What is the smell in Aruba near Eagle Beach?

If you’ve visited or are planning a trip to Aruba and find yourself near Eagle Beach, you might notice an unexpected smell in the air. While Eagle Beach itself is famous for its pristine white sands, turquoise waters, and iconic fofoti trees, some visitors report a distinct sewage smell near Amsterdam Manor Resort and the surrounding areas.

So, what exactly is causing this unpleasant smell in Aruba? Here’s what you need to know.

The Bubali Water Treatment Facility

The primary source of the smell near Eagle Beach is the Bubali Water Treatment Facility (RWZI). Aruba has experienced significant growth in tourism, and the island’s wastewater treatment capacity has struggled to keep up with the increasing number of visitors and residents.

This has led to occasional sewage-related smells in specific areas, particularly near Amsterdam Manor Resort. The severity of the odor depends on the wind direction and is more noticeable during high season when the treatment plant is under greater strain.

The Impact on Nearby Areas

The sewage smell is typically most pronounced in the area around Amsterdam Manor Resort. However, it is not an issue throughout the entire island or even all of Eagle Beach. Locations such as La Cabana Beach Resort, Passions on the Beach, and the famous fofoti trees are generally unaffected.

Additionally, the odor comes and goes, varying based on weather conditions and the operational state of the treatment facility. It’s possible you won’t even notice the smell during your trip – even if you stay at Amsterdam Manor.

The Legal Battle and Government Action

The Bubali Water Treatment Facility’s issues in Aruba have been a longstanding concern, particularly for Amsterdam Manor. The hotel has faced years of foul odors and fly infestations, leading to a legal battle against the Aruban government.

Court Ruling and Compensation

On December 13, 2023, a court ruled that Aruba’s government had acted unjustly by failing to take sufficient action against the disturbances caused by the RWZI. The court ordered compensation for Amsterdam Manor for damages suffered since 2002 due to the unresolved sewage treatment issues.

In 2022, a budget allocation of 16 million was designated to improve the RWZI, but this funding was later removed, a move the court deemed unjust. The government is now under pressure to address the sewage treatment shortcomings to protect both tourism and the island’s reputation.

New Sustainability Fee and Future Improvements

To help address the unpleasant smell in Aruba, the government introduced a $20 sustainability fee in 2024, which you have to pay when you fill out your Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED Card). This fee is intended to support environmental initiatives, including improvements to the wastewater management plant.

While long-term solutions are still being developed, the government’s response to this issue are critical to maintaining Aruba’s appeal as a top-tier travel destination.

Should You Be Concerned?

For most visitors, the sewage smell in Aruba is a minor and occasional inconvenience rather than a major deterrent. It is not harmful and does not affect the entire island. Most of all, it does not define the overall experience of visiting Aruba.

If you are particularly sensitive to smells, you may want to check wind conditions before booking accommodations near Amsterdam Manor Resort, but otherwise you will likely not be impacted. We look forward to improvements to Aruba’s waste treatment infrastructure in the future to rid the island of this odor.