Beaches in Aruba

I wanted to post an update on Aruba's beaches from our most recent trip in December 2014.

All beaches in Aruba are public. All below are accessible by public bus, with Boca Catalina, Catalina Cove and Arashi beach being the furthest from the port. Plan on a good hour for the latter. It will be less than that, it depends upon whether or not the bus has to stop at every stop.

Water at Eagle Beach and Palm Beach is rarely crystal clear with the exception of just after sunrise. Boat traffic from watersports operators churns up the sand reducing visibility. You will rarely find crystal clear water anywhere in Aruba as you would find in the Bahamas. For the best snorkeling head to Boca Catalina, Catalina Cove, Malmok or Arashi Beach. See below for additional snorkeling info.

The closest location to the cruise terminal, with the bonus, if you have small children, of an adjacent playground is Reflextions Beach Bar & Restaurant at Surfside Beach.

All taxi fares listed below include the $3 surcharge for pickups/drop offs within the gates of the cruise terminal. Fares are for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays. If you do not wish to pay the surcharge, walk the short distance to the Renaissance Resort Marina tower and catch a taxi from their lobby.

The price for an umbrella and 2 chaise lounges rented from over 4 vendors I questioned was a flat $45.

The price for a chaise lounge at Arashi Beach and Boca Catalina was $7 each.

Surfside Beach

Taxi fare $10 each way or 1 mile walking distance along the new linear park

Reflextions Beach Bar & Restaurant http://www.beach-aruba.com

Beach chair and

Full day rental $12.00

Bar & restaurant

Free wifi

Swimming pool

Showers

Restrooms

Baby Beach

Taxi fare $38 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays or by bus. Baby Beach you must take the bus to San Nicolas and change to their mini van transportation which takes you to Baby Beach. Some snorkeling and clear water.

Two food vendors providing food and beverage as well as restrooms. Vendors providing chaises and portable cabanas for shade for a fee as well as a limited number of free public palapas, first come first served.

Eagle Beach

Some vendors renting chaise lounges (Paradise Beach Villas) and chaises and umbrellas (La Cabana Resort) as well as jet-ski rentals. They can also provide other watersports such as parasail, banana boat/tube rides, snorkeling excursions, at their locations or take you by boat to Palm Beach.

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort

Taxi fare $13 each way for a maximum of 5 people, with an additional $3 charge on Sundays & holidays

Beach chair rental

Full day rental $15 each

Half day rental $10 each

Free wifi

Passions Beach Bar & Restaurant with beach service

No shade palapas available

MVC Eagle Beach Resort

Taxi fare $13 each way

Beach chair rental

Full day rental $10 each

Half day rental $5 each

Tulip Restaurant (across the street from the beach)- breakfast, lunch, dinner & drinks

Free wifi

Restrooms

Shower

Changing room

Shade palapas available

Palm Beach

Taxi fare $14 each way

Various vendors along the beach renting chaises and umbrellas. Most centrally located to food, beverage and bathroom are those at the foot of De Palm Pier. Use the alley from the street out to the beach which runs between the Radisson and Riu.

Ask to be dropped off at the entrance to De Palm Pier- long red line extending from the street to beach in picture below. Take the walkway from the street out towards the beach. On the right hand side there are 2 vendors- see location in picture below- who rent chaises and umbrellas. There is also another vendor in the middle of the Radisson's beach. Bugaloe Bar and Grill is at the end of the pier. There are also hotel beachside restaurants at the Radisson and Hyatt.

When you are ready to depart simply walk thought the Radisson property and out to their lobby where there should be taxis waiting outside. If not the bellman will call one for you.

MoomBa Beach

Beach chairs

Float rentals

Restrooms

Free wi-?

Beach service

Kitchen open 8 am to 11 pm

Aruba Day Passes

Occidental Grand Aruba

What You Get for Your Money: Passes, which are $76 for adults and about $38 for children, offer access to all amenities, meals, snack and drinks, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The price does not, however, include use of a room.

