Arashi Beach
Snorkelling paradise on the north-western tip
Arashi Beach lies on the north-western tip of Aruba, close to the California Lighthouse. It is a favourite with locals and one of the best beaches for snorkelling straight from the shore.
Just offshore you will find coral, reef fish and often sea turtles. The best snorkelling is to the left when you face the sea. A little further out lie the Arashi airplane wrecks.
Nearby
Highlights
- Excellent shore snorkelling
- Sea turtles
- Calm, clear water
- Close to the California Lighthouse
Good to know
- Location: north-western tip, near the California Lighthouse
- Facilities: free parking, around a dozen free palapas, chair rentals and a snack bar; toilets and showers for a fee
- Tip: arrive early for a palapa
Beach conditions change with wind and season. Always follow warning signs and flags, and never swim alone at beaches without lifeguards.
See also: all beaches in Aruba.
Last updated: September 2026.
Malmok Beach
Clear water and eagle rays
Malmok Beach is a small, rocky beach a few minutes north of the Palm Beach hotels. The water is very clear and snorkellers regularly spot eagle rays, especially early and late in the day.
From the shore you can see the Antilla wreck. Do not try to swim to it: the current between the beach and the wreck can be dangerously strong. Visit it on a boat trip instead.
Nearby
Highlights
- Very clear water
- Eagle rays
- Coral close to shore
- View of the Antilla wreck
Good to know
- Location: north of Palm Beach
- Facilities: none: no toilets, no shade, no lifeguards
- Tip: bring water, shade and water shoes
Beach conditions change with wind and season. Always follow warning signs and flags, and never swim alone at beaches without lifeguards.
See also: all beaches in Aruba.
Last updated: September 2026.
Boca Catalina
A calm cove for beginner snorkellers
Boca Catalina is a small white-sand cove on the north-west coast, between Malmok and Arashi. The water is calm and shallow, which makes it one of the best places for beginner snorkellers.
Over seagrass beds and coral patches you will see reef fish, sea fans and, with a bit of luck, sea turtles. Snorkel sail boats often stop here as well.
Nearby
Highlights
- Calm, shallow water
- Sea turtles and reef fish
- Popular stop for snorkel sails
Good to know
- Location: north-west coast, between Malmok and Arashi
- Facilities: small roadside parking area and a few huts; no rentals
- Watch out: sea urchins on the rocky parts
Beach conditions change with wind and season. Always follow warning signs and flags, and never swim alone at beaches without lifeguards.
See also: all beaches in Aruba.
Last updated: September 2026.
Tres Trapi
Three steps down to the sea turtles
Tres Trapi means "three steps" in Papiamento, after the stone steps that lead down into the water. This small spot lies just south of Boca Catalina on the north-west coast.
There is little space to lie down, but the snorkelling is excellent. Tres Trapi is one of the best places to see sea turtles, especially early in the morning.
Highlights
- Frequent sea turtle sightings
- Clear turquoise water
- Stone steps into the sea
Good to know
- Location: north-west coast, just south of Boca Catalina
- Facilities: none; limited space on the rocks
- Rules: keep your distance from turtles and never touch or chase them
Beach conditions change with wind and season. Always follow warning signs and flags, and never swim alone at beaches without lifeguards.
See also: all beaches in Aruba.
Last updated: September 2026.
Hadicurari (Fisherman's Huts)
Aruba's windsurf and kitesurf beach
Hadicurari, better known as Fisherman's Huts, lies just north of the Palm Beach hotels. With its shallow water and steady trade winds, it is Aruba's top spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Beginners take lessons from the schools on the beach, while experienced riders show their skills. Every year the beach hosts the Aruba Hi-Winds, the biggest windsurf event in the Caribbean.
Nearby
Highlights
- Steady trade winds
- Shallow water, good for learning
- Windsurf and kite schools
- Aruba Hi-Winds event
Good to know
- Location: north of Palm Beach, near the Ritz-Carlton
- Good to know: swimmers should stay clear of the kite and windsurf zones
Beach conditions change with wind and season. Always follow warning signs and flags, and never swim alone at beaches without lifeguards.
See also: all beaches in Aruba.
Last updated: September 2026.