The Caribbean has been a dream holiday destination for decades.

While many of the former British colonies attract English-speaking Americans, the Dutch also had a presence in the region.

Aruba is a tiny island a short distance off the coast of Venezuela.

It has an area of less than 200 square kilometers and is fairly flat, without a single river.

It lies outside the hurricane belt and has as many sunny days as any island in the Caribbean.

Aruba is famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and trees swaying in the gentle trade winds; it is a picture-perfect scene.

There are some luxury resorts overlooking what have become private beaches; however, elsewhere on the island, the beaches are open to everyone.

Public transport makes them accessible with little difficulty.

Here are the best beaches in Aruba:

1. Baby Beach, South East

Source: Marco Bicci

Baby Beach

Baby Beach gets its name because it is so child-friendly.

On clear days – which is most of the time – Venezuela can be seen in the distance.

The water lapping onto this crescent-shaped beach is shallow and calm – ideal for youngsters.

Shady areas have been created using dried palm leaves and snorkelers are rewarded by the abundant marine life in the turquoise waters.

There is plenty of parking available, and if you get hungry, local refreshments can be found – trying the seafood is a must; you can find it in a shack that is covered with colorful graffiti.

2. Boca Prins, Arikok

Source: Ray Berthiaume

Boca Prins, Arikok

Boca Prins is a secluded beach on the northeast coast of Aruba’s Arikok National Park.

It takes its name from the former plantation, Prins.

Its beautiful white dunes and clear blue waters make a stunning setting and contrast sharply with the typically rocky coastline.

Take note that the currents are strong on this shore and swimming is not advisable for anyone other than the strongest of swimmers.

The beach is reached via wooden stairs and the local restaurant serves any visitors who can drag themselves away from the stunning vistas.

3. Boca Keto, Arikok

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Boca Keto, Arikok

Boca Keto is among Aruba’s most beautiful bays.

There is a huge rock – ‘’Moro’’ – which is nicknamed “the small Aruba’’ because of its shape.

The waves are good – ideal for surfers and body boarders.

It is secluded, but worth the effort, whether you go via a 4×4, ride a bike or even reach it on horseback.

The Natural Pool – a naturally-created pool that is around four meters deep – is just a short distance away.

This spot may be too secluded to take the whole family, but as the word spreads, it is certain to attract bigger numbers.

4. Dos Playa, Arikok

Source: Aruba Paradise Photos

Dos Playa, Arikok

Dos Playa translates into “two beaches,” which is exactly what you will find here.

There are coves side by side and few places on the island are better for surfing.

For this reason, there are international surfing events held here regularly.

It is not a place for inexperienced swimmers, but that doesn’t stop you from enjoying the lovely white sands; a suntan is guaranteed.

You can get there by road and there is a lovely local restaurant if you want a break from the action on the waves or the beauty of the sands.

5. Andicuri, Arikok

Source: DejaVuDesigns

Andicuri, Arikok

Andicuri is located just south of the natural limestone bridge that unfortunately has now collapsed.

It is a quiet, sandy cove – sheltered and shaded by the surrounding rocky bluffs.

There is strong surf which attracts locals who enjoy bodyboarding.

However, only strong swimmers should go into the water because of the powerful currents.

There are no facilities here but the compensation is that there are no crowds.

Bring your own picnic and make sure you leave the beach as you found it.

Bring ready-to-eat foods, as you are not allowed to light a BBQ on the beach.

6. Malmok Beach, North West

Source: Junior Braz

Malmok Beach, Aruba

Aruba has long stretches of rocky coastline.

Malmok Beach – with its white sandy bays – interrupts one section.

It has become one of the top sites in the world for kite and windsurfing, with an annual competition – Aruba Hi-Winds – held here.

Snorkeling is very good and divers can explore a famous shipwreck just offshore – the Antillas.

Because of these pristine conditions and unique underwater landscapes, this is the first place on Aruba where scuba divers head.

The water is so clear the Antillas can even be seen from the surface.

It can be busy, so be prepared for crowds if you visit Malmok Beach.

