Shark Bay Beach
Aruba

Shark Bay Beach is a medium-sized cove on Aruba’s northeast coast, located just next to Andicuri Beach. Despite the name, there are no sharks — the beach is simply another raw and undeveloped stretch of coast. There’s no swimming, no snorkeling, and no facilities here, but its size and rugged setting make it a point of interest if you’re already hiking around the Natural Bridge or Andicuri Beach. On its own, it’s not worth a trip.

Best time to visit Shark Bay Beach

• Time of day: Morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh midday sun.
• Season: Same year-round — dry and windy.
• Weekdays or weekend: Always quiet, rarely visited.
• Weather-wise: Hot, windy, and exposed.

Tips for visiting Shark Bay Beach

• Don’t plan on swimming or snorkeling.
• Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.
• Wear sturdy shoes if hiking between Natural Bridge and Andicuri.
• Use it as a stop along the trail, not as a destination.

What to bring to Shark Bay Beach

• Water and snacks.
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen).
• Comfortable shoes for hiking.
• Camera for photos of the rugged coastline.

There’s nothing organized to do at Shark Bay Beach itself, but its location makes it easy to combine with other stops nearby. Most people see it as part of a hike or 4x4 trip along Aruba’s northeast coast.

Hiking along the coast

Shark Bay Beach is best visited on foot while exploring the rugged coastline. Trails connect it with Andicuri Beach and the Natural Bridge, making it a nice stop on a longer coastal hike.

Photography of rugged scenery

The wide beach and crashing waves make for striking photos. Its dramatic cliffs and raw landscape are a reminder of Aruba’s wild side, far removed from the hotel strip.

Andicuri Beach

Just next door, Andicuri Beach is larger, sandier, and far more scenic. It’s not safe for swimming either, but it’s a popular spot for bodyboarding and photography. Most visitors pair Shark Bay Beach with Andicuri since they’re right beside each other.

Natural Bridge

A short distance away lies the famous Natural Bridge site. While the original bridge collapsed in 2005, the ruins and the nearby Baby Bridge are still among the most visited landmarks on Aruba’s rugged coast.

Snorkeling is not possible at Shark Bay Beach. The waves are too strong, the water is rough, and the rocky bottom makes it unsafe to enter. There are no reefs or coral formations here, so even if conditions were calm, there wouldn’t be much to see underwater.

For real snorkeling in Aruba, head to the island’s west coast. Beaches like Malmok, Tres Trapi, and Boca Catalina offer calm turquoise water, shallow reefs, and plenty of tropical fish, making them some of the best snorkeling spots on the island.

There are no restaurants, bars, or shops at Shark Bay Beach. If you plan to stop here, make sure to bring your own food and drinks. The only nearby option is a small roadside spot close to the Natural Bridge.

Thirst-Aid Station (by the Natural Bridge)

A laid-back snack shack next to the collapsed Natural Bridge, just a few minutes from Shark Bay Beach. It’s a convenient place to grab a cold drink or a quick bite before continuing your drive along the northeast coast.

There are no hotels or resorts at Shark Bay Beach — it’s a remote and undeveloped part of Aruba’s northeast coast. The nearest accommodations are small villas and guesthouses located inland in neighborhoods like Santa Lucia, Tamarijn, and Ayo, about a 20–25 minute drive from the beach. These provide a quiet base close to the island’s rugged attractions while still being within reach of Oranjestad and the hotel strip.

Shark Bay Beach is located on Aruba’s northeast coast, just beside Andicuri Beach and close to the Natural Bridge. It’s a remote area with no public transport, so the easiest way to visit is with a rental car or as part of a guided jeep/UTV tour.

From the cruise port (Port of Oranjestad)

Cruise passengers usually see Shark Bay Beach as part of a half-day jeep or UTV excursion that also includes Andicuri Beach and the Natural Bridge. Taxis generally stop at the Natural Bridge parking lot, from where you’d need to continue on foot.

How far is Shark Bay Beach from the cruise port?

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

From the airport (Queen Beatrix International Airport, AUA)

From the airport, head east toward Santa Cruz and follow the signs for the Natural Bridge. The last part of the road is a dirt track, but manageable in a compact car if you drive carefully.

How far is Shark Bay Beach from the airport?

• Distance: ~16 km (10 miles)
• Driving time: 20–25 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $25–30 USD one way (drop-off near Natural Bridge)

From Palm and Eagle Beach

If you’re based at the hotel strip, drive south through Oranjestad, then head inland toward Santa Cruz. Follow the signs for the Natural Bridge, then continue on the dirt road to Shark Bay Beach.

How far is Shark Bay Beach from Palm & Eagle Beach?

• Distance: ~17–19 km (10–12 miles)
• Driving time: 25–30 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $20–25 USD one way (drop-off near Natural Bridge)

From Savaneta

From Savaneta, drive north through Pos Chiquito toward Santa Cruz, then take the road toward the Natural Bridge before continuing on the dirt track to Shark Bay Beach.

How far is Shark Bay Beach from Savaneta?

• Distance: ~18 km (11 miles)
• Driving time: ~25 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $25–30 USD one way (drop-off near Natural Bridge)

From San Nicolás

From San Nicolás, drive west on Route 1 toward Santa Cruz, then turn north near the Ayo Rock Formations and follow the road to the Natural Bridge before continuing on to Shark Bay Beach.

How far is Shark Bay Beach from San Nicolás?

• Distance: ~22 km (14 miles)
• Driving time: ~30 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $25–30 USD one way (drop-off near Natural Bridge)

Taxi to Shark Bay Beach

Taxis in Aruba don’t usually drive directly to Shark Bay Beach because of the dirt road. They will drop you at the Natural Bridge, from where you’ll need to walk.

Approximate taxi fare to Shark Bay Beach

• From Oranjestad (cruise port): $20–25
• From Palm & Eagle Beach: $20–25
• From Savaneta: $25–30
• From San Nicolás: $25–30
• From Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA): $25–30

Public transport to Shark Bay Beach

There is no public bus service to Shark Bay Beach. You can only reach it by rental car, taxi (drop-off at the Natural Bridge), or on a guided jeep/UTV tour.

Driving to Shark Bay Beach by rental car

A rental car is the most flexible way to visit. From Santa Cruz, follow Route 6 past the Ayo Rock Formations and continue to the Natural Bridge. From there, a dirt track leads to Shark Bay Beach. You don’t need a 4x4, but the road is rough, so take it slowly.

Parking

Parking at Shark Bay Beach is unmarked but simple. You can leave your car along the sandy track or near the cliffs above the beach. It’s rarely crowded, so finding space is not a problem.

Shark Bay Beach Aruba is a rugged cove on the northeast coast, sitting right next to Andicuri Beach. With no swimming, no snorkeling, and no facilities, it isn’t a beach to spend much time at. Its real value is as part of a coastal hike or 4x4 trip that includes the Natural Bridge and Andicuri Beach, since the area is full of dramatic scenery and landmarks. On its own, Shark Bay Beach isn’t worth the trip, but as part of an off-road adventure it makes for a quick and scenic stop.