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.
Calm water
Eagle Beach
Aruba's widest beach: soft white sand, calm west-coast water, public palapas, the famous fofoti trees and most of the island's turtle nests.
Calm water
Palm Beach
Aruba's liveliest beach: 3.2 km of white sand in front of the high-rise hotels, calm water, piers, beach bars and most of the island's water sports.
Swim with care
Hadicurari Beach (Fisherman's Huts)
Aruba's windsurf and kitesurf hub just north of Palm Beach: shallow, calm water for learners, schools on the beach and the Hi-Winds each June or July.
Calm water
Surfside Beach
Oranjestad's town beach, two minutes from the airport: shallow, almost flat water for families, beach bars and planes passing low overhead.
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.