If life were a Caribbean beach, it would have the same energy as a hotel in Aruba overlooking Eagle Beach. Reality, of course, is made up of many landscapes. Yet this destination offers the chance to step away from routine and trade it for a suite with views of the Caribbean Sea.
Among its coastal ecosystems, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves stand out. These contrast with the island’s arid interior, where tropical cacti coexist with trees such as the Divi-divi, one of Aruba’s natural symbols.
On Aruba’s best beaches, relaxation goes hand in hand with swimming alongside sea turtles, angelfish, barracudas, and sharks. There is also something less tangible: time and space to simply be.
Why Aruba is a unique destination for sea lovers
An island shaped by wind and water: why Aruba is a singular beach destination
Nicknamed “One Happy Island,” this white-sand island with clear waters is ideal for those who place the sea above all else. Its warm, sunny climate year-round and location outside the hurricane belt, combined with the beauty of its coastline, make it a distinctive place to disconnect and enjoy water sports alongside wellness and relaxation. All of this unfolds in an exclusive setting, with vacation options to suit every preference.
Aruba’s island geography was shaped by wind and water some 145 million years ago. This striking landscape is the result of prehistoric volcanic activity and the gradual accumulation of marine sediments that, over time, emerged to form land that has always remained closely tied to the sea. For this reason, visiting Aruba means experiencing Caribbean culture with all five senses focused on the shoreline.
Beaches for every way of traveling
Aruba offers a perfect location for every travel style. Much like the variety of Caribbean fruits, the island’s diversity is remarkable. With up to 33 kilometers of beaches across a total area of just 180 square kilometers, it is always possible to reach a beach spot that feels almost tailor-made. Endless stretches of sand with a lively atmosphere or intimate, hidden coves. Shores that pulse with music, safe swimming areas for children, corners with a wilder spirit, and meeting points shared by locals and travelers.
The biodiversity of the coral reefs and other protected habitats, such as Arikok National Park, accompanies every journey across the island. Without straying far from the sun lounger, there are opportunities to explore fascinating underwater worlds and storybook-like trails.
Eagle Beach: one of the best beaches in Aruba
What makes it special
Eagle Beach, located on the western side of Oranjestad, Aruba’s capital, was named the best beach in the Caribbean and the third best in the world in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Its postcard-worthy setting stretches for nearly three kilometers and is home to the iconic fofoti trees as well as favored nesting grounds for sea turtles. Spacious, calm, and safe, it offers all the essential services needed to relax in complete comfort.
This is also where JOIA Aruba by Iberostar is located, a new five-star adults-only hotel in Aruba. This boutique resort on Eagle Beach redefines the concept of luxury. Its elegant suites feature private or semi-private pools and hydromassage bathtubs. An exclusive spa, a carefully curated culinary offering with three restaurants and four bars, and an infinity pool overlooking the horizon are just the beginning.
When to go and how to enjoy it
Eagle Beach invites unhurried enjoyment at a natural, easy pace. The sense of calm that fills the air encourages a balance between active plans, such as diving or kayaking routes, and quiet moments of contemplation with a cocktail in hand. From hotels on Eagle Beach, direct access to the shoreline is assured. The best time to visit is between January and March, during the high season, when the weather is warm and dry. Those drawn to the quieter, more reflective charm of the low season may prefer to visit between April and August, when flights and hotels are more attractively priced and the beach is less crowded.
Palm Beach: energy, services, and Caribbean life
Aruba’s most vibrant side
Palm Beach is the heart of a group trip with friends, a crescent-shaped stretch of coastline where music fills the air and sunsets often arrive to the rhythm of dancing. This beach is located north of Eagle Beach, around six kilometers from Oranjestad. With remarkably soft white sand and framed by palm trees, the area around its most popular section offers a wide range of leisure options, including restaurants, bars, clubs, and shopping centers. What sets it apart is how its lively nightlife and commercial scene coexist naturally with the beauty of the seaside corners waiting to be discovered along the shore.
Ideal for active trips
For those drawn to dynamic, nature-based experiences, Palm Beach serves as a starting point for guided excursions focused on observing local wildlife and plant life in their natural habitats. Very close by is the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Back at a hotel in Aruba, there is also the opportunity to play at one of the world’s leading golf courses, Tierra del Sol by Iberostar, an ideal way to stay active during the vacation. The drive between Palm Beach and Eagle Beach takes less than five minutes, while walking the route takes around 40 to 45 minutes and offers a pleasant coastal stroll.
