Come discover the island of Aruba in the Caribbean

Aruba is a small island in the Dutch Caribbean located off the coast of Venezuela. It’s part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao).

After visiting the island of Curaçao a few years earlier, we decided to explore Aruba in November 2023.

We stayed for three weeks in an Airbnb-style accommodation and rented a vehicle for the entire period to visit the various tourist attractions on the island.

These are listed below.

You’ll find several supermarkets (Carrefour, Super Food, Jumbo, etc.) as well as a wide variety of restaurants.

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Note:

Please be aware that since July 2024, Aruba has implemented a $20 sustainable development tax for visitors arriving by air.

This tax is payable via the online ED Card platform during the ED card application process to enter Aruba.

I invite you to continue reading this travel journal and watch the videos that will help you discover this sunny destination.

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Videos are embedded throughout the summary. Click on the image to start the video.

To jump to a specific post, here are the relevant links:

Noord - California Lighthouse Noord - Bubali Bird Sanctuary Paradera - Casibari Rock Formations Santa Cruz - Ayo Rock Formations Bushiribana - New Natural Pool (Cave Pool) Noord - Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins Santa Cruz - Natural Bridge Oranjestad - Hooiberg San Nicolas - Seroe Colorado Natural Bridge Spanish Lagoon Mangrove Trail Shoco Habitat - Spanish Lagoon Oranjestad - Balashi Gold Mill Ruins San Nicolas - Lourdes Grotto Arikok National Park - Daimari Beach, Boka Keto Beach (Moro), Conchi Natural Pool Arikok National Park - Boca Prins Beach Arikok National Park - Fontein Cave Arikok National Park – Quadirikiri Cave Arikok National Park – Hike to Sero Arikok Oranjestad & Noord - Walking tour San Nicolas and its murals San Nicolas and its mosaic street benches The famous seafood restaurant Zeerover Noord - Snorkeling around the Baboo shipwreck Noord - Arashi Beach Noord - Boca Catalina Beach Noord - Boca Catalina Beach - Snorkeling Noord - Snorkeling at Tres Tapi - Turtle and Ray Noord - Snorkeling at Malmok Beach - Flying gurnards Noord - Hadicurari Beach (Fishermen's Huts) Noord - Palm Beach Noord - Eagle Beach Noord – Manchebo Beach Oranjestad - Divi Beach Oranjestad - Druif Beach Oranjestad - Surfside Beach Pos Chiquito - Mangel Halto Beach Savaneta - Santo Largo Beach Savaneta - Battata Beach San Nicolas - Rodgers Beach San Nicolas - Baby Beach San Nicolas - Baby Beach - Snorkeling San Nicolas - Bachelor’s Beach (Boca Tabla) San Nicolas - Boca Grandi Beach San Nicolas - Colorado Point - Snorkeling at Bachelors Beach San Nicolas - Grapefield Beach Hike - Blackstone Beach via Natural Bridge Noord - Wariruri Beach

NOORD - CALIFORNIA LIGHTHOUSE

GPS coordinates: 12.61376, -70.05135

The top of the California Lighthouse offers stunning 360-degree views of Aruba’s west coast, with its beaches and coral shores.

The lighthouse was named after the SS Californian ship, which sank before its construction in 1910.

The lighthouse is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM. Access to the site is free, but there’s an admission fee to climb to the top.

https://youtu.be/LeSmnNvPkI0

NOORD - BUBALI BIRD SANCTUARY

GPS Coordinates: 12.56155, -70.04840 Observation tower

Bubali Bird Sanctuary is one of the best spots for birdwatching in Aruba. It consists of two interconnected artificial lakes that provide a lush environment for over eighty species of migratory birds.

An observation tower, located on the north side of the bird refuge, offers an excellent panoramic view of the sanctuary.

You can spot several bird species here: egrets, herons, cormorants, coots, gulls, skimmers, terns, ducks, and many others.

We even saw some really big fish swimming near the surface of the water.

https://youtu.be/nQ9S-kGYk1Y

PARADERA - CASIBARI ROCK FORMATIONS

GPS coordinates: 12.53056, -69.99566

The Casibari rock formations are located in the center of Aruba. A trail leads to the top of these huge boulders, where you get a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

On a clear day, you can even spot Venezuela from the highest point.

https://youtu.be/3cVJ5Bf-m1w

SANTA CRUZ - AYO ROCK FORMATIONS

GPS coordinates: 12.53136, -69.97072

A loop trail of about 500 meters that lets you discover astonishing rock formations of various shapes and sizes, shaped by the forces of nature.

