ARUBA - Top 10 Beaches - Nights Publications

Top 10 Beaches

You can't beat the beach, especially on Aruba! Ask some locals to name their favorite beach and you'll get as many different answers; there really are that many superb swaths of sand on this happy island. Here are our top 10.

Baby Beach

The waters off Baby Beach are only four to five feet deep, making it ideal for families with young children. It's also ideal for novice snorkelers, who will observe striking coral and tropical fish. On the weekends, Arubans flock here for barbecues and snorkeling. Facilities are limited to washrooms and a few food stands.

Boca Andicuri

"Exhilarating" is one word that perfectly describes Andicuri. The wildness of the rugged north coast is on display here, but be careful, as sky-high waves will toss you any which way. It's best not to venture out into the water and instead let the stunning scenery inspire you. No facilities.

Boca Catalina

Boca Catalina offers a secluded slice of beach and the possibility of some unbelievable snorkeling very close to the shore. The fish come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, from shocking blue to electric yellow, from striped to dotted. Just put on your flippers and mask and be amazed. There are palapas along the beach for some welcome shade, but no other facilities.

Boca Grandi

A hat, sunscreen, and towel are the basic requirements for fun at Boca Grandi, where locals practice their radical surfing and kitesurfing moves, and mere mortals like you and me look on in amazement. You'll also find enormous waves, unspoiled beauty, and a fierce wind, but not much in the way of shade or facilities.

Eagle Beach

This beach is a regular on top-10 lists, and with good reason: it is an almost endless stretch of powder sand with gentle surf, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of shaded areas and picnic spots. It's also one of the best places to enjoy a spectacular sunset. The beach is dotted with hotels and watersports operators.

Hadicurari (Fisherman's Huts)

This beach’s shallow water and constant trade winds make it especially popular with the surfer set, who call it "Da Huts". Non-surfers take advantage of the many shaded spots while taking in all the action. This is the site of the annual Hi-Winds windsurfing competition, the largest amateur flat-water windsurfing event in the Caribbean.

Mangel Halto

Located just past Spanish Lagoon, Mangel Halto is a charming spot for a family outing. The beach offers lots of shade under the palapas or the mangrove trees. Much to the delight of divers and snorkelers the underwater roots of these mangroves are rich with sea life, while a short swim out to the reef reveals still more creatures.

Punto Brabo

The name means "vicious point" but the ambience here is always quiet and serene. The surf is indeed steady and brisk, which makes this beach more suitable for sunbathing than swimming. There’s even a discreet tops-optional section, though remember that, while topless sunbathing isn't illegal, it's not permitted on public beaches and walking around without covering up is a definite no-no.

Rodgers Beach

Rodgers Beach is a pretty crescent of sand with calm waters. Fishermen anchor at the far end making for a picturesque scene. The view of the refinery in the other direction isn't so desirable, but thankfully it doesn’t take away from this quiet uncrowded spot, which is popular with local families.

Surfside / Nikky Beach

Ideal for family fun on the one hand, Surfside Beach is also becoming known for its trendy beachside restaurants. While this stretch of sand is within walking distance of downtown Oranjestad, it remains secluded and the water is shallow and calm. Approaching planes wink at the reefs, as cruise ships skim the horizon of this seashell-shaped beach.

BEACH TIPS

If you are heading out to one of the farther beaches by taxi, make arrangements for the driver to come and pick you up and bring you back to your hotel. Dry off on the beach before heading back by taxi. Aruban taxis will not transport wet passengers! Remember to bring a towel, water, sunscreen, and your camera!

For beach locations, please refer to our pocket map inside this issue.