Aruba Beaches
Photo by Pamela Craig
© All Rights Reserved
Just a few miles off the coast of South America, Aruba beaches provide visitors with a year-round tropical playground. Even during rainy season from October through January the sun usually makes an appearance once each day. The busiest season runs from December to April when cold winter storms up north drive tourists south to Aruba's warm inviting coast.
Arashi, the most northern of the Aruba beaches, is a hidden oasis facing a tranquil blue Caribbean Sea. Few people come here because it's isolated, so there are just a few beach huts to provide shade for those who want it. It's the ideal spot for intrepid adventurers and confirmed escape artists to while away a few hours.
Further south along the coast, Palm Beach provides excellent swimming in calm water. Most of the island’s high-rise resort hotels are located along this beach front. They even sift the sand daily to remove any pebbles and shells from it. - "You are so spoiled!" - Because it's popular, Palm Beach can get busy. For the least crowded areas head for the northern or southern ends of the beach.
The next beach heading south is Eagle Beach, an equally attractive stretch of sand, which offers water-sports and shady picnic areas. Just south of this is Manchebo, the largest beach on Aruba and one which is top-op. This is where women show they're women and men - well - pay attention.
"I was talking to you, Harold!"
"Yes, dear...what did you say?"
With stronger surf here there are less water-sports, adding to the spot's tranquility. Best lizard-lounging will be in any area your wife tries to avoid.
Renaissance Island just off the coast is a private island restricted to guests of the Renaissance Resort. This tropical retreat features several small coves with sheltered swimming. One cove has been reserved for top-oppers.
Photo © Edward White - Fotolia.com
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| Region | Country | Best Season | |||||
| Caribbean | Aruba | December - April | |||||
| Arashi Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Remote | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | No | 9 |
| A remote 'desert oasis' beach located at the far northern tip of the island.
The water here is usually calm and clear. Nearby Accoms: Tierra del Sol Villas, Cactus Apartments. Photo by Jeff Cole © All Rights Reserved | $$$$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Druif Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 8 |
| A university geology department rated a sand sample here 'fine white'. Must be a great university. How do I enroll? Nearby Accoms: Casa del Mar, Divi Aruba, Dutch Village. Photo by Johanna & Lars © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Eagle Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 10 |
| A wide sandy beach with shade trees for those who want added shelter from the tropical sun.
Nearby Accoms: La Cabana, Paradise, La Quinta, Costa Linda. Photo by Jeff Cole © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Hadicurari Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | Mixed | Required | No | 8 |
| Quiet area. Shallow water. Fine sand with pebbles and stones to keep you on your toes.
A windsurfer hangout. Nearby Accoms: Aruba Sunset Studios, Beachhouse Aruba. Photo by Bill May © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Malmok Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Peaceful | Small | Crystal | Mixed | Required | No | 8 |
| Another hideaway located just south of Arashi. Shallow water, small bays, rock ledges and mixed sand / pebbles.
Nearby Accoms: Tierra del Sol Villas, Cactus Apartments. Photo by Maria Nyholm © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
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| Manchebo Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Medium | Crystal | Fine | Top-Op | Yes | 10 |
| Also known as 'Punto Brabo'. A wide tranquil stretch of sand for lazy sun-lizzy's.
No motorized water sports (so they say, see photo). Nearby Accoms: Bucuti, Manchebo, Aruba Beach Club. Photo by Darice de Cuba © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Baby Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Small | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 8 |
| The calm shallow waters here are ideal for swimming. OK, so there's an oil-refinery in the background.
Face the other direction. Nearby Accoms: The Seabreeze Apartments. Photo by Pamela Craig © All Rights Reserved | $ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Palm Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Active | Small | Crystal | Fine | Required | Yes | 10 |
| Of all Aruba beaches, this is the primary tourist beach. Resorts sift the sand daily so it's very tidy.
All the big names are here: Hyatt, Marriot, Radisson, Holiday Inn, Wyndham, etc. Photo by Mike Hammock © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Renaissance Island | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Private | Small | Crystal | White | Zone | Yes | 9 |
| This private island belonging to the Marriott Renaissance Resort is just off the coast from the main resort.
The beaches are private and one has been zoned Top-Op. Photo by Eelkje Colmjon © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| Surfside Beach | Type | Waves | Water | Sand | Swimsuits | Food | Rating |
 | Relaxed | Small | Excellent | Mixed | Required | Yes | 8 |
| This is a favorite beach with Arubans due to its location near the capital. Party! Party! Party! The Marriott Renaissance Resort is nearby. Photo by Jose Ignacio Borasi © All Rights Reserved | $$ | Hotel Rates | |||||
| CLICK HERE FOR EXPLANATION OF TERMS | |||||||
| Let's keep it safe out there! Because ocean conditions change daily, follow these rules: (1) Always check with 'locals' about hazards before entering the water, (2) Obey all 'warning flags', (3) Swim inside 'safety areas' provided, (4) Never swim alone, and (5) Never swim far out. Finally, when in doubt, don't go in. | |||||||
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