As the British winter looms, the search for reliable sunshine intensifies. While the UK has its own stunning coastlines, the allure of a Caribbean escape is undeniable. Journalist Kathryn Williams ventured to the island of Aruba to investigate one of its most famous assets: the globally acclaimed Eagle Beach, to determine if the reality matches the relentless online hype.
The Journey to a Caribbean Icon
Aruba, a frequent stop for cruise ships, welcomes thousands of visitors to its capital, Oranjestad, where colourful neo-Baroque buildings are being steadily revitalised. The island's crown jewel, however, is Eagle Beach, a frequent fixture in world-best beach rankings. Currently holding the second place in Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards and a former gold medal winner, its reputation certainly precedes it.
Reaching this paradise is straightforward. A 10-minute, $3 bus ride from Oranjestad will get you there, or if you're staying at a nearby resort, you can simply stroll onto the sand.
First Impressions of Eagle Beach
Spanning a 1.2-mile stretch of pure, white coral sand, Eagle Beach is the widest on the island. It is instantly recognisable by its iconic, windswept fofoti trees and shaded areas with palm trees and cabanas. Its vast size means it never feels overcrowded, offering a sense of spacious serenity.
Williams reports that it took just five minutes of walking on the fine, powdery sand to feel completely convinced. The sea was a striking azure-blue, living up to the often-clichéd description with stunning accuracy. Wading into the Caribbean Sea, the water transformed into a crystal-clear expanse, so clear it felt almost surreal.
Beyond Sunbathing: Activities and Alternatives
Unlike a bracing dip in the UK, the balmy waters of Eagle Beach invite you to sprint in without a second thought. Beyond leaping in the gentle waves or sunbathing with a book, the beach offers a range of activities including paddleboarding, snorkelling, parasailing, and clear kayaking.
The shallow water makes it particularly ideal for families. For nature lovers, the beach becomes a vital conservation site between March and September, when sea turtles come ashore to nest.
But Eagle Beach isn't Aruba's only draw. Williams also visited Baby Beach, a lengthy strip popular with families due to an offshore breakwater that creates calm, shallow waters. She noted its refreshingly cooler water was a welcome relief in the 30°C heat. Her personal favourite, however, was Mangel Halto. More secluded and sheltered by a network of mangrove trees, it offers a quieter, super-pretty shore and is a prime spot for experienced snorkelers to see parrot fish and yellowtail snapper by the reef.
The Final Verdict
As a self-professed fan of invigorating cold-water dips in Pembrokeshire, Williams was a sceptical convert. She concludes that Eagle Beach is 100% worth the hype. The perfect postcard scenes, framed by the sand, sea, and magical trees, are exactly as they appear in photographs. She confirms she would return in a heartbeat.
For those inspired to book, KLM offers daily flights to Aruba from multiple UK airports via Amsterdam, with prices starting from £306 per person one way in October 2026. Rooms at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort start from approximately £352 per night for two adults sharing.
