Arashi Beach

Arashi is the northernmost beach on Aruba's calm western shore, past the end of the hotel strip and below the California Lighthouse, and the drive out to it takes you past the point where the developed island stops and the scrub begins. The sand is white, the water is calm and shallow, and reef runs along the rocky sections at both ends within easy swimming distance, which makes it the best snorkelling on the accessible west coast. There are palapas for shade, a small bar and toilets, and it is used by Arubans at weekends rather than by hotel guests, most of whom never get this far north.

What you actually see

• The reef at both ends - the best west coast snorkelling reachable from shore.
• The calm shallow water - sheltered like the rest of the leeward side.
• The palapas - shade structures along the sand.
• The lighthouse above - the California light on the hill behind.

When to go

Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt and is dry and windy year-round, so any month works. Mornings are calmest for snorkelling before the afternoon trade wind builds. Weekends bring Arubans; weekdays are quiet.

Honest expectations

The wind picks up strongly in the afternoon, as it does everywhere on Aruba, and it chops the water and blows sand. Palapas fill early at weekends. Facilities are limited to a bar and toilets. The reef is modest by regional standards and has declined.

Nearby

The California Lighthouse is above; Malmok and Boca Catalina are south.