I head to Eagle Beach, Aruba, as an ideal base to access all the best the island has to offer easily and affordably.
All of the beaches in Aruba, including Eagle Beach, are free to the public.
Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort
Aruba can be one of the more expensive tropical destinations to visit, especially because almost every product on the island has to be imported, and the luxury hotels can be pricey, especially along Palm Beach. But I’ve found you can do it affordably if you choose to stay on Eagle Beach where most of the accommodations were designed for time-share or extended stays, so most have kitchenettes for self-catering. It’s also home to the island’s largest supermarket complex, Superfood Plaza.
Eagle Beach is ideally located right between all the action of Palm Beach and all the attractions of downtown Oranjestad. The public bus from Eagle Beach to both is fast, cheap, and reliable, and all the island’s beaches are free to the public. I like to beach hop by bus and park my towel wherever I please, even in front of the ritziest resorts, though the lounges and palapas are reserved for guests. Although you might never want to leave Eagle Beach, there’s not a lot to do on it beyond enjoying the alabaster sand and turquoise surf.
I recommend a visit to Oranjestad for free and affordable pastimes. Explore pedestrian-friendly downtown on foot or via the free trolley that begins at the cruise terminal. Keep your eyes peeled for places like the Pastechi House for what I think are the best local pastechi and cheap fresh fruit batidos, or shakes. Get off at the National Museum of Archaeology for free admission, and sleuth out a massive buffet at The Kitchen where you only pay for what’s on your plate by weight.
For nightlife, there’s lots of free live entertainment. Alhambra Mall & Casino off Eagle Beach always has live music, as does the Renaissance Marketplace downtown, but Paseo Herencia Mall off Palm Beach is my favorite alfresco venue for its free musical light and water shows and free cultural concerts. Also, I recommend grabbing a free island guide at the airport for savings coupons for various activities and shops.
beyond taking the bus, taxi are inexpensive since they operate on a fixed rate grid system, and there are many bike share stations Throughout Aruba as well, ideal for exploring the two paved linear parks along the sea. But I do recommend renting a car one day to explore the other side of Aruba like San Nicolas for its excellent outdoor art other Arikok Parka massive natural preserve.
Where to stay: Bubali Bliss tucked away behind Superfood Plaza is an ultra-affordable collection of little apartments with full kitchens and a garden pool, just a short walk to Eagle Beach. Amsterdam Manor Beach Resortright across the street from Eagle Beach, is one of my favorite places for a mid-price stay — all the suites have kitchenettes, and it’s walking distance to the Superfood store, too.
