Arashi Beach
Aruba

Overview

Arashi Beach sits at Aruba’s northwest tip, just past Malmok and below the California Lighthouse. It’s quieter than Palm or Eagle Beach, with a local feel but still handy basics: parking, a few palapas, chair and umbrella rentals, restrooms, showers, and the Arashi Beach Shack for drinks and snacks.

The highlight of Arashi Beach is snorkeling — calm water, soft sand, and the Arashi reef close to shore where even beginners spot colorful fish. Families like the shallow swim areas, and couples stick around for the lighthouse sunsets.

Best time to visit Arashi Beach

• Time of day: Early morning for calm water and palapas; late afternoon for sunsets.
• Season: Best between December and April (dry season); off-season means fewer crowds but rougher seas.
• Weekdays vs weekends: Quieter on weekdays; weekends fill up with locals.
• Weather-wise: Morning is usually calm; trade winds pick up after lunch, making snorkeling harder.

Tips for visiting Arashi Beach

• Snorkel the left side first — it’s calmer and beginner-friendly.
• Arrive before 10 a.m. if you want one of the free palapas.
• Stay for sunset by the lighthouse if you have a car.
• The beach shack is handy, but prices lean high — plan around it.
• Bring cash for taxis, rentals, and the shack.
• If you’re coming by bus, check the return schedule so you don’t get stranded late.

What to bring to Arashi Beach

• Snorkel gear (rentals available, but your own will fit better).
• Water shoes for rocky patches at the shoreline.
• Cash for chair or umbrella rentals — card machines can be unreliable.
• Umbrella or shade tent if you don’t get a palapa.
• A cooler with snacks and drinks if you want to save money.

There isn’t a long list of activities in Arashi Beach, and that’s the charm. The best things to do at Arashi Beach include swimming, snorkeling, and staying for the sunset — but you can add some adventure too. There is no water sports at Arashi Beach unless you bring them yourself.

Swim and relax

The middle of Arashi Beach has the calmest water for a straightforward swim. The shoreline is sandy in spots, rocky in others — water shoes help.

Snorkel the Arashi reef

The main draw is snorkeling at Arashi Beach. Head left for the easiest entry and the most colorful fish. The right side of Arashi reef is for confident swimmers only, with stronger currents and choppier water.

Try a seabob tour

Local operators run seabob snorkeling trips to Arashi Beach. It’s like a jet-powered scooter that pulls you underwater — fun if you want more than mask and fins.

Catch the sunset

Watch the sunset from Arashi Beach or go up to the California lighthouse and stay until the sun dips into the Caribbean. It’s less crowded than Eagle or Palm at that hour.

Side trips

If you’ve got wheels, stop at Boca Catalina or Tres Trapi just five minutes south. Both are small coves with even better chances for spotting turtles.

Snorkeling in Arashi Beach is one of the main reasons people make the trip to Aruba’s northwest tip. The water is usually calm which makes water visibility at Arashi Beach excellent. The reef is close to shore, and you don’t need to book a snorkeling tour to see plenty of marine life. It’s one of the few beaches on the island where beginners and families can try snorkeling right off the sand.

Where to snorkel: The best snorkeling spots at Arashi Beach

As a rule of thumb in every Arashi Beach snorkeling guide, the left side of Arashi Beach is the easiest place to start. There’s a sandy entry and shallow reef where schools of colorful fish gather.

If you’re experienced and the sea is calm, you can swim out to the right side reef, but be prepared for deeper water and stronger currents. I recommend staying left if you’re new to snorkeling in Aruba.

What you’ll see underwater

On a good morning the underwater life at Arashi Beach can be exceptional; you can spot sergeant majors, parrotfish, blue tang, and yellowtail grunts. While snorkeling at Arashi Beach, you may also see rays and turtles, though for more reliable turtle sightings, I usually head to Tres Trapi, just down the road.

Best time to snorkel at Arashi Beach

• Time of day: Morning is best — calm water and clear visibility.
• Season: Dry season (Dec–Apr) is the most reliable.
• Weather-wise: Wind picks up after lunch, making the water choppier and reducing visibility.
• Crowds: Get in early to enjoy the reef before the beach fills up.

Safety tips and snorkeling guide

• Stay inside the designated swim zone.
• Avoid drifting too far right — currents can be strong.
• With kids or weaker swimmers, stick to the left reef near shore.
• Never stand on coral or chase marine life.

Snorkel gear rental at Arashi Beach

You can rent basic masks and fins at the beach shack, good enough for a quick swim. For comfort and fit, I’d still bring my own gear. If you forget, rentals are there, but don’t expect top quality. There is no option for purchasing snorkel gear.

There aren’t many restaurants or beach bars at Arashi Beach, but the two you do get cover both casual and sit-down dining.

Arashi Beach Shack

Right on the sand, the Arashi Beach Shack is your usual beach bar — burgers, fish sandwiches, fries, and cold beers. Prices run a bit high for what you get, but after a swim or snorkeling session it hits the spot. I usually grab a drink here and keep it simple.

Faro Blanco Restaurant

Perched next to the California Lighthouse, just a couple of minutes uphill from Arashi Beach. It’s an Italian spot with fresh seafood and the kind of sunset views you can’t fake. If I’m at Arashi late in the day, this is where I’d head for dinner.

