Boca Keto
Aruba

Overview

Boca Keto is one of those rare places in Aruba where you truly feel the raw power of the island’s wild east coast. As one of the most striking Arikok National Park beaches, it’s framed by jagged cliffs, pounding surf, and the massive offshore rock formation known as “Little Aruba.”

It’s not a swimming beach, but that’s part of its magic — a place to escape the crowds, photograph one of Aruba’s most unique landmarks, and take in the untamed coastal scenery. When I first hiked down and saw Little Aruba rising from the turquoise sea, it felt like stumbling onto a hidden natural monument that few travelers ever reach.

Best time to visit Boca Keto

• Time of day: Early morning for cooler temperatures and softer light for photography. Late afternoon offers dramatic golden hour views.
• Season: Dry season (January–August) is best for hiking access and stable weather.
• Weekdays or weekend: Weekdays are quieter — you’ll likely have the place to yourself.
• Weather-wise: Avoid visiting during heavy rain, as the trail and rocks can become slippery.

Tips for visiting Boca Keto

• Wear sturdy shoes — the path down is rocky and uneven.
• Bring plenty of water; there are no facilities nearby.
• Visit with a friend or in a group for safety — this is a remote area.
• Combine with nearby sights like Daimari Beach or Conchi (the Natural Pool) for a fuller day in Arikok.
• Expect strong winds and crashing waves — it’s beautiful, but not a swimming beach.
• Rent a 4x4 if you want to drive directly to the beach.

What to bring to Boca Keto

• Comfortable hiking or walking shoes.
• Water and light snacks.
• Sunscreen and a hat for shade.
• A camera for the coastal scenery.
• Swimsuit if you’re planning to combine the trip with Conchi (Natural Pool).

Boca Keto is less about swimming and more about discovering one of the most dramatic corners of Aruba’s east coast. The wild surf, rugged sand, and iconic rock formations make this a place for explorers.

Admire “Little Aruba”

The highlight of Boca Keto is Little Aruba, a massive rock outcrop that juts into the sea and mirrors the shape of the island itself. From the beach, it looks like a miniature version of Aruba floating just offshore. It’s one of the most unique natural landmarks in Arikok National Park.

Enjoy the views & dramatic geology

Beyond Little Aruba, the beach is framed by cliffs and weather-carved volcanic rock. The waves here are relentless, crashing against the rocks with incredible force. If you love landscapes, this is the kind of place where you can just sit back and let the natural drama unfold.

Photo-walking & rock scramble

Bring a camera — the mix of turquoise water, golden sand, and Little Aruba makes this one of the most photogenic beaches in Aruba. You can scramble carefully over the rocky edges for higher vantage points, but sturdy shoes are a must.

Visit Conchi (Natural Pool) + Daimari trail combo

Boca Keto is often linked into hiking and off-road routes through Arikok. Many visitors pair it with Daimari Beach and the famous Conchi (Natural Pool). On my hike, Boca Keto was the wild stop in between — perfect for resting, taking photos of Little Aruba, and then continuing toward Conchi for a swim.

Snorkeling at Boca Keto Beach isn’t possible — the surf here is far too strong, with crashing waves and unpredictable currents that make swimming unsafe. The beach is stunning for photography and sightseeing, but this is not a place to bring your mask and fins.

If you’re looking for underwater experiences nearby, your best bet is Conchi (the Natural Pool) inside Arikok National Park, where volcanic rock walls create a sheltered swimming and snorkeling spot. For calmer waters and colorful fish, head to the west coast beaches like Malmok, Arashi, or Tres Trapi, which are among the best snorkeling beaches in Aruba.

You won’t find any restaurants, beach bars, or food vendors at Boca Keto — the beach is completely natural, with no facilities of any kind. That’s part of its charm, but it also means you need to plan ahead. Bring plenty of water and snacks if you’re spending the day hiking through Arikok National Park.

Since the beach sits deep inside Arikok National Park, there are no hotels at Boca Keto. The nearest accommodations are in Santa Lucia, Aruba, a peaceful inland community that makes a great base for exploring Boca Keto, Daimari Beach, and Conchi (Natural Pool). Staying here puts you closer to the park than the hotel strip, while still being within a short drive of Oranjestad.

Santa Lucia Nature Retreat & Sanctuary

This eco retreat in Santa Lucia is designed for travelers who want to stay surrounded by nature while being just minutes from Arikok’s wild beaches. Cabins are rustic but comfortable, and the property emphasizes sustainability, peace, and a connection to Aruba’s rugged landscape. It’s a great pick if you want a quiet stay near Boca Keto.

The Gold Vacation Apartments Aruba

For a more self-sufficient option, The Gold Vacation Apartments in Santa Lucia offer spacious, modern units with kitchens and living areas. This makes them ideal for longer stays, families, or travelers who prefer the flexibility of a vacation rental. From here, it’s an easy drive to Boca Keto and other Arikok National Park beaches.

