You won't find beaches lined with palm trees in Aruba; rather, look for the hardy but stooped Divi Divi tree, which always bow southwest in acknowledgement of the trade winds that blow across Aruba from the west. Casual beachgoers can find the calm, sandy shores they seek on the island's west side, while more adventurous souls can head east for pounding surf of Dos Playa. The Visit Aruba site can also provide more details on these and other sandy sanctuaries:
Palm Beach
Named one of the world's best beaches, and the best family beach by The Travel Channel, also is home to many of Aruba's big hotels and resorts.
Boca Catalina
Another family friendly strip, Boca Cataina also has close-in reef snorkeling and is lined with shady beach huts, known locally as "palapas." This is Aruba's premier spot for cuddling with your partner and watching the sunset.
Eagle Beach
Named the top beach in the Caribbean by USA Today, Eagle Beach is an idyllic Caribbean scene: miles of powdery sand lapped by gentle surf. A popular spot for water sports, which can be organized through the hotels across the street.
Baby Beach
Located on the island's less-traveled east side, Baby Beach is a popular spot for families looking to get away from the crowds; it has clear, shallow waters that are perfect for wading with kids.
Hadicurari
A windsurfer's paradise, Handicurari is home to the annual Hi-Winds Pro Am Windsurfing Competition and is a great place to get acquainted with this high-energy sport. For bathers, the water is very shallow, and the winds also make this a great place to fly a kite!
