Boca Grandi
Aruba

Kitesurfers' paradise

Boca Grandi Aruba sits on the island’s southeast coast near San Nicolas, a stretch of wild shoreline that feels worlds away from the calm resort strip. The beach is long and windswept, framed by rolling sand dunes and marked by the giant Red Anchor monument at Seroe Colorado.

It’s famous for powerful trade winds that draw experienced kitesurfers from around the world, making it more of a spectator spot than a place to swim. Boca Grandi Beach is not suitable for swimming or snorkeling, only for kitesurfing or dunes walking.

Boca Grandi is often called Bachelor's Beach by mistake. Bachelor's Beach is a bit further south. (Or I'm mistaken…)

Best time to visit Boca Grandi

• Time of day: Midday to afternoon for steady wind and active kiters; sunrise or sunset for softer light and photos of the dunes.
• Season: Aruba’s wind season runs December through August; expect the most kite activity then.
• Weekdays or weekend: Weekdays are quieter; weekends draw more local kiters and a livelier vibe.
• Weather-wise: Even on cloudy days, the wind rarely stops; avoid days with unusually heavy swell if you want calmer walks along the shore.

Tips for visiting Boca Grandi

• There are no facilities — no restrooms, bars, or shade.
• Bring plenty of water and a hat; the wind makes you forget how strong the sun is.
• Stay clear of kite launch/landing areas; watch from the dunes or water’s edge.
• Combine Boca Grandi with Baby Beach for swimming and snorkeling.
• The Red Anchor makes a great stop for photos and orientation.

What to bring to Boca Grandi

• Water and snacks — nothing is sold nearby.
• Sun and wind protection — reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
• Sturdy sandals — parts of the beach are rocky and the sand can get very hot.
• Camera or phone — for kitesurfing shots and dune landscapes.

Boca Grandi isn’t the kind of place where you spread out a towel and swim all day. Instead, it’s about activities and things to see that show off Aruba’s wilder side. Here are the highlights:

Try kitesurfing lessons at Boca Grandi

Boca Grandi is one of the best places in the Caribbean to learn kitesurfing. Pro Kite School Aruba operates right on the beach, offering lessons, rentals, and coaching for all levels — starting from $135 per lesson.

Watch world-class kitesurfing from shore

Even if you don’t join in, watching the action is part of the fun. Dozens of colorful kites often fill the sky, and the tricks pulled off in the surf are incredible. I usually climb a little higher up on the dunes for photos — it gives you a sweeping view of the entire bay dotted with kites.

Photograph the Red Anchor & dunes

At the entrance to Boca Grandi stands the massive Red Anchor monument, a tribute to Aruba’s seafaring past and one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Pair that with the rolling sand dunes that shape the beach and you have a natural photo studio. 

Beachcombing & long coastal walks

If you like quiet exploration, this is your spot. The wind pushes up driftwood, shells, and sometimes unusual finds from across the Caribbean. A walk along the Boca Grandi dunes and shoreline feels rugged and peaceful, with crashing waves on one side and shifting sand on the other.

Combine with nearby Baby Beach & Rodgers Beach

Since swimming at Boca Grandi is unsafe, the smart play is to make it part of a San Nicolas beach-hopping day. Baby Beach is five minutes away with calm water perfect for snorkeling, and Rodgers Beach adds a quiet local vibe. Together they balance Boca Grandi’s wild beauty with safe places to swim.

Take in the wild scenery

Even if you don’t kite or walk far, just standing here and soaking up the view is an experience. The endless ocean horizon, dunes shaped by the wind, and wide-open skies make Boca Grandi one of Aruba’s most memorable wild beaches.

Unlike many beaches in Aruba, Boca Grandi is not a good snorkeling spot. The strong currents and pounding surf make the water unsafe for casual swimming or exploring with a mask.

Personally, I never get in the water at Boca Grandi — I stick to watching the kitesurfers and then go to one of the best snorkeling beaches near Boca Grandi like Baby Beach or Mangel Halto. It’s part of what makes Boca Grandi unique: it’s a beach to admire for its wild energy, not for what’s under the surface.

You won’t find any restaurants, beach shacks, or bars at Boca Grandi — it’s a raw, undeveloped stretch of coast. You’ll need to plan ahead if you want food or drinks. The closest options are a short drive away at Baby Beach or in Lago Heights:

• Rum Reef – Overlooking Baby Beach, this casual spot is known for its seafood platters, burgers, and tropical cocktails served with unbeatable lagoon views.
• Big Mama Grill – Also at Baby Beach, serving big portions of ribs, chicken, and fresh fish in a relaxed, open-air setting.
• Kamini’s Kitchen – A family-run favorite in Lago Heights, just outside San Nicolas, offering home-style Indian-Caribbean dishes full of flavor.