7. Boca Catalina, North West

Source: Marco Bicci

Boca Catalina, Aruba

Boca Catalina is a small, sandy bay which can be reached via some steps from the nearby parking lot.

It is a lovely place for swimming and snorkeling; during the week, you may have it to yourself.

The marine life keeps snorkelers interested for endless hours.

Weekends can be busy, but that generates a great atmosphere.

It is an ideal spot for families, even those with very young children; beach huts provide some shade to get kids out of the sun.

There is little in the way of infrastructure, which may ensure it is never too busy.

Take your own picnic and leave with your litter to preserve this lovely spot.

8. Surfside Beach, Oranjestad

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Surfside Beach, Oranjestad

Despite the proximity of the town of Oranjestad, this beach remains fairly quiet.

It is a two-minute drive from the airport, so is a great place for a last-minute bit of sun before jumping on a plane.

Oranjestad is a 20-minute walk away.

There is a beach club here with loungers and a pool.

Refreshments are on hand and there are few better places on Aruba to watch the sunset.

Local fishing boats and cruise ships provide regular traffic in the waters.

There is fine beachside dining – a romantic setting for couples after a busy day playing in the waves.

9. Iguana Beach, Renaissance Island

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Iguana Beach, Renaissance Island

Iguana Beach is a family-friendly beach which provides plenty of shade if you feel that the kids are getting a little too much sun.

It is located on Renaissance Island – a short boat ride off Aruba.

Local iguanas are often seen on the shoreline.

There are plenty of water sports to get stuck into, and cold drinks wait for you on the shore.

There is a charge for non-residents of the Renaissance complex and you must decide whether a return boat trip, towels, and lunch are worth the cost.

10. Flamingo Beach, Renaissance Island

Source: Matt Grimaldi

Flamingo Beach, Renaissance Island

Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island is an adults-only stretch of sand; palms and mangroves hide it away.

Its name comes from the stunning pink birds which scavenge in the shallow waters.

Flamingos are notoriously shy birds, they gather in huge flocks elsewhere in the world but take flight at the first sign of danger.

Not so here.

You can get some stunning shots of these exotic birds with the Caribbean as a backdrop.

Renaissance is accessed by boat with a charge for the day, which includes lunch.

11. Hadicurari Beach, North West

Source: DiegoMariottini

Hadicurari Beach

Hadicurari, Fisherman’s Huts, is a great place to learn how to wind and kite surf in the gentle trade winds.

There are other water sports available but the schools concentrate on these surfing skills.

It is close to the Marriott Aruba Resort and formerly a settlement for fishermen.

The biggest windsurfing competition in the Caribbean takes place here each year in June or July.

In fact, the women’s world champion, Sarah Quita Offringa comes from this part of the Island.

The beach is a favorite for local families because the waters are fairly calm and shallow.

12. Palm Beach, West Coast

Source: Steve Photography

Palm Beach

High-rise hotels have developed behind this three-kilometer stretch of beautiful sand, with the result being that Palm Beach has become very popular, especially for those seeking water sports.

Kite-surfers glide elegantly along the water, but the jet skiers make more noise.

While many people just want to spend the day sunbathing, there are cafes and bars to serve drinks and refreshments when you need a spot of shade.

The nearby casinos offer a great late-night party atmosphere, so mornings are certainly quieter here before the ‘’night birds’’ rise.

Come happy hour, and everything starts all over again.

13. Eagle Beach, West Coast

Source: Steve Photography

Eagle Beach

This is the broadest and whitest stretch of sand on Aruba.

If you want to spend all day on the beach, this may be the place for you.

The blue waters are tempting by day, and when the sun goes down, you may like a sunset cocktail at one of the restaurants or boutique hotels.

There is plenty of good parking at Eagle Beach, with shaded areas for picnics.

Eagle Beach is popular, but such is its size that it never feels really crowded.

14. Druif, Oranjestad

Source: Steve Photography

Druif Beach, Aruba

Druif Beach is a quiet stretch of sand, close to more popular beaches in the area.

