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Surfside Beach

A small beach by Oranjestad and the airport, with planes overhead.

Updated 3 September 2026

Typebeach
WhereAruba
Nearest cityOranjestad
Best seasonDecember to April
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereBetween Oranjestad and the airport; road and walking access
EntryFree

Surfside is the nearest beach to Oranjestad, a strip of sand between the town and the airport on the sheltered leeward coast with calm shallow water and aircraft passing low overhead on approach. It is where the town swims and it stays busier than the resort beaches further north. A bar and restaurant operate on the sand. The beach sits directly under the flight path, which makes it a favourite with plane spotters as much as with swimmers. Its position between the town and the airport means it fills at almost any hour of the day.

Highlights

  • The aircraft - planes passing low overhead on the airport approach.
  • The calm water - sheltered leeward conditions.
  • The proximity - the nearest beach to the capital.
  • The beach bar - the operation on the sand.

When to go

December to April is the dry season and high season. It is busy year round because of its position. Weekends bring local crowds.

Good to know

Aircraft noise is constant and close. The beach is narrow and gets crowded. It is not the island's best sand by a distance.

Nearby

Oranjestad is northwest, and the airport is southeast.

Key facts

Location12.5078° N, 70.0297° W · map

Source: Wikidata, item Q135583599, read on 18 October 2026.

What to pack for Surfside Beach

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
  • Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
  • Water shoes - Protect your feet on rocky entries, hot sand and sea-urchin spines. Find on Amazon
  • Dry bag - Keeps phone, cash and keys safe while you are in the water. Find on Amazon

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Plan your trip

Where to start if Surfside Beach is going on the list.

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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