3 Best Sights in Aruba

This is the local favorite, a half-mile stretch of gleaming white sand with rolling surf and great snorkeling. It can get busy on weekends—especially on Sunday—with local families bringing their own picnics, and visitors have discovered a cool little beach bar called Arashi Beach Shack there with great food, drinks, a lounge, and beach umbrella rentals. Amenities:food and drink; toilets; parking (free). Best for: swimming; snorkeling; walking.

A fairly isolated strip off a residential area, this tiny white-sand cove attracts snorkelers with its shallow water filled with fish and cool little caves. Swimmers will also appreciate the calm conditions. There aren't any facilities nearby, just a few public shade palapas but no chairs, so pack provisions and your own snorkel gear. It's popular with locals on weekends. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

On the northwestern shore, this small cove bordered by limestone cliffs crests shallow waters that stretch 300 yards from shore. There are no snack or refreshment stands, but that might change with the addition of the new stretch of paved Linear Park path leading from Fisherman’s Huts to Arashi beaches which attracts plenty of cyclists, strollers, and runners. Most of the main snorkel boat tours stop here for a dip, as the water is crystal clear and full of tropical fish, so it can become very crowded after lunch. Go early in the morning if you want to swim/snorkel on your own. Wear beach shoes as the tiny strips of sand where you can gain access to the water are very rocky. You might see sea turtles there. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; snorkeling; sunset.