Arashi Beach is at Aruba’s northern tip — past the California Lighthouse, at the end of the road. The water is calm, clear, and exceptional for snorkelling. The beach is uncrowded. The setting, with the lighthouse visible in the background and nothing but ocean ahead, is genuinely beautiful. It’s one of those beaches that rewards the effort of getting there.
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What Makes Arashi Special
Arashi sits in a protected cove where the ocean calms down despite the northern exposure. The water is clear and warm, the reef is close to shore, and the sand is white. Because it’s 15 minutes north of the hotel strip with no accommodation nearby, the crowd is almost entirely local and expat. On a weekday, it’s one of the quietest beautiful beaches on the island.
The name ‘Arashi’ means ‘storm’ in Japanese — the beach was named by Japanese workers at the Lago Oil refinery in the 1930s who gathered here. The actual weather at the beach is usually anything but stormy.
Snorkelling at Arashi Beach
Arashi is consistently rated one of the top snorkelling spots on Aruba. The reef is close to shore and healthy — sea turtles are regularly spotted here, and the fish diversity is excellent. The water is clear enough that you can see the bottom clearly from above before you even get in.
The best snorkelling is to the right side of the beach (facing the water), where the reef is densest. Swim parallel to shore in 2–4 metres of water and you’ll encounter parrotfish, barracuda, angelfish, and if you’re lucky, hawksbill sea turtles. Bring your own gear — there are no rentals at the beach.
For a room directly on the beach, see hotels directly on the sand.
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The California Lighthouse
Arashi Beach is right next to the California Lighthouse — Aruba’s iconic lighthouse built in 1916 at the island’s northernmost point. The lighthouse grounds are open for visits and the views from the top are among the best on the island: 360-degree panoramas over the northern coast, the desert landscape of Arikok, and the turquoise Caribbean. A great combination: lighthouse visit + Arashi snorkelling in one trip.
Getting to Arashi Beach
Drive north on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard past Palm Beach and Malmok, past the California Lighthouse, and continue to the end of the road. Parking is free and plentiful. The drive from Palm Beach takes approximately 15–20 minutes. GPS works reliably. There is no public bus service to Arashi — a rental car or taxi is required (taxi approximately $25–35 each way from Palm Beach).
Facilities at Arashi Beach
There is a small beach bar/food stall at Arashi that operates most days — cold drinks and simple local food. Beyond that, facilities are minimal: no formal restrooms, no chair rentals, no water sports operators. The parking area is large and free.
Best Time to Visit Arashi
Arashi is best in the morning (8–11 AM) before the sun is directly overhead and before the day’s visitors arrive. The snorkelling is better in calm conditions — the water can get slightly choppy in the afternoon if the trade winds pick up. Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends.
FAQs
Arashi Beach is at the northern tip of Aruba, past the California Lighthouse, approximately 15–20 minutes north of the Palm Beach hotel strip. It’s the last beach before the road ends at the island’s northernmost point.
Yes — Arashi is one of the best snorkelling beaches in Aruba. The reef is close to shore, sea turtles are regularly spotted, and the water is very clear. The right side of the beach (facing the water) has the best reef coverage.
No — Arashi is one of Aruba’s quietest beaches despite its beauty. The 15-minute drive from the hotel strip keeps the crowds down. Weekday mornings are the quietest time.
Yes — they’re right next to each other. A combined visit is highly recommended: lighthouse views plus Arashi snorkelling makes for an excellent half-day trip from Palm Beach.
By rental car or taxi — drive north past Palm Beach and Malmok, past the California Lighthouse, to the end of the road. No public bus serves Arashi. Parking is free at the beach.
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Frequently asked questions
Are Aruba beaches free to use?
Yes. All beaches in Aruba are public up to the high-water mark, including the stretches fronting the big resorts. You can walk on and lay a towel down anywhere, though loungers and palapas belonging to a hotel are for its guests.
Which side of the island has the calm water?
The western and southern coasts. That is where Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, Manchebo and Baby Beach sit, and where the water stays flat enough for swimming and snorkelling. The north and east coasts face open Atlantic swell and are not safe for casual swimming.
Do I need to book a beach chair?
Not on the public stretches. On Palm Beach the hotel palapas fill early and are reserved for guests, so arrive before mid-morning if you want shade or bring your own.
Is the water warm year-round?
Yes, sitting around 27 to 28°C, so no wetsuit is needed at any time of year.
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