Surfers Beach
Aruba

Overview

Unlike Aruba’s postcard-perfect shores, Surfers Beach (Plastic Beach) is rugged, wave-battered, and often littered with debris washed in from the open sea. It’s not a place for swimming or sunbathing — strong currents and big waves make it unsafe — but it does leave an impression.

till, Surfers Beach has one redeeming quality. From here, you can step onto the Seroe Colorado oceanic plateau and walk south along the coastline for some of the most dramatic sea views in Aruba. It’s not a beach to spend the day at, but more of a raw reminder of nature’s power and fragility.

Best time to visit Surfers Beach

• Morning: Cooler temperatures make the coastal walk more pleasant.
• Season: Year-round conditions are rough; expect stronger surf in winter.
• Weekdays vs weekends: Rarely crowded at any time.
• Weather-wise: Avoid very windy afternoons, when waves and debris get worse.

Tips for visiting Surfers Beach

• Don’t plan to swim or snorkel here.
• Wear sturdy shoes if exploring the plateau.
• Bring plenty of water—there are no shops or facilities nearby.
• Come for dramatic photos and coastal views, not a beach day.

What to bring to Surfers Beach

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Camera or phone for photos
• Water and light snacks

Truth is, there aren’t many things to do at Surfers Beach itself. It’s not the kind of place where you’ll spend a full day relaxing — the waves are rough, the sand is often covered in debris, and there are no facilities. Still, if you’re exploring Aruba’s wild southeast coast, it’s worth a short stop for a few unique experiences.

Beachcombing for washed-up finds

The strong east coast currents push all kinds of debris onto Surfers Beach. You’ll see driftwood, fishing buoys, seaweed, and sometimes odd items carried in by the tide. It’s not a clean beach by any means, but if you enjoy poking around for unusual “treasures,” it can be an interesting walk.

Photography & dramatic coastal views

The raw, windswept setting gives Surfers Beach a moody beauty. Crashing waves, empty shoreline, and the feeling of isolation make it a great spot for atmospheric photos. Sunrise and late afternoon light bring out the drama of the coastline.

Walk the Seroe Colorado oceanic plateau

The best reason to come here is to head south along the Seroe Colorado plateau, a flat, rocky stretch above the sea that offers some of the island’s most dramatic ocean views. The path eventually leads to a small natural bridge, carved by years of pounding surf. It’s an unforgettable walk that shows off Aruba’s wild side.

Snorkeling at Surfers Beach Aruba is not advised. The surf on this part of the southeast coast is powerful, the currents are dangerous, and the water is often clouded by seaweed and debris pushed in from the open ocean. Unlike the sheltered lagoons and calm reefs on Aruba’s south and west coasts, there is no safe entry point here for snorkeling.

Because of the constant waves, you won’t find the colorful coral or tropical fish that Aruba is famous for. If snorkeling is on your list, head instead to Baby Beach, Mangel Halto, or Arashi Beach, where calm, protected waters make it easy to spot marine life.

There are no bars, restaurants, or even kiosks at Surfers Beach — not a single place to grab food or water. If you’re hungry, you’ll need to drive, with the nearest options found around Baby Beach and Seroe Colorado, about 10–15 minutes away.

• Rum Reef – A relaxed bar and grill overlooking Baby Beach, popular for seafood, burgers, and cold drinks with a sweeping ocean view.
• Big Mama Grill – Another Baby Beach favorite, serving big plates of ribs, chicken, and fish in a casual, open-air setting.
• Kamini’s Kitchen – In Lago Heights near San Nicolás, this family-run spot is beloved for its flavorful Indian-Caribbean home cooking.

If you plan to stop at Surfers Beach, bring your own water and snacks. Otherwise, wait until you’re back at Baby Beach or San Nicolás for a proper meal.

There are no accommodations directly at Surfers Beach. The area is completely undeveloped — no hotels, no villas, and no services at all, just sand, rocks, and wind. If you want to stay nearby, your best options are in San Nicolás or around Baby Beach, a short drive north.

Secrets Baby Beach

The closest resort to Surfers Beach is Secrets Baby Beach, a new adults-only all-inclusive located right on Baby Beach. It’s about 10–15 minutes away and offers the full package: pools, multiple restaurants, and direct access to one of Aruba’s calmest lagoons.

