Palm Beach Aruba is the island’s busiest stretch of sand: about two miles of high-rise resorts, piers, beach bars and water sports stands on the calm Caribbean side, north of Eagle Beach. If you want a beach day with a drink in reach, an activity every few steps and a nightlife scene after dark, this is it. Here’s what to expect, what to do, and how to make the most of it.

Palm Beach Aruba: quick facts

  • Where: The high-rise hotel strip in the Noord district, roughly 6 km (3.7 miles) northwest of Oranjestad.
  • Length: About two miles of beach.
  • Water: Usually calm, good for swimming and easy snorkeling.
  • Best for: Water sports, beach bars and people-watching; piers line the strip.
  • Access: Free and public. Arubus Line 10 stops along the strip.
  • Heads-up: It can feel crowded, especially in high season.

What Palm Beach is like

The Aruba Tourism Authority calls Palm Beach the island’s resort hub, and it shows. Tall resorts run the length of the sand, with casinos, shops, restaurants and piers in between. The beach itself has white sand and clear blue water, and the surf is generally calm enough to swim and snorkel comfortably.

It’s the opposite of quiet. The tourism board’s own roundup admits it can feel crowded. If you want more space, wander a few minutes south to Eagle Beach, which is wider and backed by low-rise hotels.

Palm Beach Aruba with white sand, umbrellas and resort greenery
White sand and umbrellas near the north end of Palm Beach. Photo: Benjamin R. via Unsplash

Palm Beach vs. Eagle Beach

Palm Beach Eagle Beach
Vibe Lively, social, busy Relaxed, spacious
Hotels High-rise resorts Low-rise hotels, many across the road
Sand About two miles long Widest beach in Aruba
Water sports Concessions all along the strip A variety on offer
Bars and dining Many beach bars, restaurants and malls nearby Hotel restaurants and a few nearby spots
Signature sight Piers and beach bars Fofoti trees

Water sports on Palm Beach

Water sports stands are spread along the whole strip, so you can walk up and book most activities on the spot. The tourism board lists kite and windsurfing classes and stand-up paddleboarding among the options. AFAR notes that surfing isn’t among the options, which fits a beach known for calm water.

A few pointers before you sign up:

  • Compare a couple of stands before you pay, and ask exactly what’s included and how long the session is.
  • Keep clear of boat traffic when you swim or snorkel near the piers.

If you’d like to learn windsurfing or kitesurfing in very shallow water, head to Hadicurari, also called Fisherman’s Huts, at the north end of the strip past the Marriott. The tourism board rates it the island’s top place for beginners. Our windsurfing and kitesurfing guide explains how lessons work.

Windsurfer carrying a sail on the beach during Aruba Hi-Winds
A windsurfer on the sand during the 2022 Aruba Hi-Winds, which takes place off Fisherman’s Huts. Photo: Darice de Cuba via Unsplash

Boat trips from the piers

With piers along the strip and the island’s main resort cluster right here, Palm Beach is a handy base for getting out on the water. Just up the coast, catamarans and sailboats make daytime snorkel stops off Malmok, where there are reefs and sunken wrecks nearby, and evening sails are built around the sunset. If you’re deciding between them, our catamaran cruise guide compares morning snorkel, afternoon sail and sunset options, and the sunset cruise guide covers what to wear and when to go.

Palm trees lining a sunny beach in Noord, Aruba
Palm trees along the beach off J.E. Irausquin Boulevard in Noord. Photo: Meg von Haartman via Unsplash

Beach bars on Palm Beach

Beach bars are part of the Palm Beach scenery. Two that the Aruba Tourism Authority featured in its June 2025 beach bar roundup:

  • MooMba Beach Bar: A Palm Beach classic known for fresh cocktails, its photogenic sign and sunset views. It mixes daytime lounging with a lively bar scene.
  • Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill: Set on a pier over the water between the Hilton and the RIU, with karaoke, live bands and salsa dancing workshops.

Hours and happy hours change, so check each bar’s current schedule when you arrive. For a bigger list around the island, see our guide to the best beach bars in Aruba.

Swimmers relaxing at a beach resort in Noord, Aruba
Swimmers and sunbathers at a resort beach in Noord. Photo: Meg von Haartman via Unsplash

After dark: nightlife, casinos and shopping

When the sun goes down, the strip shifts gears. The tourism board highlights the area’s nightclubs and casinos, and some restaurants set tables right on the sand by candlelight. The area is also home to two of Aruba’s largest shopping malls, which the tourism board says have cinemas, fountain shows, bowling and spas, handy for a rainy hour or a break from the sun. For the full night-out picture, read our Aruba nightlife guide.

Practical tips

  • Beaches are public. You can walk the whole strip and swim anywhere. Resort loungers and umbrellas are generally meant for guests, so rent from a vendor if you’re not staying there.
  • Getting there: Arubus Line 10 runs from the main Oranjestad station, opposite the cruise terminal, along the hotel strip. As of October 2026, Arubus lists a single trip at $2.60 per person, paid in cash.
  • Taxis run on government-set fares; confirm the price before you go. Carry cash in small bills; card payment may be possible when you book through the official taxi app.
  • Sun protection: Since July 2020, Aruba has penalized the import, sale and production of sunscreen containing oxybenzone, so pack a reef-safe, oxybenzone-free formula.
  • Turtles: Nesting on Palm Beach is uncommon, but the tourism board notes a few nests in 2012. If you see a marked nest, give it room.
  • Go early for your pick of spots before the crowds arrive.

Want to compare all your options? See our ranking of the best beaches in Aruba.

FAQ

Is Palm Beach in Aruba good for swimming?

Yes. The water is usually calm and clear, which makes it comfortable for swimmers and snorkelers. Watch for boats and water sports near the piers.

Is Palm Beach Aruba public?

Yes. All beaches in Aruba are public, including the sand in front of the Palm Beach resorts. Hotel loungers are generally reserved for guests.

How long is Palm Beach in Aruba?

The Aruba Tourism Authority describes it as a two-mile-long strip.

Is Palm Beach or Eagle Beach better?

Choose Palm Beach for bars, water sports and a lively scene. Choose Eagle Beach for more space, a calmer feel and the fofoti trees.

Can you learn to kitesurf at Palm Beach?

Kite and windsurfing classes are offered in the Palm Beach area. Most beginners head to Hadicurari (Fisherman’s Huts) at the north end, where the water is very shallow and calm.

How do you get to Palm Beach by bus?

Take Arubus Line 10 from the Oranjestad bus station. A single trip costs $2.60 per person in cash, as of October 2026.

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