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Palm Beach & Eagle Beach
Aruba’s two main beaches: wide, calm Eagle Beach with its fofoti trees, and lively Palm Beach lined with resorts
Aruba’s two main beaches: wide, calm Eagle Beach with its fofoti trees, and lively Palm Beach lined with resorts
One of the widest beaches in the Caribbean, with soft sand, shaded palapas and gentle water. Sea turtles nest here between about March and September, and nesting areas are marked off.
Photo: Ginelly.Q, CC0
These wind-bent buttonwood trees (Conocarpus erectus) are a symbol of Aruba. They are protected, so do not climb on them.
Photo: SIryn, CC BY-SA 4.0
A long strip of resorts, beach bars and piers, with jet skis, parasailing, snorkelling trips and catamaran cruises.
Photo: Coolcaesar, CC BY 4.0
At the island’s northern tip, this stone lighthouse, named after the steamship California wrecked nearby in 1891, has views over the dunes and coast. Arashi Beach, below it, is good for snorkelling.
Climb to the top for a small fee.
Photo: Arubatruitje, CC BY-SA 4.0
The capital, about 10 minutes south, has colourful Dutch colonial buildings, shops, the harbour and Fort Zoutman, the island’s oldest building.
Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try keshi yena (cheese stuffed with spiced meat), pastechi (savoury pastries), fresh fish such as wahoo and red snapper, and pan bati (pancake-like bread).
Beachfront restaurants on Palm Beach are busy at sunset; local snack trucks are a cheaper option.
Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) is about 15 minutes from Eagle Beach and 25 minutes from Palm Beach, with flights from North America, Europe and South America. Travellers to the US clear US immigration in Aruba before departure.
Buses run frequently along the coast to Oranjestad. All visitors must complete Aruba’s online ED card before travel, which includes a US$20 sustainability fee for air arrivals. Many nationalities, including EU, UK, US and Canadian citizens, do not need a visa. Check current rules before you travel.
Aruba uses the Aruban florin (AWG), pegged to the US dollar; US dollars and cards are accepted almost everywhere. Aruba is one of the more expensive Caribbean islands.
Prices are highest from mid-December to April.
Beaches, snorkelling and the capital.
Spend the day on Eagle Beach and watch the sunset by the fofoti trees.
Snorkel at Arashi Beach, visit the California Lighthouse and spend the evening on Palm Beach.
Explore Oranjestad and Fort Zoutman, or take a catamaran trip to snorkel near the Antilla shipwreck.
The sun is strong all year; use reef-safe sunscreen.
Keep away from marked nesting areas.
Aruba lies south of the main hurricane belt, but storms can occasionally affect it.
Complete the ED card and fee online before your flight.
Quick answers for planning time in Palm Beach & Eagle Beach.
Eagle Beach is quieter and wider; Palm Beach has more resorts, bars and water sports.
Yes, air arrivals pay a US$20 sustainability fee through the online ED card.
Yes, US dollars are accepted almost everywhere.
Roughly from March to September.
Any time of year; December to April is the busiest season.
Papiamento and Dutch are official, but English and Spanish are widely spoken.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Aruba travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.