Guide to Aruba Surfing & Paddle Boarding
If you’ve been to Aruba before, you know some of the very best beaches in the Caribbean are located right here on the One Happy Island.
You can put your toes in the soft sand and relax, but Aruba’s beaches are also perfect for surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboarding!
We have some of the best surfing in the Caribbean right here, and in Aruba it doesn’t even matter if you already know how to stand on a board or not. We have great activities for the entire family, including beaches and classes for beginners and seasoned pros alike, so don’t worry about your previous experience. We’ve got everyone covered!
Here in Aruba, we’re all about having fun while learning new things, so while you’re on the island, don’t be afraid to take some lessons and you’ll be good to go! As soon as you get the hang of it, you won’t want to get out of the water!
Board Sports in Aruba (NOT just surfing!)
Arubans love all kinds of board activities on the water.
Wind- and kitesurfing
Wind- and kitesurfing are two very popular water sports practiced daily by locals and visitors of all ages, skill levels, and athletic (or not so athletic) abilities. These sports have become a staple in Aruba’s water sports community. Wind- and kitesurfing are enjoyed throughout the entire year, so you can come to Aruba anytime and partake in the fun.
Surfing
Surfers love coming to the island too, as we have some of the best surf in the entire Caribbean. Our constant trade winds and beach breaks make for clean waves in the spring and summertime. Toward the end of the year, between late fall and early winter, the real swells come into play, so if you’re into that, be sure to plan accordingly!
Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is a bit of a milder workout, but another exciting way to explore the island from a different perspective. While paddleboarding has less of a learning curve than surfing, there are still many great water sports companies that offer lessons where instructors will patiently teach you how to get the most of your day on the water.
Ready to try something completely new? In Aruba, you can get lessons in Paddleboard Yoga, Paddleboard Body Fit, and Paddleboard Pilates. That’s a whole new range of board activities on the water.
Aruba's Surf Spots
So you’ve decided you want to go (wind/kite) surfing in Aruba? The first step is to pick the right surf spots to ride the waves on. When picking a beach, keep your skill level in mind. Safety first! In the section below, three very popular Caribbean surfing beaches are listed.
Hadicurari Beach
Hadicurari Beach (aka Fisherman’s Huts) is the place to be when it comes to wind- and kitesurfing activities. The calm shallow waters at Hadicurari make it easy to get on your board. Perfect for all skill levels. The beach is lined with shacks offering board rentals and lessons. Go ahead and let the wind take you for a ride along the shore.
Andicuri Beach
Also located along our north coast, is Andicuri Beach. The strong Aruba surf at this beach makes it a great beach for experienced surfers and bodyboarders. The environment is so great for boarding, that several local bodyboard competitions are held here.
The Waves in Aruba
Are there even waves in Aruba you ask? The answer is yes! The waves in Aruba are created by the wind. In late fall and wintertime, the waves in Aruba are the biggest, perfect for surfing! This doesn’t mean that Aruba has no waves in the other months. They just might be a little bit smaller.
Aruba's Top-Rated Surf Tours, Lessons & Rentals
Now that you know a little more about the waves and some of the best surfing beaches in the Caribbean, let’s discover where you can find your gear and some lessons, right here on the island.
You’ll be spoiled for board rental options for surfing in Aruba. Below, I will list just a few of many companies you can choose from.
Aruba Surf and Paddle School
This surf school offers lessons, rentals and tours for all skill levels. It is recommended to start with lessons. Once you get the hang of it, why not go on one of Aruba Surf and Paddle School’s tours? They include round-trip transportation, your board, refreshments, and a little tour of Aruba. Sounds like a good time to me!
Armando’s Kite Shack
The crew over at Armando’s Kite Shack are firm believers that people of all ages can have a great time kitesurfing. The charming little shack is located on Hadicurari Beach. Visit Armando’s for personalized safe lessons!
Aruba Kitesurfing School
Also located on Hadicurari Beach is the Aruba Kitesurfing School. The school has been teaching hundreds of locals and visitors a year since 2002. They take pride in their professional level of teaching, affordable pricing, and consider having fun one of their main priorities.
Best Places to Paddle Board (SUP) in Aruba
If you’re a loyal visitor of Aruba, you should know that there are beaches for every activity you may want to enjoy on a Caribbean vacation. Paddle Boarding is no exception. Below some of the best paddle boarding beaches on the island are listed.
Mangel Halto Beach
The picturesque Mangel Halto Beach in the fisherman’s town of Savaneta is one of Aruba’s most popular paddleboarding beaches. The water is shallow and relatively calm, making it easy for anyone to join in on the fun. In true Aruba fashion, the water here is a crystal clear vibrant turquoise color.
Malmok Beach
Malmok Beach is often praised for being a great snorkeling beach due to its shallow clear waters. Try taking your paddleboard out there and you’re guaranteed to have a good time. All skill levels are welcome to splash around here, paddle away!
Palm Beach
Palm Beach may not be the first beach that comes to mind when you think of Aruba paddle boarding, but it’s actually a great spot. The waters are calm enough to easily get onto your board and maintain your balance. Another great benefit of paddleboarding on Palm Beach is that a bunch of water sports centers and shacks are right there for you to enjoy! This is the best spot for a spontaneous paddleboarding trip.
Aruba's Top-Rated Paddle Board (SUP) Tours, Lessons & Rentals
There is a multitude of companies that rent paddleboards and offer lessons here in Aruba. The sport has become increasingly popular on the island and is available almost anywhere, below are a few suggestions of companies that will make sure you have a great time paddling along the beach.
Aruba Canoe
Aruba Canoe believes in connecting people with the ocean and making sure their water activities are eco-friendly and respect the environment. They offer paddle tours, classes, rentals, and more. Get up on that paddleboard, Aruba Canoe will provide you with everything you need to thrive in your new favorite sport.
Vela Aruba
Vela Aruba is a multi-faceted water sports company. Not only do they offer activities like wind- and kitesurfing, hobie-cat sailing, and beach tennis, they are also heavily focused on all things paddleboarding. They offer paddle boarding and monster paddleboarding lessons. Yes, monster paddle boarding! Vela will teach the entire family to board on one giant paddleboard!
Remember I told you about paddleboard yoga and pilates? If you are interested in trying this, then Vela Aruba is the place to be!
Aruba Active Vacations
Aruba Active Vacations is one of the go-to places for an adventurous Aruba getaway. They offer wind- and kite surfing lessons as well as paddleboard rentals at the popular Hadicurari Beach. You will also be able to make use of their beach hideout with shade, music, water, a shower, and drinks while you’re there!
How Much to Rent a Paddleboard in Aruba?
Now it’s time to provide you with some financial paddleboarding information! The prices depend on what you want to do. You can choose for a lesson or a paddleboard rental. Of course, the costs also depend on how long you want to play. Most rentals have hourly or daily rates. Lessons will cost you around $60 per hour and rentals around $25 per hour.
Be sure to ask about group discounts. The more the merrier!
Book Your Trip Today!
Now’s the time to book your Aruba vacation so that you can experience some of the best surfing in the entire Caribbean. For more information about water activities here on the island be sure to visit our On the Water page! For special deals and discounts that could make your trip just a little sweeter, be sure to browse the Deals & Offers page. Surf’s up!
Tags
Surfing, Paddle Board, Wind Surf, Kite Surf, Water Sports