The route consists of paved paths, steps, tunnels, and narrow passages that weave through the massive boulders.

You can even admire petroglyphs carved into the rock by the island’s first inhabitants.

We also had the chance to see several goats and blue lizards, which are truly spectacular.

https://youtu.be/c-PBx5lbJ80

BUSHIRIBANA - NEW NATURAL POOL (CAVE POOL)

GPS coordinates: 12.55261, -69.97455

New Natural Pool, also nicknamed Cave Pool, is a natural turquoise-water pool located in a cave formed by the erosion of a cliff. It’s near the Bushiribana ruins.

To get there, you’ll need to climb down a ladder and walk carefully over some pretty sharp rocks. Wear good shoes!

The pool is safe for swimming. However, be careful when walking around the rocky area since the ocean is very rough in this sector.

Strong waves from the ocean could make you stumble and seriously injure yourself.

https://youtu.be/XgCv4aoe7Rk

NORTH - BUSHIRIBANA GOLD MILL RUINS

GPS coordinates: 12.55356, -69.97658

On the northern coast of Aruba lies the abandoned Bushiribana gold mill, which once processed ore from the mines in the nearby hills during Aruba’s 19th-century gold rush.

This mill was built in 1872 by the London-based Aruba Island Gold Mining Company.

A windmill harnessed the power of strong ocean winds to crush stone and extract gold ore. An on-site smelter then refined the ore into pure gold, which was later transported to a nearby port for export.

The mill operated for a decade, refining over 2,000 ounces of gold before production halted in 1883.

It was reopened in 1889 by another British company, the Aruba Agency Company, and permanently closed in 1899 as attention shifted to a much newer and ultra-modern mill in Balashi, located inland on Aruba.

Today, only the natural stone walls of the Bushiribana gold mill remain. Visitors can freely explore the abandoned structure and carefully climb the remnants of a staircase on the mill’s southern wall for a stunning view of the Caribbean.

https://youtu.be/DyXGniBcQeo

SANTA CRUZ - NATURAL BRIDGE

GPS coordinates: 12.54113, -69.95820

The natural bridge formed naturally over centuries due to marine erosion. Unfortunately, it collapsed in September 2005.

However, the remains of this natural bridge are still present at the site and give us an idea of the scale of this geological formation.

It was one of the largest natural bridges in the world. It spanned over 30 meters and stood 7 meters above sea level.

Right next to it, there’s another natural bridge called "Baby Bridge." It’s a must-see attraction on the island of Aruba since it’s easily accessible.

There’s a souvenir shop on-site that also offers food services, as well as restrooms.

https://youtu.be/SpNz6dotal8

ORANJESTAD - HOOIBERG

GPS coordinates: 12.51713, -69.99492 Start GPS coordinates: 12.51686, -69.99491 Summit

Hooiberg is a volcanic formation rising 165 meters above sea level. Located in the center of Aruba, it’s the island’s second-highest elevation.

Climbing Hooiberg is an adventure that’s totally worth it. It’s best to go early in the morning because of the heat.

There are roughly 587 steps leading to the top of the hill, which offers a stunning view of the island.

On a clear day, you can even spot Venezuela to the south.

https://youtu.be/cJIIOqIvDmA

SAN NICOLAS - SEROE COLORADO NATURAL BRIDGE

GPS coordinates: 12.42043, -69.86732

Seroe Colorado Natural Bridge is a rather unknown natural bridge. Located on the southeast coast of Aruba, near the village of Seroe Colorado, you can reach it by a short descent along a trail (unmarked) carved into a rugged cliff.

Just park your vehicle in the area next to the Seroe Colorado lighthouse and follow one of the unmarked trails to the edge of the cliff.

Once you reach the cliff’s edge, try to spot the trail that leads down to the natural bridge. It’s not easy to find. However, using the GPS coordinates provided above will make it much easier.

https://youtu.be/HqfSwDx59M4

SPANISH LAGOON MANGROVE TRAIL

GPS coordinates: 12.48334, -69.97256 Parking and trailhead GPS coordinates: 12.47423, -69.97583 End of the trail

Spanish Lagoon is known for being the only inland bay with such diverse marine and bird life.

