There is no question that Aruba is home to some of the most visually stunning and sought-after beaches on the planet. In addition to this visual appeal, another reason people come from around the world to enjoy a vacation on Aruba beaches is thanks to its incredible weather conditions. Aruba enjoys a dry climate throughout the year, especially compared to some other Caribbean islands.
This is great news for those who love sunbathing on welcoming beaches, but it is also great for water quality and visibility. Where many other tropical destinations have to cope with consistent rain runoff clouding up the coastal waters, Aruba’s coastal waters almost always maintain a crystal clear and gem-like visibility. This makes it wonderful for swimming and snorkeling. It also has many great places to dive, as well as inviting sand for admiring the water’s soothing hue from underneath the shade of a palapa.
The Quick Top 5 Beaches In Aruba in 2025
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1
Best Overall Beach: Eagle Beach -
2
Best Beach for Families: Baby Beach -
3
Most Secluded Beach: Andicuri Beach -
4
Best Beach for Wildlife Viewing: Mangel Halto Beach -
5
Best Beach for Activities and Amenities: Palm Beach
All the Best Beaches in Aruba:
Where to stay Eagle Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
Eagle Beach is consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the world. Not only is this beach the most desirable beach in Aruba, but Eagle Beach also tops many reputable “best beaches” lists. In fact, some travel hours by plane just to walk its powdery white shoreline and bask in the salty heaven of its waters.
The perfectly soft sand stretches on for miles, so even with some busy areas with beachside restaurants, speedy jet skis, and other activities, it is possible to find a quieter spot on most days. There is also a limited number of palapas for those looking for reliable shade.
The winds here are hit or miss, as this area does not get the worst of the tradewinds, but can experience some breezy days. But windy or not, the swimming conditions are usually great, with fairly calm and undeniably welcoming waters. Just make sure you stay in the designated swimming zones to avoid contact with leisure crafts.
Eagle Beach is located in the Noord area of the island, which is a central location. It is easily reachable by bus, taxi, and car.
Things we like:
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The water is absolutely perfect. The color, the temperature, the current - it is all inviting
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Great location, close to most of the resorts and city areas in Aruba
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It’s a bucket-list beach that every beach lover should want to check off the list
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Lots of conveniences, including food, drinks, bathroom facilities
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Rental equipment, boat tours, and palapa rentals are all easily accessible from the beach
Things we don't like:
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This is Aruba’s most popular beach, so it can get very crowded, and lose some of its tropical oasis allure
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The water here can get quite busy between paddlers, motorboats, and even jet skis
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Some parts of this beach feel too touristy, and can be lacking in authenticity
Where to stay Eagle Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
Where to stay Baby Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
With its giant, shallow cove and being bordered by bleach-white sands, Baby Beach is the best beach for families who love to swim. The grand cove at Baby Beach is completely protected, as much of the bay is surrounded by land, with the rest protected by a shallow reef. This gives Baby Beach the feel of a giant natural swimming pool, complete with fantastic snorkeling opportunities.
Baby Beach is a bit off the path of most resort areas, located near Aruba’s southern tip. This spot is great for wind protection but takes a bit more work to reach without a car. But the journey is surely worth it. You can dip your toes into the clear warm waters and walk for what seems like minutes, and still only be knee-deep in this lagoon.
Being further from the larger resort areas, there are fewer crowds and more locals. But even with the lack of resorts, there are still equipment rental shacks as well as refreshments and food stands along the beach.
Things we like:
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Safe waters great for families with kids
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Amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities from shore
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Less windy than many other beaches
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Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery
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Far from tourist areas, giving it a more authentic “island” vibe
Things we don't like:
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Not easy to reach, especially by public transportation
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No public restrooms
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Very few facilities are available, so you need to plan ahead
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Its shallow waters are not always desirable for some water activities
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Not a lot of natural or rentable shade
Where to stay Baby Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
Where to stay Andicuri Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
On the other side of the spectrum and on the other side of the island is the majestic Andicuri Beach. Andicuri Beach is an ideal secluded beach that is hidden by giant limestone cliffs. This beach is an ideal spot for those who like a beach day to have a side of adventure. Just getting to this secret beach is its own epic of sorts, as it requires a short hike or (ideally) a 4X4 vehicle to drive the challenging road leading up to it.
