As true beach enthusiasts, the sea, sun, and sand are a part of who we are. If you share our love for all things seaside and are planning a trip to Aruba, we’ve curated a list of must-visit beaches you simply can’t miss. From serene, postcard-esque white-sand shores lined with swaying palm trees to rugged and untamed inlet beaches on the East Coast, Aruba offers a unique beach experience for every type of traveler.

Check out our beach map to find specific beach locations across the island.

Browse an extensive list of some of Aruba’s best beaches below:

What more needs to be said? Eagle Beach is… simply perfection. You very well may have already heard of this beach, as it is one of the top-rated beaches in the world, time and time again! A wide, spacious beach with plenty of palapas and some shaded tree areas to plop down under to spend the day relaxing. With the soft white sugary sand and nice open water conditions, it is a great place for a swim. Let’s just say it is the epitome of a perfect beach in paradise. Eagle Beach is located in the low-rise hotel area.

Splashworthy highlight: It’s been rated one of the best beaches in the world (time and time again) and the best beach in the Caribbean.

Beach bum tip: Pack a cooler, grab a spot under one of the shady trees or a palapa, and spend the entire day here, Eagle Beach is perfect for a full day at the beach.

Located nearby the Spanish lagoon, in Pos Chiquito (South of the airport in the direction of Savaneta), Mangel Halto is secluded, peaceful and intimate. There are plenty of little nooks and crannies to discover at this unique beach. Choose from the sandy and lush mangrove spots (this area is currently being renovated so that it can remain as environmentally friendly as possible, as well as provide space for visitors), or one of the mysterious old rock stairways leading down to the calm and mesmerizing shades of blue.

Splashworthy highlight: There are plenty of hidden spots to get some peace and quiet, you just need to do a bit of searching as they are not all easily visible from up above.

Beach bum tip: Head to Zeerover’s for a local sea-to-table lunch before or after your beach visit since it’s only a short drive away from Mangel Halto.

Located just past (and to the right of) the big red anchor in Sero Colorado, Boca Grandi is a wild and blue heaven for experienced and daring kite surfers. Making for the perfect place to sit and watch the surfers glide by! Find yourself some shade from the strong sun under one of the several handmade driftwood shacks spotted along the coastline.

Splashworthy highlight: Bring everything you may need for a comfortable afternoon at the beach since there is nothing within close distance, it is secluded and wild, as it should be. There are a few local restaurants near and in San Nicolas worth stopping by for a bite (Kamini’s Kitchen, O’Niel, Neighbas, etc.).

Beach bum tip: If you are not an experienced surfer or swimmer, we urge you to just “get your feet wet” and admire the breathtaking views from the shore. This is a wild beach with rough water conditions and strong currents, swimming is strongly advised against.

Palm Beach is a two-mile strip known for its white sand and turquoise water. Looking for a little action and fun? This place is filled with it but don’t worry there is still room for plenty of relaxation! This beach is a popular hangout for tourists as it is concentrated in front of the high-rise resorts. There is a long sidewalk that runs along the strip making it a great place for a walk with a view. This lively beach with calm and clear waters is great for swimming, sun-tanning, relaxing, and socializing. Both young and old will find everything they need as the beach features several beach bars, restaurants, hotels, and watersports companies.

Splashworthy highlight: It is a great beach for entertainment, both day and night. Enjoy watersports and plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance.

Beach bum tip: Since there are beach bars and places to grab a bite up and down Palm Beach, we suggest hitting a beach bar for happy hour and catching the breathtaking sunset glow.

The name speaks for itself, Dos Playa means two beaches (in one)! Located in Aruba’s National Park, it can be reached by car (a 4×4 jeep is definitely recommended) or hiking. It’s known as a popular beach for experienced surfers. You may come across a sea turtle nest, so please always be cautious where you walk.

Splashworthy highlight: Great for experienced surfers and perfect for capturing beautiful and wild water photography.

Beach bum tip: This is a wild beach with rough water conditions and strong currents, swimming is strongly advised against.

