Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is a long public beach on Aruba's west coast, between Oranjestad and Palm Beach, backed by the island's low-rise hotels rather than towers. The Aruba Tourism Authority describes it as the widest beach on the island, with soft white sand, shaded areas and some beach huts. It is also where most of Aruba's sea turtle nests are found, and where the two famous wind-bent fofoti trees stand.

Is Eagle Beach good for swimming?

Usually, yes. The west coast faces away from the trade wind, so the sea here is generally far calmer than on the north and east coasts, where swimming is often dangerous. The beach shelves gently, but it is open sea: swim within your depth, keep an eye on children and do not swim at night, when you also risk disturbing nesting turtles.

Where are the fofoti trees?

The fofoti is a salt-tolerant coastal tree, identified locally as the buttonwood mangrove (Conocarpus erectus). Two of them on Eagle Beach have appeared in so many Aruba campaigns that the Aruba Tourism Authority calls them the island's most photographed fofoti trees; their trunks lean south-west, shaped by the constant trade wind. The best-known one stands in front of the Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort. At the tourism authority's initiative, climbing it or hanging things from it is not allowed, because broken branches could kill the tree. Photograph it from the sand and leave it alone.

Is there shade on Eagle Beach?

There is some public shade: thatched palapas are spread along the sand, but they are shared by everyone and fill early, especially at weekends. Many of the lounge areas and cabanas you will see belong to the hotels across the road and are for their guests. If you are not staying there, bring your own umbrella or arrive early.

When do sea turtles nest on Eagle Beach?

Four species of sea turtle nest on Aruba, and according to the tourism authority most nests are found on Eagle Beach, mainly leatherbacks. Fundashon Turtugaruba, the island's sea turtle foundation, gives the season as March to December. Nests are marked by volunteers; never step inside a marked area. At night keep lights and camera flashes off, do not leave holes or furniture on the sand, and watch nesting or hatching turtles only from a distance. If you see a turtle or hatchlings in trouble, call the Turtugaruba hotline on +297 592 9393.

When is the best time to go?

Late afternoon is the classic time: the beach faces west, so the sun sets over the sea. Weekday mornings are the quietest. During Easter week, local families traditionally camp on the beach, so expect a busy, festive atmosphere then.

For a busier strip with piers and water sports, continue north to Palm Beach; for calm snorkelling, head to Arashi Beach or Boca Catalina. More on the area in Eagle Beach & Druif.