Restaurants and accommodation are close by, yet crowds are rare.

The waters are calm and good for swimming, while water sports are also available.

Chairs and beach huts are on offer and if you want some action, try out volleyball with the locals.

The pelicans that hang out on the beach also offer a fantastic photo opportunity.

15. Mangel Halto Beach, South East Coast

Source: Steve Photography

Mangel Halto Beach

The mangroves here have created natural shade for visitors, making Mangel Halto a pleasant place to spend time.

The soft sand and calm waters provide a great spot for a picnic, and locals certainly take advantage.

The marine life is stunning and snorkeling is heavenly.

It is rarely busy here; you can sit on the wooden dock, dangle your feet in the water and watch the world go by.

If you can find yourself a kayak – not rentable on site, unfortunately – Manel Halto is a lovely place to move silently over the waters.

The beach remains largely a secret but surely won’t stay that way too much longer.

The tiny island of Aruba is one of the most picturesque of all the Caribbean Islands. Home to just over 100,000 people, there is plenty of beach space to go around. As a Dutch colony, Aruba features an amazing multiculturalism that sees Europe meet the Caribbean.

The crystal-clear waters off the coast of Aruba are some of the most awe-inspiring that you will ever see. Dive beneath the shimmering surface and you’ll be welcomed into a whole new world. Off the Aruban coast is some of the most vibrant marine life in the Caribbean Sea. Snorkeling is a popular pastime here, and it is not hard to see why. Sailing is another highly recommended pastime, if you don’t fancy getting wet.

Aruba is a firm favorite destination with honeymoon couples and older, luxury travelers. With this in mind, be aware that it is something of an exclusive travel destination. Accommodation is not always cheap, but it is nearly always outstanding. The locals depend on tourism and care deeply about giving the best service possible.

There are plenty of accommodation options here – from flash beachside resorts to cozy, self-catering apartments. Let’s take a look at where to stay in Aruba.

Palm Beach

Source: Jo Ann Snover

Palm Beach, Aruba

Palm Beach is an obvious first choice for travelers to Aruba. As the most iconic beach on the island, Palm Beach has earned its good name. If you could picture in your mind the perfect Caribbean beach, Palm Beach in Aruba would look a lot like it.

This is where you will find the main bulk of the big resort hotels, so if you want a beach entirely to yourself, you may want to look elsewhere. If you want to meet fellow travelers and make a few holiday friends, then Palm Beach is the place.

Set back from the beach you will find a great selection of beach bars and laid-back eateries. Many of these restaurants will serve up the most delectable fish dishes. The fish is as fresh as it can get – straight out of the ocean and on to your plate. The Lazy Turtle is a firm favorite.

Good For: Active Travelers, Beach Bums, Couples, First Time Travelers, Honeymooners, Foodies, Sociable Travelers, Luxury Travelers; All Kinds of Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Palm Beach, Orchid Casino, Bubali Bird Sanctuary, Jolly Pirates Sailing Cruises & Snorkeling, Aruba Butterfly Farm, Aruba Watersports Centre

Hotel Recommendations:

• Brickell Bay Beach Club Boutique Hotel – Brickell Bay Beach Club is an adults-only hotel that is a six minute walk from Palm Beach. Guests can spend their days relaxing by the pool or working out in the fitness center. Bicycles are available for hire should you want to explore further afield. Breakfast is included.
• Playa Linda Beach Resort – Set right on the beachfront, Playa Linda Beach Resort features multiple outdoor pools, a health spa and a great fitness center. There are suites and studio apartments available, all of which have a kitchenette and ensuite bathroom. The two bedroom suite can sleep up to five people.
• Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club – A tropical oasis directly overlooking Palm Beach, Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club is a luxury resort complex that features an onsite casino and a number of restaurants. There are both rooms and villas available. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool and sun terrace or on the private stretch of Palm Beach.

Monserat

Source: booking.com

Caribbean Palm Village Resort

For those who want to be close to Palm Beach but do not fancy staying at a big resort, Monserat is a great neighborhood to stay in.

