Beaches at Aruba

Aruba is a fantastic vacation destination in many ways. The sun never fails, the ocean water is crystal clear, and the Arubans are an incredibly cheerful and friendly people. Yet there's one aspect that makes One Happy Island world-famous: its breathtaking sandy beaches! It's no wonder that Aruban beaches are considered among the most beautiful in the world. They are pure white and possess a powdery texture. It's undoubtedly a delight to be able to relax on beaches of this kind!

The beaches in Aruba are stunning!

What are the most beautiful beaches in Aruba?

All beaches in Aruba are remarkably stunning and it's also a matter of personal preference. Do you want to snorkel and spot the most beautiful fish? Or do you prefer having plenty of activities on and around the beach? Perhaps you enjoy peaceful beaches and would like to see as few other tourists as possible? In our opinion, the most beautiful beach in Aruba is Manchebo Beach.

Are the beaches of Aruba freely accessible?

In the past, the Aruban authorities made a brilliant decision. The decision to keep all beaches accessible to everyone, thus avoiding the presence of demarcated private beaches on Aruba. This is unique for the Caribbean region; on all other Caribbean islands, a distinction is made between public beaches and private beaches. The Aruban leadership has made several exceptionally wise choices throughout its history; for instance, it designated a whopping 20% of the island as a nature reserve, resulting in the breathtaking Arikok National Park. This approach ensures the preservation of the island's magnificent nature for future generations.

Children have a lot of fun on the beaches of Aruba.

Beaches on the West Coast

Aruba has a total of twenty-two beaches: seventeen on the west coast and five on the east coast. The island's uniqueness lies in the fact that the west side offers a completely different world compared to the east. Along the west coast the ocean is calm and the waves peacefully roll onto long, expansive beaches. This is also the side of the Leeward Island where most hotels and resorts are situated. This offers the advantage that, at the break of dawn, a refreshing morning swim in the stunning ocean waters can provide the necessary revitalization instead of a conventional shower. Each beach along the west coast possesses its own character, identity, and possibilities. Some beaches are centers for people-watching, hosting trendy restaurants and stylish beach bars. On the other hand, other beaches are tranquil and picturesque, appealing to families with children.

Eagle Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches of Aruba.

Beaches on the East Coast

On Aruba's east coast the trade winds over the ocean are still at full force, propelling waves to considerable heights. These high waves crash forcefully onto the rugged coastline with its beaches. The beaches here are situated within a stunning natural backdrop. However it's not advisable to enter the ocean waters on this side of the ABC island; due to the high waves and strong currents it's too dangerous to swim here!

Stacking Stones: Cairns

You'll come across cairns on nearly every beach in Aruba. These are stacks of stones, carefully and attentively placed on top of each other by someone. The mystery of who started this practice remains but many people believe that for every stone you add to your stack you're allowed to make a wish. As long as the stack stands, there's a chance that your wish might come true. So be cautious not to accidentally knock over a cairn, and who knows, your wish might just be granted!

Cairns on Aruba.

By the way, you can encounter stone stacks worldwide, not just in Aruba. The meaning behind these piles of stones tends to vary. For many they are sources of legends, superstitions, and folktales. Nut originally they were used as markers to recognize specific locations. So, you can find them not only on beaches but also in mountainous regions and various other places.

Are there nude beaches in Aruba?

Naturism (public nudity) in any form is legally prohibited in Aruba. As a result, there are no nude beaches on the sunny island. Topless sunbathing is also not permitted by law, but it is tolerated.