Baby Beach is located at the Southern tip of the island, just past San Nicolas, on the other side of the island from the popular hotel area. The clear turquoise water in this picturesque bay is warm, shallow, and is sheltered from the rough seas by a man-made breakwater. Picture a pool of pretty shades of blue, calm and shallow – perfect for wading the day away! This beach is popular for sunbathing, snorkeling, and the perfect hang-out for families, as the water level is generally between knee and waist-deep, making it a perfect place for kids to swim. With this being said, don’t let its name fool you, just like any beach on the island, if you approach the end of the bay the current gets stronger, always remain cautious.

Splashworthy highlight: Great beach for families and spending the entire day there. If you don’t have enough food and drinks on hand, no worries there are two restaurants and bars on site.

Beach bum tip: Stay within the bay of Baby Beach, do not swim out to the break, the current gets surprisingly strong.

There is no other beach like it on the island! This is truly a one-of-a-kind beach. As the name suggests, it is made up of black stones, there is no sand to be found here! Not exactly the beach to sit and relax at but absolutely worth the visit to take in the breathtaking, dramatic views. You’ll find Blackstone Beach within walking distance of Andicuri Beach on the East coast of the island.

Splashworthy highlight: This is a very unique environment, making it a perfect place for catching some rare and wild photography shots.

Beach bum tip: This is a wild beach with rough water conditions and strong currents, swimming is strongly advised against.

A nice quiet and relaxing beach with calm water, white sand, palapas & huts, a snack shack, and a large parking lot. The calm currents and plentiful underwater marine life make this beach a perfect spot for snorkeling and a favorite with locals. Arashi Beach is the last stretch of beach on the Northwestern side of Aruba and is located past Boca Catalina just before the California Lighthouse.

Splashworthy highlight: A nice beach for families since the water is relatively calm and there is a snack hut on-site.

Beach bum tip: If it’s a busy day and you want to get away from the crowds, keep walking further down (in the North direction) and you will find yourself a nice quiet spot.

This beach may be smaller in size compared to others, but it is just what you need to have yourself a perfect and relaxing day in paradise! Boca Catalina is beautiful and peaceful, and offers great scenery (you’ll have a great view of the passing catamarans, boats and adorable pelicans). This area also has perfect conditions for snorkeling, you will find a diversity of marine life very close to shore.

Splashworthy highlight: The perfect place for some snorkeling as the water is on the shallow side and there is an abundance of marine life to be found here.

Beach bum tip: Try to get there on the earlier side to claim a palapa or shady tree area, as there are not too many available. Don’t forget to pack your cooler, the closest place to grab a snack or drink nearby is Arashi Beach.

While Tres Trapi is not exactly a beach, and more of a nook found among the carved-out rock and coral walls, once you take the stairs down to the sand, you’ll witness one-of-a-kind crystal clear water conditions and have yourself a dip of a lifetime! If you’re lucky you’ll even spot a sea turtle or two. Please remember to keep a safe distance between you and all of the marine life you discover under the sea. Its location is a bit hidden, you’ll find it situated between Malmok and Boca Catalina on the Northwestern side of the island.

Splashworthy highlight: A great place for a swim as the water conditions here are perfect, clear and calm, making for a heavenly dip in the sea!

Beach bum tip: Head there in the morning hours while it’s still more on the quiet side and you’ll be able to swim alongside the sea turtles that often come floating by! Just please always remember to keep a safe distance from all marine life to ensure they are safe and remain protected.

This unique spot is a bit hidden and off the map (let’s just say it takes an adventure to get here), but it is most definitely worth making the effort to get to! It’s located on the wild Northeast coast, in between Rancho Daimari and Conchi (The Natural Pool). You can either drive a jeep into the National Park and park nearby and walk the rest of the way or, you can hike from the Rancho Daimari area. Once you arrive you will find it to be wildly refreshing… just you, the ocean and nature. What more could you ask for?

Splashworthy highlight: This is a great destination to cool off after a beautiful hike. Also, the sand break that splits between the water makes for a great photoshoot location.

Beach bum tip: This is a wild beach with rough water conditions and strong currents, swimming is strongly advised against.

Druif Beach, also referred to as Divi Beach to some, is a mile-long, stretch of beach between Oranjestad and Eagle Beach. This beach is home to several Divi Resorts and a picturesque beach bar just steps away from the soft white sand beach – a perfect place to watch the sun go down!