The Spanish Lagoon mangrove trail is 1.3 km long (one way) and lets us observe the flora, fauna, and many birds that nest there.

We also took the opportunity to explore the old Balashi gold mill ruins and spot the Shocos, those beautiful birds with bright yellow eyes that nest in burrows. These two attractions are featured in the next videos, by the way.

P.S. We did this hike in reverse, but I recommend following the GPS coordinates above for easier parking.

https://youtu.be/yxrWXXB6iAE

SHOCO HABITAT - SPANISH LAGOON

GPS coordinates: 12.48324, -69.97163

The Shoco, known as the burrowing owl, is a very photogenic bird found only in Aruba and is the national symbol of the island. It has beautiful bright yellow eyes.

It’s a very small owl, roughly 20 centimeters tall.

A small enclosure with a few burrows has been created in the Spanish Lagoon to protect this endangered species.

We were lucky enough to spot a pair of Shocos during both of our visits to this spot. I invite you to check them out in this video.

https://youtu.be/eAlyOLrA3lk

ORANJESTAD - BALASHI GOLD MILL RUINS

GPS coordinates: 12.48347, -69.97327

The Balashi gold mill, built by the Aruba Gold Concessions company in 1899, was powered by steam engines.

In 1916, during World War I, it shut down due to a lack of raw materials and spare parts, most of which came from Germany.

The ruins of the mill are still visible today near the narrow rock canyon known as Frenchman's Pass, offering not only a glimpse into Aruba’s once-thriving gold industry but also a stunning view of the Spanish Lagoon, a protected area designed to create an ideal breeding ground for many birds.

https://youtu.be/6TN71SVFQMk

SAN NICOLAS - LOURDES GROTTO

GPS coordinates: 12.45041, -69.90614

The Lourdes Grotto, located in Seroe Preto in San Nicolas on the island of Aruba, was created by a priest and parishioners in 1958.

Actually, the site has two grottos, and they’re located on either side of the road. These shallow grottos contain altars, religious statues, and votive candles, among other things.

Every year on February 11th (the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes), a procession sets off from Sainte-Thérèse Church in San Nicolas to the grotto, where a mass is celebrated.

https://youtu.be/qCrQi03sPnk

ARIKOK NATIONAL PARK - DAIMARI BEACH, BOKA KETO BEACH (MORO), CONCHI NATURAL POOL

GPS Coordinates: 12.52850, -69.94562 Parking GPS Coordinates: 12.52805, -69.94378 Daimari Ranch GPS Coordinates: 12.53046, -69.93994 Daimari Beach GPS Coordinates: 12.52676, -69.93502 Moro Beach (Boka Keto Beach) GPS Coordinates: 12.52453, -69.92870 Conchi Natural Pool

These attractions are located in Arikok National Park on the northern coast of Aruba.

Make sure to get your park pass at the ticket office before heading to this site, as you might not be able to access it since rangers monitor the area.

Also, check if the natural pool is accessible because if there are strong waves, the site may be closed to visitors.

To reach the parking mentioned above, you’ll need to drive carefully on a bumpy dirt road.

This 4.3 km round-trip hike is easy to complete and mostly follows the coastline. There’s no shade along the way, and the heat can be overwhelming, so bring water. You can also cool off in the ocean at different points along the trail.

The hike starts with a descent on a road leading to Damari Ranch. The only challenge you might face is on the way back, as the slope is quite steep, and I can assure you it gets very hot there.

An unmarked trail starts near Daimari Ranch. The first beach you’ll come across is also called Daimari.

It’s a stunning white-sand beach about 100 meters wide and +/- 175 meters deep, surrounded by a rugged limestone coast.

However, swimming in its turquoise waters is not recommended because the waves can sometimes be dangerous due to currents and trade winds.

The trail follows the coastline and then leads to the beautiful Moro Beach (Boca Keto). This is a picturesque white-sand beach with a large rock emerging from the water, dividing the beach into two sections.

Aruba’s beaches are very pretty, but I think Moro Beach is definitely one of the most beautiful on the island because of its wild side and sand dunes.

Located in a very remote part of the national park, it sees very few visitors.

At low tide, a tombolo (a sandbar) forms, allowing you to reach the base of the rock.

Like most other beaches on this side of the island, the ocean here is very rough, and the park has posted no-swimming signs around the beach.

