Eagle Beach & Druif

Eagle Beach & Druif is the stretch of Aruba's west coast between the edge of Oranjestad and the high-rises of Palm Beach. It is lined with low-rise hotels across the road from the sand, and its centrepiece, Eagle Beach, is described by the Aruba Tourism Authority as the widest beach on the island. It is about 10 km by road from the airport and a few minutes' drive from downtown Oranjestad.

What is the difference between Druif and Eagle Beach?

They are one continuous run of sand with different characters. Druif, nearest to town, is a long, oval-shaped beach in front of the area's casual resorts, with relatively calm water, beach huts, a volleyball court and pelicans roosting on poles offshore. Further north-west the beach widens into Eagle Beach, where the sand is deep enough that the sea can feel a long walk from the road. Both are public: everyone can use the sand, while loungers and shade structures in front of hotels are usually reserved for their guests.

Where are the fofoti trees?

Eagle Beach is home to the two most photographed fofoti trees in Aruba, wind-bent trees whose shape has appeared in the island's tourism advertising. They are a natural landmark rather than a fenced attraction, so photograph them from the sand and do not climb them.

Do sea turtles really nest here?

Yes. Four sea turtle species — leatherback, hawksbill, green and loggerhead — nest on Aruba, and the tourism authority states that most of the island's nests are found on Eagle Beach. Nesting runs roughly from March to September and hatching between May and November. The local foundation Turtugaruba monitors nests during the season, and the tourism authority asks visitors to keep their distance from nesting turtles and not to interfere with them. In practice that means staying outside any marked nest area, never driving on the sand and leaving hatchlings to find the sea on their own.

When is the best time to visit?

• Morning for a quiet beach walk and cooler sand; the white sand reflects strong sun from late morning onwards.
• Late afternoon and sunset: the coast faces west, so the sun sets over the sea.
• Turtle season (March–November) adds a reason to walk the beach at dawn, when fresh tracks and marked nests are easiest to see.

The trade winds blow steadily from the north-east, so this sheltered west coast usually has gentler water than the north and east shores. Calm is relative, though: there are no lifeguards on most stretches, and conditions change — swim within your depth.

Who is it for?

This area suits people who want resort comfort without high-rise density: couples, families with younger children who need space on the sand, and anyone who prefers walking out of the hotel straight onto a quiet beach. Nightlife and the large malls are concentrated further north in Palm Beach & Noord, about 3 km up the coast, while the restaurants and museums of Oranjestad are just south.

What do people misjudge?

• Shade. The beach is wide and open; besides the trees and hotel palapas there is little natural shade. Bring your own or arrive early.
• Crossing the road. Hotels sit on the landward side of J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, so you cross traffic to reach the beach. Use the marked crossings.
• Water sports. Operators offer motorised and non-motorised rentals at Druif; check where swimmers and boats are separated before you go in.

Eagle Beach also hosts part of the Aruba Hi-Winds windsurfing event in some years, and it is an easy base for families — see our Aruba with kids guide for more ideas.