Palm Beach#7 of 19 things to do in Palm - Eagle Beach

Palm Beach

★★★★½4.6 out of 5 · 8,612 reviews

Photo: © 751morganb via TripAdvisor

Palm Beach is a beach in Aruba, rated 4.6/5 by 8,612 TripAdvisor reviewers; swimming good; snorkeling good; moderate crowds; no facilities.

Swimmable

Calm, shallow water suitable for families and children; watersport boat traffic present but no current or wave hazards documented.

Sargassum: rarely

Leeward northwest coast, protected from prevailing winds. Occasional minor arrivals quickly cleared by resort crews.

About

Palm Beach runs along the high-rise hotel strip on the northwest coast, and the location is the whole selling point. You're steps from restaurants, bars, and nightlife — Bugaloé Pier alone has rentals, food, and drinks without leaving the sand. The beach ranks #7 among Palm–Eagle Beach attractions and pulls a Travelers Choice Best of the Best nod, so the crowds show up. That means limited towel space and a lively atmosphere that skews resort-entertainment rather than quiet escape. The tradeoff: water quality takes a hit from watersport boat traffic. Reviewers flag visible fuel and oil in the shallows, and the ocean floor can look murky. If snorkeling or pristine swimming matters, Baby Beach or Eagle Beach will serve you better. Palm Beach makes sense if you want convenience — walk off the sand to dinner, catch July 4th fireworks from the high-rises, or grab a cocktail without moving your car. The wind stays calmer here than on other parts of the island, which helps for floating but doesn't fix the boat residue.

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Snorkeling in Aruba: compare the 5 ways to do it

At a glance

Area: Palm Beach
Swimming quality: ●●●○○
Snorkeling: ●●●○○
Crowd level: fewer▮▮▮▯▯more
Facilities: –
Shade: –
Family friendly: –

How to decide

✓You want walking-distance nightlife, bars, and restaurants right off the beach
✓You prioritize lively atmosphere and resort entertainment over quiet relaxation
✓You're visiting for July 4th fireworks displays and special events
✓You prefer convenience of Bugaloé Pier rentals and bar service to remote beach exploration

Water quality matters most — travelers note fuel and oil from watersport boat traffic
You're seeking excellent snorkeling, as Baby Beach offers superior marine life experiences
You want uncrowded sand space, since Eagle Beach and Manchebo Beach are quieter alternatives

Palm Beach delivers unmatched dining and nightlife accessibility compared to Eagle Beach's quieter setting or Baby Beach's family-focused calm waters. However, if snorkeling quality drives your choice, Baby Beach's sea turtles and abundant marine life outperform Palm Beach's boat-trafficked waters, while Eagle Beach offers similar swimming without the noted pollution concerns.

Make a day of it

Tours & things to do nearby

ABC Tours Aruba

From $130 per person

ABC Tours Aruba operates out of Oranjestad and has held the #3 spot among outdoor activities in the capital for a reason — it's a full-day commitment. The standard safari runs seven hours, which is longer than most competitors, and covers Arikok National Park, the natural pool, caves, and a handful of beaches in one loop. That scope explains the $150 price point, which is about double what shorter half-day land tours charge elsewhere on the island. The back-to-back Travelers Choice awards and the volume of reviews point to consistent execution, and the guides get mentioned often — not just for driving, but for pacing the day so it doesn't feel like a forced march. Families book this because the private routes skip the roughest terrain and can accommodate infants, which matters if you're trying to see the interior without bounce-testing a car seat. If you're on a cruise, ABC coordinates timing around port schedules. If you'd rather spend half the day at a beach club, this isn't that.

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RockaBeach Tours

From $162 per person

RockaBeach Tours runs out of Oranjestad and consistently pulls top marks — #7 among all outdoor activities in the area, with back-to-back Travelers Choice awards and a 4.9 from nearly 10,000 reviews. That's not a fluke. The four-hour water tour format gives you enough time to move around the coast without burning a whole day, and the intensity level lands somewhere in the middle — expect some sun and activity, but it's not an expedition. The price sits around $75, which is competitive for a half-day boat experience in Aruba. Most routes hit snorkeling spots and coastal sights that bigger operators skip, and the crew tends to keep group sizes manageable. Direct booking is available, so you skip the markup. If you want a water day that's more structured than renting gear on your own but less anonymous than the cruise-ship charters, this is the window.

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Around Aruba Tours

From $122 per person

Around Aruba Tours runs UTV excursions out of Noord, and the #1 ranking among outdoor activities in the area reflects thousands of trips without drama. This is a four-hour route through Arikok and the natural sites on the east side—caves, the Natural Bridge ruins, Alto Vista Chapel—straightforward land touring without the add-ons some operators bundle in. The price sits at $100, which puts it between the budget half-day trips and the seven-hour safaris that include natural pool swims and cruise port coordination. What you're paying for is reliable organization and the UTV format itself, which handles the dirt roads better than most rental cars and feels more hands-on than riding in a van. The 4.9 rating across 7,600-plus reviews suggests the operation runs consistently. If you want the longer day with natural pool access, ABC Tours offers that at a higher tier. If you just want the backcountry without committing to a full-day schedule, this is the middle option that works.

