Good to know
Good to Know
- Surfside Beach is the only beach within true walking distance of downtown Oranjestad and cruise port; Eagle and Palm beaches require short taxi or drive.
- All of Aruba's beaches are open to the public; you can lay your towel anywhere regardless of resort proximity.
- Chair and umbrella rentals typically run 15–20 AWG for a pair of chairs and umbrella, available at full-service beaches.
- Palm Beach is the main hub for water-sports operators and snorkel/dive boat departures.
- Aruba's beaches are among the cleanest in the Caribbean with fine white sand and consistently clear, calm waters.
- Dry season (December–April) offers best beach weather; rainy season peaks in November but Aruba remains generally sunny year-round.
Beaches
Surfside Beach
- Designation
- quiet, full-service
- Water Conditions
- calm
- Distance From Center
- ~15 minutes walk from downtown Oranjestad
- Note Extra
- Close to airport; planes overhead but not disruptive per visitor reports.
- Description
- Downtown beach alongside the Linear Park. Calm atmosphere with beach bar offering food and drinks.
Good For
- Relaxation
- Light dining
- Day visitors
Amenities
- Beach bar with food service
- Chair and umbrella rentals
- Happy hour three times daily
- Quiet music backdrop
Eagle Beach
- Designation
- quiet, family, water-sports
- Water Conditions
- calm and shallow in designated swimming zones
- Distance From Center
- ~10 minutes drive / ~20 minutes from downtown
- Description
- Widest beach in Aruba with powdery white sand and iconic fofoti trees. Known for low-rise hotels and calm, protected waters ideal for families and swimmers.
- Seasonal Note
- Sea turtles nest March–September; most nests occur on Eagle Beach.
Good For
- Families
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Water sports
- Photography (fofoti trees)
Amenities
- Water sports rentals (snorkeling, jet skiing)
- Chair and umbrella rentals
- Public beach lockers near major resorts
- Nearby restaurants and bars
- Free parking available
Palm Beach
- Designation
- party, full-service, water-sports
- Water Conditions
- calm and inviting
- Distance From Center
- ~10–15 minutes drive west
- Description
- Main oceanfront tourist hub with 2 miles of sand backed by high-rise hotels, casinos, and entertainment. Center of island's water-sports activity with vibrant atmosphere.
Good For
- Families
- Water sports enthusiasts
- Dining and entertainment
- Nightlife
Amenities
- Multiple restaurants and bars
- Water sports (jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling tours)
- Pier access with shops and dining
- Lounges and palapas (resort guests and rentals available)
- Snorkel/party boat departure piers
Baby Beach
- Designation
- family, quiet
- Water Conditions
- shallow, calm, protected lagoon
- Distance From Center
- ~45–55 minutes drive south (day trip)
- Note Extra
- Less crowded than northern beaches, especially weekdays.
- Description
- Shallow, calm lagoon at southern tip of island. Half-moon sandy expanse ideal for families with young children and beginner snorkelers.
Good For
- Families with small children
- Beginner snorkeling
- Marine life viewing
Amenities
- Calm protected waters
- Snorkeling gear available
- Umbrella and chair rentals
- On-beach restaurants
- Less developed, laid-back atmosphere
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this beaches research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Oranjestad
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.