Splashworthy highlight: Do not skip out on visiting the Beach Bar Aruba, located directly on the beach across from Divi Golf & Beach Resort. It’s the perfect place to enjoy happy hour and watch the sun go down.

Beach bum tip: This beach is a bit closer to the downtown area than other beaches, so if you need to stay closer to Oranjestad or the Cruise Ship Terminal, this is the beach for you. If you walk a bit further down you can also reach Eagle Beach, that’s right, two beaches in one day!

If Aruba has been on your list to visit, it’s likely you have “go see the flamingos” listed towards the top of your vacation to-do’s. Well, let it be known, while every now and then (if you’re very lucky) you can catch a wild flock passing by the island, the place to find them is on Renaissance Island (they can now also be found on De Palm Island). This tropical oasis is a short ride away from Renaissance Marina downtown. The island belongs to the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort and is exclusively available to their guests. Day passes are available for purchase (for non-resort guests) when the resort occupancy rate is not too high. The island includes a spa, restaurant & bar, plenty of lounge chairs, as well as private luxury beach cabanas over the water and on the beach available to rent.

Splashworthy highlight: This is a great place to seek some quiet and intimate vibes with your significant other and get away from the hustle and bustle. Oh, and don’t forget to snap pictures with our famous pink flamingo friends!

Beach bum tip: If day passes are available or if you are visiting the on-island spa, we recommend coming here to celebrate a special occasion and splurging on an overwater cabana.

Now that you’ve gotten familiar with some of our island’s happy and sunny beaches, we thought it might be helpful to touch on the subject of palapas and beach access:

You can find easily accessible palapas (built-in-the-ground, umbrella-like structures made out of dried palm leaves) on beaches such as Eagle Beach, Arashi Beach, Boca Catalina, Malmok (limited amount), and Mangel Halto (limited amount).

Visitors sometimes wonder whether or not one can make use of any palapa or certain beach areas. Know this, every beach in Aruba is public (Renaissance Island and De Palm Island being exceptions, as they are privately owned islands that you must purchase a day pass to access). Since all beaches are public, so are the built-in palapas located on these beaches. You have the right to sit under any unoccupied palapa of choice (with your own beach chair, not the resort’s or venue’s lounge chair), even if it is in front of a resort. However, it is important to note that you cannot sit under an umbrella or palapa that belongs to the resort itself (resort property) or if it is located on the actual property of the resort, such as near their pool or in some cases at the start of the beach (some resort property lines extend a few feet onto the beach area).

Currently, each resort has its own set of rules and regulations for palapa usage when it comes to their guests. It is necessary to contact them directly for the most up-to-date information. As many repeat visitors are already aware, it is best to reserve your resort palapa in advance (whether that is a day or a week in advance). In many cases, this needs to be done in person at the resort’s beach/towel hut. At select resorts such as, Hilton Aruba Resort, online reservations are also offered!

Aside from palapas, there are also plenty of shady tree areas as well as umbrella and lounge chair rentals available (located at watersport huts). These huts can be found at almost every beach, particularly at Eagle Beach, Palm Beach, Arashi Beach, Druif Beach, Surfside Beach, and Baby Beach.

Happy beach-ing!

View more beaches and attractions & sights in Aruba to visit.

Looking to start the new year with excitement and adventure? There’s no better way than planning a sunny getaway to recharge, explore, and embrace new experiences. If Aruba is on your travel wish list, it’s time to turn your dream into reality! Discover the top activities and tips to make your Aruba vacation unforgettable.

Spend the day (or every day for that matter) lounging on the beach with no agenda, just pure relaxation. Grab your towel, pack a cooler, and head to the nearest beach, there’s truly nothing better! Check out our list of some of our favorite beaches to visit, or, if you’re feeling a bit daring, check out these wild and beautiful beaches found on the East Coast for a day of island adventure.

For those who love to stay active and have fun out on the water, discover fun watersports and activities to add to your list.

Beach bum tip: later in the afternoon, head to the nearest beach bar for a refreshing drink and soak up the island’s breathtaking sunset glow!