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Visiting in October?

You're visiting during shoulder season when crowds are moderate and construction is common at several resorts. Weather is warm and humid, with occasional rain showers, but beaches remain beautiful. October sees returning visitors enjoying quieter beaches and Eagle Beach's exceptional calm waters.

Based on 150 traveler reports

Common questions

Common questions about Palm Beach.

Where can beach chairs and umbrellas be rented on various beaches?

Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available from two main sources: delivery services that drop off equipment at any beach, and…

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What are the best restaurants in the Palm Beach area?

Drunken Burger stands out as a highly recommended option in Palm Beach, with visitors consistently praising the quality of their burgers.…

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How do Palm Beach and Eagle Beach compare?

Palm Beach offers more activity and energy, while Eagle Beach is quieter with fewer crowds, according to multiple visitor reports. Wind…

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Recent Pulse

What travelers are saying.

Trending up

Low confidence

Travelers say Palm Beach trades pristine water quality for unbeatable convenience. You're steps from dozens of restaurants, bars, and water-sport vendors along the high-rise strip, making it easy to grab a drink at Bugaloe or book parasailing without leaving the sand. The beach pulls crowds — palapas fill by 7am and non-hotel guests pay $10–$75 for chairs and umbrellas — but reviewers call it less chaotic than mainland resort towns. The downside is visible: boat traffic from jet skis, tubing, and catamaran charters churns the sand, leaving the bottom slimy or muddy in places and the water cloudy enough that you can't see your feet. Multiple visitors flag an oil or sewage smell near the waterline. If crystal-clear snorkeling matters, head to Baby Beach or Eagle Beach; if you want walkable nightlife and calm, shallow water for kids, Palm Beach delivers.

Standing out

Walkable infrastructure puts restaurants, bars, shops, and water-sport vendors within steps of the sand
47 mentions
“Cross the street and you're on the beach; cross again and you're at Paseo Herencia Mall”
Calm, shallow water stays waist-deep 80–100 feet out, safe for young children
38 mentions
“Walk meters and the water is flat like a turquoise pool”
Same-day water-sport bookings available on the beach (parasailing, tubing, catamaran cruises)
29 mentions
“Signed up for parasailing and was in the air within 30 minutes”
White sand stays cool underfoot even in direct sun
22 mentions
“Hard to believe the sand was so cool when it was hot and sunny outside”
Stunning sunsets visible from the beach or hotel balconies facing west
18 mentions
“Watch the sun set over the blue Caribbean from your lounge chair”

Watch-outs

Boat traffic from water sports churns sand, making the ocean floor slimy or muddy and water too cloudy to see your feet
41 mentions
“Bottom feels like gelatin; visible fuel and oil in the shallows from jet skis”
Palapas and chairs reserved by hotels; non-guests pay $10–$75 per setup and must arrive before 7am for good spots
28 mentions
“All palapas claimed by hotels; $60 for umbrella and two chairs”
Crowded high-rise strip feels commercial, not tranquil; some report sewage or fuel smell near shore
19 mentions
“Smells like sewage; feels like Cancun on Spring Break, not paradise”

Tips from travelers

Arrive before 7am to claim a palapa or shaded spot under palm trees
Rent chairs from Sandra at Marcel's Watersports near the Hyatt for budget pricing ($5–$10)
Stay away from the ropes in the water to avoid jellyfish stings
Take the $5 public bus (route 10) from the cruise port instead of $20+ taxis

Maybe skip if: Skip Palm Beach if you want crystal-clear snorkeling, quiet natural scenery, or a beach free from boat exhaust and commercial energy.

Other beaches

Eagle BeachSwimmable© ollieo637 via TripAdvisor

Eagle 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.

Arashi Beach

Arashi Beach sits at the northwestern tip of the island, just past the high-rise strip, and it's the #1 thing to do in Arashi for a reason: the sand itself. It's soft, white, and better than what you'll find at Palm Beach or Eagle Beach if you're staying in the Noord area and don't want to drive south. The 4.5 rating across 3,000-plus reviews holds up, and it's earned back-to-back Travelers Choice awards. The trade-off is infrastructure — there's none. No shade, no facilities, no food stands. It's a bring-your-own-everything setup. Swimming and snorkeling are fine but not standout; if you want sea turtles or a shipwreck, head to Baby Beach or Malmok instead. Arashi is about the sand and the convenience if you're already on the north end of the island. Pack water, bring an umbrella, and expect straightforward beach conditions without the fuss.