Once you’ve navigated your way, you will see a stunning beach surrounded by rocky cliffs. A small cove sits in the middle of these limestone cliff formations, and waves churn onto the sand, which attracts many experienced bodyboarders.
Andicuri Beach is a fantastic spot for those looking to completely unplug and feel the remoteness of Aruba, away from resorts and tourists. But keep in mind this is not a beach for families or those looking to take casual dips in the water. The currents here are strong, and even experienced swimming should be very cautious.
There are also no food and beverage or restroom facilities at Andicuri Beach. This oasis is not for those seeking ease and convenience, but rather for those hoping to feel the raw power and beauty of nature.
Things we like:
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Beautiful and raw natural scenery
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Great for those looking to incorporate hiking into a day at the beach
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The waves are great for watching bodyboarders
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The limestone cliffs provide a dramatic, stunning backdrop to this secluded cove
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Andicuri Beach is rarely crowded
Things we don't like:
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The road leading up to the beach is bumpy and challenging
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No public transportation option
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The beach has no facilities, which means no bathrooms or even trash
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Not a good swimming beach because of strong currents, making it less than ideal on hot days
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This beach is not ideal for families with small children, as there are safety risks
Where to stay Andicuri Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
Where to stay Mangel Halto Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
Another natural beauty that inspires an appreciation for nature is Mangel Halto Beach. Mangel Halto Beach has a perfect natural setting and is known for its mangrove forests and welcoming tranquil waters. Some of the best snorkeling and diving reefs in all of Aruba are located just off the shores of Mangel Halto Beach. In fact, in the right conditions, you can even walk out to some of them.
This area is well-protected, which makes it an ideal and safe place for swimming, kayaking, and paddling in Aruba. There are also many mangroves along the coast, which help to block any wind. There are several huts that allow for shade as well. This area is great for those looking for a bit of seclusion, and a break from the resort vibes present at places like Palm Beach and Eagle Beach.
Even without the luxurious amenities, the lovely white sand and lack of people make Mangel Halto Beach a fantastic Aruba beach for those looking to balance natural beauty and relaxing sand sessions.
Things we like:
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The natural beauty, including mangrove forests
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Great wildlife viewing opportunities
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Ample watersport activities, and no shortage of things to do
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Less touristy than many other beaches nearby
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The trees help mitigate the wind, making it a great escape on windy days
Things we don't like:
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Not ideal for those looking for a manicured “resort” vibe
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The are no luxury amenities, including a lack of restaurants
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Not as picturesque as some of Aruba’s more iconic beaches
Where to stay Mangel Halto Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
Where to stay Palm Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
It is unlikely you will take a trip to Aruba and not experience Palm Beach at least once. Palm Beach is the ultimate party beach in Aruba’s nightlife capital. This iconic two-mile sandy strip known as Palm Beach is home to inviting turquoise waters as well as lively nightlife and high-rise resorts.
Palm Beach is situated in the tourism hub of Aruba. This means there is convenience and excitement all around. You can find any type of food, drink, and rental equipment in this area. Palm Beach is the hub for many of Aruba’s top things to do, which makes it a convenient home base for those enjoying a day excursion.
This area is easily accessible by car, taxi, and public transport. It is a great jumping-off point for those who have just arrived on the island, as you can easily enjoy the wonderful sandy beach without having to try too hard. Once the crowds become a bit overwhelming, you can move on to one of the many less-populated beaches on this list. But for a perfect balance of tropical beach and happening nightlife, nothing beats Palm Beach.
Things we like:
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The lively atmosphere, especially later in the afternoon
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Very convenient location, especially for those staying in Palm Beach
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Great for the young and young at heart who love a party environment
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A great jumping-off point for many day trips and boat tours
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There are restaurants, restrooms, rentals, and everything you could want nearby
Things we don't like:
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There is an absence of tranquility
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The beach can get crowded, and it is not even the most stunning of all Aruba beaches
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The crowd that frequents this beach is not always the most enjoyable
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Not ideal for those looking to unplug from society
Where to stay Palm Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
Where to stay Dos Playa:
Find a nearby hotel
Dos Playa, which translates to two beaches, is located off the beaten path along Aruba’s preserved eastern shore. Dos Playa Beach is a fantastic pair of secluded beaches tucked into the edge of Aruba’s Arikok National Park. The two pristine and less-frequented beaches are separated by limestone cliffs, adding intrigue and ambiance to this already magical natural setting.