Experiencing Aruba’s Carnival season is a must, if you can’t make it for this year’s festivities, be sure to mark your calendars for next year. ‘Carnaval’ is our favorite time of year and this year our island is celebrating 71 years of Carnival! It’s not just a one-day, one-week or even one-month event. During January and February the entire island lives and breathes Carnival. The Carnival schedule is jam-packed with weekly events, leaving little excuse to miss out. It continues with Jump-ins, King and Queen Elections, Calypso, festivals, contests, live music, celebrations for children, parties, and of course the most popular, parades.

View the full schedule here and make sure to check out our Carnival guide for everything you need to know about Aruba’s biggest celebration.

The culinary scene in Aruba is incredibly impressive for such a small island in the Caribbean. There are plenty of exceptional restaurants nearby the resort and downtown areas. In addition, it is also worth seeking out the more under-the-radar casual dining spots located throughout different areas of the island. Craving some fresh seafood and laid back vibes? Head South towards Savaneta and try Zeerovers or Marina Pirata. There are a number of restaurants without all the thrills and frills and food trucks galore that are sure to impress all of your foodie senses and cravings.

Good food, flowing drinks, and great company make for the perfect start to the new year! Here’s a little taste of the dining options to be found in Aruba:

Fine Dining: Aqua Grill, Sunset Grille, L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House, Faro Blanco

Beach Dining: Barefoot, Hilton Aruba’s Sunset Concierge Dining Experience, Element’s Restaurant, Water’s Edge Restaurant, Pelican’s Nest Seafood & Grill.

Downtown and/or Garden Dining: Quinta del Carmen, El Gaucho, Driftwood, Renaissance Marketplace, Lucy’s Aruba

There are plenty more mouth-watering restaurants we recommend trying while on the island, browse them here!

Prioritizing self-care in the new year is the way to go! Escape the noise and chaos of daily life with a soothing massage. It’s the perfect way to relax, and don’t forget the benefits of a rejuvenating facial or a refreshing manicure and pedicure—your well-being deserves it!

Try Hilton Aruba’s eforea Spa or Renaissance Aruba‘s Okeanos Spa.

Skincare tip: don’t leave the island without our local Aloe skincare products, your skin will thank you later! Visit the Aruba Aloe Factory or one of the Aruba Aloe stores.

While we encourage our visitors to enjoy as many relaxing beach days as possible (how could one resist our soft, white-sand beaches and endless sunshine?), we also hope travelers take the time to veer off the beaten path and experience some true island adventure.

Our island’s national park covers about 20% of the island and is the perfect place to explore the diverse natural beauty that Aruba has to offer. Simply purchase a day pass at the park’s visitors center and be on your way! You can do so by jeep or opt for a more active and environmentally-friendly way and go hiking. There are plenty of natural sites and attractions (caves, gold ruins, wild beaches, hiking trails, natural pools, and more) on the wild east coast of the island. It is sure to leave you fascinated by just how different it is from the other side of the island, which is home to the majority of our island’s resorts and calmer beaches.

Be sure to check out the following sights. Some of our favorite places include the Natural Pool (Conchi), Small Cave Pool, Fontein Cave and Freshwater Pond, Hooiberg, Alto Vista Chapel,  Spanish Lagoon, and the street art, museums and restaurants in San Nicolas.

Browse guided tours and activities to join.

In addition to Carnival, Aruba has plenty of vibrant traditions and lively festivals to celebrate its diverse heritage. Experience traditions such as Dera Gai, Dande music, and celebrated holidays such as our island’s treasured National Anthem & Flag Day, filled with pride, fun celebrations, and good local food.

If you want to get local and immerse yourself in the island’s culture and traditions we recommend attending the following events:

Island Festival

Island Festival brings vibrant shows and activities to the beautiful streets of San Nicolas! Island Fest takes place the last Wednesday of every month and is a unique event that also allows for visitors to mingle with the locals and experience a taste of the island life.

The festival includes plenty of delicious local bites, refreshing drinks, live bands, historical dance shows, and more. It’s offers a charming and entertaining atmosphere with performances that delve into Aruba’s history and heritage. Get more event details here.

