From calm lagoons to wild coastlines
Aruba is famous for its beaches. The west and south coasts have calm, turquoise water and soft white sand, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The rugged east coast is spectacular but has strong currents. Here is an overview of the island's beaches by area.
West coast: calm and sandy
- Palm Beach – lively beach in front of the high-rise hotels
- Eagle Beach – wide white sand and fofoti trees
- Manchebo Beach – one of the widest beaches
- Druif Beach – relaxed beach close to Oranjestad
- Surfside Beach – calm city beach next to the airport
North-west: snorkelling and wind
- Arashi Beach – great shore snorkelling and turtles
- Boca Catalina – calm cove for beginner snorkellers
- Tres Trapi – sea turtles down three stone steps
- Malmok Beach – clear water and eagle rays
- Hadicurari (Fisherman's Huts) – windsurfing and kitesurfing
South: lagoons and local beaches
- Baby Beach – shallow lagoon, ideal for children
- Rodgers Beach – local beach in a protected bay
- Mangel Halto – mangroves and reef near Savaneta
- Renaissance Island & Flamingo Beach – private island with flamingos
East coast: wild and dangerous to swim
- Andicuri Beach – secluded bay for bodyboarders
- Boca Prins, Dos Playa, Grapefield and Boca Grandi – spectacular, but no swimming
Beach rules and safety
- Public beaches: by law all beaches in Aruba are public, even in front of resorts. Public palapas are first come, first served. Renaissance Island and De Palm Island are private and require a day pass.
- Clothing: nudity and topless sunbathing are not allowed on public beaches.
- Lifeguards: red and yellow flags mark supervised swimming areas on some busy beaches. Many beaches have no lifeguards; always follow warning signs.
- Sea turtles: from roughly March to September turtles nest on beaches such as Eagle Beach. Keep your distance from nests and turtles and do not use lights at night.
- Sunscreen: sunscreen containing oxybenzone is banned; use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Nature: watch out for sea urchins on rocky shores and never touch coral.
- Snorkeling in Aruba – the best snorkel spots
- Hotels by beach – find a resort on your favourite beach
Last updated: September 2026.