Surfside Beach
Aruba

Overview

Surfside Beach sits just outside downtown Oranjestad, right along the island’s waterfront parkway and a short walk from the Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA). It’s one of the easiest beaches to reach without a car, and it has a laid-back vibe that feels more local than the resort strip.

The beach is lined with kwihi trees for natural shade, the water is calm and shallow — great for families — and there’s a fun twist: planes fly low overhead as they approach the nearby airport. Add in a mix of beach clubs, casual bars, and a few sunset dining spots, and you’ve got a place that blends convenience with atmosphere.

Best time to visit Surfside Beach

• Time of day: Mornings are the quietest with glassy water; late afternoons bring lively sunsets and plane-spotting.
• Season: The dry season (January–September) offers near-perfect conditions; October–December has a few showers but still plenty of sun.
• Weekdays or weekend: Weekdays are peaceful; on weekends, locals gather for barbecues and beach club events.
• Weather-wise: Gentle breezes and consistently warm water make Surfside swimmable year-round.

Tips for visiting Surfside Beach

• Bring water shoes if you’re sensitive to seagrass patches in the shallows.
• Claim a spot early under the kwihi trees or rent chairs / umbrellas from the beach bars.
• The swimming zone is buoyed — stay inside it and away from the marina channel.
• For serious snorkeling, plan a side trip to Malmok or Boca Catalina.

What to bring to Surfside Beach

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Water shoes or flip-flops
• Cash for chairs, drinks, or snacks
• Light snorkel set (optional)

If you’re wondering what to do at Surfside Beach, the answer is plenty — without the stress of big crowds. This beach is known for calm waters, plane-spotting, and beach clubs, making it one of the most unique places to spend a day near Oranjestad. From family activities to romantic sunset dining, here are the best things to do at Surfside Beach:

Walk the Linear Park & relax under the kwihi trees

Surfside connects directly to Aruba’s Linear Park, so you can easily walk or bike along the waterfront. Grab a snack in Oranjestad and continue down to Surfside, where the kwihi trees offer natural shade for a picnic.

Plane spotting at Surfside Beach

One of the most famous things to do at Surfside Beach is watch planes land at Queen Beatrix International Airport. Aircraft glide in low right over the water, and locals and tourists gather at Surfside Beach Bar with drinks in hand. For me, sunset plane-spotting here is an Aruba must-do.

Paddleboarding & water sports

Because the water is so calm, Surfside is ideal for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and other easy water sports. Rentals are available from nearby beach clubs, and it’s a safe spot for beginners. Surfside is all about smooth paddling and relaxed kayaking.

Inflatable water park

Families with kids love the inflatable water park at Surfside Beach, a floating playground with slides, trampolines, and climbing walls. It’s not always open year-round, so I recommend checking the schedule before heading down with children.

Sunset dining by the water

Surfside has some of the best sunset dining in Aruba. Restaurants like Barefoot, Pinchos, and Reflexions Beach Club sit right on the sand or even on piers over the water. After a swim, you should stay for dinner here — it’s the perfect way to end a Surfside day with toes in the sand and a cocktail in hand.

Snorkeling at Surfside Beach is fine for a first taste but it's not where you’ll find coral reefs or schools of fish. The water here is calm and shallow, which makes it great for kids or beginners who just want to float with a mask. If you’re looking for serious snorkeling in Aruba, you’ll want to head to Malmok, Boca Catalina, or Mangel Halto.

Where to snorkel: The best snorkeling spots at Surfside Beach

Stick to the buoyed swim area in front of the beach clubs. Visibility is usually best along the sandy patches near the marina, but don’t swim into the boat channel. The north end, closer to the Linear Park, tends to be a little quieter.

What you will see underwater

Expect a handful of small tropical fish weaving through seagrass beds, and the occasional pelican diving from above. On calm mornings, I’ve spotted silvery baitfish and a few bright damselfish, but nothing close to the reefs up north.