Malmok Beach

Malmok Beach sits on the northern tip of the island past the high-rise strip, and most people drive right by it on the way to the California Lighthouse. The #6 ranking among Palm-Eagle Beach attractions comes entirely from what's underwater — this is a snorkeling beach, not a lounging beach. The rocky shelf drops into calm water where several small wrecks sit close to shore, and the fish density is noticeably higher than anything you'll see off Eagle or Palm Beach. The entry requires water shoes; the sand quality doesn't compete with Eagle Beach a few miles south. There are no chair rentals, no shade structures, no beach bar. You park on the shoulder, walk over the rocks, and swim out. If you're renting a car and you care more about seeing parrotfish and sergeant majors than having a perfect sand day, Malmok delivers something the resort beaches can't. Baby Beach on the southern end offers easier wading and comparable marine life if the rocky bottom here is a problem.

Great swim

Snorkeling

Quiet

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Eat near this beach

Palm Beach

Gianni's Ristorante Italiano

Gianni's sits on the hotel strip in Palm Beach, an upscale Italian spot serving Neapolitan and Sicilian dishes. The #22 ranking among 155 Palm Beach restaurants puts it solidly mid-pack, and the ratings reflect that: 4.4 for food, 4.5 for atmosphere, 4.0 for value. It's a convenient walk from the high-rise hotels, takes reservations, and handles families without fuss. The upside is accessibility — if you're staying on Palm Beach and want Italian without getting in a car, it's there. The trade-off is that you're paying upper-mid pricing for food that doesn't always land as authentic. The atmosphere scores higher than the cooking, which tells you something about the experience. If you're traveling with kids who eat pasta and you need outdoor seating near your hotel, it works. If you're chasing the best Italian on the island or want your money to stretch further, you'll find stronger options in Savaneta or Eagle Beach.

Eagle Beach

Madame Janette

Madame Janette sits just inland from Eagle Beach on Cunucu Abao, and it's been a fixture in Aruba's upscale dining scene for years. The #33 ranking among Palm-Eagle Beach restaurants tells part of the story — the 4.5 food rating and 4.4 atmosphere score show it still has defenders, but the 4.1 value rating and volume of feedback suggest the experience doesn't always land. Travelers consistently mention two things: no air conditioning in a tropical climate, and bugs. The outdoor setting is part of the concept, but humidity and insects are real factors if you're sensitive to either. The international menu aims for special-occasion polish, and the restaurant handles large groups, which matters if you're planning a celebration dinner and need a guaranteed table. But standards have slipped enough that regulars now point to Passions On The Beach for romance on the sand or Barefoot for more consistent upscale cooking. Reservations required. Expect top-tier prices.

Eagle Beach

Passions On The Beach

Passions sits right on Eagle Beach, tables in the sand, waves at your feet. It's the #25 restaurant in Palm–Eagle Beach and holds a 2025 Travelers Choice, which tracks with the 4.9 atmosphere rating — sunset here is the main event. The kitchen does Caribbean, seafood, and international plates at the high end of the price range, and the 4.5 food score suggests they mostly deliver. Unlike The Flying Fishbone down the coast, Passions doesn't require reservations and welcomes kids, so it's looser and more forgiving if your timing shifts. Service scores well, value less so, which is expected when you're paying for the location. The trade-off is you're not getting Flying Fishbone's precision or exclusivity, but you also skip the booking stress and the adults-only rule. If you want toes-in-the-sand dining on Eagle Beach without the formality, this is the move. Arrive before sunset if the table matters.

Stay near this beach

Palm Beach

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

The Aruba Marriott sits on L.G. Smith Boulevard in Palm Beach, right where the high-rise strip meets the sand. It's a full-scale resort with a casino attached, so expect crowds, especially around the pool and lobby bars. The 4.7 cleanliness rating and 4.6 service score suggest the operation runs tight despite the size, and sleep quality holds at 4.5, which matters when you're paying top-tier rates. It ranks #20 out of 26 hotels in the Palm-Eagle Beach zone, so it's middle-of-the-pack for the area — the location and service scores pull it up, the value rating at 4.2 reflects what you're spending. If you want the Marriott reliability and don't mind resort-scale energy, it works. The beach access is the real asset here; Palm Beach is wide and swimmable, and you're walking distance to most of the strip's restaurants and bars.

Palm Beach

Barcelo Aruba - All Inclusive

Barceló Aruba sits on Palm Beach, the high-rise hotel strip on the northwest coast, and it's fully all-inclusive — drinks, meals, non-motorized watersports, the works. The 4.7 location score tells you what you're paying for: direct beach access and walking distance to the casinos, shops, and other resorts that make Palm Beach the busiest stretch of sand on the island. It ranks #5 among Noord hotels with over 12,000 reviews, so you're looking at volume and consistency more than boutique charm. Service and cleanliness both land above 4.3, which matters when you're dealing with buffet lines and pool crowds. Sleep quality and rooms sit at 4.2 and 4.1 — solid but not exceptional. The value subrating is the lowest at 3.9, which tracks for a top-tier all-inclusive on prime real estate. If you want to park yourself on Palm Beach and not think about meal planning or bar tabs, this does the job. Just know you're trading some refinement for convenience and location.

Source: TripAdvisor · view on TripAdvisor →

Photos by individual contributors as credited above.

Review summaries are AI-paraphrased from public traveler reviews.

Palm Beach