Where to stay near Boca Keto by travel type

• Eco & nature lovers: Santa Lucia Nature Retreat & Sanctuary
• Mid-range comfort: The Gold Vacation Apartments Aruba
• Budget travelers: Airbnb in Paradera district

If your main goal is to explore Arikok National Park beaches like Boca Keto, Santa Lucia is the best area to stay. It’s quiet, authentically Aruban, and far closer to the trails than the resorts at Palm Beach or Eagle Beach. You’ll sacrifice nightlife, but for nature-focused travelers, photographers, and hikers, it’s a perfect fit.

Boca Keto is located on the rugged east coast of Aruba, inside Arikok National Park. Getting there requires either a hike or a drive with a 4x4 vehicle, since the last stretch of road is rough and unpaved. It’s not the kind of beach you stumble across — you’ll need to plan your visit, but the effort is worth it for the scenery and solitude.

From the cruise port (Port of Oranjestad)

Cruise passengers can reach Boca Keto by renting a car or joining a guided off-road excursion through Arikok National Park. Taxis are available at the port, but keep in mind that drivers may not want to take standard sedans into the park’s rough terrain.

How far is Boca Keto from the cruise port?

• Distance: ~18 km (11 miles)
• Driving time: 35–40 minutes (plus extra time for hiking if parking before the rough road)
• Taxi fare: Around $35–45 USD one way

From the airport (Queen Beatrix International Airport, AUA)

From the airport, head southeast on Route 1 toward Santa Lucia and the Arikok National Park entrance. A rental car is the easiest option, ideally a 4x4 if you want to drive closer to the beach.

How far is Boca Keto from the airport?

• Distance: ~17 km (10.5 miles)
• Driving time: 30–35 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $30–40 USD one way

From Palm and Eagle Beach

If you’re staying on the hotel strip, getting to Boca Keto requires crossing the island. Follow Route 1 south through Oranjestad, then continue inland toward Santa Lucia and into Arikok.

How far is Boca Keto from Palm and Eagle Beach?

• Distance: ~22 km (13.5 miles)
• Driving time: 40–45 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $40–50 USD one way

From Oranjestad

From downtown Oranjestad, it’s a straightforward drive southeast toward Santa Lucia, then into Arikok National Park. Expect rougher conditions for the final stretch.

How far is Boca Keto from Oranjestad?

• Distance: ~18 km (11 miles)
• Driving time: 35–40 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $35–45 USD one way

From San Nicolás

San Nicolás is the closest town to Boca Keto. From here, you’ll drive north toward Santa Lucia and then follow the trails into Arikok.

How far is Boca Keto from San Nicolás?

• Distance: ~10 km (6 miles)
• Driving time: 20–25 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $20–25 USD one way

Taxi to Boca Keto

It’s easy to find taxis at most major locations like Oranjestad, Palm Beach, and the airport. However, because Boca Keto is inside Arikok National Park on rough roads, not every driver will take you all the way in. If you do arrange a taxi, plan a return pickup in advance.

Approximate taxi fare to Boca Keto

• From Palm/Eagle Beach to Boca Keto: $40–50 USD
• From Oranjestad to Boca Keto: $35–45 USD
• From San Nicolás to Boca Keto: $20–25 USD
• From the airport to Boca Keto: $30–40 USD

Public transport to Boca Keto

There is no direct public bus service into Arikok National Park. The closest you can get by bus is to San Nicolás, from where you’d need a taxi or guided tour to reach Boca Keto. Check the most up-to-date Arubus routes and bus schedules.

Driving to Boca Keto by rental car

A rental car is the best way to visit Boca Keto, giving you freedom to explore multiple spots in Arikok. A 4x4 is strongly recommended if you want to drive the last stretch to the beach. Otherwise, you can park before the rough section and hike the rest.

Parking

There is a small, unpaved area where visitors can leave their vehicles near the start of the trail. Space is limited, and conditions depend on recent weather.

Hiking to Boca Keto

One of the most rewarding ways to reach Boca Keto Beach is on foot through Arikok National Park. Arriving at Boca Keto on foot feels like discovering a hidden beach at the end of the world, with the massive “Little Aruba” rock formation greeting you as you come down the trail.

The shortest hiking route to Boca Keto starts near Daimari Ranch, winding along dusty trails and rocky coastline before descending toward the sand. It's only a 15-minute hike.

You can also hike from Santa Cruz to the Natural Pool first, and then to Boca Keto. It's more like a 45-minute hike, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes, because there’s little shade along the way.

Boca Keto is one of the wildest beaches in Aruba, set inside Arikok National Park and marked by crashing waves, rugged cliffs, and the striking offshore rock “Little Aruba.” It’s not for swimming, but perfect if you’re into hiking, photography, and quiet coastal scenery. I’d recommend it to travelers who love raw nature and solitude, not resort-style comforts.