Arashi Beach, Aruba: The Complete Guide for Your Beach Day

Arashi Beach, Aruba, turquoise water along the white sand shore

Arashi is the beach people tend to mention when you ask an Aruban where they go on their day off. It sits at the far northwest end of the island, past Boca Catalina and just before the California Lighthouse. The hotel strip is behind you, and the shore feels more open.

What the water is like

The water here is usually calm, with gentle currents, and VisitAruba rates swimming conditions as excellent. The sand is white.

Arashi Bay on the northwest coast of Aruba

Parking and getting there

There's a large parking lot right at the beach. You can get here by car, taxi or bus. If you're driving, follow the coast road north from the high-rise hotels and stay on it toward the lighthouse.

Shade and food

Arashi has beach huts and a snack shack. For guaranteed shade, you can book a big umbrella and two chairs ahead of time.

What to bring

Water shoes if you plan to explore the rockier ends
A mask and snorkel
Sunscreen and a hat, even with shade
Cash or a card for the snack shack
A dry bag if you plan to swim with your phone and keys

A good way to spend the day

Arrive at 9:00, when your set is ready. Swim first, while the water is still quiet. Snorkel along the rocks before lunch. In the late afternoon, drive the few minutes up to the California Lighthouse for the view.

Source: VisitAruba. Conditions change, so check on the day.