We continued our hike toward the Conchi Natural Pool. We had to wait two days before we could visit because the site was closed due to rough ocean conditions.

It’s absolutely a gorgeous spot, but given the excessive tourism, the experience might not be as enjoyable as expected when there are many people there. The natural pool isn’t very large.

Wear good shoes because accessing the pool isn’t easy—you’ll need to move across rocks that can sometimes be slippery.

The site is great for swimming, snorkeling, and jumping off the rocks.

You can also spot some beautiful colorful crabs moving around on the rocks.

https://youtu.be/6MjCPDeSjgg

ARIKOK NATIONAL PARK - BOCA PRINS BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.49697, -69.90732 Parking GPS coordinates: 12.49779, -69.90760 Boca Prins Beach

Boca Prins Beach, accessible by car, is located on the northeast coast of Arikok National Park on the island of Aruba.

The scenery is stunning, and the cliff overlooking the white sand beach is the perfect spot to take beautiful photos of it, as well as the sand dunes that seem to stretch endlessly inland.

The turquoise waters are inviting, but a sign warns against swimming here due to the powerful and constant surf, which can be extremely dangerous.

This beach and the dunes are accessible via a staircase.

https://youtu.be/CV1pcJgeGBM

ARIKOK NATIONAL PARK - FONTEIN CAVE

GPS Coordinates: 12.49293, -69.90733 Cave GPS Coordinates: 12.49294, -69.90637 Pond

This cave is located along the northeast coast in Arikok National Park. It’s known for its cave paintings made by the Arawak tribe, which can still be found on the walls and ceilings.

It’s best to bring a light since the inside of the cave is very dark.

Take the trail that leads to a pretty little pond and dip your feet in the water. Several fish will come over to clean your skin!

https://youtu.be/oVgO6RBChUs

ARIKOK NATIONAL PARK – QUADIRIKIRI CAVE

GPS coordinates: 12.48254, -69.89951 Cave GPS coordinates: 12.48269, -69.89913 Viewpoint

The Quadirikiri Cave is located at the foot of a limestone cliff along the northeast coast in Arikok National Park on the island of Aruba. A staircase leads to the main entrance.

It’s much larger than the Fontein Cave, which is also located in this park.

This cave has two chambers bathed in rays of light. Openings in the ceiling provide natural light, making it an ideal spot for taking photos.

It contains many stalactites and stalagmites.

It’s home to bats, though we didn’t have the pleasure of spotting any during our visit.

https://youtu.be/AJ4V93xZ81g

ARIKOK NATIONAL PARK – HIKE TO SERO ARIKOK

GPS coordinates: 12.49868, -69.94648 Visitor Center Parking GPS coordinates: 12.49928, -69.94627 Trailhead GPS coordinates: 12.50575, -69.94315 Sero Arikok Summit

Sero Arikok, located in Arikok National Park, is the second-highest hill on Aruba. At 185 meters tall, its summit offers a stunning view of the park and the island of Aruba.

The 4 km round-trip hike starts near the Visitor Center. It begins in a wooded area, then continues on a 4x4-accessible road leading up to the hill’s summit.

At the top, there used to be a VOR structure, which is actually a radio navigation system used in air travel.

We stayed for a few moments to take photos before heading back down.

For the return trip, we continued our hike along the park’s main road instead of retracing our steps on the trail.

Please keep in mind that the heat is truly overwhelming in the park. Bring plenty of water. We didn’t see anyone else attempting a hike in this area.

In fact, we had planned to do other hikes in this part of the park, but the heat put us off.

https://youtu.be/bjQWxwq4_a8

ORANJESTAD & NOORD - WALKING TOUR

GPS coordinates: 12.51984, -70.03960 Oranjestad GPS coordinates: 12.56877, -70.04522 Noord

Oranjestad is the capital of the Dutch island of Aruba, located in the Caribbean Sea. It’s also a very popular cruise ship stopover.

You’ll find a large number of shops, upscale restaurants, and colonial-era buildings with vibrant, colorful architecture.

There’s even a free tramway system to get around the city. It runs from the cruise terminal to downtown, and you can hop on and off as often as you like.

Noord is another town in Aruba. It’s known for its beaches, hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. This is also where you’ll find the California Lighthouse.

