Malmok & the north-west tip

Malmok and the north-west tip are the last few kilometres of Aruba's sheltered west coast before it turns to the open Atlantic. North of Palm Beach the hotels give way to villas and a dead-end boulevard; the beaches become small coves on limestone, and the road ends at California Lighthouse on the Hudishibana plateau. It is about 13 km by road from the airport and the place most visitors come for snorkelling straight from the shore.

Which beaches are on the north-west tip?

From south to north:

• Hadicurari Beach, also known as Fisherman's Huts — shallow, steady-wind water that has made it Aruba's best-known spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with schools and rentals on the beach. It hosts the Aruba Hi-Winds amateur windsurfing event.
• Malmok Beach — a narrow strip along the residential Malmok coast.
• Boca Catalina and Arashi Beach — small bays the Aruba Tourism Authority singles out as snorkelling spots, with rock and coral close to the shore.

See our snorkelling guide for gear, rules and conditions.

What is the story of California Lighthouse?

The lighthouse is named after the British steamship S.S. California, which was wrecked off Aruba's north-east coast in 1891, before the tower existed; it was built around 1914–1916 to prevent similar losses and is the tallest structure on the island. It was restored in 2016 for its centenary. Visitors can climb to the top: the tourism authority lists it as open daily, 9:00–19:00, with a US$ 5 admission (as listed in 2026 — check before you go). The surrounding Hudishibana area is rough limestone, so wear closed shoes, and the views take in the dunes of Sasariwichi and the whole west coast.

Is there history at Malmok?

More than most visitors expect. Radiocarbon dates place human habitation at Malmok between 450 BC and AD 240, and an Amerindian cemetery found here included burials laid on sea-turtle shells. In the Second World War the German freighter Antilla, sheltering in Aruba since 1939, was scuttled by its crew off Malmok on 10 May 1940 as Dutch marines tried to board it; an open-air memorial was completed in 2024.

When is the best time to go?

• Morning for snorkelling: fewer people in the water and easier parking at the coves before tour boats and groups arrive.
• Afternoon for wind sports, ask the schools at Hadicurari which hours suit your level.
• Sunset at the lighthouse, which looks out over the sea to the west.

What do people misjudge?

• The coast changes at the tip. Past the lighthouse the shore faces the Atlantic, with strong surf and currents — do not swim there.
• Rocks and coral. Entries at Boca Catalina and Arashi are partly over rock; water shoes help, and standing on coral damages it.
• Sun and wind. The breeze hides how strong the sun is; there is little natural shade at the coves.
• Boat traffic. Snorkel and sailing boats anchor off these bays; stay close to shore and visible.

Malmok is mainly residential, with villas and apartments rather than large resorts. It suits travellers who want water time over nightlife and are happy to drive or take the bus a few minutes south to Palm Beach & Noord for restaurants. Its cliff ledges are also a roosting site for brown boobies, a reminder that this end of the island is still partly wild.

Is it good for families?

In parts. Hadicurari's water is shallow and calm, which the tourism authority notes makes it popular with local families as well as windsurfers — but keep children clear of the boards and kites. The rocky snorkelling coves suit confident swimmers better than toddlers.