Dos Playas can only be reached by car, and a 4X4 is best to navigate the tricky roads. There are great hiking and exploring opportunities starting near Dos Playa Beach. Making this sandy spot a home base for a day of wilderness fun is ideal. The water is rather dangerous, however, so don’t bank on a refreshing dip after a hike. The beach here is not good for swimming in general, as only experienced surfers tend to crave the large waves and strong currents.
Things we like:
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It is surrounded by nature, being located in Arikok National Park
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Great for those who love hiking as much as the beach
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Very quiet and tranquil, and rarely full of visitors
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The beach has a very rugged and authentic quality
Things we don't like:
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This is a hard beach to get to
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You need a car (ideally a 4X4) to get to this beach, which is not always possible
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There are no facilities at this beach, meaning you need to bring everything there and take your trash with you
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Not a good swimming beach, especially for non-expert swimmers
Where to stay Dos Playa:
Find a nearby hotel
Where to stay Druid Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
For a perfect balance of resort pampering and a quiet welcoming beach feeling, consider a trip to Druid Beach. Druid Beach is close to Eagle Beach and has much of that beach’s beauty, but ideal for those who want fewer crowds. This beach, located just a stone-throw away from bustling downtown Oranjestad, keeps a fairly quiet and subdued vibe, especially compared to places like nearby Palm Beach.
Druid Beach is a long stretch of beach not too far south of Eagle Beach, but is less crowded, and offers more enjoyable beach walks and casual dips in the water. While a bit more chill, this is by no means a secluded beach. There are plenty of water sports opportunities and great dining and beach activities like volleyball. This is a great place to come when you can’t decide if you want a fancy or simple beach day while enjoying Aruba’s stunning coastline.
You can reach druid beach by walking if you are staying at one of the top luxury all-inclusive resorts nearby. There is also parking, and it is situated on public transportation routes as well.
Things we like:
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Druid Beach has the beauty of Eagle Beach but without the crowds
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Lots of nearby luxury resorts and dining options
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Lots of fun activities and beach recreation
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Convenient for both families and couples looking for easy, lowkey fun
Things we don't like:
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It is less crowded than Palm Beach, but still by no means secluded
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Does not have the wildlife and snorkeling opportunities found further south
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Not the best location for budget-minded travelers, as the resorts tend to be pricey
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Might not be worth the journey if you are staying at Eagle Beach, as it isn’t superior
Where to stay Druid Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
Where to stay Hadicurari Beach (Fisherman’s Hut):
Find a nearby hotel
Hadicurari Beach, better known as “Fisherman’s Hut,” is a unique beach environment that visitors should check out on a less-windy day. Hadicurari Beach is famous throughout the Caribbean for its kite surfing, as it has ideal consistent winds.
But Hadicurari Beach also has great powder sand and fewer crowds than places like Eagle Beach.
Even where there are sustained winds, the waves stay relatively calm on this side of the island, making it possible to take a dip into the jade-colored ocean.
The beach gets its name from the huts that local fishermen built here many years ago. Now, the fishing industry is overshadowed by the surfing and windsurfing that dominates this area. In fact, the biggest windsurfing event in the Caribbean, “The Aruba Hi-Winds” takes place at the beach each year. This makes Hadicurari Beach a fantastic place to take a windsurfing lesson, or just sit in a beach chair and marvel at others as they slice through blue waters on their wind-powered vessels.
Things we like:
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The perfect place to watch windsurfing and even take a lesson
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Great beach views and lots of beautiful sandy beach
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There is an authentic local spirit at this beach, making it feel less touristy
Things we don't like:
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This beach can get very windy, resulting in unpleasant sandblasting
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Swimming is possible here, but not ideal - there are far better swimming beaches
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The wind and watersport activities make this a less-than-ideal beach for relaxation compared to other beaches further south
Where to stay Hadicurari Beach (Fisherman’s Hut):
Find a nearby hotel
Where to stay Arashi Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
On the Northwestern tip of Aruba sits a beach that has a sprinkling of everything any seasoned beach lover desires. Arashi Beach has the amazing sand and the breathtaking clear blue water that Aruba is known for, with fewer tourists. But this Aruba beach also has fairly safe currents, with waters that are great for casual swimming or even snorkeling to admire the great variety of underwater life present here.