There aren’t big resorts right on Arashi Beach. If you want to stay close, you’ll find boutique hotels, private villas, and apartment rentals within a few minutes’ drive.

Tierra del Sol Resort & Golf

The closest full-service resort to Arashi Beach. You get golf, pools, spa, and a gated villa community. It’s upscale and quiet—best if you want resort amenities without the Palm Beach crowds.

Viola Frankova

A private villa rental at Arashi Beach. It’s a good pick if you want space, privacy, and a more “live like a local” vibe. Great for families or groups up to 8 people.

Villa La Fleur

The closest private villa to Arashi Beach. Big kitchen, private pool, and plenty of room if you’re traveling with friends.

Ocean Z Boutique Hotel

Ocean Z Boutique Hotel near Arashi Beach is a modern boutique property within a 10-minute walk. With just a handful of rooms, a chic pool, and a restaurant that punches above its weight, it is a great choice if you want something design-forward but intimate.

Bananas Apartments

Budget-friendly apartments with a pool at Arashi Beach. The owners are known for being welcoming, and it’s perfect if you want a no-frills base where you can cook your own meals.

Where to stay near Arashi Beach by travel type

• Families: Bananas Apartments or a villa like Viola Frankova for space and kitchens.
• Couples & adults-only luxury: Ocean Z Boutique Hotel for style and privacy.
• Golf & resort amenities: Tierra del Sol Resort & Golf.
• Groups of friends: Villa La Fleur with its pool and shared spaces.
• Budget travelers: Bananas Apartments or Airbnb options in Noord.
• Quiet boutique charm: Smaller villas like Viola Frankova.

Arashi Beach sits on Aruba’s northwest coast, just past Malmok and below the California Lighthouse. It’s outside the main resort strip, which keeps it a little quieter. It is still easy to reach Arashi Beach by car, taxi, or even public bus.

From the cruise port (Port of Oranjestad)

Cruise passengers can get to Arashi by taxi, rental car, a guided tour or by bus (L10A and L10B). A taxi is the simplest option and drops you right at the parking lot. Some island tours also combine Arashi with the lighthouse and Palm Beach.

How far is Arashi Beach from the cruise port?

• Distance: ~16 km (10 miles)
• Driving time: 20 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $20–25 USD one way

From the airport (Queen Beatrix International Airport, AUA)

From the airport, follow L.G. Smith Boulevard north past Oranjestad and the resort strip, continuing along the coast until the road ends at Arashi Beach.

How far is Arashi Beach from the airport?

• Distance: ~19 km (12 miles)
• Driving time: 25–30 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $30–35 USD one way

From Palm and Eagle Beach

If you’re staying in the resort area, simply follow L.G. Smith Boulevard north through Palm Beach and Malmok until the road dead-ends at Arashi. Many bus lines are also going in this direction.

How far is Arashi Beach from Palm & Eagle Beach?

• Distance: ~7–10 km (4–6 miles)
• Driving time: 10–15 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $10–20 USD one way

From Oranjestad

From downtown, head north on L.G. Smith Boulevard past the high-rise resorts and Malmok until you reach Arashi’s parking lot.

How far is Arashi Beach from Oranjestad?

• Distance: ~16 km (10 miles)
• Driving time: 20 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $20–25 USD one way

From San Nicolás

From Aruba’s southern town, it’s a cross-island drive north via Route 1 and L.G. Smith Boulevard. It’s the longest trip but still straightforward. You can also take a bus (line L2 and L3A) and change to L10A or L10B in Oranjestad.

How far is Arashi Beach from San Nicolás?

• Distance: ~37 km (23 miles)
• Driving time: 45–50 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $40–50 USD one way

Taxi to Arashi Beach

You will find taxis at major hotels and locations across Aruba and it is usually not a problem to get a taxi when leaving Arashi Beach during the day. If you plan to go home after sunset, pre-arrange a taxi.

Approximate taxi fares to Arashi Beach

• From Port of Oranjestad to Arashi Beach: $20–25
• From Palm Beach to Arashi Beach: $10–15
• From Eagle Beach to Arashi Beach: $15–20
• From AUA Airport to Arashi Beach: $30–35
• From San Nicolás to Arashi Beach: $40–50

Public transport to Arashi Beach

Arubus runs the L10A and L10B routes from Oranjestad to Arashi Beach, with stops along the hotel strip. Buses leave about once an hour, and the last stop is right at the beach. It’s the cheapest option, though service slows down in the late afternoon. Always check the most up-to-date Arubus routes and bus schedules.

Driving to Arashi Beach by rental car

Driving to Arashi Beach is straightforward — follow L.G. Smith Boulevard north along the hotel strip, past Malmok, until the road ends at Arashi. Any standard rental car is fine.

Parking

There’s a free parking lot directly behind Arashi Beach. It fills up quickly on weekends, but weekdays usually have space. Don’t leave valuables in the car.

Arashi Beach is where I go when I want calm water, easy snorkeling, and a slower vibe than Palm or Eagle. Mornings are best for swimming and spotting fish, evenings for the sunset by the lighthouse. I would recommend Arashi Beach to families in a heartbeat. Pack water shoes and a little cash for the shack, and you’re set.