How to Get There: Occidental Grand Aruba is a 15-minute taxi ride from port.

For More Info: Visit Occidental's Web site or call 800-858-2258.

Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino

What You Get for Your Money: The day passes offered at this Aruba resort include transportation to the resort's private island, as well as lunch, a drink and dessert. The cost is $99 per adult and $49 per child and does not include use of a room.

How to Get There: This resort is just one-quarter of a mile from the cruise port, and it's walkable.

For More Info: Visit Renaissance Aruba's Web site or call 800-421-8188

all inclusive day pass in Aruba?

What is the best beach -aruba

Aruba beach ?

Eagle Beach and how to get there?

A day at Eagle Beach or the Renaissance?

There is no snorkeling within walking distance of the cruise terminal.

All below are accessible by public bus, with Boca Catalina, Catalina Cove and Arashi beach being the furthest from the port. Plan on a good hour. It will be less than that, it depends upon whether or not the bus has to stop at every stop.

The closest, but poorest choice would be Palm Beach. There is nothing to see snorkeling off of Palm Beach (or Eagle Beach). With a "only" a white sandy bottom, you may see some fish swimming by, but that is just a random thing.

On Palm Beach, there is a spot between the Riu Antillas Resort and Divi Phoenix Resort (south end of Palm Beach) which you can snorkel. The water is very calm there as well. About 150 yards off the beach there is a little jetty like rock island.

click on thumbnail to enlarge

Here you can view fish, octopus, and other critters such as lobster, etc. There are also rock jetties along both sides of the Phoenix's beach which may offer some glimpses of sea life.

No chaises though nor much else real close by. The Riu Antillas is a short walk and the closest resort.

All below are accessible by public bus, with Boca Catalina, Catalina Cove and Arashi beach being the furthest from the port. Take the public bus and ask the bus driver to drop you off wherever you wish. It will literally be a few foot steps onto the beach. Bus fare is $2.30 per person each way. US dollars are accepted, exact change is appreciated. If you are at Boca Catalina the bus runs "about" every hour. It is all dependent upon how many stops the bus makes along the way. Keep an eye out for it heading north and you can gather your things and be ready after it goes up and turns around at Arashi.

North of Palm Beach, by bus or taxi, there is a small beach at Boca Catalina which is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are a few shade palapas here but no restroom facilities. There are no "real" rest room facilities at all along the coast at either BC, Catalina Cove or Arashi. Though from what I understand, port-a-potties were a recent addition to Arashi beach as well as chaise lounge rentals. It is a beautiful white sand beach if only to get away from the hubbub of the Marriott.

Below is Arashi Beach on a day with a few waves, it can be very calm here as well.

click on thumbnail to enlarge

Arashi Beach is again pictured below. You can enter here and swim south towards and around the rocks and there is a reef there on the other side.

click on thumbnail to enlarge

It is a fairly easy walk street side from Arashi southward to Catalina Cove and then Boca Catalina. Malmok beach is further to the south.

Below is Boca Catalina

click on thumbnail to enlarge

If you enter at above, Boca Catalina there is a plain white sandy bottom. On some days, early in the morning, you will be able to see your feet. Put your fins on and walk backwards into the water or walk in as far as you need, sit or get into a crouched position and put your fins on there. This is the easiest spot for a beginner.

The snorkeling is a bit better at Catalina Cove below, though it is rocky which makes for a difficult entry. We normally enter the water at Boca Catalina and swim northward due to the difficult entry here at Catalina Cove pictured below.

click on thumbnail to enlarge

Catalina Cove, I would definitely put your fins on before entering and just walk backwards as best as you can. If one of you has more tender feet than the other, have the tough foot wade in without, holding your back so you do not fall.

I have further information and photos of this area here.

When we head to Boca Catalina to snorkel there are always other tourists there. It is a popular spot for those folks staying at apartments or villas to have beach access. Dh and I generally ask someone to keep an eye on our towels and of course never bring anything valuable in the first place.

