Juanita Beach
Aruba

Juanita Beach is one of those hidden coastal spots that most travelers only stumble upon by accident. Tucked between Palm Beach and Eagle Beach, it feels like a little safe haven from the crowds.

This little cove is best known for its peaceful vibe, calm waters, and soft sunsets, making it a favorite for locals who want to avoid the crowds. If you’re looking for a quiet, lesser-known beach in Aruba, Juanita is worth adding to your itinerary.

Best time to visit Juanita Beach

• Time of day: Early morning for solitude, late afternoon for the best sunset colors.
• Season: Dry season (January–August) offers calmer seas and sunnier skies.
• Weekdays or weekend: Weekdays are quieter; weekends may bring more locals.
• Weather-wise: Trade winds provide natural cooling, but bring a hat and sunscreen year-round.

Tips for visiting Juanita Beach

• Arrive early if you want the beach to yourself.
• Bring your own drinks and snacks — there are no food stands nearby.
• The shore is a mix of sand and rocks, so water shoes can be helpful.
• Great spot for a peaceful picnic or quiet reading time.

What to bring to Juanita Beach

• Sunscreen and a wide-brim hat.
• Drinks and snacks.
• Snorkel gear if you want to explore the water.

Juanita Beach does not have the same long list of water sports and bars as the bigger resort beaches. The vibe here is simple and local, which makes the activities feel more authentic. If you’re wondering what to do at Juanita Beach, here are the highlights.

Relaxing and swimming

The main draw of Juanita Beach is how calm and peaceful it feels. The water is usually gentle, making it a good spot for a quiet swim. It’s not the most polished stretch of sand, but if you bring a towel and set up under the trees, it’s a great place to unwind away from the busier parts of Aruba.

Sunset watching

Locals often recommend Juanita Beach for its sunset views, and I can see why. The beach faces west, so you get those golden skies dipping into the horizon. Bring a camera, a couple of drinks, and you’ll have one of the most memorable evenings of your trip without spending a dime.

Beach walk toward Eagle Beach

The shoreline at Juanita itself is quite small, but if you stroll south toward Eagle Beach, you’ll find a more dramatic coastal scene. Along this stretch, the waves crash into the limestone cliffs, shooting up into little geysers as the water forces its way through holes in the rock.

I wouldn’t come to Juanita Beach for snorkeling. There’s simply nothing special to see, and the conditions around the cliffs are more dangerous than rewarding. If snorkeling is on your Aruba bucket list, head to Boca Catalina, Tres Trapi, or Mangel Halto instead. Juanita is better for swimming, relaxing, and watching sunsets.

There are no food or drink options directly on Juanita Beach itself — not even a small snack hut. If you plan to spend a few hours here, bring your own cooler with water and snacks. Luckily, some excellent dining spots are just a short drive or walk away.

Po-Ké Ono Azure

Set inside Azure Beach Residences, Po-Ké Ono offers fresh, modern poke bowls and Asian-inspired fusion dishes. It’s casual but stylish, making it a solid choice if you want something light and flavorful after a swim.

Pureocean Beachside Dining

Just down the coast at Divi Aruba Phoenix, Pureocean is exactly what it sounds like: tables set right in the sand. It’s a more upscale option with sunset views, known for fresh seafood and a romantic atmosphere.

Infini by Urvin Croes

For something special, Infini is one of Aruba’s top fine-dining experiences. Chef Urvin Croes offers an intimate tasting menu with creative takes on Caribbean flavors. It’s not casual beach food, but if you’re staying nearby it’s a memorable evening.

Diana’s Pancakes Place

If you’re in the mood for breakfast or a relaxed brunch, Diana’s Pancakes Place is a local favorite. Dutch-style pancakes come with both sweet and savory toppings, and it’s a fun way to fuel up before heading back to the beach.

Since Juanita Beach sits close to Eagle Beach and Noord, you’ll find a good mix of resorts, vacation rentals, and apartment-style stays nearby. Here are some of the best options within easy reach.

Blue Aruba Rentals

Blue Aruba Rentals manages several modern vacation apartments at Azure Beach Residences and Oceania, both within walking distance of Juanita Beach. These condos are ideal if you want the comfort of a home with resort-style pools and ocean views.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort

A newer addition near Eagle Beach, Embassy Suites by Hilton combines spacious suites with resort amenities. Families especially like the large pool, kid-friendly spaces, and easy access to the beach.

