10 Best Beaches in Aruba

Arashi Beach is known as one of the best snorkeling beaches in the Caribbean due to its calm, clear waters and an abundance of underwater life to explore. The beach sports soft white sands and crystal blue waters, and it's all easily accessible with a large parking area and beach huts with snacks and drinks.

When you explore beneath the waves, you'll find an array of tropical marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles. The left side is the calmest and best spot for snorkeling, while the right side of the beach is used for swimming and bodyboarders. You can get to this beach along Arashi Bay on the northwestern coast.

Baby Beach offers shallow, calm waters and is one of the most family-friendly beaches on the island, hence its name. Perfect for young swimmers, the waves here are virtually nonexistent, and the shallowness makes it easy for young children to stay safe and enjoy a swim.

The beach is set up within a crescent-shaped lagoon, which is what keeps the Caribbean's waves from permeating through the area. Snorkeling is allowed here, but you'll need to stay within the designated snorkeling area. The beach is located on the island's southern tip in San Nicolas.

Eagle Beach is a famous white-sand beach complete with beach huts, shaded areas, and watersports available throughout the area. The pristine beachfront experience here draws in travelers from all over the world, so it's likely going to be on your itinerary if you're visiting Aruba for the beaches.

When on this beach, you can enjoy a bit of swimming as well as snorkeling, though it's primarily used for relaxation. You'll probably notice the Fofoti trees here that are often used in brochure images showcasing the tropical island's aesthetic. See it for yourself on the western coast, a few miles northwest of Oranjestad.

Flamingo Beach, a private beach on Renaissance Island off of mainland Aruba's coast, is home to turquoise waters, soft sands, and a friendly population of pink flamingos. While you're on the sugar-white sands of this beach, you can relax with lounge chairs and take in the stunning sights of the Dutch Caribbean.

The flamingos really make this beach stand out, especially considering how well their pink feathers contrast with the white sand. Feel free to take as many photos with them as you like. You can get to this beach by heading to Renaissance Island west of Oranjestad's coast.

Palm Beach is one of the more luxurious beaches on the island, sporting high-rise hotels, spa facilities, restaurants, and calm and inviting waters. Just about everything here is designed to make your visit as comfortable as possible whether you're planning to swim, snorkel, or just relax in the sun.

Relaxing on this beach is easy, thanks to the local spa facilities. You can get a massage and enjoy a refreshing cocktail from the bar. Dining is available as well, so you won't have to go far to grab a bite to eat. You'll find it all on the northwestern coast of the island.

Andicuri Beach is a stunning beach favored by bodyboarders due to its stronger surf, but it's still safe for swimming if you prefer. If you decide to swim here, you'll need to be a bit experienced and know how to spot currents to avoid them.

Despite the prevalence of bodyboarding here, the beach is remarkably quiet and relaxed. You can even enjoy some shade by the coral-stone cliffs along the beach's edges. You can get to this beach on the island's eastern coast, a few miles north of Santa Cruz.

Manchebo Beach is a wide beach with plenty of room to relax that also offers shade cabanas, lounges, bars, and friendly swimming conditions with gentle surf. Getting out in the water is easy enough without having to worry about currents too much, but relaxing on the soft sands is popular as well.

If you're looking for some food and drink, you won't have to look far here. Not only will you find satisfying lunch items in the local restaurant, but the happy hour at the local beach bar offers a massive variety of drinks. Experience this for yourself on the island's westernmost point.

Boca Catalina Beach is a bay beach where all ages can enjoy a bit of swimming, thanks to the calm waters and relative privacy. The beach itself sports soft, white sand, and the waters are calm and shallow enough for even small children to enjoy swimming.

When you visit this beach, you'll find that it's remarkably private and somewhat secluded. If you visit during a weekday, you just might be the only one there, although weekends attract a modest crowd. Check it out for yourself by heading down the steps north of Malmok on the island's northwestern coast.

Boca Ketu is a secluded beach where you can immerse yourself in the natural environment without the distractions of many popular beach areas, such as shops, bars, and restaurants. Located within Arikok National Park, this beach showcases a primitive shoreline populated by sand, rock, and little else.

Because of the beach's location in the national park, you'll have to ride an ATV or 4x4 if you want to motor in. Horseback riding is another option for reaching the beach, and you can always hike the route there as well. See it for yourself along the park's northern shore.

Druif Beach is a true beachgoer's beach, offering myriad watersports alongside boating opportunities, loungers, soft sands, and crystal-clear waters. Swimming is especially popular here, but you're welcome to venture out farther in the water in a boat, as both motorized and nonmotorized vessels are allowed.

The sights at this beach are particularly picturesque, which is why walks along the shore are among the most popular activities if you're looking for something relatively relaxing. Of course, you can always take your relaxation to the next level with one of the loungers here. It's all located on the island's northeastern coast.