Aruba Beach Packing List: What to Bring and Skip

You do not need much for a beach day in Aruba, but a few items matter more here than at home. Strong sun, steady wind, rocky entries, and a plastics ban all change what belongs in the bag.

The must-haves

• Sunscreen without oxybenzone. Aruba banned the import, sale, and production of sunscreen containing it, and the tourism office recommends mineral sunscreen.
• Water shoes. Arashi has rocky sections near the shore. Malmok has sharp rocks and sea urchins.
• Reusable water bottles. Aruba's tap water is safe to drink and meets World Health Organization standards, so fill up before you leave.
• Hat with a full brim. Baseball caps leave ears and neck exposed.
• UV sunglasses. White sand and water reflect a lot of light.
• Reusable tote. Single-use plastic bags are banned, and you will need something for wet clothes and trash.
• Cash and a card. The tourism guides say US dollars are widely accepted.

Snorkel gear

Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you can. Aruba's tourism office says no rental vendors are close to Arashi, and MyArubaGuide says the same of Boca Catalina. If you are buying a mask just for this trip, test the fit at home. Our Arashi snorkeling guide covers where to use it.

For the wind

Aruba's trade winds blow year-round. They feel great, and they will take a loose towel or hat with them. Pack:

• A hat with a chin strap, or plan to hold on to it
• Clips for towels
• A bag that zips or closes, because sand gets into everything
• Lightweight cover-up for your shoulders and legs

For food and drinks

Pack more water than you think you will need. The wind makes it hard to notice how much you are sweating, and the tourism office warns that overheating can sneak up on you. A small cooler or insulated bag keeps drinks and fruit cold. Bring your own reusable containers and cups. Aruba's plastics law covers disposable items such as cups, straws, utensils, and containers, and the code of conduct asks visitors to avoid disposable plastic on the beach.

What you can skip

• A heavy umbrella from home. Airlines and wind both make this a chore. Our rent or bring your own guide runs through the trade-offs.
• Barbecue gear. Aruba's code of conduct says no barbecues or fires on beaches and dunes.
• Anything you would be upset to lose. Do not leave valuables in the car, and bring only what you need to the sand.
• Souvenir bags for shells. It is prohibited to take seashells, sand, or coral out of Aruba, and customs can confiscate them and fine you.

One-bag version for two people

• Sunscreen
• 2 towels
• 2 full water bottles
• 2 hats and 2 pairs of sunglasses
• 2 pairs of water shoes
• Snacks
• Snorkel sets
• A small dry bag for phone, keys, and wallet
• Reusable bag for trash

Let someone else carry the heavy stuff

The bulkiest things on a beach day are the umbrella and chairs. Leave those to us. Our set at Arashi is one big umbrella and two beach chairs, set up and anchored before you arrive. It is held under your name from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and you can leave and come back. The price is $120.00 per set per day, all in.

Book a set at least 24 hours ahead. Confirmation comes right away with a map.

Source: VisitAruba: Plastics and Oxybenzone Ban, Aruba.com: Is Aruba Safe, Aruba.com: Arashi Beach, Aruba.com: Top-Rated Snorkeling Beaches, MyArubaGuide: Boca Catalina, Aruba Code of Conduct, VisitAruba: Tanning Advice, CDC: Sun Safety, Aruba.com: Weather and Climate, Aruba Today: Seashells, Sand and Coral, MyArubaGuide: Cruise to Aruba. Conditions change, so check on the day.