Boca Prins Beach
About
Boca Prins sits on the windward side of Arikok National Park, where the desert meets the Atlantic. It's the fifth-ranked attraction in Santa Cruz, which mostly tells you this coast doesn't get the same traffic as the west-side hotel beaches. The waves here are strong and the undertow serious — swimming isn't the reason to come. People drive out for the raw scenery and the walking. The 4.4 rating across 72 reviews suggests it delivers what it promises: dramatic surf, volcanic rock formations, and stretches of sand that feel untouched because they mostly are. You'll likely share the beach with a handful of other visitors, not crowds. The access road is unpaved and rough in spots, so plan accordingly. If you're looking for calm water or beach services, this isn't it. If you want to see what Aruba's rugged north coast actually looks like, Boca Prins is one of the easier entry points.
At a glance
- Area
- Santa Cruz
- Swimming quality
- ●●○○○
- Snorkeling
- ●●○○○
- Crowd level
- fewer▮▮▯▯▯more
- Facilities
- –
- Shade
- –
- Family friendly
- –
Photos
© njdevils430 via TripAdvisor© njdevils430 via TripAdvisor
© ricardocores via TripAdvisor© ricardocores via TripAdvisor
© kren250 via TripAdvisor© kren250 via TripAdvisor
© kren250 via TripAdvisor© kren250 via TripAdvisor
Other beaches
Santa Cruz© CanadianAmericanGirl via TripAdvisorDos Playa
Dos Playa sits on Aruba's rugged northeastern coast inside Arikok National Park, near the Santa Cruz area. The name translates to "two beaches," and that's what you get: a pair of small coves separated by rock, both framed by jagged cliffs and wild surf. The water here isn't calm — swimming and snorkeling are moderate at best, and the waves can be rough depending on conditions. There's no shade and no facilities, so bring everything you need and plan to carry it back out. Ranked #6 of 9 attractions in Santa Cruz, Dos Playa pulls a smaller crowd than the main west-coast beaches, which is part of the appeal. It's not family-friendly in the conventional sense — the hike in from the park road is short but uneven, and the environment is raw. If you want postcard-pretty tide pools and solitude over convenience, this is the stop. Just don't expect lifeguards or a snack bar.
Santa Cruz© MrEMan2 via TripAdvisorAndicuri Beach
Andicuri sits on Aruba's north coast inside Arikok National Park, at the end of Ayo Road past the boulder fields. The water here is rough — strong currents and big waves make it better for watching than swimming, though some experienced surfers show up when the swells cooperate. The #4 ranking among park attractions makes sense; it's dramatic but not easy. There's no shade, no facilities, and no lifeguard. The beach itself is small and rocky in places, backed by cliffs. Snorkeling is possible in calmer pockets near the rocks if you know what you're doing, but most visitors come for the scenery and the quiet. Crowd level stays low because it takes effort to get here and the conditions keep families away. Bring water, sun protection, and decent shoes for the approach. If you're planning to get in the water, check the surf first and stay cautious — the current doesn't negotiate.
Eagle Beach© ollieo637 via TripAdvisorEagle Beach
Eagle Beach runs along the southwestern coast between the high-rise strip and the airport, and it's consistently ranked among the Caribbean's best beaches. The sand is white and wide, the water is calm and swimmable, and the iconic divi divi trees lean sideways from decades of trade winds — those same winds that earned it four Travelers Choice awards also mean you'll deal with blowing sand most afternoons. The #5 ranking among Palm-Eagle Beach attractions reflects what it does well: fewer crowds than Palm Beach, better sand than most hotel beaches, and enough space that you can claim a spot without stepping over tourists. It's popular with couples and wedding parties for a reason — the divi divis photograph beautifully and the vibe is quieter than the action up north. Snorkeling is unremarkable here; the marine life and visibility don't compete with Baby Beach or Malmok. If you're bringing small kids, the wind can turn a beach day into a sand-in-everything situation. Visit early if you want calmer conditions.
Source: TripAdvisor · view on TripAdvisor →
Photos by individual contributors as credited above.
Review summaries are AI-paraphrased from public traveler reviews.