Things to Do at the North End of Aruba in One Day

The north end of Aruba packs a lot into a few miles. You can swim, snorkel, climb a lighthouse, walk the dunes, and watch the sunset without spending much time in the car. Here is what is worth your time and how to fit it together.

Arashi Beach

Arashi is the anchor for this end of the island. The official description is calm, shallow, clear water with soft white sand and a west-facing sunset view. There are rocky sections near the shore, so bring water shoes. Our Arashi Beach page has more on the setting.

California Lighthouse

The lighthouse is 30 meters tall and has 123 steps to the top. Aruba's tourism office lists it as open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM with $5 admission, and promises 360-degree views. Confirm hours when you arrive.

Sasarawichi Dunes

Also known as the California Sand Dunes, these sit next to the lighthouse at Hudishibana. Expect rolling white sand, cacti, and aloe. You can walk them, but driving on them is not allowed. Bring closed shoes and water.

Boca Catalina and Catalina Cove

This small bay sits between Malmok and Arashi. Steps lead down to the sand, and the rocky edges have the best snorkeling. Swim north to reach Catalina Cove. There are no services here, so bring what you need.

Malmok Beach

Malmok is a run of small coves with plenty of fish and sharp rocks near shore. Offshore you can see the masts of the Antilla, a German freighter scuttled in 1940. It is too far to swim, so go by boat if you want a closer look.

Hadicurari

Also called Fishermen's Huts, this is the island's windsurfing hub, according to Frommer's. The shallow water is good for swimming. Stop and watch the sails even if you do not ride.

Bubali Bird Sanctuary

Bubali is two connected ponds in Noord, within walking distance of the Palm Beach resorts. Herons, egrets, gulls, skimmers, coots, and ducks are common, and the tourism office says more than 80 migratory species visit. An observation tower gives you a view over the water.

Alto Vista Chapel

Built in 1750 by missionary Domingo Antonio Silvestre, this small hilltop chapel overlooks the north coast. The road up is lined with crosses marking the Stations of the Cross. There is a parking lot and a small plaza. It is a place of worship, so dress and act accordingly.

How to string it together

• Early morning: Snorkel Boca Catalina while the water is clear.
• Mid-morning: Settle in at Arashi for swimming and shade.
• Lunch: Go up to the lighthouse area. A restaurant, El Faro Blanco, is listed nearby.
• Afternoon: Climb the tower and walk the dunes.
• Later: Go back to Arashi for the sun going down.

Sunset in Aruba runs from about 6:11 PM in November to about 7:09 PM in July.

Driving up here

Aruba drives on the right. Speed limits are in km/h. Vehicles already on a roundabout have the right of way, and right turns on red are not allowed. Do not drive or park on the sand or the dunes. Lock the car and take your valuables with you.

A home base for the day

If you are moving around, it helps to have one spot you can return to. Our set at Arashi is 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. Go to the lighthouse, grab lunch, and come back to the same chairs. It costs $120.00 per set per day, all in.

Book a set at least 24 hours ahead. You will get confirmation right away with a map.

Source: Aruba.com: Arashi Beach, Aruba.com: California Lighthouse, Wikipedia: California Lighthouse, Aruba.com: Sand Dunes, MyArubaGuide: Boca Catalina, Aruba.com: Top-Rated Snorkeling Beaches, Wikipedia: SS Antilla, Frommer's: Aruba Beaches, Aruba.com: Bubali Bird Sanctuary, VisitAruba: Alto Vista Chapel, Gaisma: Oranjestad Sun Times, Aruba.com: Driving in Aruba, Aruba Code of Conduct. Conditions change, so check on the day.