Dushi Aruba This Way

Dushi Aruba This Way is held every Thursday on the beach of Renaissance Ocean Suites. You will be able to experience Aruba’s culture and indulge in a delicious all-you-can-eat BBQ with a local twist, enjoy a mixology bar ready to show off the latest trends in handcrafted cocktails, local artists with some lovely souvenirs to take back home, a Carnival show with an interactive local brass band, making for plenty of perfect  memorable photo ops! Get more event details here.

Bon Bini Festival

Come and experience our year-round folkloric celebration, the Bon Bini Festival. Held every Tuesday night, it showcases the Aruban culture at Fort Zoutman.

At this historic site, you can experience the Aruban dancers in resplendent costumes, enjoy the typical Aruban bands, learn a little bit about our language, and get a taste of the Carnaval extravaganza. You can also browse the stands displaying local art works and get a glimpse of Aruba’s heritage inside the museum. Be sure to have a taste of our local cuisine which will complete your Bon Bini experience!

Vibrant art scene

Our island is also home to a vibrant art scene, with a great display of street art including large wall murals and mosaic art, as well as art galleries that showcase local talent and creativity. Come witness for yourself why San Nicolas has quickly transformed into the street art capital of the Caribbean. San Nicolas is truly its own little melting pot of Aruba, filled with history, diversity, and a pleasant laid-back atmosphere. 

Thanks to the vision of ArtisA, a local foundation and art gallery, along with the contributions of numerous local and international artists, art influencers, and cultural activists, Aruba is now more colorful and vibrant than ever. It’s the perfect destination for anyone seeking artistic beauty. Make sure to have a fully charged camera or phone on hand, as there is an abundance of vibrant murals that make perfect backdrops for all your vacation snapshots.

Discover more things to see and do in Aruba.

Wondering how to embrace the holiday spirit in Aruba’s warm, sunny paradise? On our One Happy Island, festive vibes are everywhere! From twinkling lights to holiday cheer, we’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate and soak up the season’s magic in true island style.

Experience a festive holiday tradition in Aruba you won’t want to miss! Head to Sero Preto for the island’s biggest and brightest Christmas light display, Cas di Luz. This year marks the 40th year of the island’s annual festive tradition! Or, head to Harbour Arena on December 12th and 15th for the Festival of Lights. While you’re out and about, don’t forget to admire the roundabouts all across the island, beautifully adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations.

Be sure to check out our map and video below for a guide to some of the most popular spots for dazzling Christmas lights. ’Tis the season to soak in all the holiday magic Aruba has to offer!

Check out a sneak peek of Aruba’s Christmas lights here.

Gather around the table this holiday season and savor a merry meal with your loved ones! Whether it’s an intimate dinner for two or a festive feast for six, nothing beats the joy of sharing delicious dishes with those who matter most. Picture this: quality time, mouthwatering cuisine, and the breathtaking paradise of Aruba as your backdrop—it truly doesn’t get better than that.

From traditional holiday favorites to the island’s freshest seafood and vibrant local flavors, Aruba’s dining scene has something for everyone.

Foodie Tip: Many local restaurants roll out special holiday menus, blending classic seasonal dishes with Caribbean flair and fresh seafood. Keep an eye on our holiday event page as more dining specials are added daily, ensuring you don’t miss out on these festive flavors!

Also, if you’re on the island during the holidays, it’s only right you try as many local holiday delights as possible! While there are too many sweet and savory treats to mention, we will share some of our favorites with you. Some must-try treats include Ayacas, Oliebollen, Ponche Crema, Poffertjes, Quesillo, and let’s not leave out all of the party snacks such as Bolita di Keshi, Webo Yena, and Kroket (Croquette). Learn more about these local specialties and get the recipes in case you feel the urge to whip them up yourself!

Experience the festive charm of Aruba’s holiday markets! From unique local shopping opportunities and mouthwatering dining options to ice skating under the lights and live music to set the mood, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Stroll through the cheerful markets and soak up the holiday vibes!

PS – Are your little ones worried about being unable to send your letter to Santa on time for Christmas because you’re on vacation? Don’t worry, stop by Hilton Aruba and you can drop off your letter in their special mailbox to ensure he gets it on time!

