Aruba's beaches
All of Aruba's beaches are public and free to visit. The west and south coasts are calm and swimmable; the north and east are wild, windy and best admired from the shore.
All beaches are publicCalm water: west & southNo swimming on the north coast
Calm water
North-west coast Snorkelling
Arashi Beach
Calm, shallow north-west beach below the California Lighthouse, with free palapas, easy snorkelling on the left side and west-facing sunsets.
Calm water
North-west coast Snorkelling
Boca Catalina
Small, calm sandy bay on the Malmok coast with clear water and easy shore snorkelling, five minutes north of Palm Beach. Little shade.
Swim with care
North-west coast Snorkelling
Malmok Beach
Rocky coves with very clear, calm water on the north-west coast, popular with snorkel boats; offshore lies the Antilla, a German wreck scuttled in 1940.
Beach basics
Good to know before you go
- Shade is scarce: bring a hat, reef-safe sunscreen and water.
- Most beaches have free parking; some have no facilities at all.
- Strong currents on the north and east coasts — admire, don't swim.
- Sea turtles nest on some beaches; keep clear of marked nests.
- Loungers and palapas in front of resorts may be reserved for guests.