One Of Aruba's Best-Kept Secrets Is This Baby Blue Water Beach Ideal For Swimming And Snorkeling

The moment you arrive in Aruba, most people want to ask locals, "What's your favorite beach?" The Caribbean island is around 20 miles long, so first-timers may be shocked to learn that Aruba boasts about 40 separate beaches. More than a million people arrive on this tiny land mass each year to enjoy the clear skies and turquoise waters; with so many luxury hotels and outdoor activities, it's little wonder that visiting Aruba is considered one of the best-rated Caribbean experiences. Most of these tourists will sun themselves near Oranjestad, the nation's resort-filled capital. More intrepid folks will cross the island to the rugged eastern coast, where isolated patches of sand are nestled between cliffs.

But here's an open secret: Arashi Beach is one of the best — and most overlooked — beaches in Aruba. The crowds are thin, the atmosphere is blissful, and it's only a 25-minute drive from downtown Oranjestad. This crescent of sand lies near the northern tip of the island, a small paradise hidden in plain sight.

Arashi is known for its palm trees, calm waters, and ivory-white sand. There are several palapas, or thatched shelters, available for shade. A parking lot is located right on the edge of the beach, so you don't have to lug your belongings far. Unless a rare rainstorm passes through, the sea is crystal clear; the conditions are ideal for snorkeling, and these waters are lively with angelfish, coral, crabs, and other marine life. The shallows are only a couple of feet deep and perfectly still most of the year, so small children can wade far out. Note that Arashi Beach doesn't have any lifeguards, so beachgoers should know how to stay safe in and out of the water.

When your appetite takes hold, pad your way to the Arashi Beach Shack, a cozy snack shop (and bar) with a tiled roof and plenty of shaded seating, including a rainbow-painted porch swing. Savor a basket of shrimp skewers or a bowl of ceviche, then slake your thirst with a brightly colored cocktail. Now and again, a brass band and local dancers will appear to entertain visitors. Not bad for a beach that's less than half a mile in length.

Aruba is roughly shaped like an arrowhead, and the "notch" of the island is fairly quiet compared to busy Oranjestad. Nearby stands the picturesque California Lighthouse, a white spire that was first built in 1910. Not only can you enter the lighthouse, but visitors are now allowed to climb to the top and take in a 360-degree panorama. The road ends here, and all development fades into the Sasariwichi Dunes, a gently rolling desert of sand and grass. If you feel like exploring this area on foot, the Westpunt trailhead is located on the northern edge of Arashi Beach.

There aren't many hotels around here, or even buildings for that matter, so visitors should expect to head back south at the end of the day. There are hundreds of resorts, hotels, and guesthouses in Aruba, a nation that bases half of its economy on tourism. If you're traveling with kids, you might consider this all-inclusive resort that's the perfect destination for a family vacation.