Arashi Beach
A local favorite beach with pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant snorkeling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & sun
Arashi Beach
Best Time
Beat the crowds & sun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A local favorite beach with pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant snorkeling.
"Stunning beach with good snorkeling and beautiful sunsets, a must-visit in Aruba!"
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring Aruba! Offers flexibility to visit Arashi and other spots.
☀️ Seek Shade Early
Palapas are free but go fast! Arrive early or rent an umbrella for sun protection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
Northwest coast of Aruba
Dive into stunning turquoise waters perfect for swimming and enjoying the Caribbean sun.
Vibrant Snorkeling
Underwater near the shore
Discover abundant marine life and colorful fish in this excellent snorkeling spot.
Spectacular Sunsets
Western horizon
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the ocean.
Arashi Beach Shack
On the beach
Enjoy delicious local food and refreshing drinks with a view of the ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Prime Spots
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring Aruba! Offers flexibility to visit Arashi and other spots.
☀️ Seek Shade Early
Palapas are free but go fast! Arrive early or rent an umbrella for sun protection.
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
Abundant marine life awaits! Renting is an option, but bringing your own saves money.
🍦 Catch the Ice Cream Truck
A sweet treat on a hot day! Keep an eye out for this mobile vendor.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring Aruba! Offers flexibility to visit Arashi and other spots.
☀️ Seek Shade Early
Palapas are free but go fast! Arrive early or rent an umbrella for sun protection.
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
Abundant marine life awaits! Renting is an option, but bringing your own saves money.
🍦 Catch the Ice Cream Truck
A sweet treat on a hot day! Keep an eye out for this mobile vendor.
🌊 Be Aware of Currents
While generally calm, currents can be strong. Stay aware, especially with children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Arashi Beach is praised for its stunning turquoise waters, soft white sand, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful sunsets. However, it can get very crowded, especially on weekends, and securing shade can be a challenge.
"Great beach but can get very crowded late morning and early afternoon, especially during the weekend. Tiki hut is needed for the intense sun so get there early! Great place to watch the sunset and snorkel."
T A
"Turquoise water beautiful sunsets it’s a really enjoyable beach for family and friends, you can a have a palapa if you get early or you can rent an umbrella and beds there price may vary depending on days and how busy also different people has those available, look for best price!"
William Hernandez
"Arashi beach is not that big, it has free parking lot, and you can park at the side of the road also. There are palapas that are free, but they are mostly taken. Even if you take palapas there are rude people that will just sit with you without asking if they can join, and take most of the palapas. There are also few palms that can give you some small shade and there are maybe 2 bushes as well, but for me bushes are unsanitary because i saw what some people do in the bushes (like blowing their noses here, yuck). You can find wasps in some bushes and animal droppings.
You can rent umbrellas but i din’t ask about the price, i think is 35+ dollars like everywhere else, for only umbrella. Sunbed is usually 10$.
Water is nice color if it is sunny, but bad if it is cloudy. It gets deep quickly and most of the beach is full of rocks. But it is better on the right side of the beach because there is a small strip where water is shallow. But current is strong and there can be strong waves. Winds are super strong, like everywhere else, and they are making it impossible to enjoy being in the beach or even in water- getting your hair wet is hard task because you will be cold.
Also internet here is the worst. We paid e-sim card and carried it with ourselves but no internet here. Even wifi from the beach bar is bad.
Baby beach was my favorite beach on island, and Eagle beach is better choice than Arashi, but Arashi is my 3rd choice."
Jelena Jo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arashi Beach is located on the northwest coast, near the California Lighthouse. You can reach it by renting a car, which is highly recommended for exploring Aruba. Public buses also service the area, offering a more budget-friendly option.
Yes, there's a free parking lot available, and you can also park along the side of the road. However, it can get busy, so arriving early is advised.
Taxis are available on Aruba, but they can be more expensive than renting a car for extended exploration. It's a viable option if you're not planning on visiting multiple locations.
Yes, the public bus route runs directly to Arashi Beach, making it accessible for those who prefer not to rent a car. The fare is typically around $2.70 each way.
Arashi Beach is located just a minute's drive south of the iconic California Lighthouse, making it easy to combine a visit to both. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Arashi Beach itself is free to enter. There are no admission fees required to enjoy the sand and sea.
