Westpunt Beach
Aruba

Overview

Westpunt Beach is a raw, dramatic coastline at the northern tip of the island — far from the usual resort beaches, it's all about cliffs, wind, and authenticity. If you’re craving powerful waves, wide open skies, and rugged views that few other beaches can match, this is your spot.

Honestly, it's a bit hard to tell where exactly the beach starts, I can only give a rough location. I first went to Westpunt Beach by hiking the Westpunt trail from Conch Shell Beach, then another time I drove from the California Lighthouse. While swimming and snorkeling are limited here, the energy and scenery more than make up for it.

Best time to visit Westpunt Beach

• Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and cooler weather
• Dry season (December–April) offers clearer skies and safer hiking conditions
• Weekdays are quieter; weekends may have a few locals hanging out
• Expect strong winds year-round, with rougher seas in September–November

Tips for visiting Westpunt Beach

• No facilities here — bring your own water and snacks
• Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to hike the coastal trails
• Watch out for strong currents; it’s not safe for casual swimming
• Bring a windbreaker, especially in the late afternoon

What to bring to Westpunt Beach

• Water and light snacks
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Windbreaker or light jacket
• Camera for the cliffs and sunsets
• Comfortable shoes for walking the trail

Even though you can’t really swim here, there are still some unique things to do in Westpunt Beach Aruba that make the trip worthwhile. This is the kind of place you visit for rugged landscapes, dramatic viewpoints, and adventurous activities you won’t find at the resort beaches.

Hike the Westpunt Trail

One of the best Westpunt Beach activities is hiking the Westpunt Trail, which connects Conch Shell Beach to the island’s northern tip. The trail is easy to follow and passes rocky cliffs, cacti, and dunes, with the ocean constantly in view. I always go in the morning when it’s cooler and the light makes the coastline glow. If you want an off-the-beaten-path hike in Aruba, this is one of the best.

Explore the dunes

Behind the beach lie the Sasarawichi Dunes, one of the most underrated natural sights in Aruba. Walking across the dunes feels surreal—the desert-like sand meets the pounding Caribbean Sea in a way that almost doesn’t feel real. The dunes are especially photogenic at sunset, making them one of the best viewpoints near Westpunt Beach.

Visit the California Lighthouse viewpoint

Since the California Lighthouse is just minutes away, I always pair it with a visit to Westpunt. From the top, you can see the entire north coast of Aruba, including the wild surf below. It’s one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints and adds context to the rugged feel of Westpunt.

Try kitesurfing

For experienced riders, kitesurfing at Westpunt Beach Aruba is both challenging and rewarding. The winds here are among the strongest on the island, creating perfect conditions for high-powered runs. Even if you don’t kite, it’s worth stopping by to watch—the colorful sails against the rough coastline make for unforgettable photos.

Photography on the cliffs

Photography at Westpunt Beach is one of the main reasons I come here. The cliffs, crashing waves, and rolling dunes create some of the most dramatic landscapes in Aruba. I once tried flying my drone and nearly lost it to the wind — so I recommend sticking to handheld shots. The sunsets here are incredible, and for me it’s one of the top photography spots in Aruba.

Wildlife spotting

While you won’t see tropical fish here, the cliffs and dunes are alive with wildlife in Aruba. I’ve spotted pelicans, frigatebirds, iguanas, and even small herds of goats. It’s not a wildlife “destination” like Arikok, but the animals you encounter add to the sense of being somewhere untamed.

Even though Westpunt is gorgeous and dramatic, snorkeling here is not something I’d recommend. The ocean conditions — strong trade winds, heavy surf, and rocky coral edges — make it unsafe or frustrating for snorkeling unless you catch one of the rare calm windows.

If you want real snorkeling instead of fighting the waves at Westpunt, I recommend heading just a little south to Arashi Beach, Malmok, or Tres Trapi. These spots are much calmer, with clear turquoise water and healthy reef patches. Tres Trapi in particular, is the famous beach to swim with turtles.

There are no restaurants or beach bars directly at Westpunt Beach — the coastline here is completely natural and undeveloped. The closest option is the Faro Blanco Restaurant by the California Lighthouse, just a few minutes’ drive away.

