Updated in September 2026, this Arashi Beach guide covers access, facilities, parking or transport, accessibility and what to see.
Arashi Beach is a public beach on Aruba’s north-western tip, just beyond Malmok and on the road to the California Lighthouse. As of September 2026, it remains one of the island’s favourite snorkelling spots, thanks to calm, shallow water close to shore.
Arashi Beach quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Access hours | Open at all times. There is no gate and no set opening or closing time. |
| Entry fees | Free. All beaches in Aruba are public. |
| Address | Arashi Beach, Noord, Aruba |
| Nearest transport or parking | Reachable by car, taxi, bus or on foot. A parking area is close to the beach. |
| Typical time needed | A few hours |
Arashi Beach access hours
Arashi Beach has no set opening or closing hours, since it is a public beach with no gate or entry point. Visitors can access it at any time of day or night. Obviously, you’re better off in the daytime.
Arashi Beach entry fees
Arashi Beach has no entry fee. Access details were checked on the official website and last updated in September 2026.
5 top experiences to book in Aruba
- 🏝️ Take a UTV adventure around the island – including the animal garden, north coast and beaches.
- 🌴 Visit the Natural Pool and Indian Cave on a Jeep safari in Arikok National Park.
- 🐠 Take a semi-submersible submarine cruise from Palm Beach – and see the aquatic wonderland.
- 🎶 Go bar-hopping around Aruba’s best nightlife hangouts on the party bus – with a live DJ
- 🚌 Cover Aruba’s top landmarks and history on a full-day island tour.
How to get to Arashi Beach
Arashi Beach is on Aruba’s north-western tip, past Malmok and on the road towards the California Lighthouse, in the Noord district.
The official listing describes the beach as accessible by car, taxi, bus or on foot. Drivers simply follow the coast road north until it ends at the beach.
Parking at Arashi Beach
A parking area is close to the beach. The official listing advises arriving early to secure an easier parking spot on busy days.
How long to spend at Arashi Beach
Allow a few hours for swimming, snorkelling or relaxing in the shade. Many visitors combine a stop here with a visit to the nearby California Lighthouse.
Accessibility at Arashi Beach
There are rocky sections near parts of the shoreline, so footing is not step-free everywhere, and water shoes are worth bringing.
What to see at Arashi Beach
Arashi Beach is known for its calm, shallow water and soft white sand, making it a popular choice for swimming and snorkelling. The best snorkelling area is on the left side of the beach, facing the sea, where coral and fish are easiest to find.
The beach has a quiet, local atmosphere, offering a slower pace than the resort-front beaches further south. Shaded huts and palapas line the sand, and a beach bar serves drinks and light food.
Arashi is also a well-known spot for sunsets, thanks to its west-facing view across the Caribbean Sea. The California Lighthouse stands a short drive or walk away, making it easy to combine both stops in one visit.
The area is included in the annual Aruba Reef Care Project, a volunteer clean-up event that helps protect the coastline and its marine life.
Practical visitor tips
| Topic | Tip |
|---|---|
| Timing | Arrive early to claim a free shade hut or an easier parking spot on busy days. |
| Crowds | Arashi is quieter than the resort-strip beaches, so it rarely feels crowded outside peak holiday periods. |
| Layout | The best snorkelling is on the left side of the beach when facing the sea. |
| Entry process | There is no gate, ticket or check-in. Simply park and walk onto the sand. |
| On-site logistics | Wear water shoes over rocky sections near the shoreline, and rent or bring your own snorkel gear. |
Frequently asked questions about Arashi Beach
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Arashi Beach good for children? | Yes. The calm, shallow water and soft sand make it ideal for families. |
| Can you snorkel at Arashi Beach? | Yes. The best snorkelling area is on the left side of the beach when facing the sea. |
| Is there parking and shade at Arashi Beach? | Yes. A parking area is close to the beach, alongside several shade huts, with lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent. |
| Do you need to book in advance for Arashi Beach? | No. There is no booking system, ticket or entry fee, since it is a public beach. |
| Can you take shells or coral from Arashi Beach? | No. Visitors are asked not to remove sand, shells or coral, to help protect the ecosystem. |
Things to do near Arashi Beach
- California Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse with 360-degree island views, a short drive or walk away.
- Sand Dunes: Natural sand dunes near the coastline, close to the beach.
- Tierra del Sol: A golf course, restaurant and spa near the north-western tip.
- Boca Catalina: A small, sheltered snorkelling cove nearby.
- Malmok Beach: A rocky-edged beach known for snorkelling and diving, just south of Arashi.
Alternative attractions
All five are in Aruba and within a 2.5-hour drive of Arashi Beach, given the island’s small size.
- Eagle Beach: The island’s widest beach, known for its fofoti trees and sea turtle nesting.
- Mangel Halto: A mangrove-lined beach and shore-diving spot on the south-east coast.
- Baby Beach: A calm, shallow bay near San Nicolas, popular for snorkelling and swimming.
- Arikok National Park: Aruba’s national park, covering nearly 20% of the island, with hiking trails, caves and a natural pool.
- Palm Beach: Aruba’s high-rise hotel beach, with a livelier atmosphere and water sports.