We took a walk through the streets of both towns so you can get a glimpse of them in this video.

https://youtu.be/4zx5lXbhqsw

SAN NICOLAS AND ITS MURALS

San Nicolas is a town located in the southeast of Aruba. It’s the best place to experience the culture of Aruba.

Artists from around the world, along with local talent, participate in the Aruba Art Fair every year.

As a result, they’ve left their mark over the years on the walls and buildings along the main street of San Nicolas.

We were truly amazed by the artistic beauty of the murals in this town.

https://youtu.be/IV2KCZGQVeU

SAN NICOLAS AND ITS MOSAIC STREET BENCHES

The mosaic street benches are definitely worth a detour in the town of San Nicolas, located in the southeast of Aruba.

These brightly colored benches that decorate the main street of San Nicolas are really lovely. When you take the time to look at them, you notice the precision of the work in creating each piece. True masterpieces!

What’s more, every year, artists add more vibrant mosaic benches to the streets of San Nicolas.

https://youtu.be/7RyzqpR-Kz0

THE FAMOUS SEAFOOD RESTAURANT ZEEROVER

GPS coordinates: 12.44606, -69.94658

The famous Zeerover restaurant is located by the sea in Saveneta on the island of Aruba. It's one of the best restaurants in Aruba for fresh fish, which is caught and delivered to the dock right in front of the restaurant.

You can buy fresh fish to take away or enjoy it on the spot.

The vibe is super relaxed, and this place is really popular with both tourists and locals.

https://youtu.be/RbWZQTq4m-M

NOORD - SNORKELING AROUND THE BABOO WRECK

GPS coordinates: 12.59168, -70.04947

The Baboo wreck is a very easy wreck to explore on the island of Aruba since it’s visible from the shore or the road.

Located at the southern end of Malmok Beach, it’s home to a large and diverse population of tropical fish.

This ship was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef and lies in water about 2 to 3 meters deep.

Large schools of fish take refuge in this shipwreck. The shallow depth makes it an excellent snorkeling spot since visibility is great.

You can start from the beach. The water is shallow. It’s best to go when the sea is calm because when it’s rough, swimming to or from the wreck becomes much harder.

https://youtu.be/33UjmsGPY7A

NOORD - ARASHI BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.60942, -70.05279 Parking

Arashi Beach is the last stretch of beach on the northwest side of Aruba. It’s located between Boca Catalina Beach and the California Lighthouse.

It’s a stunning white-sand beach with relatively calm waters at this spot.

You’ll find plenty of palapas, beach chairs, and umbrellas (for rent), a restaurant, and a very large parking lot.

https://youtu.be/9zO15JIG-Yk

The abundant marine life and calm waters make it a perfect spot for snorkeling.

Snorkeling is suitable for everyone on the left side of Arashi Beach, while the right end of the beach, near the corals, isn’t for beginners—this area requires a long swim in shallow waters with more waves.

You’ll find several species of tropical fish, corals, sponges, and sea urchins. Check out this video for a glimpse!

https://youtu.be/LlZfAOYe1yM

NOORD - BOCA CATALINA BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.60630, -70.05229 Parking

Boca Catalina is a beautiful small white-sand beach with a few pebbles and stones. It’s located between Malmok Beach and Arashi Beach on the northwest side of Aruba.

Trees and a few palapas provide shade for visitors. However, there are no amenities nearby.

Its shallow waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, allowing you to discover a variety of marine life right near the shore.

https://youtu.be/pF8lA3bYBMg

NORTH - BOCA CATALINA BEACH - SNORKELING

Located on the northwest side of Aruba, Boca Catalina Beach is a highly renowned snorkeling spot that you can access from a white sandy beach.

I’d even say it’s one of the best snorkeling sites on the island.

Its waters are calm and crystal-clear, with shallow coral reefs teeming with colorful fish.

There are three zones:

1. The seagrass beds. This is where you can spot green sea turtles, which love this area for resting and finding food. You might also encounter flying gurnards and tropical turbot.

2. The zone bordering the rocky point marking the northern limit of the beach. The seabed here is mostly rocky and colonized by corals and sponges.

This area is also shallow and packed with reef fish (wrasses, boxfish, trumpetfish, butterflyfish, and schools of hundreds of juvenile grunts).

However, visibility in this zone can vary.

3. The coral formations located about a hundred meters offshore from the rocky point. This is where you’ll find the most beautiful corals, sea feathers, and sea fans at Boca Catalina.

