10 Best Aruba Beaches To Visit: Complete Guide To Sun and Fun

Stepping foot on Aruba feels like walking straight into a travel postcard you thought only existed in dreams. The sand is powder-white, the sea is a shade of blue you didn’t think was real, and the island’s nickname – One Happy Island – starts to make perfect sense. Whether you’re chasing serenity, snorkeling coral reefs, or simply sinking into a lounger under a coconut palm, Aruba’s beaches cater to every kind of traveler. So if you want to know which shores you simply can’t miss, here are the ones I’d go back to tomorrow. Along the way, I’ll share some personal notes and little experiences that might just help make your own visit even better.

Eagle Beach

Honestly, I could not believe my eyes when I first stepped onto Eagle Beach. I’ve travelled to some amazing beaches in the Caribbean and also worldwide, but here? The sand was blinding-white, the water a shade of turquoise I’d only seen in magazines. And then those iconic fofoti trees leaning out over the surf; it’s like nature’s Instagram add-on.

What made me go “wow” was coming back near sunset. The skies turned pink and orange, the beach lit up in a golden-halo glow, and suddenly I understood why this place is a famous golden-hour photoshoot spot in Aruba.

If I had to pick just one beach to spend my time in Aruba? I’d pick Eagle Beach. But, lucky us, we don’t have to choose, because the island has so many fantastic beaches.

If this sounds like your kind of beach, here are some great places to stay nearby:

Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort: the kind of adults-only eco-luxury that makes you linger a little longer.
Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort: colourful, boutique and right across from the sand.

Insider tip: Plan to sit on the sand after 5 pm and just soak in the sunset. Prepare a little picnic if you want a truly romantic moment (psst, Eagle Beach offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable proposal!)

Palm Beach

Palm Beach felt luxurious the moment I arrived. If you’re into high-end resort-style vacation stays with everything included, this beach delivers. Think: big resorts, sunbeds everywhere, cocktails, water sports, beach bars – one day at Palm Beach felt like stepping into a glam travel brochure.

We only stayed one full day here because I’m the kind of traveler who hops around, trying to visit as many beaches as possible, but I understood why people stay for longer. You can easily rent a sunbed for the day, pop between parasailing and beach snacks. But, we stopped by almost every day at Eduardo Beach Shack, a lovely spot for smoothies and acai bowls – my favorite was the “coco-whip” bowl.

For those wanting to stay near this top beach, I recommend the following resorts:

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort: lush gardens, perfect beachside.
Riu Palace Aruba: all-inclusive, resort heavy-hitting

Manchebo Beach

Here’s a little secret: Manchebo Beach is perfect if you’re craving peace. For solo travelers or anyone looking for a retreat-type vacation, this beach hit the sweet spot for me. Think Eagle Beach, but with fewer people and buildings!

Just wander past the busier stretches and you’ll find yourself in this vast, relaxed sandscape, with very little noise – just the crystal-clear sea and the fresh breeze.
What I loved most was that due to its size, Manchebo never feels crowded. It has way more space than other beaches in the area!

Although the sea is a little rougher than Eagle Beach, I don’t recommend it if you are with kids, but overall, it is truly one of Aruba’s top beaches. There is convenient parking just nearby, plus plenty of great beach bars and restaurants in the area.

Conveniently, you can stay in the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, an intimate, eco-conscious and totally calm resort, or if you want the same area but a bit more luxe, in Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.

Divi Beach

If you’re looking for a beach that effortlessly blends relaxed romance with just enough activity, Divi Beach is a real contender. As soon as I wandered along its soft sands, the turquoise water and gentle waves told me this was more than just “another pretty beach” – it had personality and space in equal measure.

What really stood out to me: Divi Beach feels a little quieter and more intimate than some of Aruba’s more crowded hotspots. That sense of tranquility sets the tone, but there’s still plenty to do together.

The setting is ideal for couples who want to alternate between relaxing and doing a little together: beachside loungers, cocktails delivered with a sea breeze, and enough water sport options to keep things lively.

Where to stay nearby:

Divi Aruba All Inclusive: friendly, convenient.
Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive: right next door, great for longer stays.

Baby Beach

If you are visiting Aruba with kids, Baby Beach is gold. It has shallow, calm waters that stretch out like a natural lagoon – perfect for little ones (or big ones who just want to float). Sure, the area has had some construction, so it’s not completely untouched, but really, tell me which tourist destination today isn’t impacted in some way.

We loved that there was the on-site restaurant Big Mama Grill – relatively affordable and fun. The food wasn’t gourmet, but the kids loved the Flintstone theme, and we all had a good time.

Where to stay nearby:

Secrets Baby Beach Aruba is a newly opened luxury resort – the only thing I don’t understand is how it can be adults-only when it is just steps away from the island’s best kid-friendly beach? Anyway, it seems like a cool place to stay for couples. If you are with family and want to stay nearby, you’ll find great vacation rentals in Savaneta.

Insider tip: Pack a picnic blanket or cooler. The snack bar is fine, but if you come early, you’ll grab a shady palapa and relax while the kids splash.

