Surfside Beach Aruba

Surfside Beach Quick Facts

Entrance Free (Public Beach)
Amentities are, chair/umbrella rentals, restrooms at the bar
Free Parking
Vibe - Calm family friendly and one of the local favorite
Unique Feature - Low flying airplanes landing at Reina Beatrix Aiirport

Surside Beach Aruba Map

Surfside sits close enough to Queen Beatrix International Airport that you’ll be floating on your back and watch a plane clear the runway thirty feet overhead. Sounds like it should be annoying. Somehow it isn’t there’s something almost hypnotic about it, and most people end up watching a few landings before they even notice they’ve been staring at the sky for ten minutes. It’s routinely ranked in the top 5 beaches in Aruba, and locals won’t argue with that.

The sand is soft and pale, the water calm and about as turquoise as water gets. Good for swimming, decent for snorkeling if you’re patient about it. Aruba’s north coast gets windy and choppy Surfside doesn’t, which is exactly why it’s the beach people bring their kids to.

It’s located just south of Oranjestad, an easy stretch of coast that doesn’t require renting a car for a week to reach.

📍 Address: L.G. Smith Blvd, Oranjestad, Aruba near the Surfside Beach Bar and The West Deck

Directions to Surfside Beach

From the airport (AUA), it’s about a five-minute drive, roughly a mile and a half. Head southwest on L.G. Smith Blvd and Surfside shows up on your left, just past the marina.

Since you’re already this close to town, it’s worth the extra ten minutes to swing by Bushiri Beach too. Same calm water feel, and a good spot to watch the cruise ships come and go if that’s your thing.

Airplane Spotting at Surfside

Surfside beach sits directly in the flight path of Queen Beatrix International Airport, it offers one of the most unique vantage points on the island for airplane spotting. The incoming jets descend incredibly low over the water, often clearing the beach by just thiery feet before touching down on the nearby runway. For photo opportunities set up your towel or lounge chair near the southern edge of the sand, where you can capture the aircraft perfectly.

Beachfront Dining & Lively Vibes

Beyond the water, Surfside’s real draw is what happens on the beach once the sun starts dropping. The Surfside Beach Bar keeps drinks cold and the music loud enough to notice, not so loud you can’t hear the person next to you. The West Deck is a step up from there seafood, Caribbean flavors, tables close enough to the water that the tide basically sets the mood for you.

Surfside Beach Aruba Restaurants

Barefoot Restaurant right on the sand, torches lit after dark, a menu built around fresh seafood and grilled plates. Book ahead on weekends; it fills up fast.

Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant family run and been at it for years. The kind of place where the same server remembers your order from last time. Bigger menu than you’d expect for a spot this close to the water, and enough going on that it’s worth more than one visit.

Are there chairs and umbrellas for rent at Surfside Beach?

Yes, lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rent from local vendors and the Surfside Beach Bar. Alternative, you can find free natural shade the Kwihi trees that line the beach, though these spots fill up quickly on weekends.

Is Surfside Beach good for snorkeling?

While it is not the premier snorkeling destination on the island, it offers decent, beginner friendly snorkeling. The water is calm and shallow, and if you are patient, you can spot small fish and marine life near the rocky areas and corals.

How far is Surfside Beach from the cruise terminal?

Surfside Beach is incredible convenient for cruise passengers. It is located just south of Oranjestad, making it about a 15 to 20 min walk or a quick 5 min take ride from the main cruise terminal.

What is Surfside Beach known for?

It is primarily known for its clam waters and because it sits right under the flight path, it is one of the best spots on the island for watching airplanes land right over the water.

How much does it cost to get into Surfside Beach?

Access to Surfside Beach is completely free, as it a public beach. You also have access to free dirt parking.

Can you Swim at Surfside Beach?

Yes, it is one of the best swimming beaches in Aruba. Because it is sheltered from the rougher winds and currents found on the north coast, the water is flat, shallow, and very safe for swimming, making it a favorite for families with young children.

Go beyond the resorts. Discover Aruba like a local

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