Barracudas, French angelfish, jacks, and grunts are abundant around the reefs.

Part 1:

https://youtu.be/bpfDFnm09Nw

Part 2:

https://youtu.be/5lHr_sdr9ps

Part 3:

https://youtu.be/wLqvJR-Y0VU

Part 4:

https://youtu.be/lDsD27d39E8

Part 5:

https://youtu.be/4bGoEZ_DmeE

NORTH - FREEDIVING AT TRES TRAPI - TURTLES AND RAYS

GPS coordinates: 12.60255, -70.05109 Parking

Tres Trapi is a tiny cove nestled in the rocky coastline of the northwest shore of Aruba. It boasts turquoise and crystal-clear waters.

It’s an excellent spot to observe, among other things, turtles moving through the seagrass in search of food.

You reach this very small beach via a few steps carved into the rocky formation, making it easier to enter the sea. However, when the sea is rougher, waves crash against the cliff, making access more difficult.

We’ve been there a few times and have always been lucky enough to spot turtles. We even saw a ray gliding through the sandy bottom.

There are no restaurants near the beach. However, the area with large hotels is just a ten-minute drive away, giving you a wide choice of restaurants and shops.

https://youtu.be/Q0EgoB1jd2Y

NOORD - SNORKELING AT MALMOK BEACH - FLYING GURNARDS

GPS coordinates: 12.60106, -70.05082 Parking

Malmok Beach is located between Hadicurari Beach and Tres Tapi Beach on the northwest shore of Aruba.

To the right of this beach, when facing the sea, there’s a narrow rocky strip that’s a popular spot for snorkeling because its waters are shallow, clear, and calm.

It’s a site often visited by catamarans and sailboats.

We had the pleasant surprise of seeing flying gurnards moving along the sandy bottom, as well as spectacular schools of fish.

We also spotted several other species of tropical fish: trumpetfish, three-band damselfish, spotted trunkfish, blue tang surgeonfish, to name just a few.

https://youtu.be/4c3RpQr666U

NOORD - HADICURARI BEACH (FISHERMEN'S HUTS)

GPS coordinates: 12.58554, -70.04599

Hadicurari Beach is located on the northwest side of Aruba. It's a windy beach that narrows as you head north.

The waters are calm and perfect for swimming, making it ideal for families with kids.

A windsurfing and kitesurfing school is located near this beach and offers various services.

This is also where the Caribbean's biggest windsurfing competition takes place every year.

It’s also here that you’ll find the famous huts used by local fishermen as shelters and storage spaces.

https://youtu.be/xj0t6411Atw

NOORD - PALM BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.57431, -70.04496 Parking GPS coordinates: 12.57599, -70.04420 Parking GPS coordinates: 12.57500, -70.04556 Beach

Palm Beach is a stunning white-sand beach located on the island of Aruba. It’s actually the longest beach on the island. It stretches along the main high-rise hotels and resorts.

There are several beach bars, restaurants, hotels, and water sports businesses here.

It’s the perfect spot for long walks along the shore or watching the sunset at the end of the day.

https://youtu.be/rQkLcELVRV8

NOORD - EAGLE BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.55432, -70.05515

Eagle Beach is located in the low-rise hotel zone on the island of Aruba. It has repeatedly been ranked not only as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean but also as one of the best beaches in the world.

This long stretch of white sand beach, lined with calm and crystal-clear turquoise waters, features palapas and offers a variety of water sports.

The beach is home to the famous Fofoti tree, which is very popular with visitors. It’s incredibly photogenic, with its twisted trunk growing at an angle toward the sea. Its unique shape is mainly due to the constant trade winds.

https://youtu.be/Efrk28aZp5Y

NOORD – MANCHEBO BEACH

GPS Coordinates: 12.54205, -70.06083 Parking GPS Coordinates: 12.54231, -70.06289 Manchebo Beach

Manchebo Beach is a wide stretch of white sandy beach located in front of the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa on the westernmost tip of Aruba.

Situated in the low-rise hotel zone just past Eagle Beach, it’s not very crowded and is the perfect spot to relax.

https://youtu.be/zkBI5wGVx5U

ORANJESTAD - DIVI BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.53689, -70.05965

Divi Beach is located in the municipality of Oranjestad. This gorgeous white-sand beach stretches about 500 meters long. It extends all the way to the Tamarijn Beach Resort further south.