You’re never too old to get a picture with the main man, Santa himself! You’re sure to find Santa and plenty of holiday magic every week at the Merry Merry Marketplace located at Renaissance Marketplace. Santa will be making an appearance on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting Saturday, December 7th until Sunday, December 22nd. He will also make an extra special appearance on Monday, December 23rd. You can expect live entertainment, an ice skating rink for the kids, and delicious food.

That’s not the only place Santa visits, he will also be at Hilton Aruba for the Holiday Artisan Market, and, if you’re lucky, Santa will even make an appearance on Palm Beach! Tip – make your way down to the beach on Christmas Day you might run into the big guy himself.

After all, ’tis the season for giving! This year, why not make your gifts thoughtful and unique? Even better, support the Aruba community while you shop by exploring a variety of local businesses and artisans.

For more shopping adventures, head to downtown Oranjestad, where you’ll find treasures on Main Street, at Renaissance Mall, Renaissance Marketplace, or even at the flea markets near Renaissance Marina and the Cruise Ship Terminal. Don’t forget the resort area in Palm Beach—stroll along the high-rise hotel strip to discover plenty of shopping options along the way.

If you’re on the island for New Year’s Eve don’t forget to head to the beach to watch the fireworks show and countdown to the New Year! Stay tuned more New Year’s specials and events will be published soon.

Discover more things to do in Aruba and don’t forget to check out Aruba’s Christmas and New Year specials to enjoy this holiday season to the fullest!

If you’ve booked yourself a cruise to the Caribbean and have Aruba as one of your destinations, check out our guide to make the most out of your time on the island. Everything listed below is within walking distance of the cruise port terminal or only a short taxi ride away.

First things first… food of course! View our recommendations below.

The following restaurants are open for lunch and dinner:

The Renaissance Marketplace

An endless selection of restaurants, shops, and nightly live entertainment options, all offered in a festive and friendly atmosphere that we call ambient here in Aruba. The Marketplace is also home to the Wind Creek Seaport Casino, Arcade Aruba and 5 o’Clock Par & Chill, offering plenty of fun and games for both adults and kids!

Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant

Great grub, famous cocktails, good music, and an authentic, fun dining experience alongside the Renaissance Marina – you can’t go wrong with Lucy’s. PS – don’t miss out on their famous Taco Tuesday!

5 o’Clock Somewhere

It’s always 5 o’Clock here (surprise). This rustic outdoor bar located at the center of the Renaissance Marketplace offers beats, bar bites, drinks, and live entertainment.

El Gaucho

El Gaucho is one of the oldest and most famed restaurants on the island. Known for their juicy Argentine cut steaks charcoal-grilled to perfection, such as their famous Gaucho steak (an 18 oz sirloin), if you are a meat lover… you’ll think you’re in heaven! In addition to their impressive meat selection, you’ll find an extensive wine list and their delicious homemade sangria, cheers!

Ricardo’s Smokehouse

Whether you’re craving delights from the sea or land, smoked or charcoal grilled, Ricardo’s, now located at the Renaissance Marketplace has it all!

Driftwood (dinner only, except for special holidays they are also open for lunch)

Located in the heart of downtown Oranjestad, Driftwood is one of the oldest standing restaurants in Aruba, and for good reason! They serve great seafood and traditional Aruban delicacies in a rustic ambiance of their natural driftwood dining room, making for a true local dining experience.

Water’s Edge Restaurant & Bar

Also just a short taxi ride away, and located beachfront on the dreamy and famous Eagle Beach, Water’s Edge offers a romantic, yet casual toes-in-the-sand dining and ambiance. Their menu is quite extensive, also making it a great choice for families and groups. Psst – they have three daily happy hours!

Surfside Beach Bar 

The West Deck

De Suikertuin Bistro

Dushi Delicious Cafe

If you’re not leaving until later in the evening or staying the night in Aruba, in addition to the above, consider these restaurants for dinner only:

LG Smith’s Steak & Chop House 

With your choice of top-grade meat carved to your liking tableside, it’s no wonder L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House is one of the top-ranked steak houses time and time again. In addition to juicy cuts of meat, they offer fresh seafood and international dishes. Want a nice wine to pair with that dish? They serve over 120 different wines by the glass to complement any one of their menu items. They also have a unique cocktail cart experience, where a mixologist will create your cocktail right at your table! 

