Pelican Nest Aruba 2026: Over-the-Water Seafood Grill on Palm Beach

Pelican Nest Seafood Grill is the open-water dining experience completely above the Caribbean — built on the Pelican Pier in front of the Holiday Inn on Palm Beach, with tables suspended directly over turquoise waters and an unobstructed sunset view that’s ranked among the best on the island. Family-owned since 1994. Two areas: the casual Pelican Pier Bar at the start of the pier, and the romantic Pelican Nest at the end.

About Pelican Nest

Pelican Nest opened in 1994 and is part of Pelican Adventures, the long-running Aruba water-sports operator that also runs catamaran cruises and snorkel trips. The restaurant is built completely above the water at the end of Pelican Pier on Palm Beach. From your table you can watch fish swim below, feed them while you dine, and catch one of the most reliable sunsets on the western coast.

Two distinct areas:

The Pelican’s Nest (end of pier) — casual but romantic, the spot for lunches, anniversary dinners, and sunset.
The Pelican Pier Bar (start of pier) — louder, more lively, happy hour, music, sharing snacks and cocktails.

The kitchen is led by a Peruvian chef, which explains why the ceviche is one of the best on the island.

Pelican Nest Aruba — Pelican Nest ambiance. Photo: Pelican Pier / Pelican Nest Restaurant via Google.

Signature dishes & menu highlights

Peruvian Ceviche ($15) — fresh catch in ‘leche de tigre’ citrus marinade with red onion, peppers, cilantro. The chef’s signature.
Caribbean Coconut Shrimp — coconut-crusted, repeatedly called “exceptional” by reviewers.
Almond Fish Fingers ($13) — panko-crusted grouper with toasted almonds and homemade tartar.
Caribbean Lobster — fresh, grilled to order.
Catch of the Day — varies daily, prepared multiple ways.
Fish Stew — multiple reviewers’ top pick for sharing.
Charcoal Grilled Seafood — newer focus on the menu.
Steaks and Pasta — for non-seafood eaters.
Vegan and gluten-free options available on request.

Cocktails (a highlight):

Aria — guest-favorite signature cocktail.
Aruba Ariba inspired — rum blanco, banana liquor, rosemary oleo, lime, elderflower, hibiscus.
Paloma inspired — mezcal, chipotle, grapefruit cordial, lime, citrus seltzer.
Jungle Bird inspired — pineapple rum, basil citrus cordial, luxardo bitter, lime, pineapple spice.
Irish Coffee variation — vanilla vodka, Frangelico, biscoff honey, hazelnut cream, espresso.

Pelican Nest signature dish — Plated dish at Pelican Nest. Photo: Nicholas Christian via Google.

Practical info

Address: On Pelican Pier, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 230, Noord, Aruba
Phone: +297 586 2259
Website: www.pelican-aruba.com/en/index.php
Google rating: 4.4★ across 1272+ reviews.
Price level: moderate.

Hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Pelican Nest interior — Inside Pelican Nest. Photo: Julia M. via Google.

What guests are saying

Reviews consistently call out the over-the-water setting and sunset view as the main draw, the Peruvian ceviche and coconut shrimp as exceptional, and named servers like Cesar, Dober, and Michelle for going above-and-beyond. Multiple guests describe Pelican Nest as their favorite restaurant on the island for special occasions.

Honest caveats: prices feel high for the casual setting — this is destination-priced; service can lag when the pier is full at sunset; book early for the sunset slot — golden hour 5:45–6:30 PM books out weeks in advance in high season; and bathrooms have been called out as not well maintained in some recent reviews. The view is reliable; the food is good but inconsistent — come for the experience as much as the meal.