Best time to snorkel at Surfside Beach

Early mornings are your best bet — before boats stir up the water and the wind raises small surface chop. On quiet days the water can be surprisingly clear for a city-side beach.

Safety tips and snorkeling guide

• Stay inside the buoyed swim zone; the marina channel has boat traffic
• Always snorkel with a buddy, even in shallow water
• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
• Avoid standing on or disturbing the seagrass beds
• Bring a bright float if you plan to paddle farther out

Snorkel gear rental at Surfside Beach

You’ll find basic snorkel gear and paddleboards for rent at Reflexions Beach Club and sometimes at Surfside Beach Bar. If you want high-quality fins and masks, I recommend picking them up in Oranjestad dive shops instead.

My personal honest opinion

Surfside Beach is safe, shallow, and fine for kids to practice — but if you are serious about seeing coral, turtles, or colorful schools, you should drive up to Malmok or Boca Catalina instead.

Surfside Beach is one of the few in Oranjestad where you can swim, relax, and dine all in the same spot. Whether you want casual beach bites, a lively club vibe, or romantic sunset dining, Surfside offers something for every traveler. Here are the top places to eat and drink at Surfside Beach:

Surfside Beach Bar

The most popular and authentic choice is Surfside Beach Bar, located directly on the sand. It’s the closest bar to the airport’s flight path, which makes it perfect for plane-spotting while enjoying a cocktail. The menu is casual — think burgers, wings, and ice-cold Balashi beer — but the unbeatable setting makes it my number one pick for a relaxed afternoon at Surfside Beach Aruba.

Reflexions Beach Bar & Restaurant Aruba

For travelers looking for a beach club in Oranjestad, Reflexions Beach Bar & Restaurant Aruba combines swimming, lounging, and dining in one place. With sunbeds, poolside service, and DJ sets on weekends, it’s a livelier spot than Surfside Beach Bar. Their seafood platters and tropical cocktails make it one of the most complete Surfside Beach restaurants if you want both food and entertainment.

Barefoot Restaurant

For something more romantic, head to Barefoot Restaurant Aruba, just steps from Surfside Beach. Known for its toes-in-the-sand dining, Barefoot specializes in fresh seafood, steaks, and fine wines. It’s a favorite for couples looking for the best sunset dining in Aruba, and the setting feels both upscale and laid-back at the same time.

Pinchos Bar and Grill

Pinchos Bar and Grill is built on a pier stretching out into the Caribbean Sea, giving it one of the most unique locations of all Surfside Beach Aruba restaurants. For me, Pinchos is a must if you want a memorable dinner on the water during your Surfside visit.

Quick comparison

• Surfside Beach Bar: Best for casual food, drinks, and plane-spotting
• Reflexions Beach Bar & Restaurant: Best for beach club atmosphere and all-day lounging
• Barefoot Restaurant: Best for romantic sunset dining with toes in the sand
• Pinchos Bar and Grill: Best for a pier-side dinner with ocean views

One of the best parts about Surfside Beach is how close it is to Oranjestad. That means you’ll find a mix of boutique hotels, beachfront apartments, and family-friendly stays within walking distance. Here are the top Surfside Beach Aruba hotels and accommodations I recommend:

Aruba Surfside Marina

Aruba Surfside Marina is the closest hotel to the sand, located right across from the beach. It’s a small, boutique-style property with spacious suites and balconies overlooking the water. If you want to wake up steps from Surfside and enjoy the sunrise with your coffee, this is the spot.

Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club

Just down the road from Surfside, Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club offers a larger property with a pool, casual restaurant, and beach club access. It’s a good choice if you want the convenience of hotel services while still being only a short walk from the beach and downtown Oranjestad.

Cadushi Apartments

Cadushi Apartments is a self-catering option ideal for longer stays or budget-conscious travelers. The apartments are modern and spacious, with kitchens that let you cook your own meals. I like this spot for families or groups who want the flexibility of an apartment near the beach.

Camacuri Residence & Apartments

Tucked a little farther from the main strip but still close, Camacuri Residence & Apartments is a quiet, garden-style complex with a pool. It feels more residential than touristy, which makes it a great base if you want peace and local charm while staying near Surfside Beach.