Yemanja Woodfired Grill

Lima Bistro

Olivia Mediterranean Restaurant

Wilhelmina Restaurant

Flor de Oriente

Nusa Aruba

Que Pasa Restaurant & Winebar

Koal Aruba

Taste My Aruba

Browse more restaurant options in Aruba.

Druif Beach (by Divi)

Eagle Beach

Surfside Beach

Renaissance Private Island (Flamingo Beach)

While the island is private and reserved for Renaissance Resort guests, non-resort guests can inquire to purchase a day pass to spend the day enjoying the beaches and restaurant & bar on the island as well. Please note day pass availability is limited, often it is based on the current resort occupancy rate. Contact Renaissance Aruba directly for availability.

Beach Bar Aruba

Location: On Druif Beach, directly across from Divi Golf & Beach Resort

Surfside Beach Bar

Location: On Surfside Beach (across from Talk of the Town Hotel), near the airport landing strip and next to Barefoot Restaurant

Want to find a nearby watering hole but it doesn’t necessarily need to be located on the beach? Check out the following:

Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant

Great grub, famous cocktails, good music, and an authentic, fun dining experience alongside the Renaissance Marina.

5 o’Clock Somewhere

It’s always 5 o’Clock here (surprise). This rustic outdoor bar located at the Renaissance Marketplace offers beats, bar bites, drinks and live entertainment.

5 o’Clock Par & Chill

Enjoy great food, fun, play your favorite sports (virtually), and, of course, a few cocktails at the new 5 o’Clock Par & Chill.

Arcade Aruba

Arcade Aruba is a lively entertainment hub that offers a mix of classic and contemporary arcade games for visitors of all ages. Situated in the center of the Renaissance Marketplace. A must-visit for gamers young and old!

Hoya Lush Cafe

Paddock Eet Cafe

There are plenty more places on the island to grab a drink however the above mentioned bars are within nearby proximity to the cruise port terminal/downtown area.

Renaissance Mall

The Renaissance Mall is an iconic shopping mall in Aruba, where you can find all your favorite fashion brands and designers, as well as discover exciting new ones.

The Renaissance Marketplace

Situated along the cozy marina harbor and the elegant Wilhelmina Park, the Renaissance Marketplace offers culinary experiences and a wide variety of international cuisines, local stores with the most memorable souvenirs, and boutiques with the latest fashion trends. Want to discover more on dining at Renaissance Marketplace, browse restaurants here.

The Local Market (across from the cruise port terminal)

Local Shopping Stands (located just in front of the cruise port terminal as well as alongside the Renaissance Marina)

Main Street

Royal Plaza Mall

Catch a ride on the free trolley, find hole-in-the-wall restaurants and cafes, and learn about Aruban culture and history by visiting some museums. Museums to see include: Aruba’s Historical Museum (Fort Zoutman) and the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba.

Want to have a guide show you around the downtown area? Check out Aruba Walking Tours.

For those wanting to venture away from the downtown area browse Island Tours and Activities. Many operators offer cruise ship terminal pick-up and drop-off. Inquire with the company directly to ensure they have a tour time that works within your timeframe.

Casino lovers will be happy to know there are two casinos downtown, Wind Creek Crystal & Seaport Casinos.

You’ll find ATM’s spread throughout the area, some particular locations include:

Royal Plaza Mall (ATM is on the ground level)

Main Street (ATM’S are located at Aruba Bank and CMB)

There are pharmacies (boticas) located downtown:

Caya G.F. Betico Croes 103 – Located at the end of Mainstreet

Havenstraat 30 – Located behind Royal Plaza

Public restrooms:

Inside Renaissance Mall (ground level)

At The Renaissance Marketplace (on the Renaissance Ocean Suites side near the Police station)

View more things to do and see in Aruba.

If you’re contemplating your next escape, here are five irresistible reasons why Aruba should be at the top of your travel list this winter. From sun-kissed beaches to exciting tours and activities, Aruba has a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. For us, trading those cold winter blues for Aruba’s mesmerizing blues is a no-brainer, however, for those who still need some convincing – let’s dive into the warmth and discover why Aruba is the ultimate winter getaway you’ve been dreaming of!