Its turquoise-blue waters are crystal clear and perfect for swimming.

This is where the annual Divi Beach Tennis Aruba event takes place every November.

https://youtu.be/HqJyMdR9Jgg

ORANJESTAD - DRUIF BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.53288, -70.05697

Druif Beach is a narrow stretch of white sand located between Oranjestad and Divi Beach.

This beach is home to the Divi Dutch Village Beach resort complex as well as the Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive.

Swimming conditions are excellent here since the sea is relatively calm in this area.

https://youtu.be/5-gHwmzzrQo

ORANJESTAD - SURFSIDE BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.50767, -70.02927 Parking GPS coordinates: 12.50799, -70.02952 Beach

Surfside Beach is a beautiful white sand beach located just before the airport and only a few minutes from downtown Oranjestad.

This beach is perfect for families with kids because its turquoise waters are calm and shallow.

There’s a beach bar and a restaurant. Plus, sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent.

https://youtu.be/26iegip2ZiU

POS CHIQUITO - MANGEL HALTO BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.46411, -69.96938 Beach GPS coordinates: 12.46520, -69.96989 Wooden platform

Mangel Halto is a small white-sand beach located in Pos Chiquito. The beach is surrounded by mangroves and is also known as the ideal spot for snorkeling since its waters are usually calm and shallow.

The water color here is truly stunning.

You can enter the water either through the mangroves, via the wooden platform, or one of the many staircases built along the cliff.

There’s a large reef structure here with a great diversity of tropical fish.

We didn’t get the chance to go snorkeling at this spot because the sea was very rough during our stay.

https://youtu.be/VCL_eMt-FC4

SAVANETA - SANTO LARGO BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.45100, -69.95328 Parking entrance GPS coordinates: 12.45079, -69.95438 Beach

Santo Largo Beach, also known as Savaneta Beach, is located in Savaneta.

It consists of three small white-sand beaches surrounded by mangroves.

Its shallow, calm, crystal-clear waters make it the perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling.

There are no food services available at this location.

https://youtu.be/6Yue8g_hSfQ

SAVANETA - BATTATA BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.44041 -69.92973

Battata Beach is located in Savaneta. It's easily accessible and has a restaurant-bar, restrooms, palapas, and a beach volleyball net.

It's a quiet beach that's mostly frequented by locals. However, it's increasingly being discovered by tourists thanks to its restaurant-bar, which, by the way, receives very glowing reviews from its customers.

https://youtu.be/xIySTEEwmwo

SAN NICOLAS - RODGERS BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.41787, -69.88484

Rodgers Beach is a stunning white-sand beach located in San Nicolas. It’s less crowded than the famous nearby Baby Beach.

Its calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters are perfect for swimming.

On-site, you’ll find a restaurant as well as a local dive shop offering snorkel and scuba gear rentals.

https://youtu.be/98vIehKi_60

SAN NICOLAS - BABY BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.41421, -69.88079

Baby Beach is a beach located at the very south of the island, just past San Nicolas. This beach was truly a favorite for us.

The turquoise water of this picturesque lagoon is warm, shallow, and calm because it’s protected by an artificial breakwater.

This beach is very popular with families with young children and is considered an excellent spot for snorkeling.

There’s a restaurant-bar on-site. We ate there, and the food and drinks were excellent.

To escape the sun, there are a few palapas available for free use. However, beach loungers and shade umbrellas are available for rent.

https://youtu.be/2hD3gbwVQ-Q

SAN NICOLAS - BABY BEACH - SNORKELING

Baby Beach is a beach located in San Nicolas at the very south of the island. It’s a popular snorkeling spot.

The best snorkeling is outside the bay, where the reef is. It’s best to go when the sea is calm to avoid waves and currents that can put you in a dangerous situation.

The coral formations are fascinating, and the variety of tropical fish is impressive.

Part 1:

https://youtu.be/uGAb_3KBUTg

Part 2:

https://youtu.be/r7vsDEfUxIw

SAN NICOLAS - BACHELOR’S BEACH (BOCA TABLA)

GPS coordinates: 12.43225, -69.87208

Bachelor’s Beach, also known as Boca Tabla, is located on the southeast side of the island, right next to Boca Grandi.

The steady northeast trade winds make it a perfect spot for windsurfing.

