Published on Apr 15, 2025 6 min read

Best Beaches to Visit in Aruba

Aruba is an island of pristine white sand beaches and clear, azure waters and is a tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. Enjoying warm and sunny weather and a distinctive coast, the island presents a number of beaches that differ from one to another. From secluded, calm zones for tired travelers to dynamic shores with water activities, from crowded areas to secret cornersAruba offers everything for all types of beach lovers. In this guide, well walk you through the best beaches in Aruba and what each location has to offer in terms of swimming, sunbathing, and more.

Top Aruba Beaches for Relaxation

Eagle Beach: A Tranquil Retreat

Eagle Beach is among the most popular and is ranked high among the beaches in Aruba. Famous for its broad and clean coast and the sea, which is comparatively shallow, it is an ideal place to sunbathe and watch the surroundings.  This beach is well known for the famous Divi Divi trees that you can start taking pictures with. It also has fewer people than Palm Beach and is good for families or couples who want to have a quiet time on the beach. The waves are mild and make it good for swimming while it is large enough to accommodate people despite peoples density in the morning.

Arashi Beach: A Hidden Gem

Arashi Beach is on the northern coast of the island, almost at the northernmost point of the island, and can be more secluded than some of the other beaches. It is always shallow, making it perfect for swimming, and there is no crowded site; hence it can be used for relaxation. The beach is not very large, but it has a magnificent view of the Caribbean Sea and the California Lighthouse. Arashi Beach is one of the secluded beaches that are more preferable for those who do not like to combine a beach vacation with a touristic fuss.

Best Beaches in Aruba for Water Sports

Palm Beach: The Center for Water Fun

Palm Beach has been one of the busiest beaches on the island and a center for water sports. The water is calm and very clear, so water activities such as water skiing, surfing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling are ideal. Some of the beachfront accommodations provide equipment for water sports for rent, hence enabling tourists to try out different activities. Palm Beach also has a number of cafes and restaurants, so once you have tired yourself out with activities, you can grab a cup of coffee and watch the sun go down. Even though it can be quite crowded during the day, it is also the most popular place for those who want to enjoy a loud, intense beach time.

Mangel Halto: A Snorkelers Paradise

Mangel Halto is one of the most hidden gems of Aruba and perfect for those wanting to snorkel with no other crowds or boats in sight. This beach has turquoise waters that are shallow, and one can wade in and stand in the water without being sucked in by the deep end; there are lots of fish and beautiful corals. It is not as famous as Palm or Eagle Beach, so there are often fewer people there as well. This makes Mangel Halto a perfect spot for snorkeling for those who wish to swim in this area and observe marine life without much interference from other water lovers. It is also a perfect spot for kayaking and paddleboarding, and if youre looking for some solitude for a day, you can spend it here.

Secluded and Lesser-Known Beaches in Aruba

Baby Beach: A Secluded Oasis

Baby Beach is on the southeastern coast of Aruba and is a small, sheltered crescent that is ideal for children of a very young age. The waters in the place are calm, and there is clear water; thus, it is safe for young ones to swim. Even though Baby Beach is one of the most famous places for families, it is much more calm than the most crowded areas of the island. It also has lovely rolling dunes and native plantings surrounding the beach to provide a scenic and relaxing environment.

Boca Catalina: A Quiet Cove

Boca Catalina is a shallow and calm beach situated close to Arashi beach. It is particularly suitable for those tourists who expect to spend a rather quiet day on the board of a boat and in the water without diving and snorkeling. The beach itself is not commercialized, and there are no facilities such as restaurants and shops around, which is actually a plus because it makes the place look more exclusive. They are able to swim calmly in the clear water and sunbathe in the water and simultaneously enjoy the natural scenery. It can be described as a small, beautiful, and quiet beach, which is perfect for visitors interested in a more isolated beach of Aruba.

Aruba Beach Guide: What to Know Before You Go

Best Time to Visit

It is therefore advisable to visit Arubas beaches during the dry season of the year, which is between January, February, and March. The climate is fine with bright sunshine and not much precipitation with clear seas, ideal for swimming during these months. But Arubas beaches are ideal for a year-round trip, and even in the rainy season, you will get more of the sun with some showers.

What to Bring and What to Expect

Some tips to help you when you visit Aruba beaches are to carry sunscreen, hats, and lots of water for drinking. There are rental shops for water activities in most of the beaches, especially the busy ones, but its advisable to carry your equipment, such as snorkeling gear or a paddleboard, in case you have it.  Most of the beaches in Aruba are safe, and it is always advisable to take extreme caution when swimming or engaging in any water-related activities based on the current and tide levels.

Conclusion

Starting from the active palms of Palm Beach to the calm shores of Arashi and Mangel Halto beaches, Aruba has many faces that make this island a perfect spot for beach lovers. In fact, no matter what kind of beach experience you are interested in, Aruba is sure to have the right shore for it. So, get your sunscreen and beach accessories on, sit back, and follow us through some of the best beaches that Aruba has to offer.