If you are into snorkeling and you have access to a car I would head north to Arashi or Malmok beaches where you can park and grab one of the palapas for shade (bring a picnic lunch), shouldn't be that busy at this time of the year. You can enter the water from the beach and you will find a huge coral reef (not very deep) and see the most amazing fish in every color. If you don't have access to a car I would recommend booking a sail on one of the catamarans that will bring you to these locations. My husband and I always book the Dolphin located at Delphi Watersports in front of the Hyatt on Palm Beach. Ask for Jhon. Also Captain Ronald is a great guide and if you are a new snorkeller he will send one of the crew with you underwater. Great sail, they will take you up the north coast and what a great way to see and enjoy this gorgeous island.

Also if you want to see the other side of the island it is well worth it, rent a jeep or take a tour really spectacular.....

Hope this helps, don't hear too many complaints about this island, there really is something for everyone!!!!

arubadreamin