Sea Glass Island Aruba: Tours, Tips & Complete Visitor Guide

One of Aruba’s most magical and unexpected destinations isn’t a beach resort or a landmark, it’s a tiny island covered in millions of glittering pieces of sea glass. Sea Glass Island (also called Sea Glass Beach, Aruba) sits just 500 feet off the southern coast of the mainland, near Savaneta, and it’s become one of the island’s most talked-about experiences for good reason.

If you’re a seasoned sea glass collector, a casual beachcomber, or just someone looking for something truly unique to do in Aruba, you’re in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know, from how to get to Sea Glass Island Aruba, what tours are available, how much it costs, and what to expect when you arrive.

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The Story Behind Sea Glass Island, Aruba

More than 50 years ago, Sea Glass Island was not the sparkling paradise you see today. Like many coastal areas of the Caribbean at the time, the island was used as a dump site. Locals discarded bottles, ceramics, household glass, and other waste directly into the ocean, believing it would simply disappear.

But nature had a different plan.

Over decades, the powerful waves, Caribbean sand, and relentless saltwater worked together to tumble those discarded pieces, wearing away their sharp edges and frosting their surfaces into smooth, jewel-like gems. What began as waste was slowly transformed into one of the most unusual and beautiful shorelines in the Caribbean.

About five years ago, the island was rediscovered by a boat traveler exploring the southern coast of Aruba. Word spread quickly, and Sea Glass Island has since grown into one of Aruba’s most beloved hidden gems, drawing collectors, adventurers, and curious travelers from around the world.

Today, the shoreline glimmers with pieces in every shade imaginable: jade green, sapphire blue, deep amber, milky white, and even rare lavender and red. You’ll also find old marbles and pottery fragments mixed in. Every day there are new deposits from the sea.

Where is Sea Glass Island Located?

Sea Glass Island sits in the water just off Savaneta, a coastal village on Aruba’s southern shore. It’s located just south of the mainland, across from the well-known Flying Fishbone and Zeerover restaurants, and near Aruba Ocean Villas.

Most tours depart from the beach ramp right next to the Flying Fishbone restaurant. This is a landmark your driver or GPS can easily find. The island itself is close enough to see from shore, but don’t let that tempt you into trying to swim there. The current between the mainland and the island can be quite strong and is not safe for swimming.

How to Get to Sea Glass Island in Aruba: Your Tour Options

Because Sea Glass Island is only accessible by water, a guided tour is the standard (and safest) way to visit. There are two main options: kayak tours and boat tours. Both get you to the island but the experience of getting there differs.

Kayak Tours to Sea Glass Island

Kayak tours are the most popular way to visit Sea Glass Island and arguably the most rewarding. The paddle from the mainland to the island takes roughly 10–15 minutes each way. No experience is necessary and guides provide all equipment (kayak, paddles, and life jacket). They’ll also walk you through everything before you set off.

Once on the island, you’ll have roughly 1.5–2 hours to explore the shoreline, search for sea glass, and soak in the scenery before paddling back. Choose from:

• Morning kayak tours: These typically depart at 9:00 AM and are a great option in the cooler part of the day with beautiful light for photos.
• Afternoon kayak tours: These usually depart around 1:00 PM, giving you the golden afternoon light.

You can book Sea Glass Island kayak tour through:

• One Happy Kayak’s Sea Glass Island Aruba Tour
• Come & Enjoy Watersport’s Sea Sea Glass Island and Clear Kayak Adventure
• Aruba Nature Adventures’s Discover Sea Glass Island Kayak Tour
• Philip Tromp’s Kayak Tour to Seaglass Island

Sunset Kayak Tours to Sea Glass Island

One of the most spectacular ways to visit Sea Glass Island is on a sunset tour, typically departing around 4:30 PM. As the sun dips low over the Caribbean, the sea glass absolutely glows with every piece catching the golden hour light in a way that’s almost impossible to capture with a camera.

The sunset tour is also the perfect option for cruise ship visitors who arrive in port in the early afternoon. With a 4:30 PM start time, you’ll have plenty of time to get from the port to Savaneta and back before your ship departs.

Book the sunset experience with Aruba Nature Adventures here.

Boat Tours to Sea Glass Island

Not a kayaker? No problem. You can also reach Sea Glass Island by motorized boat, which gets you there even faster without any paddling required. Boat tours are a great option for families with young children, older travelers, or anyone who simply prefers to save their energy for exploring.

Book a boat tour here with Come & Enjoy Watersport.

How Much Does a Sea Glass Island Tour Cost?

Sea Glass Island tours run approximately $100 or more per person, which surprises some visitors given the short distance from the mainland. Believe it or not, the pricing used to be higher but has decreased as popularity increased. This price reflects the small-group, guided nature of the experience and the limited number of operators permitted to run tours to the island.

There is actually an ongoing debate among locals about preserving it as a natural site, so if you want to go… don’t wait!