Arashi Beach

Full disclosure: Arashi Beach turned out to be my favourite beach in Aruba. I know -I said Eagle was my “one pick”- but the more I explore, the more I love Arashi.

It has soft sand, clear water, it’s less crowded than Eagle and Palm, and it has great snorkeling. You can park easily, walk 2-3 minutes to the beach, and even find a snack bar right on the corner. For me, that combination was perfect.

As Arashi is on the northwestern side of the island, you’ll find mainly vacation rentals in the area, or you can stay in a nearby resort/hotel and come by car.

Mangel Halto

Here’s the one for the true snorkel lovers: Mangel Halto. If you really want to see marine life near the surface, this is it. It’s not the typical resort-strip beach. Think mangroves, calm water, less crowd, a reef and even a wreck you can spot.

But it is for advanced swimmers/snorkellers; there’s current, entry can be rocky, so come prepared. Find a spot under the palapa, gear up with snorkel and fins, and float out to the reef. The underwater world here will thank you.

Boca Catalina

Did you know that Aruba has sea turtles that come to feed near the shore? I was shocked (positively) when I learned that here, swimming with sea turtles is a free activity; you just need to be in the right place, in this case, go to Boca Catalina.
Nestled also on the north-western coast of the island, this small, peaceful cove feels like a locals’ secret rather than a big resort beach.

On our visit, I loved that it felt genuinely tranquil – especially compared to the busier resort bays. One of the coolest things: the turtles tend to hang out in the seagrass beds in front of the beach, about 4-6 m deep. So if you’re keen to spot them, gear up and float out gently; remember, they’re wild animals and deserve space.

Tip: You’ll have a much better chance of seeing them early in the morning when the water is calm and fewer snorkel tours are around. The entry is a mix of sand and rock, and water shoes are recommended: add them to your packing list if you plan to visit this beach. There aren’t many vendors or big restaurants here so bring your own water and snacks.

To stay nearby, check out hotels and resorts in the nearby Noord/Malmok area, giving you mid-range options, or the luxury Ritz-Carlton Aruba, just a short drive away. If you prefer extra space or want to feel more “at home”, there are many vacation homes, villas and condos within walking distance of Boca Catalina.

Malmok Beach

If you think you would love Boca Catalina, here is another gem, Malmok Beach, that deserves its spot on your Aruba itinerary. Instead of endless wide-sandy stretches, this beach has narrow coves, limestone cliffs, and muted waves gently lapping the shore. The effect? A much calmer, more intimate feeling than the high-rise resort beaches.

And the best part? The snorkeling here is just as fantastic as at Boca Catalina. So if I haven’t convinced you yet that your snorkel set deserves a spot on your Aruba packing list, this might do the trick. Just a few meters from shore, I spotted colorful schools of fish, a few sea stars glimmering on the sand, and even a curious sea turtle gliding past – it honestly felt like swimming in a natural aquarium.

And, there’s even a boardwalk path to stroll at dusk – a great place to slow down and soak in the vibe and view. One minor caveat: because of the rocky shoreline and smaller sand patches, it’s not the ideal “spread out all day” sunbathing spot for everyone – especially if you’re with very young kids or want full-on sand-lounger service.

If Malmok sounds like your kind of pace – less hustle, more exploring – look into local villas, boutique stays, or condos in the Malmok/Noord area. Staying here gives you easy access to Malmok Beach, plus nearby beaches like Arashi Beach and Boca Catalina.

Flamingo Beach

If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and stumbled upon those dreamy shots of pink flamingos strutting across turquoise waters, you’ve probably seen this place. Flamingo Beach is every bit as magical as it looks, and yes, it’s real.

Located on the private Renaissance Island, owned by the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, it’s home to a small (and very photogenic) flock of flamingos that wander gracefully along the shore.

There’s something surreal about floating in the shallows while these elegant birds stroll by – it’s one of those pinch-me moments that feels straight out of a postcard. Full honesty: we didn’t manage to visit on this trip. We didn’t buy our passes in advance and by the time we checked, all were sold out.

So, Flamingo Beach is officially on our list for our next Aruba adventure! I’ll try to convince my husband to stay in the resort for 1-2 nights to skip the day-pass stress – wish me luck! 😊

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Aruba’s Beaches
Aruba’s beaches aren’t just stretches of sand and sea – each one has its own personality, vibe, and little surprises. From the postcard-perfect sunsets at Eagle Beach to the quiet snorkeling havens of Boca Catalina and Malmok, there’s a slice of paradise for every kind of traveler. Some beaches are perfect for romance, others for family adventures, and a few are just waiting for you to slow down and breathe.
The beauty of Aruba is that you don’t have to pick just one. Hop between lively resort strips, serene lagoons, and hidden coves. Pack your snorkel gear, a camera, some good sunblock, and a sense of curiosity, and you’ll come home with a collection of memories and maybe a few new favorite beaches you hadn’t even heard of before.
Ready to start planning your Aruba adventure? Whether you’re chasing sunsets, snorkeling with turtles, or just stretching out on powder-white sand, the island’s beaches are waiting. Bookmark your favorites, pack your snorkel, and get ready to explore, because on One Happy Island, every beach is a new story, and your perfect day in the sun is just a flight away.