Calmest Beaches in Aruba for Easy Swimming

The calmest beaches in Aruba are on the protected west and south sides of the island. The northeast coast takes the full force of the wind and sea. If you want easy swimming, start with Arashi, Boca Catalina, or Baby Beach, and leave the rough side for a look from dry land.

Why the coast matters

Aruba's trade winds blow constantly, and the windward side gets the waves. Boca Grandi, on the east side, is a windsurfing and kitesurfing beach with a strong current, and the tourism office says it is not ideal for swimming. The same office warns that some north coast beaches and coves are closed to swimming and marked with signs. Currents there can sweep away even skilled swimmers. Obey those signs.

Arashi Beach

The official description of Arashi is calm, shallow, clear water that suits swimmers of all ages. Frommer's calls it one of the best swimming spots on the island, with calm surf and a sandy bottom. There are rocky sections near the shoreline, so water shoes help. On windy days you can get some waves, enough for bodyboarding. Read our Arashi Beach guide for the layout.

Boca Catalina

This small bay sits between Malmok and Arashi. The tourism office calls it calm, with gentle waves. MyArubaGuide says the water stays shallow a long way out and that the morning has the lightest wind and clearest water. There are no toilets, showers, or food here, so come prepared.

Baby Beach

Baby Beach is a calm, shallow, lagoon-style bay on the southeast tip. Frommer's says rock breakwaters protect it and calls it perfect for inexperienced swimmers. It is the farthest of these from the hotel areas. MyArubaGuide puts it about 45 minutes from the cruise terminal, while the California Lighthouse area at the other end of the island is 15 to 20 minutes.

Rodgers Beach

Next door to Baby Beach, Rodgers is a quiet local spot. Frommer's describes calm, protected water that is good for swimming, with a view of a large oil refinery.

Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is wide with soft white sand. Frommer's lists gentle surf and good swimming. It has more open water than a sheltered bay, so expect a bit more movement on windy days.

Staying safe in calm water

• Stay inside the buoys where there are buoys. The tourism office warns that currents can pick up quickly.
• Watch your own group the whole time. Do not assume a lifeguard is on duty.
• Go early at Boca Catalina. MyArubaGuide says the morning has the lightest wind and clearest water there.
• Skip any beach or cove with a no-swimming sign.

Which one should you pick?

Staying near Palm Beach or Eagle Beach? Arashi and Boca Catalina are the close choices. Staying in San Nicolas or spending the day out east? Baby Beach makes more sense. If you have one day and want calm water plus the lighthouse and sunset views nearby, go north.

Keep your spot while you swim

Calm water is the reason people stay all day at Arashi, and a full day needs shade. Our sets include one big umbrella and two beach chairs, set up and anchored before you arrive. It is held under your name from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Leave for lunch or a swim down the coast and come back to the same spot. A set costs $120.00 per day, all in, and the FAQ covers how the day works.

Reserve a set at least 24 hours ahead. Confirmation comes right away with a map.

Source: Aruba.com: Beaches and Coves, Aruba.com: Is Aruba Safe, Aruba.com: Arashi Beach, Frommer's: Aruba Beaches, MyArubaGuide: Boca Catalina, Aruba.com: Top-Rated Snorkeling Beaches, MyArubaGuide: Cruise to Aruba. Conditions change, so check on the day.