Conch Shell Beach
Aruba

Overview

Conch Shell Beach Aruba is tucked away on the island’s northern tip, just past Arashi Beach and close to the California Lighthouse in Noord. Unlike the wide sandy stretches of Palm or Eagle Beach, this is an off-the-beaten-path shoreline where the sand is mixed with coral rock and thousands of shells. On most days, it’s just you, the crash of the waves, and pelicans gliding above the surf.

This isn’t a swimming beach — the ground is rocky, and there are no facilities — but it’s perfect for a short stop to admire the shells, snap photos, and enjoy the solitude. Early mornings give soft light for photos, while sunsets bring fiery skies.

Traveler's tip: Leave the shells where they are. Aruba has strict rules about taking natural items off the island.

Best time to visit Conch Shell Beach Aruba

• Time of day: Early morning for soft light and cooler temperatures; late afternoon for sunsets and fewer people.
• Season: Year-round, but the dry season (January–September) makes the dirt road easier to drive.
• Weekdays or weekend: Weekdays are usually emptier, though it’s never crowded compared to resort beaches.
• Weather-wise: Avoid very windy days when sand and salt spray can make it uncomfortable.

Tips for visiting Conch Shell Beach Aruba

• Don’t expect facilities — there are no restrooms, shade, or shops.
• Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore or hike the Westpunt trail.
• Keep an eye out for pelicans and seabirds — they’re common here.
• Combine your visit with nearby Arashi Beach or the California Lighthouse.
• Leave the shells where they are — it’s illegal to take them from Aruba.

What to bring to Conch Shell Beach Aruba

• Water and snacks
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Camera or phone for photos
• Comfortable shoes for walking or hiking
• A light towel or mat if you want to sit and relax

Even though Conch Shell Beach isn’t a place for swimming or lounging under a palapa, there are a few simple experiences and activities that make the stop worthwhile.

Shell spotting & beachcombing

Conch Shell Beach is one of the most unique spots for beachcombing in Aruba, and the best part is how peaceful it is compared to the resort strip. Walking along the shore here feels like a natural treasure hunt, with pieces of coral and conch shells scattered everywhere.

Pelican watching & wildlife viewing

This is also a great place for bird watching in Aruba. A colony of pelicans fishes right offshore, gliding over the waves and diving dramatically into the water. On a quiet afternoon, you might also see seabirds riding the wind along the cliffs.

Photography

The shells, waves, and wide-open skies make this a natural backdrop for photos. Early mornings and sunsets are especially dramatic.

Hiking the Westpunt trail

Conch Shell Beach marks the starting point of the Westpunt trail, a relatively easy and scenic hike. You can discover Aruba’s wild north coast — from limestone cliffs and blowholes to panoramic ocean views. Leave early morning, around 6-7 AM, the trek takes about 2 hours.

Visit California Lighthouse

Since you’re already nearby, it’s worth driving up to the California Lighthouse, one of the most popular photography spots in Aruba. From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of Aruba’s northwestern coast — a great pairing with the raw, natural feel of Conch Shell Beach.

Quiet escape

With no crowds, music, or loungers, Conch Shell Beach is the opposite of Aruba’s resort strip — just peace, sea breeze, and open space. For travelers who love quiet beaches in Aruba, this is the perfect stop.

Conch Shell Beach isn’t ideal for snorkeling. The shoreline is rocky, waves can be rough, and there’s no easy entry into the water. Strong currents are common along Aruba’s north coast, so it’s best to avoid swimming at Conch Shell Beach altogether.

Where to snorkel: The best snorkeling spots near Conch Shell Beach Aruba

The real snorkeling action is just minutes south:

• Arashi Beach – Sandy entry, gentle waves, and coral patches close to shore. It’s one of the easiest spots for beginners and families.
• Boca Catalina – Famous for calm, shallow water and colorful reef fish. It’s also one of the best places to spot sea turtles while snorkeling in Aruba.
• Malmok Beach – A rocky cove with plenty of fish, just before Boca Catalina. Bring water shoes here for easier entry.

There are no restaurants or bars directly on Conch Shell Beach — it’s completely undeveloped. For food and drinks, you’ll need to head just a few minutes south toward Arashi Beach or the California Lighthouse. These are the closest options:

Faro Blanco Restaurant

Perched next to the California Lighthouse, Faro Blanco is one of Aruba’s most scenic dining spots. It serves Italian and seafood dishes with sweeping ocean views, making it especially popular at sunset. If you’re visiting Conch Shell Beach late in the day, this is the perfect place to wrap up your outing.

Arashi Beach Shack

Located right on Arashi Beach, this laid-back shack is all about casual bites and cold drinks. Think burgers, fish sandwiches, and a Balashi beer with your toes in the sand. It’s the easiest and most relaxed dining stop near Conch Shell Beach.

There are no hotels or villas directly on Conch Shell Beach — the area is too rugged and undeveloped for large resorts. The closest places to stay are small villas near Arashi Beach and apartments by Boca Catalina, just a few minutes away. These accommodations give you a quieter base while still keeping you close to the sand and some of the island’s best snorkeling.

