There’s something about the beaches of Aruba that entices us to return again and again.
I’m not sure what it is.
The feel of the white sand underneath my feet…
The perfect cooling temperature of the ocean…
The way the sun casts that certain glow…
The cactus and divi-divi trees…
We’ve been visiting Aruba for over 10 years now…
Years ago we stayed for a week in one of the many all-inclusive resorts that line the seven-mile strip of beach along the west coast of the island. But lately, we’ve only been able to visit Oranjestad, Aruba by cruise ship. It’s quite the tease really to have a gorgeous island right in front of you, and you only have 6 hours to enjoy it! But we manage. The key is to make the most of the time that you have.
We’ve visited the public beaches in Aruba so many times that we don’t even need to think about what we need to do or where we’re going – we’re on a mission.
In Aruba Malmok Beach is MY Beach Spot
We get off the cruise ship as fast as we can, and we walk directly across from the Aruba cruise ship terminal to the main bus depot and board bus line 10 ($2.50 US each way). The sign will say “Hotel Area”.
(The Aruba bus depot is just west of the Royal Plaza – the pink buildings with the gold dome in the photo)
Can you walk to seven-mile beach from the Aruba cruise port? Technically you can, but it’s not an easy walk especially in the hot sun while carrying all your beach things plus, you are on a time limit. I suggest you take the bus or a taxi.
It’s quick and easy to get to ANY of Aruba’s public beaches by bus PLUS you also get a mini-tour of all the luxurious beach resorts as they are all along this very same bus route that travels along the main road. Taxies are also readily available.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: A word about the Aruba Bus System, don’t be surprised when you see that the buses are minivans. They’ll have a bus route number on them, and you’ll need to pay with exact change. If you are on the street and you see a bus approaching, and you wish to get on – flag them down, open the door, and climb right in.
All of Aruba beaches are open to the public along the famous Seven Mile Beach. Just look for the walkways between the resorts that say “Public Access”. If you decide to use the beach near the resorts, you may have to pay for the use of their facilities as well as umbrellas and chairs, but for the price, you will be well looked after.
Malmok Beach, Aruba
In Aruba, there are lots of fabulous beaches close to the Oranjestad cruise port, but we prefer Malmok Beach. It’s near the end of the line, and a bit remote (in a good way) and there are no facilities – but we don’t care.
There’s shade from the palm trees, but I usually bring my sunshade so that I can pick a spot away from the other people. (They call me the Calculated Traveller after all). With our cooler packed with drinks/snacks and our mp3 player and speaker we hunker down for the long haul with our friends the pelicans and the odd iguana on the rocks.
The water at Malmok is shallow, clear and calm. Perfect for snorkelling or just to stand in the water to cool off.
Speaking of snorkeling spots – don’t be surprised if you see people from the cruise ship on their expensive shore excursions and tours being dropped off to this very location to do a bit of swimming. There is a large reef system and sunken wrecks nearby if you want to venture away from the shore.
If we are travelling with others, and we often do, our beach of choice is Eagle Beach. It’s more populated, closer to the cruise port, and there are shaded picnic areas as well as some rental water sports available.
How to get to Eagle Beach from the cruise port? Take the same bus route and just ask the driver to let you off at Eagle Beach.
When we’ve had our fill of the sun, we simply walk to the bus stop on the main road and wave at one of the passing buses for the quick ride back downtown to shop for handicrafts, jewellery, perfume, electronics and souvenirs before returning to the Aruba cruise terminal.
We have plans to return again – I already have a date set with a certain Pelican I met….
Have you been to Aruba? I’d love to hear what you loved about the island.
Never been to Aruba? Well, what are you waiting for?
Other beaches to explore in the Caribbean:
– One Day in Philipsburg St Maarten – Sun, Surf, Shopping and Star Wars
– A Day at the Beach in Nassau Bahamas
– Curacao Beaches – Sun, Surf and Sand
– The Best Things To Do in Anguilla, British Caribbean
Prefer an excursion? Check out these adventures
I love Aruba, and I think it is not just the sun and the amazing beaches but because the people are super friendly! They really live that one Happy Island vibe and make you feel so welcome. This beach was a favourite of mine too! However, I saw it from an excursion when we were dropped there to go snorkeling! Great idea to take a bus from the cruise ship I’m excited to go back again soon!
Life is short so enjoy it by traveling and see more beauty than you already do.
