For an island measuring just 20 miles long, Aruba boasts a pleasing variety of long beaches and smaller coves, each of which offers something extra special. Here are six of the best:
Eagle Beach
Frequently ranked among the world’s finest beaches, Eagle Beach is a two-mile sweep of broad, white sand, which never feels crowded, even during peak season.
Eagle Beach is one of Aruba’s principal sea turtle nesting sites, from April to August. Staff at nearby properties are experienced in identifying nests and work with local conservation organisations to secure and fence off nesting areas, making sure the turtles, hatchlings and nests are never approached or disturbed.
Guests staying at Eagle Beach can take leisurely walks or jog along a track that runs alongside the beach, which is where you’ll also see the iconic Fofoti trees, sculpted into dramatic shapes by the trade winds.
The sunsets here are among the Caribbean’s most spectacular, with skies shifting from amber to deep crimson over the sea.
Palm Beach
Just a short drive north, you’ll find the livelier Palm Beach, a two-mile stretch of sand lined by bars, casual dining restaurants and cosmopolitan cocktail lounges.
The water here is usually calm, making it ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing, and it’s the starting point for snorkelling trips and sea excursions.
Baby Beach
On Aruba’s southern tip, this half-moon sandy beach with crystal-clear water in a calm lagoon is particularly appealing for families with young children or older relatives.
It is also a great spot for snorkelling, with colourful tropical fish often swimming just metres from shore. Snorkelling gear is available to hire, and there is also a beach shack for refreshments, and sunloungers for a fee.
Arashi Beach
For clients seeking a peaceful oasis, Arashi Beach is where to direct them.
Located close to California Lighthouse, this stretch of sand is free from hotels; there’s just a beach bar and colourful parasols on the beach, from where you can watch pelicans dive-bombing into the turquoise ocean for fish.
Boca Catalina
A small, secluded bay in the Malmok Beach area, this white sandy beach is easily accessible from a spacious car park, only a five-minute drive from Palm Beach, but during the week, it’s almost deserted.
Beach huts provide shade, while the sea is popular with snorkellers.
Mangel Halto
Many visitors never discover Mangel Halto, which only adds to its appeal.
Hidden among mangroves on the island’s southeast coast, the beach feels wonderfully untouched. Wooden piers stretch into vivid blue water, while offshore coral reefs attract experienced snorkellers and scuba divers searching for sea turtles and colourful reef fish.