As of December 2014 there is very little beach at Malmok.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2100339

Here is the current taxi board at the Cruise Ship Terminal in Oranjestad.

 

The five of us took a $14+tip (total - not each) taxi to Palm Beach (High Rise Hotel Area), but on the way back the only taxi driver standing on the sidewalk was demanding $25 for a return trip.

 

Pretty much we told him to 'go scratch' and jumped on the public bus that was stopped right there next to his cab. I believe it cost us $2.30pp and the driver gave us change back from the $15 we handed him.

 

The downtown bus terminal is a 5 minute walk from the cruise terminal. Bus terminal is straight out to the main road.

If you are heading towards the low rise resorts and Eagle Beach, the high rise resorts and Palm Beach or Boca Catalina, Catalina Cove, Malmok or Arashi Beach you want to take the L10 bus route.

Fares are $2.30 per person each way. Drivers appreciate exact change.

Thanks so much for the information!!

Arubalisa, we're planning on taking a taxi or the #10 bus to DePalm Pier, and renting from a vendor near the Riu.

Are you saying that we should now expect to pay $45 for 2 chairs and an umbrella from all the vendors at Palm Beach?

wow, what a comprehensive and helpful post! Arubalisa - overall given time, effort, money, and experience which would you choose if you were on a ship that was in port from 8AM to 4PM? It is me and DH plus 2 boys, 10 and 6. Snorkeling, lounging, and drinks would be great :)

Arubalisa - thanks for the detailed information!

Thank you for the information; it is appreciated. We hope to get back to Aruba for a third time one day. :)

Arubalisa, we're planning on taking a taxi or the #10 bus to DePalm Pier, and renting from a vendor near the Riu.

 

Are you saying that we should now expect to pay $45 for 2 chairs and an umbrella from all the vendors at Palm Beach?

Yes, this is what the vendors were charging last week. 4 vendors I questioned were a flat $45.

Over the years, we have found that prices are consistent among vendors. If one is charging x for x they will all charge the same. It is a small island and this is probably how they peacefully coexist. ;)

wow, what a comprehensive and helpful post! Arubalisa - overall given time, effort, money, and experience which would you choose if you were on a ship that was in port from 8AM to 4PM? It is me and DH plus 2 boys, 10 and 6. Snorkeling, lounging, and drinks would be great :)

You are all welcome.

For snorkeling that would leave out Palm Beach or Eagle Beach.

Baby Beach is least convenient but offers snorkeling, lounging and drinks.

Arashi is great for lounging and some snorkeling but no drinks.

Leave out the snorkeling and 2 boys would love the activities along Palm Beach.

I was asked to add to this thread that there is loud music playing at Reflextions at Surfside Beach and it is close to the airport runway (think Maho Beach, St. Martin).

All in all, distance wise, it is still the closest beach to the cruise terminal and the only way you can get use of a swimming pool without booking a hotel room. ;)

Thank you for your information, however, I think I am more confused than ever--lol. I have read your posts and sub posts and I can't decide on what beach to choose. We are traveling with our college aged kids who are looking to jet ski, get some sun and eat/drink. What is your opinion and/or advice?

You can go with either Palm Beach or Eagle Beach.

The jetski vendors are on Eagle Beach but there is a much larger variety of activities, bars and restaurants on Palm Beach.

ANY vendor on Palm Beach will gladly transport the jetskiers to their location on Eagle Beach a 5 minute boat ride away. :)

If you just want to take a dip in the ocean, a friend just posted this photo taken from the West Deck where you can see some people in the water. I have not been in the ocean in this area so cannot say whether it is rocky, sandy or otherwise.

http://www.thewestdeck.com/

http://www.thewestdeck.com/menu.php

https://www.facebook.com/thewestdeck/timeline

Open daily from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM

It about a half mile walk from the cruise terminal.