Arashi Sunsets Villa

Located steps from Arashi Beach and only a short drive to Conch Shell Beach, this private villa has ocean views, a pool, and multiple bedrooms. It’s a great choice for families or groups who want space, privacy, and easy beach access.

Catalina Cove Condos

Set near Boca Catalina, these self-catering condos are simple but comfortable, with kitchens and terraces. The location is perfect if you plan to spend most of your time snorkeling and exploring Aruba’s northern coastline.

Beachfront Villa Aruba

Overlooking Boca Catalina, this luxury vacation rental combines modern design with a private terrace and panoramic sea views. Ideal for upscale travelers looking for a tranquil stay close to the water.

Budget tip: Noord guesthouses

If private villas aren’t in your budget, small guesthouses and Airbnbs in Noord (about 10 minutes away) are affordable and still much closer to Conch Shell Beach than the high-rise hotels on Palm Beach.

Where to stay near Conch Shell Beach by travel type:

• Families & groups: Arashi Sunsets Villa
• Snorkel lovers: Catalina Cove Condos
• Luxury travelers: Beachfront Villa Aruba
• Budget travelers: Noord guesthouses & Airbnbs

Conch Shell Beach is located on Aruba’s northern tip, just past Arashi Beach and close to the California Lighthouse. It feels remote, but it’s still easy to reach by car or taxi from the main resort areas. Here’s how to get there from different parts of the island:

From the cruise port (Port of Oranjestad)

Cruise passengers can reach Conch Shell Beach by renting a car at the port or taking a taxi. The drive follows L.G. Smith Boulevard north through Palm and Eagle Beach, continues past Arashi Beach, and ends at a sandy track that leads to the shore.

How far is Conch Shell Beach from the cruise port?

• Distance: ~21 km (13 miles)
• Driving time: 25–30 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $25–30 USD one way

From the airport (Queen Beatrix International Airport, AUA)

From the airport, head west into Oranjestad and continue north along L.G. Smith Boulevard through Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. Drive past Arashi, then turn off at the sandy road that leads directly to Conch Shell Beach. Rental cars are available at the airport, and taxis line up outside arrivals.

How far is Conch Shell Beach from the airport?

• Distance: ~24 km (15 miles)
• Driving time: 30–35 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $35–40 USD one way

From Palm and Eagle Beach

If you’re staying on the hotel strip, Conch Shell Beach is a quick trip to Aruba’s quieter side. Drive north through Noord and continue past Arashi Beach until you see the dirt track to the shoreline. Taxis are available from most resorts, but a rental car gives you flexibility if you want to combine it with other north coast stops.

How far is Conch Shell Beach from Palm and Eagle Beach?

• Distance: ~6 km (4 miles)
• Driving time: 10–15 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $15–20 USD one way from Palm Beach, $20–25 from Eagle Beach

From Oranjestad

Driving from downtown Oranjestad is straightforward: take L.G. Smith Boulevard north past Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, and Arashi, then follow the sandy track to the shore. Taxis are easy to find in the city center, but agree on the fare before leaving.

How far is Conch Shell Beach from Oranjestad?

• Distance: ~13 km (8 miles)
• Driving time: 20–25 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $25–30 USD one way

From San Nicolás (Baby Beach)

Conch Shell Beach is on the opposite end of the island from San Nicolás. From Baby Beach, drive west through town, then take Route 1 north through Savaneta, Oranjestad, and Palm Beach before heading up toward Arashi. It’s a longer drive, but you’ll see a good stretch of the island.

How far is Conch Shell Beach from San Nicolás?

• Distance: ~45 km (28 miles)
• Driving time: 50–55 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $50–55 USD one way

Taxi to Conch Shell Beach

Taxis are available at all major resorts, the cruise port, and the airport. Since the beach is undeveloped and has no official drop-off point, it’s best to agree on a pickup time with your driver.

Approximate taxi fare to Conch Shell Beach:

• From Palm Beach to Conch Shell Beach: $15–20
• From Eagle Beach to Conch Shell Beach: $20–25
• From Oranjestad cruise port to Conch Shell Beach: $25–30
• From AUA Airport to Conch Shell Beach: $35–40
• From San Nicolás to Conch Shell Beach: $50–55

Public transport to Conch Shell Beach

There is no direct public bus to Conch Shell Beach. The closest stop is at Arashi Beach, about a 15-minute walk away. Buses run infrequently, so taxis or rental cars are more reliable. Always check the most up-to-date Arubus routes and bus schedules.

Driving to Conch Shell Beach by rental car

Driving is the easiest option with simple directions to Conch Shell Beach. Follow L.G. Smith Boulevard north past Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, and Arashi Beach. A sandy track leads directly to the shore. A standard car is fine, though the last stretch is a bit bumpy.

Parking

There’s free roadside parking at Conch Shell Beach. Since there are no attendants, don’t leave valuables in your vehicle.

Conch Shell Beach is one of Aruba’s most unusual spots. Not for swimming or sunbathing, but for its thousands of shells, pelican sightings, and rugged beauty.

With no hotels, restaurants, or facilities directly on-site, this off-the-beaten-path beach is best as a short stop paired with nearby highlights like Arashi Beach, Boca Catalina, and the California Lighthouse. Bring water, sunscreen, and a camera, and enjoy the quiet side of the island.