I always pack water and a snack for Boca Grandi itself — the wind and sun can wear you out quickly. I usually reward myself with a late lunch at Rum Reef or a plate of spicy curry from Kamini’s Kitchen.

There are no hotels directly on Boca Grandi itself — it’s too wild and undeveloped. If you want to stay close to Boca Grandi, the best hotel options are in nearby Baby Beach and San Nicolas, just a few minutes away.

Secrets Baby Beach

An all-inclusive adults-only resort right on Baby Beach. It’s a luxury choice if you want to combine Boca Grandi’s rugged beauty with easy access to calm waters for swimming and snorkeling.

Jermal Vacation Home

A private rental in San Nicolas that gives you more space and a local neighborhood vibe. It’s a good option if you want a guesthouse close to Boca Grandi without resort crowds.

Where to stay near Boca Grandi by travel type

• Couples & adults-only luxury: Secrets Baby Beach
• Families & groups: Jermal Vacation Home
• Budget travelers: Small guesthouses and Airbnbs in San Nicolas or Savaneta

I usually wouldn’t stay right in San Nicolas for a whole trip, but if you want to spend time exploring Aruba’s wild south coast, staying close by makes early morning visits to Boca Grandi and Baby Beach much easier.

Boca Grandi sits at the far southeast tip of Aruba, near Seroe Colorado and the Red Anchor monument. It’s about as far from the resort strip as you can get, which means you’ll need to plan your transportation. The easiest way is by rental car, since there are no direct buses to Boca Grandi and taxis can be pricey for long distances.

From the cruise port (Port of Oranjestad / Aruba Cruise Terminal)

Cruise passengers can get to Boca Grandi by taxi, rental car, or a combination of bus and taxi. The main bus station is right across from the cruise terminal, but buses only run to San Nicolas — from there you’ll need a taxi to finish the trip.

How far is Boca Grandi from the cruise port?

• Distance: ~25–30 km (16–19 miles)
• Driving time: 30–35 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $35–$60 USD one way, depending on time of day and number of passengers

From the airport (Queen Beatrix International Airport – AUA)

From Aruba’s airport, the fastest way is to grab a taxi or rent a car. Buses head toward San Nicolas but won’t drop you at Boca Grandi directly.

How far is Boca Grandi from the airport?

• Distance: ~22–27 km (14–17 miles)
• Driving time: 25–30 minutes
• Taxi fare: Government-set rates apply; expect a bit higher than hotel-area trips, usually $35–$55 USD one way

From Palm and Eagle Beach

Driving from the main hotel strip is straightforward: follow Route 1 through Oranjestad toward San Nicolas, then continue south to Seroe Colorado and pass the Red Anchor. Taxis are available at most resorts, but prices add up given the distance.

How far is Boca Grandi from Palm and Eagle Beach?

• Distance: ~28–30 km (17–19 miles)
• Driving time: 35–40 minutes
• Taxi fare: About $40–$65 USD one way

From Oranjestad

Head southeast on Route 1 straight through to San Nicolas, then follow signs to Seroe Colorado until you see the Red Anchor monument. It’s a simple drive, and parking is free at the beach.

How far is Boca Grandi from Oranjestad?

• Distance: ~25 km (16 miles)
• Driving time: 30 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $35–$55 USD one way

From San Nicolas

If you’re staying nearby, Boca Grandi is just down the road from town. It’s a short taxi ride or drive past Baby Beach toward the Red Anchor.

How far is Boca Grandi from San Nicolas?

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

Taxi to Boca Grandi

Taxis are easy to find in Oranjestad, the airport, and resort areas, but at Boca Grandi itself you won’t find taxis waiting. If you take a taxi out, it’s best to pre-arrange your return pickup.

Approximate taxi fare to Boca Grandi

• From Palm Beach to Boca Grandi: $40–$65 USD
• From Oranjestad to Boca Grandi: $35–$55 USD
• From San Nicolas to Boca Grandi: $10–$15 USD

Public transport to Boca Grandi

Arubus runs regular buses from Oranjestad to San Nicolas (routes L1, L2, L3A). From there it’s still a short taxi ride to Boca Grandi — there’s no bus stop directly at the beach. Always check the most up-to-date Arubus routes and bus schedules.

Driving to Boca Grandi by rental car

A rental car is the most convenient option to drive to Boca Grandi. Follow Route 1 south through San Nicolas, then continue toward Seroe Colorado. Once you see the Red Anchor, the beach will be right behind it.

Parking

There is free parking at Boca Grandi. You can pull off on dirt tracks or along the roadside behind the dunes.

If you’re into kitesurfing, this is the spot to either watch pros in their element or even take a lesson yourself. For everyone else, it’s perfect for photos at the Red Anchor, a dune walk, or pairing with a swim at Baby Beach. Boca Grandi isn’t for everyone, but if you like raw landscapes and a sense of freedom, it’s a must-see on Aruba’s south coast.