Baby Beach: the most accessible side of the Caribbean
A beach designed for everyone
Baby Beach is a safe and accessible beach, highly recommended for enjoying the sun and sea with children. Its name says it all. It is a suitable choice even for a first beach vacation with a baby. This shell-shaped bay, with a pristine shoreline and a cheerful atmosphere, is located in the southeast of the island, near the town of San Nicolás. Free parking is available right next to the beach. Once there, visitors will find a large natural sea pool that attracts both local families and tourists, especially on weekends, along with several traditional restaurants and that distinctive Caribbean scene that adapts easily to all types of travelers.
The best plan for families
Baby Beach brings together families traveling with children thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, leisure options, and accessibility. Younger children can enjoy building sandcastles and snorkeling among colorful fish in calm, shallow waters. For older children and teenagers, supervised by adults, introductory scuba diving experiences, paddleboarding sessions, or cycling tours are often available.
As with other Aruban coastlines, Baby Beach is protected due to its ecological value. Visiting responsibly helps demonstrate that enjoyment and care for nature can go hand in hand.
Arashi Beach: nature and open sea
A beach made for unwinding
An idyllic beach and a hotel with a spa in Aruba can be enough to disconnect and return from vacation feeling renewed. At Arashi Beach, where the sea stretches toward the horizon, and vegetation dominates the landscape, there is a natural invitation to close your eyes, listen, and simply be. A mindful moment unfolds along the road leading to the California Lighthouse, beside one of the island’s most complete beaches.
On one side, the sandy shore offers practical services such as showers, beach bars, sun loungers and umbrella rentals, and diving schools. On the other hand, nothing interrupts the meeting point between sand, waves, and presence.
Snorkeling and sunsets
Aruba’s waters are home to remarkable marine life. Arashi Beach, a small and unassuming cove, offers some of the island’s best snorkeling spots for observing these species responsibly. Even first-time snorkelers or families with children can enjoy the experience, thanks to the calm, shallow waters that make it easy and accessible for all. As the day draws to a close, live music often accompanies the sunset, creating a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Boca Catalina and lesser-known beaches
The charm of simplicity
In the Malmok area, close to Arashi Beach in northwest Aruba, Boca Catalina feels almost dreamlike—yet it is very real. A local atmosphere, traditional thatched huts, turquoise waters, and an unfiltered sense of authenticity invite a deeper appreciation of simple pleasures. As it is less frequented by tourists, it tends to be quieter than many other Aruban beaches. For this reason, it is an ideal spot to spend the day as a couple during a romantic getaway in Aruba.
For those seeking something different
For travelers in search of something beyond the familiar, the lesser-explored side of the Caribbean has much to offer. Gift a trip to someone special. Check into a couple's hotel in Aruba, and discover the island’s quieter corners together—moving from Boca Catalina to beaches with evocative names such as Mangel Halto, Rodger’s Beach, or Tres Trapi, the latter home to a community of starfish. Boca Grandi, known for its strong waves and surf culture, and Druif Beach, ideal for unhurried walks near Oranjestad, are other shores that exist beyond the island’s main tourist routes.
Tips for enjoying Aruba’s beaches
Best time to travel
When is the best time to travel to Aruba? The ideal moment for a vacation on the island depends on individual preferences. As mentioned earlier, Aruba is located at the southern edge of the Caribbean, north of Venezuela, and lies outside the hurricane belt. During the dry season, from December to April, the island shows its brightest side, inviting endless enjoyment of sun and sea.
Between September and November comes the season of light rainfall, often favored by more adventurous travelers. The windy season, particularly popular with surfers and other board-sport enthusiasts, takes place in July and August. Finally, the shoulder season falls in May and June, an excellent time to find attractive offers while enjoying the best aspects of each season.
What to bring to the beach
Beach essentials include high-protection sunscreen—ideally reef-safe and respectful of marine life—non-toxic insect repellent, swimwear, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, comfortable water-friendly footwear, and accessories to protect from the sun, such as scarves, caps, or hats. Snorkeling gear, a good book, and an underwater camera are optional additions, but well worth considering.
As a practical tip, for stays at all-inclusive hotels in Aruba, it is advisable to contact the hotel staff before traveling. At JOIA Aruba by Iberostar, for example, daily beach and pool towels are provided. The resort also features purified drinking water stations for refilling bottles before heading to the beach, and the entire property is free of single-use plastics.
Getting around the island
There are several ways to get around Aruba. One option is to rent a car upon arrival at Queen Beatrix International Airport, offering flexibility and the added pleasure of driving along scenic coastal roads that run parallel to the sea.
Alternatively, taxis are safe and operate with fixed fares. Public transportation is also available via the Arubus network, which connects the main hotel areas with beaches and the city center. Oranjestad additionally offers a free tram service. In protected natural areas, bicycles and hiking routes are the most sustainable choice for exploring the surroundings of a hotel in Aruba.
