Grapefield Beach
Aruba

Overview

Grapefield Beach is a long, undeveloped stretch of white sand that feels worlds apart from the busy resort strip. Located just past Boca Grandi and close to San Nicolás, it’s a beach that few tourists ever reach.

The first time I walked here, it felt a little unreal. Scattered along the sand are abandoned beach shacks, weathered by sun and wind, which give the area a ghost-town vibe. At the far end, there’s even a small cluster of buildings that looks like a forgotten fishing village, completely empty except for two stray dogs that chased me around. It’s eerie, yet fascinating — a side of Aruba most visitors never see.

There are no facilities, no restaurants, and no crowds at Grapefield Beach. The surf is usually too rough for swimming, but the scenery makes it worth the trip if you enjoy photography, exploring unusual places, or just experiencing a quieter side of the island.

Best time to visit Grapefield Beach

• Time of day: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures.
• Season: Year-round, but the dry season (January–August) makes access easier since the dirt road can get muddy in heavy rain.
• Weekdays vs. weekends: It is always empty.
• Weather-wise: Expect strong trade winds — bring a hat and be ready for blowing sand.

Tips for visiting Grapefield Beach

• Bring all your own supplies — there are no facilities, shops, or restaurants.
• Wear sturdy shoes if you want to explore the dunes and abandoned shacks.
• The surf is rough — stick to walking the shoreline, not swimming.
• If you come without a car, arrange your return in advance.
• Keep an eye out for stray dogs; most are harmless but best to stay cautious.

What to bring to Grapefield Beach

• Plenty of drinking water.
• Snacks or a picnic.
• Sunscreen and a hat for the wind and sun.
• Camera for the eerie scenery.
• Sturdy sandals or shoes if exploring the dunes.

You won’t find swimming or sun-lounging here, but Grapefield Beach Aruba offers plenty for those who love unusual landscapes and hidden corners of the island. It’s one of the most secluded beaches in Aruba, making it ideal for photography, coastal walks, and pairing with nearby San Nicolás attractions.

Walk the shoreline and photograph the abandoned shacks

Scattered along the sand, these weathered huts give Grapefield its eerie reputation as one of Aruba’s most off-the-beaten-path beaches. Add the windswept dunes and crashing surf, and it becomes a fantastic setting for dramatic photos.

Watch kitesurfers at Boca Grandi

Just south of Grapefield lies Boca Grandi Beach, a world-class kitesurfing spot. The surf is too rough for swimming, but watching skilled kiters ride the waves is unforgettable. For lessons, beginners should head instead to Hadicurari on the west coast.

Climb the dunes and explore the coast

Behind the beach, rolling dunes rise above the shoreline. A short hike rewards you with sweeping views of the wild southeast coast. It’s an easy walk, but sturdy sandals help on the hot sand.

Stop at the Red Anchor in Seroe Colorado

Minutes away stands the massive Red Anchor monument, one of Aruba’s most famous photo stops. Placed in honor of lost seafarers, it’s a must-see on any trip down this part of the island.

Pair your visit with San Nicolás

Known for its vibrant street art murals, San Nicolás is a cultural highlight just a short drive away. I often spend an hour exploring its colorful streets before heading to Grapefield for a total contrast — art and life followed by eerie coastal solitude.

Learn the story behind the shacks

The so-called “abandoned” huts are tied to Aruba’s Easter campamento tradition, when families camp along remote beaches. Many structures are left standing, giving Grapefield its ghostly look while reminding you of how locals stay connected to the sea.

Snorkeling at Grapefield Beach Aruba is possible but not advised. The southeast coast has strong currents, heavy trade winds, and rough surf that make swimming and snorkeling unsafe. Visibility is limited, and while you might glimpse reef fish or coral rubble, the conditions here aren’t ideal for snorkeling in Aruba.

For the best snorkeling in Aruba, choose calmer west coast beaches. Mangel Halto has shallow reefs, Tres Trapi is great for sea turtles, and Arashi Beach offers clear water and easy access. These spots provide safer conditions, better visibility, and snorkel gear rentals nearby — all far better options than Grapefield.

