Do you love picture-perfect beaches of sun-drenched, alabaster sand that dips into shimmering, aquamarine water? How about exploring raw coastlines of immaculate shores untouched by development? Great, we have so much in common already!
Now, prepare to fall in love with the jewel of the southern Caribbean, Aruba.
Reputed to have 365 days of sunshine, Aruba’s weather is as hospitable as its friendly locals. One of the southernmost Caribbean islands, at the top of South America, Aruba is located outside of the hurricane belt. And just like its consistent temperatures, Aruba’s beaches consistently rank among the Caribbean’s best.
Here are our favourite beaches in Aruba:
1. Eagle Beach
The widest beach in Aruba, and possibly with the whitest sand, Eagle Beach is celebrated as one of the Caribbean’s best. Fittingly, some of the island’s top resorts are on Eagle Beach, like Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba. Located in Oranjestad, known as the ‘Amsterdam of the Caribbean’, this could be the one-stop beach drop you covet.
2. Palm Beach
Like neighbouring Eagle Beach to the south, no list of Aruba’s best beaches would be complete without Palm Beach. This bustling and beautiful stretch is home to luxe hotels like the Hilton Aruba, Aruba Marriott, Hyatt Regency Aruba and Ritz-Carlton. Enjoy the lapping of gentle waves in the lap of luxury at whatever Palm Beach property you choose.
3. Arashi Beach
Located in Noord, at the top of the island, Arashi Beach is a favourite destination of snorkellers, thanks crystalline waters teeming with colourful fish and reef life. Even with a snorkel or scuba gear, prepare to have your breath taken away by Arashi’s sheer beauty. Nearby breezy beach shack restaurants are lovely, if you can manage to tear yourself away from Arashi’s white sugar sand and bright blue sea.
4. Malmok Beach
Malmok’s small beach is inviting, its clear waters invigorating, and both sides of its scenic coastline host water sports or sun worshippers. From the shore, admire aquamarine sea dotted with catamarans anchored to enjoy stellar snorkel conditions. While on the water, look out to admire craggy limestone and rocky terrace that bookend this nice and narrow stretch.
5. Hadicurari Beach
Welcome back to Noord, where windsurfers are as likely to be seen as fisherman (incidentally, Hadicurari translates to “Fishermans’ Huts”). Considered Aruba’s windsurfing and kitesurfing beach, even if you’re not into its most popular pastime, Hadicurari is sure to put the wind in your sails.
6. Boca Keto
Good news! This isn’t a diet regime, although you’ll want to don a swimsuit here. Boca Keto is a hidden gem, featuring a natural pool and rock bridge created from sea-carved limestone. This beach is located in Arikok National Park, home to diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes, and truly an Aruba must-see. At the park, check out Daimari Beach and Andicuri Beach as well (yes by squeezing in two more beaches into our top 10 we are kind of cheating, like our keto diets.)
7. Druif Beach
We’re spilling the beans on one of the island’s best-kept secrets. A ban on motorized water sports ensures peaceful Druif remains that way. Druif’s calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and its open-air restaurants ideal for socializing. A peak of land jutting north into the azure Caribbean Sea, you’ll also find upscale resorts and laid-back vibe here.
8. Manchebo Beach
A stone’s throw from Eagle and Palm Beaches is beautiful Manchebo Beach, quieter than its neighbours due to fewer people and no motorized water sports. A constant breeze covers Aruba’s westernmost point, welcomed by sunbathers who love the warm, turquoise water. Studded with pretty palms and palapas, Manchebo is home to a few low rise resorts, including one of our favourites, Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa.
9. Boca Catalina
This tiny and tranquil bay, with a white sand beach, offers excellent swimming and snorkelling conditions. Access its crystal waters directly from the shore, or via one of the popular catamaran and sailing tours that feature the idyllic Boca Catalina. Weekdays tend to be quieter, where you can chill under a thatched roof palapa with a good book and cold, coconut drink.
10. Mangel Halto
Kick back on dreamy Mangel Halto Beach under a Divi-Divi tree, an Aruban icon. Its distinctive, twisted trunk and flat canopy are among the charming flora you’ll find on this small beach, picturesquely framed by limestone. Plunge into its calm, clear waters to admire the tropical fish that attract so many snorkelers to this intimate spot.