Thanks Arubalisa! I am sure whichever beach we decide on will be BEAUTIFUL!!:)

Thank you for your information, however, I think I am more confused than ever--lol. I have read your posts and sub posts and I can't decide on what beach to choose. We are traveling with our college aged kids who are looking to jet ski, get some sun and eat/drink. What is your opinion and/or advice?

Palm Beach is for you, there are all sorts of rentals and Jolly Pirates for snorkeling trips and such. we took public bus in Nov and went up to Malmok beach for snorkeling but had to walk back to Palm which took a lot of time. Between Palm and Eagle beach are the shops and restaurants. Moomba beach bar is the place to hang next to Marriott hotel.

This thread should be a sticky at the top of this forum. I have asked the mods to move it there. Hopefully, they will,

If taking a cab back to the ship, have a cover-up or shorts to put over a bathing suit if you cannot change. Cab drivers will not allow wet bathing suits in their cabs. Even if you're dry, they assume it's wet/damp.

wow, what a comprehensive and helpful post! Arubalisa - overall given time, effort, money, and experience which would you choose if you were on a ship that was in port from 8AM to 4PM? It is me and DH plus 2 boys, 10 and 6. Snorkeling, lounging, and drinks would be great :)

If you want to splurge, go to DePalm Island for the day. Ideal for the 2 boys. Somewhat pricey but once you add up everything, if you go somewhere else and do it ala carte, the extra cost is worth it.

Here is my dilemma. Our ship does not pull into Aruba until 1pm. I was hoping to go to a nearby beach that would have a couple of chairs and access to some fruity drinks (for DW) for a couple of hours and then walk through town doing a little shopping. I think I read here that the stores close at 6pm. Is it possible to do both or will we be too restricted by time? Also, will beach chairs even be available at 2 in the afternoon (based on getting off the ship and to the beach)? With this criteria in mind, what would be the best beach to just kick back, have a drink and stand around in some beautiful warm water while chatting with each other and possibly friends or should I just pick one or the other?

If you just want to take a dip in the ocean, a friend just posted this photo taken from the West Deck where you can see some people in the water. I have not been in the ocean in this area so cannot say whether it is rocky, sandy or otherwise.

http://www.thewestdeck.com/

http://www.thewestdeck.com/menu.php

https://www.facebook.com/thewestdeck/timeline

Open daily from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM

 

It about a half mile walk from the cruise terminal.

Is this on part of a public beach where we could go for an hour or two to swim? Or is it a private beach owned by the restaurant?

It seems like an easy walk from the port .

First, thank you for all the info you always graciously provide about Aruba.

I have read about Nikky Beach on some blogs. Do you have any current info on Nikky Beach. We will be in Aruba in early February.

Thank you for any info you can provide.

I've sent two emails to Reflextions (Nikky Beach) with no response. Strange, because last year they answered right away. :confused:

I've sent two emails to Reflextions (Nikky Beach) with no response. Strange, because last year they answered right away. :confused:

Did you check your spam? I often find email responses from Aruba go to my spam folder.

First, thank you for all the info you always graciously provide about Aruba.

 

I have read about Nikky Beach on some blogs. Do you have any current info on Nikky Beach. We will be in Aruba in early February.

 

Thank you for any info you can provide.

I was just at Nikki beach (Reflexions) last month, and Lisa already added my comments in this thread.

I was there on a Sunday, also later arrival, I had no problem getting a chair and umbrella, I did not have a reservation. Cab was $10.00.

I sat down, and in a bit, a guy came over. He offered food or drink (not at all pushy) said I could pay for the chair when I left. They are pretty laid back. Very nice staff on the beach and at the bar.

It was very noisy, with loud dance / rap music playing constantly from the bar. Also, as it is at the end of the airport runway, there were frequent planes landing over head. Since Aruba is 90% time share business, the planes are more frequent on the weekend, so you may not have this issue during the week. I did not have lunch, but I saw some on the beach ordering. WiFi worked well, no password needed.

The water and sand, of course, was typical Aruba beautiful.