Pearl Cove
Aruba

Aruba's smallest beach

Pearl Cove is so small you could walk across it in just a few steps. It’s more of a curiosity than a destination, tucked away among limestone cliffs and rough surf. There’s no reason to plan a visit on its own, but if you’re exploring the northeast coast by jeep, it’s a fun spot to check off the list of Aruba’s hidden coves.

Best time to visit Pearl Cove

• Time of day: Mornings are cooler and best for exploring.
• Season: Same conditions year-round.
• Weekdays or weekend: Always empty.
• Weather-wise: Hot, windy, and exposed.

Tips for visiting Pearl Cove

• Don’t expect a usable beach — it’s more of a curiosity stop.
• Bring water and sun protection.
• Wear sturdy shoes for the rocks and dirt road.
• Stop only if you’re already nearby.

What to bring to Pearl Cove

• Water, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Camera for photos of Aruba’s smallest beach.

There’s not much to do at Pearl Cove, but the size and isolation make it different from Aruba’s main beaches. There are however a few cool things to do not too far from the beach.

Dip in the shallows

The water inside the cove is calm enough to splash your feet or cool off, but it’s not safe for swimming or snorkeling.

See Aruba’s smallest cove

Pearl Cove is the smallest beach of Aruba, which makes it more of a novelty stop than a destination.

Photography of the hidden spot

The sandy pocket framed by limestone cliffs makes for quick but unique photos, especially if you’re documenting Aruba’s off-the-beaten-path beaches.

Bushiribana ruins

Just a short drive from Pearl Cove, the historic Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins are one of the most popular stops on Aruba’s rugged coast. The crumbling stone structure is a striking contrast to the desert-like landscape and makes a fun add-on to your off-road adventure.

Ostrich Farm

On the road toward the northeast coast you’ll find the Aruba Ostrich Farm, where visitors can see and feed ostriches up close. It’s a family-friendly stop and a quirky way to mix wildlife with a rugged coastline drive.

Horseback riding at the Gold Mine Ranch

For a more adventurous way to explore the northeast coast, horseback riding tours at the Gold Mine Ranch take you along beaches, dunes, and rocky trails in the same area as Pearl Cove. It’s a unique experience that combines Aruba’s history with dramatic landscapes.

Snorkeling is not possible at Pearl Cove. The cove is too small, shallow, and unprotected, with no reefs or marine life. Strong currents just beyond the cove make it unsafe.

For actual snorkeling, visit Aruba’s west coast beaches like Malmok, Tres Trapi, or Boca Catalina, which are some of the best spots on the island.

Pearl Cove has no restaurants, bars, or shops, so you’ll need to bring your own food and drinks. There is only one place nearby at the natural bridge where you can buy drinks and snacks.

Thirst-Aid Station

Thirst-Aid Station is a small, colorful shack-style bar set along the road leading toward Aruba’s northeast coast. It’s not a full-service restaurant, but it’s a fun place to grab a cold drink or a light snack while you’re off-roading in the area.

There are no hotels or resorts at Pearl Cove itself. The beach is too remote and undeveloped to support accommodations. The closest places to stay are inland in Noord, where you’ll find a mix of eco-lodges, small guesthouses, and budget-friendly apartments.

Koeriboeri Aruba Lodges

Koeriboeri Aruba Lodges is a rustic eco-retreat surrounded by nature. The lodges are simple yet comfortable, with an emphasis on peace and seclusion. It’s a good choice for families or groups who want to disconnect from the busy hotel strip and have easy access to Aruba’s rugged side.

The Rocks Residence

The Rocks Residence is a small, modern guesthouse in Noord. It offers comfortable apartments with a relaxed, homelike feel. Couples often prefer this option since it’s quiet, private, and close enough to both the northern beaches and inland attractions.

Palm Garden Apartments Aruba

Palm Garden Apartments Aruba is a practical, budget-friendly choice for travelers who want to stay independently. The self-catering apartments are simple but convenient, making it easy to keep costs low while still enjoying a base close to the island’s main attractions.

Where to stay near Pearl Cove by travel type:

• Families: Koeriboeri Aruba Lodges – space, seclusion, and a natural setting.
• Couples: The Rocks Residence – modern and private, ideal for two.
• Budget travelers: Palm Garden Apartments Aruba – affordable, self-catering option.

Pearl Cove itself is far too isolated to be a practical place to stay nearby. But if you want a quiet base in Noord while exploring the island by car, these options fit the bill. For most visitors, however, Palm Beach or Eagle Beach remain the best areas to stay.

Pearl Cove is the smallest cove on Aruba’s northeast coast, tucked right next to the Natural Bridge. The road leading here is unpaved but mild. You don’t need a 4x4 if you’re only visiting the Natural Bridge and nearby coves like Pearl and if you are coming from the Ayo district. A regular rental car will do the job if you drive slowly and carefully. However, if your plan is to continue exploring further down the northeast coast, certain stretches of the route require a true 4x4.

From the cruise port (Port of Oranjestad)

Cruise passengers generally visit Pearl Cove only if they’re already on a jeep or UTV excursion that includes the Natural Bridge. On your own, you can rent a car at the port or take a taxi to the Natural Bridge, then walk a few minutes to Pearl Cove.

How far is Pearl Cove from the cruise port?

• Distance: ~22 km (13.5 miles)
• Driving time: 35–40 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $20–25 USD one way (to the Natural Bridge)

From the airport (Queen Beatrix International Airport, AUA)

From the airport, drive east through Oranjestad and Santa Cruz, then follow signs for the Natural Bridge. The last stretch is a dirt road, but manageable in a regular car if you take it slow.

How far is Pearl Cove from the airport?

• Distance: ~21 km (13 miles)
• Driving time: 30–35 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $25–30 USD one way (to the Natural Bridge)

From Palm Beach and Eagle Beach

From the hotel strip, drive south through Oranjestad, then head inland toward Santa Cruz. Follow the road toward the Natural Bridge, and from there it’s just a short walk to Pearl Cove.

How far is Pearl Cove from Palm and Eagle Beach?

• Distance: ~18 km (11 miles)
• Driving time: 25–30 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $20–25 USD one way (to the Natural Bridge)

Taxi to Pearl Cove

Taxis won’t know Pearl Cove by name, so always tell them to take you to the Natural Bridge. From there, it’s an easy walk. Always pre-arrange a taxi for your return trip as they don't wait around the Natural Bridge.

Public transport to Pearl Cove

There is no public transport serving Pearl Cove.

Driving to Pearl Cove by rental car

Driving is the easiest way to reach Pearl Cove. A regular car works fine if you’re only heading to the Natural Bridge and nearby coves, but a 4x4 is necessary if you want to continue driving further along the northeast coast.

Parking

You can leave your car anywhere near Pearl Cove. There is no official parking directly at the beach just a sandy patch.

Pearl Cove is Aruba’s smallest beach — a tiny sandy pocket hidden on the northeast coast. With no facilities, no shade, and unsafe waters, it’s not a place to spend the day. Still, its size makes it a curiosity stop for adventurous travelers exploring Aruba’s wild northeast by jeep. I’d only recommend it for those who want to see every hidden corner of the island or take a quick photo at Aruba’s smallest cove.