Druif Beach in Aruba: The Ultimate Guide

Located on the western coast of Aruba, Druif Beach, also known as Divi Beach, is home to a few popular low-rise hotels and is a great alternative to the more popular beaches on the island. Known for its white sand and calm waters, Druif Beach offers some shade with trees and palapas available. It’s truly an ideal spot for relaxing and families with small children – especially if you’re staying in the Druif Beach area!

What makes Druif Beach Aruba one of your must-visit destinations on the island? Its convenient location near Oranjestad and lack of crowds. This makes it a perfect choice for those looking for a peaceful day on the beach or for one of the many Druif Beach Aruba hotels.

If you’re planning a trip to Druif Beach, here’s everything you need to know for a perfect beach day!

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Location of Druif Beach, Aruba

Druif Beach is located just south of Eagle Beach and north of Oranjestad, the capital city of Aruba. It’s part of the Low-Rise Hotel area, which is known for its laid-back vibe and less commercialized beachfront. The beach’s location also offers easy access to attractions, restaurants, and shops in Aruba due to its central location.

A word of caution if you’re using Google Maps: There is a second place marked as Druif Beach on the eastern coast of Aruba just north of the rock stacking area. This is not the Druif Beach you want to visit to enjoy soft sand and swimmable water. You want the one on the west coast between Oranjestad and Eagle Beach.

How to Get to Druif Beach

Getting to Druif Beach is simple, whether you choose to rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation. Here’s a look at each option.

Rental Car

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Aruba at your own pace and is one of my favorite ways to get around. From Oranjestad, head northwest along the main road, Lloyd G. Smith Blvd. In just a few minutes you’ll reach Aruba’s Druif Beach on your left. There is ample free parking available near the beach.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Aruba, including at the airport and major hotels. Simply tell the driver you’re heading to Druif Beach, and they’ll provide a fixed fare. The ride is quick, especially from Oranjestad and nearby hotels like those in the Low-Rise area.

Public Bus

Aruba’s public bus system, Arubus, provides convenient access to Druif Beach. Take bus routes L10 or L10A from Oranjestad, Eagle Beach, or Palm Beach and get off at the Druif Beach Bus Stop. The bus stop is just a short walk from the beach making it the cheapest way to get to Druif Beach – assuming you can’t walk from where you are.

Best Things to Do at Druif Beach

While Druif Beach is perfect for lounging, swimming, and enjoying the sun, there are several other activities you can enjoy here. For one, you can admire the pelicans that call Druif Beach home as they perch on the poles in the water. For another you can check out the sports available, take long walks, and of course visit the ever popular I Heart Aruba sign in the area.

Trying Out Land & Water Sports

Druif Beach is one of the best places to catch a game of sand volleyball in Aruba. It’s also known for its gentle waves which makes it a great place for beginners to try out water sports. We’re talking snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc. Bring your own or consider renting them.

Enjoying Long Beach Walks

While Druif Beach is only about 1000 feet (300 m) long and 165 feet (50 m) wide at its widest point, it does connect to the other beaches in the area, like Divi Beach and Manchebo Beach – all the way up to Eagle Beach. This makes the long continuous shoreline perfect for a leisurely stroll along the beach. You can enjoy the soft sand and take in the stunning coastal views.

For the best views, consider going just before sunset to catch the beautiful sunset at Druif Beach while you walk along the coast. The sunsets are gorgeous here – along with every other western facing beach.

Taking an I Love Aruba Sign Picture

One of the many draws of Druif Beach – if they’re not staying at a hotel in Druif Beach – is to snap a picture with the iconic “I Heart Aruba” sign. While this is truly the second most popular sign on the island, with the original being close to the cruise port, it is a better view, with the ocean behind it. Even if you don’t want to spend the day relaxing on the beach, stop by to get that classic vacation photo!

Other Helpful Information

Here’s some additional information to make your visit to Druif Aruba enjoyable.

Amenities at Druif Beach

Druif Beach offers basic amenities, including parking and a few trees and some palapas for shade. Do note that many of the palapas are located behind the hotels along Druif Beach. The beach is still a public beach, as all beaches in Aruba are public, and the palapas are also available to the public as long as they are on the beach and not on hotel property.

Read more about this: Are palapas free in Aruba? The Great Debate.

However, if you have your own, you can also bring chairs, umbrellas, and towels. Unfortunately, Druif Beach does not have a public restroom directly on the beach, so plan accordingly.

When to Go to Druif Beach

The best time to visit Druif Beach is in the morning when it’s the least crowded. The beach tends to get busier later in the day, especially during peak tourist season. The late afternoon is also a great time to visit, as the beach provides stunning sunset views, but due to this, you will have more competition for the beach!

What to Pack for Druif Beach

As Aruba’s Druif Beach is conveniently located to town and most of the hotels on the island, you don’t have to stock up too much for a day at the beach.

Here are some basics to remember to pack.

• Sun Protection: Bring plenty of reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong sun. You may even want to consider a rash guard for men or women if you’re concerned about burning.

• Water and Snacks: While there are nearby restaurants, it’s a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, especially if you plan to spend the entire day at the beach. To keep them cold, you may even want to bring a folding cooler or Yeti cup.

• Snorkel Gear: If you’re interested in snorkeling at Druif Beach, bring your own gear as rentals are not available on the public beach. You can use either the full face snorkel mask or the more traditional snorkel masks.

• Water shoes: Unfortunately getting into the water at Druif Beach can be a bit rocky from pebbles and coral. If you have sensitive feet, I recommend taking water shoes to protect your feet!
  
• One thing to leave at home or at your hotel… valuables. You won’t need them on the beach and if they’re not with you, you don’t have to worry about swimming or taking walks along the beach. If you must take something valuable, pack a locking Vaultz bag or FlexSafe by AquaVault to keep your peace of mind while enjoying your time at the beach.
  

Restaurants & Bars at Druif Beach

While the beach itself is quiet, it’s close to several dining and entertainment options. You can find everything from casual beach bars at Druif Beach to fine dining restaurants within a short walk or drive. Some of these will be in Oranjestad and others will be at one of the many all-inclusive resorts in the area.

If you wish to visit a beach bar on Druif Beach, like the Bunker Bar, part of the Tamarijn Aruba or Sandpiper Bar, part of the Divi Aruba, you will need to stop by the front desk of their hotels to ask about purchasing meal or drink tickets. Unfortunately, these hotels do not offer day passes, but they are great places to stay on Druif Beach!

Where to Stay near Druif Beach

Druif Beach is surrounded by some of the best hotels in Aruba, including all-inclusive resorts and boutique hotels. Some of the best hotels on Druif Beach are:

• Divi All-Inclusive Resorts: Choose from three of the top Divis in the area: the Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort, Divi Village & Golf Resort, and Divi Aruba Resort. These are popular choices for families and couples, offering numerous amenities and easy access to the beach. One of the best parts? You gain access to multiple of the Divi properties when you stay at one!

• Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive Resort: Located right next to Divi Aruba, this resort offers oceanfront rooms and a wide range of options for dining on Druif Beach. Check rates now.

• Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa: Technically located on Manchebo Beach, this beautiful hotel is a more intimate and luxurious option, focusing on wellness and relaxation. Check rates now.

You can also check out this map of Druif Beach hotels to find alternative accommodations in the area.