Arashi Beach is also full of conveniences. Even though it feels far from the city vibe, there are plenty of palapas for shade, a snack shack and you can even get here on the bus. This beach is located just before the California Lighthouse so is a perfect stop if you are out on an Aruba excursion. It is a great place to come for those looking to mix it up a bit after spending several days at Eagle Beach and Palm Beach, as the water is equally inviting, but the surroundings feel a bit more authentic.
Things we like:
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Authentic vibe but close to tourist conveniences
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Very natural setting, with snorkeling opportunities
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Plenty of palapas for shade, and a snack shade for necessities
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A great view of the California Lighthouse
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You can get here on the bus
Things we don't like:
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A bit out of the way for those staying in most resort areas
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It lacks variety when it comes to food and drink options
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There are not many tours or rental companies operating in this area
Where to stay Arashi Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
Where to stay Blackstone Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
For those who want a break from Aruba’s typical white sandy beaches, and crave a beach that comes with a side of adventure, head over to Blackstone Beach. Blackstone Beach, with its lack of sand and stunning black rocks, offers a stark contrast to many of Aruba’s famous white beaches. But don’t be deterred, this Aruba beach is just as photogenic (if not even more so) as the island’s more famous beaches.
Instead of sand, there are stunning rock formations, and piles of dark rounded stones that the beach gets its name from. It is a wonderful location for a photo shoot, a picnic, and even practice a bit of meditation. It’s a very unique and worthwhile beach experience in Aruba, even if you can’t get in the water or lay on inviting sand.
Blackstone Beach is within walking distance from Andicuri Beach, making it a great place to visit on the same day. The photos from this beach are particularly stunning with the early morning and with late afternoon glow.
Things we like:
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A very unique-looking beach, unlike any other beach landscape in Aruba
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A powerful place to meditate or bring a book
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Great for a different kind of Aruba photo shoot, or some nature photography
Things we don't like:
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This beach doesn’t have sand, which is a deterrent for many beachgoers
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You can’t easily or safely swim at this beach
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With the slippery rocks, it is not ideal for families with young kids or the elderly
Where to stay Blackstone Beach:
Find a nearby hotel
What Makes Aruba’s Beaches So Special?
Aruba is relatively small, only 20 miles long, and a maximum of 6 miles wide, and it’s located just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela. This location has its perks, like the surprisingly-dry climate and incredible water visibility, but there are a few drawbacks to note. Aruba beaches all look perfect in photographs, but some of these photogenic locales experience strong winds that can be quite irritating for beachgoers.
For evidence of wind, look no further than the dramatically leaning fofoti trees. These trees, found along much of the island’s shoreline, grow and point towards the Southwest, due to reliably-strong Northeast tradewinds. While this wind is fantastic for some watersports, it makes for less-than-ideal conditions for those looking to lay out on the beach.
Even with the sometimes pestering wind, there are tons of sheltered and well-situated beaches on this compact island that will blow any beach-lovers mind. But finding the beach that compliments your desires can be daunting if you aren’t familiar with the area. Within our list of 10 spectacular locations, there is bound to be a strip of sand perfect for you. From world-renowned stretches of soft white sand to protected family-friendly coves that are free of wind and crowds, each beach brings something unique and special that is worth checking out.
Tips When Visiting Aruba’s Beaches
- Check The Wind Levels Before Selecting The Beach: Aruba is known for its occasionally strong winds, but they vary from day to day. So when if you plan to visit beaches like Fisherman’s Huts, Eagle Beach, and other breezy beaches, check the weather report. Head to these beaches when there is a lull in the wind for the best experience. Remember that wind can change dramatically within hours.
- Read The Safety Signage: Make sure you read the signage and follow the rules of each beach. Only swim in designated areas. Some beaches in Aruba have dangerous waves and currents, so stick to safe beaches like Baby Beach and Mangel Halto Beach when you want to spend the day swimming without worry or with children.
- Respect The Locals And Environments: Secluded beaches are amazing for those who hate crowds. But this means a lack of facilities, and it also means they are treasured by locals. So be respectful of local customs, and remember to bring containers for your rubbish.
- For Secluded Bliss, Rent a 4X4: Several beaches, including Blackstone Beach, Dos Playas Beach, and Andicuri Beach are best accessed by a 4X4 vehicle. So if secluded secret beaches are a priority, you might want to splurge on the lifted SUV, even if it is just for a day or two.
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