Being in Aruba during the holiday season is not too shabby. Imagine the warm sunshine, friendly people, tropical cocktails, and clear turquoise water, all while hanging on to the best parts of the holidays! Just as any month in Aruba, there are plenty of fun events and activities to partake in, but you’ll find December is extra special due to all of the festive feels and decorations throughout the island.

Discover plenty of mouth-watering holiday dining specials and Christmas markets. Christmas specials and events will be published as they are released so be sure to check back here closer to your arrival. Planning on celebrating New Year’s Eve in Aruba and kicking off the new year in paradise? Stay tuned for New Year’s specials and parties here.

While this might seem like a quite obvious attraction to Aruba, do you know what makes our island’s beaches so special? They are all public (with the exception of Renaissance Island and De Palm Island) and are easily accessible with plenty to choose from!

Browse beaches in Aruba to start planning your sunny and happy beach days. From soft white sand beaches with palm trees swaying in the wind, to wild and unruly inlet beaches on the East Coast, we’ve got a unique mix of beaches for you to experience.

After the new year begins for many the holiday fun comes to an end. However, not in Aruba! The post-holiday season calls for more celebration and fun! In January, the island’s most colorful and treasured celebration, Carnival, takes center stage.

Aruba’s ‘Carnaval’ season is not just a one-day, one-week or even one-month event. During January and February, the entire island lives and breathes Carnival. The Carnival schedule is jam-packed with weekly events, leaving little excuse to miss out. It continues with Jump-ins, King and Queen Elections, Calypso, festivals, contests, live music, celebrations for children, parties, and of course the most popular, parades.

This year our island is celebrating 71 years of Carnival! If you are lucky enough to be on the island don’t miss out on one of Aruba’s most treasured traditions. Get ready, it’s ‘Carnaval’ time, time to celebrate in the streets! View the 2025 Carnival schedule here so you don’t miss out on any of the big parades and fun.

Not so large in size, Aruba is only about 21 miles long and 6 miles wide, making it easy to travel throughout the island and explore as much as possible.

Aruba’s terrain is very diverse and unique, there is so much natural beauty on the island to discover and immerse yourself in. If you’re planning a visit, you’ll want to visit Arikok National Park. Our island’s national park covers about 20% of the island and is the perfect place to explore the diverse natural beauty that Aruba has to offer. Simply purchase a day pass at the park’s visitors center and be on your way! You can do so by jeep or opt for a more active and environmentally-friendly way and go hiking. There are plenty of natural sites and attractions (caves, gold ruins, wild beaches, hiking trails, natural pools, and more) on the wild east coast of the island. It is sure to leave you fascinated by just how different it is from the other side of the island, which is home to the majority of our island’s resorts and calmer beaches.

Also, be sure to check out the following sights. Some of our favorite places include the Natural Pool (Conchi), Small Cave Pool, Fontein Cave and Freshwater Pond, Hooiberg, Alto Vista Chapel,  Spanish Lagoon, and the street art, museums and restaurants in San Nicolas.

Not sure where to start exploring? Browse our tours and activities and have a professional and friendly tour guide lead your island adventure!

The holiday season can be busy and take a toll on everyone. To boost your energy and well-being just in time for the new year, how about a spa day in paradise? It is a must for anyone looking for some rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. Treat yourself to a day at the spa and take your vacation relaxation to the next level. Turn off all of the noise and chaos in your life and go get yourself a massage. Not only is a massage a great way to unwind, but so are facial treatments as well as a manicure and pedicure.

Treat yourself to a massage at Okeanos Spa on Renaissance Private Island for some quality pampering and relaxation. Or, check out the extensive spa treatment menu for Hilton Aruba’s eforea Spa. Their menu includes specialty wellness treatments with a local touch. Boardwalk Boutique Hotel has an on-property spa where their local partner, Aruba Wellness Therapies offers various treatments and massages.

Skincare tip – Don’t leave the island without our local Aloe skincare products, your skin will thank you later! Visit the Aruba Aloe Factory or one of the Aruba Aloe stores.

View more things to do and see in Aruba.