There are no restaurants, beach bars, or facilities at Grapefield Beach Aruba. This part of the southeast coast is completely undeveloped, which is part of its eerie charm but also means you’ll need to bring your own food and drinks.

The closest options are in San Nicolás, about a 15-minute drive away, where you’ll find local eateries, cafés, and small bars. If you want a beachside meal after exploring Grapefield, it’s best to plan your visit together with Baby Beach or Rodger’s Beach, both of which have casual dining spots nearby.

Accommodation is scarce on Aruba’s southeast coast, especially when it comes to hotels at Grapefield Beach. There is, however, one guesthouse right by Grapefield Beach.

The Wild Side Aruba – Caribbean Nature - & Kitesurf Cabanas

This rustic eco-lodge sits beside the dunes, making it the closest stay to Grapefield Beach Aruba. It’s simple and nature-focused, ideal for travelers who want sunrise views, direct beach access, and easy reach to Boca Grandi’s kitesurf scene.

Where to stay near Grapefield Beach by travel type

• Adventurous couples & nature lovers: The Wild Side Aruba – Caribbean Nature- & Kitesurf Cabanas
• Everyone else: Stay on the west coast (Eagle, Palm, Oranjestad) and visit Grapefield as a day trip

My take: The Wild Side is great if you enjoy rustic charm and solitude, but comfort-seekers are better off basing elsewhere.

Grapefield Beach is located on Aruba’s southeastern coast, past Boca Grandi and close to San Nicolás. The road here is partly unpaved, so while a regular car can usually make it, a vehicle with higher clearance is more comfortable. There are no bus routes to the beach, so the best way is by rental car or taxi.

From Palm and Eagle Beach

From the hotel strip, drive south through Oranjestad and continue toward San Nicolás. Follow the coastal road past Boca Grandi until you reach the dunes and Grapefield.

How far is Grapefield Beach from Palm and Eagle Beach?

• Distance: ~28 km (17 miles)
• Driving time: 35–40 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $40–50 USD

From Oranjestad

Head southeast on Route 1 toward San Nicolás. Once in town, follow signs toward Boca Grandi and continue a few minutes further to Grapefield.

How far is Grapefield Beach from Oranjestad?

• Distance: ~23 km (14 miles)
• Driving time: 30–35 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $35–40 USD

From San Nicolás

From downtown San Nicolás, drive east toward Boca Grandi and continue along the dunes until you reach Grapefield.

How far is Grapefield Beach from San Nicolás?

• Distance: ~6 km (3.7 miles)
• Driving time: 10 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $10–15 USD

Taxi to Grapefield Beach

Taxis are easy to find in Oranjestad, the hotel area, and San Nicolás, but not at Grapefield itself. If you come by taxi, arrange your return pickup in advance.

Approximate taxi fare to Grapefield Beach

• From Palm/Eagle Beach to Grapefield Beach: $40–50 USD
• From Oranjestad to Grapefield Beach: $35–40 USD
• From San Nicolás to Grapefield Beach: $10–15 USD

Public transport to Grapefield Beach

There is no public bus service to Grapefield Beach. The closest buses stop in San Nicolás, from where you’d still need a taxi or rental car to reach the dunes. Always check the most up-to-date Arubus routes and bus schedules.

Driving to Grapefield Beach by rental car

A rental car is the easiest way to get here. The last stretch is a sandy road, so drive slowly; 4x4 isn’t essential, but a car with some clearance is recommended.

Parking

There’s plenty of space to park by Grapefield Beach, right next to the sand. It’s free and rarely crowded.

Grapefield Beach is one of the most unusual spots in Aruba. The mix of soft sand, crashing surf, empty dunes, and abandoned shacks gives it a ghostly, almost surreal atmosphere. It’s quiet, raw, and completely off the beaten path.

This isn’t a beach for swimming or families, but it’s a fascinating stop if you enjoy solitude, photography, or exploring hidden corners of the island. I’d only come here as part of a day trip around San Nicolás, Baby Beach, or Boca Grandi, but paired with those, it’s an experience you won’t forget.