Where to stay near Surfside Beach by travel type:

• Families: Cadushi Apartments – space, kitchens, and good value
• Couples & romantic stays: Aruba Surfside Marina – boutique suites right by the beach
• Modern style & convenience: Talk of the Town Hotel & Beach Club – pool and restaurant on-site
• Quiet boutique charm: Camacuri Residence & Apartments – peaceful garden setting
• Budget travelers: Cadushi Apartments or nearby Airbnb options

One reason Surfside Beach is so popular is its easy access. Located just south of downtown Oranjestad, right along L.G. Smith Boulevard, it’s one of the most convenient beaches for cruise passengers, hotel guests, and even airport arrivals. Whether you walk, drive, or take a taxi, Surfside is never far away.

From the cruise port (Port of Oranjestad)

Cruise passengers can reach Surfside in minutes. You can walk along the waterfront Linear Park (about 15–20 minutes), or hop in a taxi right at the terminal.

How far is Surfside Beach from the cruise port?

• Distance: ~1.5–2 km (~1–1.2 miles)
• Driving time: 5–10 minutes
• Walking time: 15–20 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $8–$15 USD

From the airport (Queen Beatrix International Airport, AUA)

Surfside is the closest major beach to Aruba’s airport. It’s a quick taxi or bus ride, making it an ideal first or last stop.

How far is Surfside Beach from the airport?

• Distance: ~3–6 km (2–3.7 miles) depending on route
• Driving time: 5–10 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $10–$18 USD
• Public bus: Arubus stops near the stadium/Linear Park, just a short walk to the sand

From Oranjestad

Surfside is practically part of Oranjestad—it’s a short stroll or quick drive from the city center.

How far is Surfside Beach from Oranjestad?

• Distance: ~1 km (0.6 miles)
• Driving time: 3–5 minutes
• Walking time: ~10–15 minutes

From Palm and Eagle Beach

Coming from the high-rise and low-rise hotel areas? A taxi or rental car will get you there quickly via L.G. Smith Boulevard.

How far is Surfside Beach from Palm and Eagle Beach?

• Distance: ~7–9 km (4–5.5 miles)
• Driving time: 10–15 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $15–$20 USD

From San Nicolás

If you’re based on the far southeast side of the island, Surfside is a bit farther but still an easy drive.

How far is Surfside Beach from San Nicolás?

• Distance: ~25–30 km (15–18 miles)
• Driving time: 30–40 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $35–$40 USD

Taxi to Surfside Beach

Taxis are easy to find at the airport, cruise port, and downtown Oranjestad. For dinner at Barefoot or Pinchos, I usually pre-arrange a taxi pickup since it can get busy at sunset.

Approximate taxi fare to Surfside Beach

• From Cruise Port to Surfside Beach: $8–$15
• From Airport to Surfside Beach: $10–$18
• From Palm Beach to Surfside Beach: $15–$20
• From San Nicolás to Surfside Beach: $35–$40

Public transport to Surfside Beach

Arubus buses run regularly between the airport and downtown Oranjestad, with stops near the Linear Park. It’s one of the few beaches on the island you can actually reach by public bus in under 10 minutes from the city. Always check the latest Arubus routes and bus schedules.

Driving to Surfside Beach by rental car

Getting here is straightforward. Just follow L.G. Smith Boulevard between downtown Oranjestad and the airport — the beach sits directly along the route. There are no entrance fees or checkpoints.

Parking

Free parking is available at Surfside Beach along the Linear Park and by the beach clubs.

For me, Surfside Beach is the definition of easy beach time — calm, shallow water for swimming, plenty of shade under kwihi trees, and the rare bonus of plane-spotting with a drink in hand. It’s not the island’s best for snorkeling, but it’s unbeatable if you’re coming from the cruise port, the airport, or downtown Oranjestad and want a quick, stress-free beach day with a laid-back local vibe.