It’s a classic spot with sweeping views of the northern coast, and makes a great stop for lunch or dinner after exploring Westpunt. I would advise against having a picnic at Westpunt Beach as the strong winds will blow sand into your food.

There are no hotels or resorts directly at Westpunt Beach. The area is too rugged and undeveloped for accommodations, which is part of its wild charm.

If you want to stay nearby, the closest options are private villas and vacation rentals near Arashi Beach and Malmok Beach, about a 10–15 minute drive south. These neighborhoods offer quiet, upscale homes with ocean views and easy access to some of the island’s best snorkeling spots, while still keeping you close enough to explore Westpunt’s dramatic coastline.

Westpunt Beach sits at the far northern tip of Aruba, just past the California Lighthouse. Because it’s remote and has no facilities, the easiest way to reach it is by rental car. Taxis can take you there as well, but keep in mind it’s a long drive from most parts of the island. There’s no direct public bus service to Westpunt.

From the cruise port (Port of Oranjestad)

Cruise visitors can reach Westpunt by taxi or rental car. The drive is straightforward along the west coast and usually combined with stops at Arashi Beach or the California Lighthouse.

How far is Westpunt Beach from the cruise port?

• Distance: ~15 km (9 miles)
• Driving time: 25–30 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $25–30 USD one way

From the airport (Queen Beatrix International Airport, AUA)

From the airport, follow Route 1 north through Oranjestad and continue along the coast until the road ends at the California Lighthouse. Westpunt lies just beyond.

How far is Westpunt Beach from the airport?

• Distance: ~17 km (10.5 miles)
• Driving time: 30–35 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $35–40 USD one way

From Palm and Eagle Beach

Westpunt is a short coastal drive north past Malmok and Arashi. This is the easiest starting point if you’re already staying in the hotel zone.

How far is Westpunt Beach from Palm and Eagle Beach?

• Distance: ~6 km (3.7 miles)
• Driving time: 10–15 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $15–20 USD one way

From Oranjestad

Head north along the main coastal road through Palm Beach and Arashi until you reach the California Lighthouse. Westpunt is just past the lighthouse.

How far is Westpunt Beach from Oranjestad?

• Distance: ~12 km (7.5 miles)
• Driving time: 20–25 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $25–30 USD one way

From San Nicolás

Reaching Westpunt from San Nicolás requires crossing the island, as the two towns are on opposite ends. Expect a longer ride but a scenic contrast between Aruba’s south and north coasts.

How far is Westpunt Beach from San Nicolás?

• Distance: ~37 km (23 miles)
• Driving time: 45–50 minutes
• Taxi fare: Around $50–60 USD one way

Taxi to Westpunt Beach

It’s easy to find taxis at the cruise terminal, airport, and major resort areas. However, because Westpunt is so remote, it’s smart to prearrange a pickup for the return trip. I am not sure how far they can take you. They have to follow the road along the Westpunt trail.

Approximate taxi fare to Westpunt Beach

• From Palm Beach to Westpunt Beach: $10–15 USD
• From Oranjestad to Westpunt Beach: $20–25 USD
• From San Nicolás to Westpunt Beach: $45–50 USD

Public transport to Westpunt Beach

There is no public bus service directly to Westpunt Beach. The closest you can get by bus is to Arashi Beach, after which you’d need to walk or take a taxi to the lighthouse and beyond. Always check the most up-to-date Arubus routes and bus schedules.

Driving to Westpunt Beach by rental car

A rental car is the most flexible way to reach Westpunt. The coastal drive from Palm Beach takes just 15 minutes, and you can easily combine it with other northern sights like Arashi, Malmok, and the California Lighthouse.

Parking

There is free parking right by Westpunt Beach, on a sandy roadside area. It’s usually not crowded, even on weekends.

Westpunt Beach isn’t the kind of place you visit for swimming or lounging—it’s rough, windy, and often littered with debris brought in by the sea. But that’s exactly what makes it special. The best part of visiting, in my opinion, is the Westpunt Trail hike that leads you there. Starting early in the morning, before the sun gets too hot, the walk past dunes and cliffs makes reaching the northern tip of Aruba feel like an adventure.