Blue Residence

Blue Residence is a luxury condominium complex with stylish units, infinity pools, and sweeping ocean views. It’s a quieter alternative to the big resorts while still being just a short walk from Juanita Beach.

Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort

Located right on Palm Beach but close enough to reach Juanita in minutes, Divi Phoenix offers a full-service resort experience. With multiple restaurants, pools, and direct beach access, it’s a good option if you want everything in one place.

Where to stay near Juanita Beach by travel type

• Families: Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort
• Couples & adults-only luxury: Blue Residence condos
• Modern style & infinity pool: Blue Aruba Rentals at Azure Beach Residences
• Full resort experience: Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort
• Budget travelers: Vacation rentals and Airbnbs in Noord

Juanita Beach sits in the Noord district, tucked between Eagle Beach and the Blue Residences complex. It’s easy to reach by car or taxi from the main tourist zones, though you won’t find official signage pointing directly to it. Think of it as a “local spot” rather than a landmark, so having a map app helps.

From the cruise port (Port of Oranjestad)

Cruise passengers can reach Juanita Beach in under 15 minutes. Taxis wait right outside the terminal, or you can rent a car if you want flexibility to explore other beaches afterward.

How far is Juanita Beach from the cruise port?

• Distance: ~7 km (4.3 miles)
• Driving time: 12–15 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $15–20 USD

From the airport (Queen Beatrix International Airport)

From Aruba’s airport, it’s a straightforward drive north along L.G. Smith Boulevard toward Eagle Beach. Taxis line up outside arrivals, and rental cars are easy to pick up if you plan on exploring beyond Juanita.

How far is Juanita Beach from the airport?

• Distance: ~9 km (5.5 miles)
• Driving time: 15–20 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $20–25 USD

From Palm Beach

Juanita Beach is just down the road from the Palm Beach hotel zone. A short drive or taxi ride south along L.G. Smith Boulevard brings you there in minutes.

How far is Juanita Beach from Palm Beach?

• Distance: ~3 km (1.8 miles)
• Driving time: 5 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $10–15 USD

From Eagle Beach

Since Juanita sits right by Eagle Beach, you can easily walk or drive between the two. Many people treat Juanita as an extension of Eagle Beach for a quieter vibe.

How far is Juanita Beach from Eagle Beach?

• Distance: <1 km (<0.5 miles)
• Walking/driving time: 2–3 minutes on foot or by car
• Taxi fare: $8–10 USD

From San Nicolás

If you’re staying in San Nicolás, Juanita Beach is on the opposite end of the island. It’s still a straightforward drive: head north along the main route past Oranjestad, then continue toward Eagle Beach.

How far is Juanita Beach from San Nicolás?

• Distance: ~27 km (16.7 miles)
• Driving time: 35–40 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $35–40 USD

Taxi to Juanita Beach

Taxis are easy to find at the cruise port, airport, and all major hotels. Returning from Juanita is usually simple, since it’s right by Eagle Beach, where taxis regularly pass by. Pre-booking isn’t necessary unless you’re visiting late at night.

Approximate taxi fare to Juanita Beach

• From Oranjestad cruise port to Juanita Beach: $15–20 USD
• From Palm Beach to Juanita Beach: $10–15 USD
• From San Nicolás to Juanita Beach: $35–40 USD

Public transport to Juanita Beach

Aruba’s public buses run regularly along L.G. Smith Boulevard between Oranjestad, Eagle Beach, and Palm Beach. You can take a bus toward Palm Beach, get off at Divi Phoenix, then walk a few minutes to reach Juanita. Always check the latest Arubus routes and bus schedules.

Driving to Juanita Beach by rental car

Driving is the easiest way to reach Juanita if you plan to beach-hop. The route is simple: follow L.G. Smith Boulevard north from Oranjestad, and you’ll see Blue Residences on your left just before Eagle Beach. Juanita is tucked in that area.

Parking

There’s free parking at Juanita Beach, but it's sort of limited.

Juanita Beach is a small, tucked-away spot that feels more like a neighborhood beach than a tourist attraction. There are no facilities, no crowds, and not much in the way of snorkeling, but that’s exactly the charm. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a quiet place to swim, relax, or watch the sunset without the bustle of the bigger beaches. It’s also easy to combine with nearby Eagle Beach for a full day out, making Juanita a nice little side stop on any Aruba trip.