Set behind the beachfront resorts, Monserat offers travelers the opportunity to experience Aruba like a local and potentially save a dollar or two on the accommodation front. The hotels in Monserat are just as luxurious as those in Palm Beach, and often much quieter.

In Monserat, you will find a great selection of locally run eateries. Linda’s Dutch Pancakes serves up one of the best breakfasts around and is family friendly. The beauty of Monserat is that it is just a ten minute walk to the creamy soft sands of Palm Beach. You really do get the best of Aruba in Monserat.

If you fancy a good stretch after the long flight to Aruba, drop into Island Yoga on Route 3.

Good For: Beach Bums, Budget Travelers, Couples, Like a Local Travelers, Long Term Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Palm Beach, Island Yoga, Linda’s Dutch Pancakes, Noord Neighborhood Sports Centre, Saint Anna Church, Happy Buddha Aruba Yoga School

Hotel Recommendations:

• Coconut Inn – Coconut Inn is a 15 minute walk from Palm Beach. This authentic Aruban hotel offers basic rooms at an affordable rate. All rooms have ensuite bathroom and free WiFi. Guests are welcome to relax on the sun terrace and cool off in the swimming pool. A continental breakfast is included.
• Caribbean Palm Village Resort – This is a quiet and charming hotel in the heart of Monserat Village. There are two hot tubs and two swimming pools to enjoy. Caribbean Palm Village Resort offers a free beach shuttle service to all guests. The hotel has its own bar and restaurant serving both local and international dishes.
• TuribanaPlaza – Turibana Plaza is a self-catering apartment complex just a few minutes walk from Palm Beach. Each apartment comes with a fully equipped kitchen and breakfast-bar-style seating area. There is air conditioning throughout all the apartments and free WiFi too. There is free on site parking.

Hadicurari Beach

Source: DiegoMariottini

Hadicurari Beach

Sitting due north of Palm Beach is Hadicurari Beach. A great alternative for travelers who want to experience the crystal clear waters of Aruba’s east coast without the crowds of central Palm Beach.

If your dream holiday consists of waking up, walking to the beach, relaxing, and walking home again, Hadicurari Beach is the best neighborhood in Aruba for you. That said, there is a great selection of water sports outlets in Hadicurari Beach area.

Should you want to have a more active holiday, even for a couple of days, Hadicurari Beach can make it happen for you. You can learn to kite surf at Aruba Kitesurfing School or even book yourself in for a daring skydive over this beautiful island. If you are going to brave a skydive anywhere in the world, why not make it over a picture-perfect Caribbean island?

Get the best of both worlds at Hadicurari Beach.

Good For: Active Travelers, Beach Bums, Couples, First Time Travelers, Honeymooners, Foodies, Sociable Travelers, Luxury Travelers; All Kinds of Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Hadicurari Beach, Palm Beach, California Lighthouse, Aruba Kitesurfing School, Skydive Aruba Air Adventures, Island Cabana – SUP Aruba, Windsurfing Aruba

Hotel Recommendations:

• The Ritz-Carlton Aruba – The Ritz-Carlton is a luxury resort complex situated in a secluded spot between Hadicurari Beach and Palm Beach. Guests are welcome to enjoy the hotel’s private stretch of beach or relax by one of the two outdoor pools. There is a kids-club and family rooms are available.
• Karibu Aruba – This is a locally run, boutique hotel just a five minute walk from the beach. The rooms are basic but the service is outstanding, and there are luxury finishing touches everywhere you look. You can hire bicycles or a car at reception if you want to explore more of Aruba.
• Yoyita Suites Aruba – You will find Yoyita Suite just a six minute walk back from the beach. The hotel offers a concierge service as well as a helpful tour desk. Guests can relax on the outdoor terrace and take a dip in the cooling outdoor swimming pool. All rooms have a kitchenette and ensuite bathroom.

Eagle Beach

Source: Steve Photography

Eagle Beach, Aruba

Lying south of Palm Beach is Aruba’s second most-popular beach, Eagle Beach. Offering the soft white sands and the crystal clear waters you have come to expect from Aruba, Eagle Beach is a real treat.

