How to Visit Sea Glass Island, Aruba

One of the lesser-known gems in Aruba, Sea Glass Island is a destination for those who love the thrill of searching for sea shells and other gems along a beach. Only here you’ll be searching for sea glass. Well, it’s not so much a search, as there is plenty of it, but searching for “it” – the special piece of sea glass that really speaks to you.

So let’s talk about how to visit Sea Glass Island in Aruba and what you need to know to make the day trip a fun one.

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How to Get to Sea Glass Island, Aruba

As Sea Glass Island does sit off the mainland of Aruba, you will need transportation to access it. The most popular way to get there is with a Sea Glass Island Tour using kayaks or a boat. While it isn’t far from the mainland, the current can be quite strong and swimming is not recommended.

You’ll find only a few providers on the island conduct tours to Sea Glass Beach, Aruba due to the controversy over whether it should be a tourist destination or not. Also, the pricing is fairly steep considering it is not far from the mainland. That being said, it’s also a highlight for many visitors to Aruba and you may still want to make the journey!

Map of Sea Glass Island, Aruba

As you can see on this Sea Glass Island, Aruba map, it’s located about 500 feet off the coast of the mainland, just south of Savaneta near Zeerover and Flying Fishbone Restaurants. This of course makes getting there a bit of a challenge.

Let’s take a closer look at how to get to Aruba’s Sea Glass Island.

Kayak to Sea Glass Island, Aruba

Good news! There are kayak tours to Sea Glass Island, Aruba. These tours require just 10 – 15 minutes of kayaking to get to the island, then give you a couple of hours to explore the island and collect sea glass before you have to kayak back to the mainland, another 10 – 15 minutes.

Check out this amazing kayak tour to Sea Glass Island or you can reach out to Ericko through One Happy Kayak. He also runs sea glass tours in Aruba and gives you another option to work with.

Boat Tours to Sea Glass Island, Aruba

If kayaking is not your thing, you can also take a boat to Sea Glass Island, Aruba. To find out details, reach out to Anthony from Sea Glass Tours, Aruba. He’ll be able to provide all the ins and outs of taking a boat sea glass island tour in Aruba.

About Aruba Sea Glass

With only a few options to get to the island and a high cost associated with it, you may be wondering what’s the appeal. Well, it’s the glass. It sparkles in the sun, and it gives you the chance to search for your diamond in the rough. No, not actual diamonds… but there are marbles as well as glass in every shade of the rainbow on the island. Treasures!

Let’s learn a bit more about sea glass in Aruba.

What is sea glass?

Sea glass is weathered glass that has been naturally tumbled and smoothed by the action of the sea and sand. It is often found on the beaches in Aruba. Its origins can be traced back to discarded glass bottles, jars, and other glass items that end up in the ocean.

Over time, the glass undergoes abrasion from the waves, which rounds off its edges and gives it a frosted appearance. These smooth pieces of glass are often collected and used as souvenirs from Aruba. Some may say it goes from trash to treasures!

Where can you find sea glass in Aruba?

The most popular place to find Aruba sea glass is on Sea Glass Island, named for the quantity of sea glass that washes up on shore. This island sits just off the shore of the mainland and will require a kayak or boat to access.

If you don’t want to head to Sea Glass Island, you can also look for sea glass on the beaches of Aruba. Arashi Beach and Malmok Beach are both popular places to search for it. Other popular options include Grapefield Beach, Dos Playa, and Anducurai Beach, but any beach can have sea glass wash up.

Can you take sea glass from Aruba home?

Surprisingly, taking sea glass back home from Aruba is legal, unlike taking sand, shells, or coral, which is illegal. The main difference is that sea glass is a manmade element and not a natural part of Aruba’s environment. Because of this, sea glass hunting in Aruba is quite popular, and it makes a great souvenir.

That being said, remember to only take a few special pieces, if you must take any, to leave the island intact for future visitors. There have been reports of some visitors leaving with buckets of sea glass which will slowly deteriorate the island.

Tips for Visiting Sea Glass Island in Aruba

If you decide to give it a visit. There are just a few things to keep in mind before you go.

1. Wear water shoes or sturdy gym shoes.

As the island is covered in sea glass and pieces of coral, you’ll find it is rough on bare feet. Plan to wear sturdy shoes, something stronger than flip-flops. This will protect your feet from any sea glass that may not be quite as rounded as other pieces. Remember… you’re walking on glass!

2. Plan for the environment on Sea Glass Island.

You are headed to an island with no shade and no facilities. As such, you will want to take everything you need with you. This includes drinks and snacks, and of course sunscreen. You may also want to take a zip lock bag to collect a few pieces of sea glass to take home.

3. Leave the island as you found it.

While you legally can take as much sea glass as you wish from the island, remember that this is a naturally occurring island and any glass you take can take a long time to replenish. Over time people taking excessive glass can damage the beauty of the island. As such, take no sea glass or just a few special pieces.