That said, Sea Glass Island consistently ranks as one of the most memorable experiences visitors have in Aruba. Most people who go say it was worth every dollar.

Pro tip: Book in advance, especially if you’re visiting during high season (December through April). Tours fill up quickly, and popular time slots (especially sunset) often sell out days ahead.

What to Expect on Sea Glass Island

Once you step off your kayak or boat and onto the shore of Sea Glass Island, the first thing you’ll notice is that it’s not like any beach you’ve ever been to. There’s no sand. The entire shoreline is covered in sea glass and coral fragments as far as you can see.

Your guide will typically lead you to the best spots on the island for hunting, point out rare colors to look for, and share stories about the island’s history and how it came to be.

What colors of sea glass will you find?

• Most common: White/clear, brown, and green (from old bottles and jars)
• Less common: Blue and aqua
• Rare: Orange, lavender, and turquoise
• Very rare: Red (often from old car tail lights), finding one is considered a lucky day

Beyond sea glass, keep an eye out for old marbles, (they’re a fan favorite) and ceramic pottery fragments with original patterns still visible.

Most tours give you 1.5–2 hours on the island. That’s enough time to hunt thoroughly, take photos, and simply enjoy the quiet. The island has no shade and no facilities, so come prepared (more on that below).

Some tour operators also offer snorkeling in the waters surrounding the island before or after your time on shore. The marine life around Sea Glass Island, like fish, sea turtles, and coral, is well worth exploring if that option is available.

About Aruba Sea Glass: What Is It?

Sea glass is glass that has been naturally tumbled and smoothed by the ocean over many years. Discarded glass from bottles, jars, windows, dishes, and other objects enters the water and is gradually worn down by waves, sand, and saltwater. The result is smooth, frosted pieces with rounded edges that look almost like gemstones.

On Sea Glass Island, this process happened over more than five decades, which is why the island has such an extraordinary quantity and variety of glass. Instead of searching for hours to find one piece, you’re surrounded by millions of them. The challenge just becomes finding the most special one.

Can You Take Sea Glass Home from Aruba?

Yes! Unlike sand, shells, and coral (all of which are illegal to remove from Aruba), sea glass is considered a manmade material and is perfectly legal to take home. This makes it one of the best (and most unique) souvenirs you can bring back from the island.

That said, please be mindful: take only a few pieces that truly speak to you. Some visitors have been reported leaving with buckets full of glass, which slowly depletes the island for future visitors. Leave it mostly as you found it so others can enjoy the experience too.

Where Else Can You Find Sea Glass in Aruba?

If you’d rather hunt for sea glass on your own without a tour, several beaches on the Aruba mainland do have scattered pieces:

• Arashi Beach: One of the more popular spots for finding glass
• Malmok Beach: Another reliable option in the north
• Grapefield Beach, Dos Playa, and Anducurai Beach: Worth checking if you’re nearby

Just keep in mind: you’re likely to find only a handful of pieces at most beaches. Sea Glass Island is the only place in Aruba where the glass is so plentiful it’s essentially guaranteed.

Tips for Visiting Sea Glass Island, 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 sneakers.

The entire island is covered in glass and coral fragments. Bare feet or thin flip-flops won’t cut it. Pack water shoes or a pair of old sneakers you don’t mind getting wet. This is the single most important thing to get right before you go. Remember… you’re walking on glass!

2. Bring everything you’ll need. There are no facilities.

Sea Glass Island has no shade, no bathrooms, no snack stands, and no fresh water. Bring a water bottle (or two), snacks if you want them, and sunscreen. The Aruban sun is intense, even in the late afternoon.

3. Bring a small bag or container for your glass.

A zip-lock bag works perfectly. You’ll want your hands free for hunting, and a bag makes it easy to carry your finds without losing them on the kayak ride back.

4. Book your tour in advance.

Sea Glass Island tours are limited by the number of operators and tour slots available each day. In high season, popular slots (especially sunset) can sell out well ahead of time. Don’t leave it until the morning of your visit.

5. Consider the sunset tour if you’re on a cruise.

If you’re visiting Aruba on a cruise ship and arriving in the early afternoon, the 4:30 PM sunset tour is your best bet. It gives you time to make it from port to Savaneta and still have a full experience on the island.

6. Plan dinner nearby afterward.

You’re already in Savaneta, one of Aruba’s most charming local neighborhoods. The Flying Fishbone Restaurant, right at the tour departure point, is a beloved local spot with tables over the water and stunning sunset views. It’s the perfect way to end the day.

7. Leave the island as you found it.

You’re welcome to take a few meaningful pieces of glass home. But please don’t overdo it. The beauty of Sea Glass Island depends on every visitor treating it with respect so it can continue to be a remarkable place for years to come.

FAQs About Sea Glass Island Aruba

Ready to Visit Sea Glass Island?

Sea Glass Island is one of those rare Aruba experiences that lives up to the hype… and then some. No matter if you find a single perfect piece of rare red glass or a bag full of blue and green gems, you’ll leave with something truly unique and a story worth telling.