STRANDEN & HOTSPOTS
WITTE ZANDSTRANDEN VAN ARUBA
De stranden van Aruba zijn de trots van het eiland met brede witte zandstranden met warm, helder turkoois water.
Merlot Villas ligt op 700 meter van het prachtige Palm Beach, een van de beroemdste stranden van Aruba.
De stranden op Aruba zijn allemaal openbaar en goed bereikbaar.
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Palm Beach
Merlot Villas is located within 750 yards from Palm Beach, this stretch of white sand is home to the prestigious high-rise hotels. Palm Beach, adjacent to Hadicurari beach, is great for swimming, sunbathing, sailing, fishing, and snorkeling. As you walk along the shore through the lush gardens of the beachfront resorts, watch the birds and iguanas, and stop for a cold tropical drink at one of the many bars. At Palm Beach you will find several places where you can easily rent beach chairs (about $10 a bed) and parasols.
Malmok Beach (Fisherman's Huts)
Hadicurari (Malmok) beach or Fishermen's Huts is Aruba's most popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Every July, this site hosts the Hi-Winds World Challenge, an important pro-am windsurfing competition. Find more information about windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons here.
Boca Catalina
Boca Catalina is located minutes drive from Merlot Villas and a great spot for snorkeling, with its shallow water and plentiful fish. The sand is white, with some pebbles and shells. This small pocket beach has no facilities, but it offers seclusion and tranquillity. Boca Catalina is the beach where all the snorkel sail excursion cluster around the nearby reef.
Arashi Beach
Just a few minutes further you will find the calm surf and sandy bottom of Arashi Beach, one of Aruba's best swimming sites, near the California Lighthouse at the island's northwestern tip. Arashi Beach is ideal for snorkeling or sunbathing while watching pelicans fish. Few of the smaller beaches have facilities other than a shade hut (palapa) or two, so if you venture afar for privacy, bring your own cooler and gear.
Eagle Beach
Eagle Beach is across a small road from the low-rise hotels and several timeshare resorts. The wide beach, sugar-white sand and gentle surf are ideal for swimming. The ambience is relaxed and quiet. You will find several places to rent beach chairs and a couple of bars maintained by the hotels. Shaded picnic areas are provided for the public, and the beach is popular with tourists and locals alike on weekends.
Mangel Halto
Between Oranjestad and Savaneta half way between Palm Beach and Baby beach, lies Mangel Halto. It is a stunning snorkel site and its white-powder sand and shallow water are additional enticements for Aruban families, especially on weekends. The mangroves grow on the shoreline, creating small sandy beaches, which lead their way to the shallow waters rich in sea life. Mangel Halto is approximately a 30 minutes drive from Merlot Villas.
Baby Beach
Baby Beach, near Aruba's easternmost tip, is a prime destination for families with young children. The powdery sand and shallow bowl of warm turquoise water is perfect for inexperienced swimmers, thanks to the protection of rock break waters. Giant sea grape bushes and palapas offer protection from the sun. At Baby Beach you will find Big Momma's Grill a Flintstone themed place that is a full service restaurant, including bar.
Boca Prins
At the more rugged part of the island on the northern coast you will find several beautiful and more private beaches. Boca Grandi, Boca Prins, Daimari and Andicuri are just a few of the beaches which can be found here. With crashing waves and a rugged coasts, these beaches are perfect for body boarding and surfing, or the more experienced swimmer.
Oranjestad (Down Town)