For keen golfers, Eagle Beach is just about perfect. Wherever you stay in the neighborhood, you will be within a short walk of Divi Village Golf Course. Open for residents and non-residents, if you fancy a round or two while you are away, Divi Village is waiting for you.

Staying at Eagle Beach gives you access to some of Aruba’s lesser-visited east coast beaches. No less beautiful than Palm or Eagle Beach, arguably more so, Divi Beach and Drulf Beach are some of the island’s best kept secrets. Manchebo Beach is Aruba’s easternmost point and is a great sunbathing spot.

Eagle Beach is home to a number of big, all-inclusive resorts with private stretches of beach.

Good For: Active Travelers, Beach Bums, Couples, First Time Travelers, Honeymooners, Foodies, Sociable Travelers, Luxury Travelers; All Kinds of Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Divi Beach, Drulf Beach, Manchebo Beach, Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store, Alhambra Casino, Trop Club and Casino, Glitz Casino

Hotel Recommendations:

• Palazzio Studio and Apartments – Palazzo Studio and Apartments is a great option for budget travelers. These apartments have self-catering facilities, as well as a dining room area. There is air conditioning throughout the apartments and free WiFi too. There is a shared patio, sun terrace area and communal outdoor swimming pool.
• Ladybugs Apartments – Bright and airy, capturing the Caribbean feel perfectly, Ladybugs Apartments are a real home away from home in Aruba. The beach is less than a ten minute walk away and the nearest supermarket is less than five minutes walk. Some of the apartments have self-catering facilities. The garden is really lovely.
• Bubali Bliss Studios – Ideal for travelers who want their own space in Eagle Beach, each studio has a spacious bedroom and ensuite bathroom. This is in addition to a well equipped kitchen and access to the shared sun terrace and outdoor swimming pool. The whole complex is bright, modern and in tropical Colonial style.

Aruba Downtown

Source: mandritoiu

Aruba Downtown

Aruba Downtown bridges the gap between Palm and Eagle Beach and the island’s capital of Oranjestad. Some have referred to this area of Aruba as a ‘Caribbean Amsterdam,’ and it is a fair comparison.

In Aruba Downtown you will find a great mix of traditional Caribbean vibes and extravagant colonial architecture. Aruba Downtown is a great place to stay if you want to experience authentic Aruba or if you like an urban atmosphere.

This neighborhood is not urban in the modern sense of the word. This is an 18th-Century kind of modern, with a few smatterings of the 21st-Century for good measure. You will find Aruba’s historical gems in this neighborhood – you can discover Fort Zoutman, one of the oldest landmarks on the island.

At the National Archaeological Museum, you can learn all about the indigenous history of Aruba and observe artefacts that date back as far as 2500 B.C. Simply incredible.

Good For: Active Travelers, Budget Travelers, Budding Historians, Culture Vultures, Like a Local Travelers, Whistle-Stop Travelers: All Kinds of Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Renaissance Beach, Surfside Beach, Splash Park Aruba, Fort Zoutman, Hooiberg Hike, Archaeological Museum, Shopping on L.G Boulevard

Hotel Recommendations:

• Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino – Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino is a luxury resort in Downtown Aruba on Renaissance Beachfront. The hotel is modern and has some impressive design features. Despite being a large resort, the hotel retains a boutique feel. There is a full-service spa complex, casino and a number of restaurants.
• Hostel Room Aruba – The best option for budget backpackers in Aruba is Hostel Room Aruba. Incredibly basic dorm style accommodation that offers great value for money and a good night’s sleep. Locally owned and managed, the staff can help with travel arrangements and tours. There is free WiFi and air conditioning throughout the hotel.
• Aruba Apartments – Aruba Apartments are a great self-catering option in Downtown Aruba, ideal for long-term travelers or families. Each apartment can sleep up to four people across two double beds. There is free parking on site and the team can arrange an airport shuttle on request.

Where to Stay in Aruba .