Hi, Hello and Greetings from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. My first visit to Aruba was back in August of 2010, it was only for four days as my relatives were scheduled to return to the States on Saturday and the only days that I could catch a connecting flight through Curacao back to Trinidad was on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (it was only after my return to Trinidad that my mother said that if we had really thought it out that I could have made reservations at another hotel and stayed the extra few days). I had no idea how in love I was going to fall with the island in that short space of time. I was blown away by the beauty of Baby Beach, the happening night life in the Palm Beach area, the tasty Sunday Barbecue, the overwhelming and generous hospitality of the people and the general laid back feel to the whole place. On leaving to return home I vowed to return back to Aruba someday. That day would come in August of 2012 and this time I would be there for seven days, leaving the day after my relatives and paying for an extra day at the Caribbean Palm Village resort. Arriving on Sunday I was again treated to Sunday Barbecue within minutes of walking through the doors at CPV. For the second trip I was able to do and see more than during my previous visit. Went to Moomba Beach twice, spent the greater part of an afternoon in Oranjestad before attending the Bon Bin Festival. Hiking up Hooiberg, partying on the Kuku Kunukoo, going to the Carubbean Festival in San Nicholas and dancing in a mini-street parade (something I am yet to do in Trinidad), visiting Baby Beach on the second to last day and doing everything in my power not to feel too depressed about leaving Aruba.
I guess when it boils down to it, what I love about Aruba is how much it reminds me of my birth place of Tobago, the small island feel and the much reduced pace of living. Hoping to make it back there before the end of the year, planning to up the stay from seven days to twelve days.
Wow Thanks so much for your comment Vallon…I have to say that the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is probably one of the only islands that I haven’t been to in the Caribbean. But, based on your comment about Aruba reminding it of your home – I know that I will love it! Hope that you get back to Aruba this year and are able to visit Malmok beach….
You are so clever! I wish that I didn’t get motion sickness. I think cruises are such a neat way to travel. I went on a 7 day Caribbean cruise a few years ago and was sick the whole time! Aruba looks so beautiful. I’d love to explore it someday.
I need to get to the Caribbean to go island hopping – I don’t just want to believe that they are all different, I’d love to see it!
I love the idea of special places – I have a tiny beach in Nova Scotia that I think about all the time. I think I need to make it the Caribbean to find some new favourites there!
Well Vanessa…you know who to ask if you need some advice!
I’d love to get the the Caribbean sometime soon. I’d be interesting to see how they compare to some of the islands in SE Asia. Sounds like you found a perfect spot there, I’d keep coming back as well!
Thanks for your comment Jessica! You definitely have to visit to compare. The only beach that I’ve been to in SE Asia is Kata Beach in Phuket – and although it was just lovely and I would go back in a minute – I did find it to be a bit dirty with some trash etc. I didn’t find that in Aruba at all as there are bins everywhere.
I’ve never been to Aruba, but think it looks beautiful in pictures. Actually, I’ve never been to any of the Caribbean at all. Hoping to change that in the next couple years. Even more so after reading this.
Oh Kimmy…you have to get to the Caribbean and visit as many as islands as you can – each one is very different from the other. Aruba specifically has a desert/wild side complete with cactus!
Great tip about the beach. I’ll make sure to make a note of that when we go.
Yet another island I need to visit! Looks amazing and love the photos!
Wow – I love that the family in the video (edit) has been going back to the same snorkel company for all these years! Very cool that the girls are growing up together – certainly makes it that much more special. It really is coming home rather than just vacationing!
I’d love to go to Aruba :) I think the land is very different from the mountainous Caribbean islands I’ve been to. Thanks for sharing!
Agreed especially if you compare it to an island like St. Lucia with its Pitons!
Love that photo with the pelicans! Have never been to Aruba, but it is definitely on the list! Have been to about 10 other Caribbean islands though, so Aruba will probably wait another few years or so, haha.
Thanks Jessica for your comment. You really do need to get to Aruba. It isn’t your typical Caribbean island as there are 2 distinct sides to the island. One side is calm beach/resorts/palm trees and the other side is wild! Quite the kick to rent a 4×4 and go exploring the red rock, sand and surf!
Looks like a great place to take a vacation, great tip on the bus line to see the area. I’d like to visit sometime in the near future!
You would love it Noel…lots of awesome photo opportunities for you.