However, the current can be very strong here, so swimming isn’t recommended.

https://youtu.be/YAUUFMuBTxg

SAN NICOLAS - BOCA GRANDI BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.44149, -69.87445

Boca Grandi Beach is located on the southeast side of the island, not far from the famous Baby Beach.

Instead of turning right toward Baby Beach when you reach the huge red anchor, turn left.

This beach is actually a great kitesurfing spot. However, it’s not suitable for swimming due to the strong currents in the area.

https://youtu.be/3Lof8kc7qsY

SAN NICOLAS - COLORADO POINT - SNORKELING AT BACHELORS BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.41331, -69.87388

Bachelors Beach (Colorado Point), also known as Punta Basora, isn’t one of the island’s most well-known snorkeling spots. It’s located near Baby Beach and sees very few visitors.

Just before reaching the beach, you’ll come across several small crosses rising from the ground. It’s actually an animal cemetery.

Snorkeling takes place in a small lagoon with shallow waters protected by a reef. The water clarity is amazing.

We had the pleasure of discovering an incredible underwater world where several species of tropical fish swim around the corals.

https://youtu.be/4jibWBEZ23Q

SAN NICOLAS - GRAPEFIELD BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.4508, -69.8772

Grapefield Beach is a secluded white-sand beach located next to Boca Grandi in the southeast of the island.

It’s a great spot for surfers and windsurfers.

However, swimming isn’t recommended due to strong currents and trade winds.

https://youtu.be/oOGx8Wp_f0o

HIKE - BLACKSTONE BEACH VIA NATURAL BRIDGE

GPS coordinates: 12.54133, -69.95907 Trailhead GPS coordinates: 12.53843, -69.95733 Shark Bay GPS coordinates: 12.53739, -69.95585 Andicuri Beach GPS coordinates: 12.53794, -69.95069 Trinity Natural Bridge GPS coordinates: 12.53795, -69.95022 Blackstone Beach

We took a 3.5 km (round-trip) hike along the coastline to reach Blackstone Beach on the island of Aruba.

This hike starts near the Natural Bridge parking lot and follows the coastline. The wind is ever-present, which makes the walk easier. Of course, don’t forget to bring water with you.

It lets you discover several attractions in the area, including Natural Bridge, Shark Bay, Andicuri Beach, Trinity Natural Bridge, and Blackstone Beach.

Natural Bridge was a natural rock formation that developed over centuries due to marine erosion. Unfortunately, it collapsed in September 2005.

However, the remains of this natural bridge are still visible on-site and give us an idea of the scale of this geological formation.

It was one of the largest natural bridges in the world, spanning over 30 meters and standing 7 meters above sea level.

Shark Bay is a small, secluded cove located between the collapsed natural bridge and Andicuri Beach. You’ll reach it after the first 300 meters of the trail.

Swimming is prohibited here due to the rough and dangerous waves.

Andicuri Beach is an isolated beach known as the best bodyboarding spot in Aruba. It’s sandy and very picturesque.

This beach tends to have big waves and strong currents. Strong swimmers can go in if the currents are calm, but swimming isn’t generally recommended here, especially near the cliffs.

We continued our hike along the coastline. The trail alternates between dirt and rock until you reach Trinity Natural Bridge, a formation of three natural bridges that meet at a central point like a tripod. The scenery here is stunning.

It’s a great spot for photography lovers and for escaping the more crowded sites.

Blackstone Beach is just a few meters from Trinity Natural Bridge. As the name suggests, it’s made up of rounded black stones that gave the beach its name. You’ll also find plenty of seashells here.

There’s a shelter where you can sit to protect yourself from the hot sun.

Swimming isn’t recommended here due to the large waves and very strong currents.

https://youtu.be/7tk7SjMZiqw

NOORD - WARIRURI BEACH

GPS coordinates: 12.55770, -69.98701 Parking GPS coordinates: 12.55897, -69.98820 Wariruri Beach

Wariruri Beach is a beach located on the east coast of the island. It’s near the Bushiribana ruins.

You can leave your car close to this beach and walk there (± 5 minutes).

This beach isn’t suitable for swimming due to strong currents and crashing waves.

However, the biggest draw of this beach is the stunning natural bridge (Baby Bridge/Coconut Arch) created by erosion.

You probably won’t be the only visitors here, as several UTV groups arrive throughout the day.

https://youtu.be/qkDEns3QO-c

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