Jermal Vacation Home

For something more low-key, Jermal Vacation Home in San Nicolás is a basic vacation rental. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s convenient if you want to explore the beaches on this side of the island without driving back and forth to the hotel zone every day.

Where to stay near Surfers Beach by travel type

Couples & adults-only luxury: Secrets Baby Beach

• Budget travelers & long stays: Jermal Vacation Home or other San Nicolás rentals
• Families: Better off staying in Savaneta or Oranjestad for more options and amenities

From my perspective, I wouldn’t stay right by Surfers Beach itself — there’s simply nothing around. If you want peace and seclusion, Secrets Baby Beach is the only real option. Otherwise, I’d base myself on the west coast and just make a short side trip here.

Surfers Beach is located on Aruba’s far southeast coast, just beyond Bachelor’s Beach. To get there, you pass the large Red Anchor monument and follow a short unpaved track down to the shore. Because it’s so remote, the easiest way to visit is by rental car. Taxis usually stop at the Red Anchor rather than driving all the way down to the beach, and there is no public transport that goes directly here.

From the cruise port (Port of Oranjestad)

Cruise visitors can reach Surfers Beach by taxi or rental car. Tours rarely include this area, so renting a car offers the most flexibility. Keep in mind most taxis will only drop you near the Red Anchor, not down the dirt path.

How far is Surfers Beach from the cruise port?

• Distance: ~34 km (21 miles)
• Driving time: 40–45 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $40–45 USD one way (to the Red Anchor)

From the airport (Queen Beatrix International Airport, AUA)

From the airport, follow Route 1 south through Savaneta and continue east into San Nicolás. Once you reach the Red Anchor, turn onto the dirt road that leads to the coast.

How far is Surfers Beach from the airport?

• Distance: ~20 km (12.5 miles)
• Driving time: 25–30 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $30–35 USD one way (to the Red Anchor)

From Palm and Eagle Beach

If you’re based in the resort zone, take L.G. Smith Boulevard south past the airport and through Savaneta until you reach San Nicolás. Continue toward the Red Anchor, then follow the unpaved track down to the beach.

How far is Surfers Beach from Palm & Eagle Beach?

• Distance: ~40 km (25 miles)
• Driving time: 40–45 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $45–50 USD one way (to the Red Anchor)

From Oranjestad

Driving from Aruba’s capital is simple: head south through Savaneta toward San Nicolás, then follow signs to the Red Anchor and turn off on the dirt road to Surfers Beach.

How far is Surfers Beach from Oranjestad?

• Distance: ~34 km (21 miles)
• Driving time: 35–40 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $40–45 USD one way (to the Red Anchor)

From San Nicolás

From the center of San Nicolás, follow the coastal road to the Red Anchor. Surfers Beach lies just beyond, down a short unpaved track.

How far is Surfers Beach from San Nicolás?

• Distance: ~4 km (2.5 miles)
• Driving time: 5–10 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $10–15 USD one way (to the Red Anchor)

Taxi to Surfers Beach

Taxis will usually drop off only at the Red Anchor, not directly at the beach. Since this area is isolated, always arrange your return pickup in advance — you won’t find taxis waiting here.

Approximate taxi fare to Surfers Beach

• From Port of Oranjestad (cruise terminal): $40–45
• From Queen Beatrix Airport: $30–35
• From Palm and Eagle Beach: $45–50
• From Oranjestad: $40–45
• From San Nicolás: $10–15

Public transport to Surfers Beach

There is no public bus service to Surfers Beach. The closest you can get is San Nicolás, but from there you’ll still need a taxi or a long walk. Always check the most up-to-date Arubus routes and bus schedules.

Driving to Surfers Beach by rental car

The most convenient option is renting a car. Any vehicle can handle the paved drive to the Red Anchor, and even the dirt track to the beach is fine for a regular sedan if you drive carefully. No 4x4 is required.

Parking

Parking is completely informal at Surfers Beach — just pull off the dirt near the shoreline. There are no designated spaces, no attendants, and no security. As always in Aruba, don’t leave valuables in your car.

Surfers Beach Aruba is not the kind of place where you come to swim or spend a lazy beach day. It’s small, rugged, often littered, and the waves and currents make the water unsafe. Still, if you’re already exploring the island’s southeast coast, it’s worth a quick stop to see Aruba’s raw, untamed side. The highlight is the walk along the Seroe Colorado plateau, where the dramatic sea views eventually lead to a small natural bridge.