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Surf’s Up: Favorite places to catch waves in Aruba
ORANJESTAD – Whether areas on Aruba’s east side.
you are a salt-seasoned
surfer looking for a thrill, or There are plenty of surf shop
just looking to wet your toes rentals to help you with your
in a little ocean adventure, gear, and there are also a
Aruba has amazing places lot of tutors if you’re looking
to learn and practice surf- to try for the first time and
ing! Although more known need a little help. These
for the calmer waters of can be found around the
Palm Beach, Eagle Beach island, and will surely come
and Mangel Halto, Aru- in hand if you’re wanting to
ba also has some special try a new experience!
places to thrill your senses.
With that said, here are
Because of strong winds Aruba’s favorite surf spots!
and breezes, Aruba is per-
fect for wind and kite surf- Andicuri
ing. You will surely notice Andicuri is recognized as
kites in the air as you drive the best place for body
around the wilder, rougher boarding. Because of the
LOCAL Monday 3 February 2025
rough waves, this beach is
better suited for those with
more experience in surfing.
However, the beach with
two bluffs – one on each
side – is worth a visit, if only
to watch the exciting show
presented by the surfers.
To go to Andicuri, you will
need a 4x4 vehicle and
drive from the ex-Natural
Bridge Center. Alternative-
ly, you can make it an ad-
venture by going on a hike! self, as it can be difficult to cause of strong currents),
The scenery is unique and find and is only accessible you can enjoy a relaxing
beautiful on its own. by 4x4 vehicle or walking time combing the beach
from the ex-Natural Bridge for driftwood, coral, and
Reaching Andicuri Beach center, but the impressive little crabs and snails.
can be an adventure in it- scenery makes it all worth-
while! Hadicurari
Known locally as Fisher-
Arashi man’s Hut, here is where
Arashi, a beach located you will find most of the
close to the California Light- action for surfers in Aruba.
house, is a good spot for With a variety of surf shops
learning and having fun – if and schools in this area,
you’re lucky! The waves at you will find it easy to get
Arashi are usually calm, but in on the action. Hadicurari
with just the right weather, is also the site of the Aruba
a swell forms attracting all Hi Winds World Challenge,
the local surfers to the area. which takes place usually
in June/July, and it is the
Boca Grandi largest windsurfing compe-
Boca Grandi is at the most tition in the Caribbean!
southern spot in Aruba, and
is a popular spot with expe- Malmok
rienced surfers. Close to the If you’re a beginner, this is
famous Red Anchor and your spot. There are also
our beloved Sunrise City – various shops to rent gear
San Nicolas, a trip to Boca and receive lessons, facili-
Grandi can easily turn into tating learning and just try-
an all-day trip to this area ing out a new experience.
of the island. With a beauti- The beach is also popular
ful beach (although it is not for paddleboarding and
allowed to swim here, be- other watersport activities.