Yes, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Prices can vary, with chairs often around $10 per person and umbrellas potentially costing $35 or more. It's best to inquire about current pricing.
Arashi Beach offers free palapas for shade, but they are highly sought after and are usually taken very early in the day, especially on weekends.
The Arashi Beach Shack typically operates during daylight hours, serving food and drinks. It's best to check their specific hours upon arrival as they can vary.
No, advance booking is not necessary for Arashi Beach. You can simply show up and enjoy the beach. If you plan to rent chairs or umbrellas, you can do so on-site.
🎫 🤿 Onsite Experience
Arashi Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The clear waters and abundant marine life make it a top spot for underwater exploration.
Absolutely! Arashi Beach is renowned for its excellent snorkeling opportunities, with many fish and even sea turtles spotted.
The water is typically a beautiful turquoise color, especially on sunny days. It can get deep quickly, and while generally calm, currents can sometimes be strong.
Basic facilities are available, including restrooms. The Arashi Beach Shack also offers food and drinks.
Yes, Arashi Beach is a great spot for families. The calmer waters on the right side are good for children, and the beach offers a relaxed atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Arashi Beach Shack is located right on the beach, offering a convenient spot for food and drinks. You might also catch the ice cream truck.
The Arashi Beach Shack serves a variety of local dishes. Travelers have raved about the shrimp skewers and plantains.
You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages to Arashi Beach. This can be a cost-effective option, especially if you plan to spend the whole day there.
Grocery shopping can be a bit of a challenge if you're not renting a car. It's advisable to stock up on essentials before heading to Arashi Beach.
For dining options beyond the beach shack, consider restaurants like Eduardo's Beach Shack for acai bowls or Barefoot for dinner.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds for serene shots. Late afternoons provide stunning golden hour light for dramatic sunset photos.
The combination of pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the backdrop of the coastline makes Arashi Beach incredibly photogenic.
The entire stretch of beach offers beautiful views. For elevated perspectives, consider the area near the California Lighthouse, which overlooks Arashi Beach.
With clear waters and diverse marine life, Arashi Beach is a great place to capture underwater photos if you have a waterproof camera or phone case.
Popular shots include wide-angle views of the beach, close-ups of the clear water, snorkeling adventures, and sunset silhouettes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring along some beach toys and snorkeling gear to keep the little ones entertained. The Arashi Beach Shack provides convenient food options, and the occasional ice cream truck is a guaranteed hit. It's a great spot to create lasting family memories on Aruba's beautiful coastline.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and drinks is also a smart way to keep costs down. If you're looking for an economical yet stunning beach day in Aruba, Arashi Beach is an excellent option. Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid higher weekend crowds and prices.
💑 Couples
For a more secluded experience, explore the less crowded areas of the beach. Snorkeling together can be a fun and intimate activity, discovering the underwater world side-by-side. The Arashi Beach Shack provides a casual spot for a drink or a light meal with ocean views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Snorkeling Paradise at Arashi Beach
While the beach itself is beautiful, the real magic happens beneath the surface. The gentle currents on the right side of the beach are particularly favorable for snorkeling. If you don't have your own gear, snorkel sets are available for rent at reasonable prices, often around $15-$20 for a set.
Remember to be respectful of the marine environment. Avoid touching coral or disturbing the fish. With a bit of luck and a keen eye, you'll be rewarded with an unforgettable underwater experience at Arashi Beach.
Navigating Aruba: Car Rentals and Public Transport
For budget-conscious travelers, Aruba's public bus system is a viable alternative. Buses run regularly along the coast and connect major towns and attractions, including Arashi Beach. The fare is typically very affordable, around $2.70 per ride. While it might take longer and offer less flexibility than a rental car, it's a reliable way to get around the island.
When considering transportation, weigh the convenience and flexibility of a rental car against the cost-effectiveness of public transport. For those who want to maximize their exploration of Aruba's diverse landscapes, a rental car is often the preferred choice. However, for a more relaxed and economical trip focused on specific destinations like Arashi Beach, the bus system is a solid option.
The Arashi Beach Experience: Beyond the Sand
Beyond the shack, keep an eye out for the ice cream truck, a delightful surprise on a hot day that offers a sweet treat at good prices.
While the beach is known for its natural beauty, some visitors have noted that it can get crowded, especially on weekends. The strong winds, common across Aruba, can also be a factor. However, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the stunning water, soft sand, and the chance to see cool lizards.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit