Best Aruba Beach Photo Spots at the North End

The northwest corner of Aruba has a lot to photograph in a very small area: a stone lighthouse, white dunes, an old shipwreck in the bay, and a west-facing shoreline. You can cover it all in one day. Here are the spots and how to get the most from them.

California Lighthouse

The stone tower is 30 meters tall and sits on high ground at Hudishibana. Shoot from a distance to include the sky and coastline. Go to the top for the 360-degree view. The tourism office lists the tower as open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM with $5 admission. Check before you go.

Sasarawichi Dunes

These white sand dunes next to the lighthouse have cacti and aloe growing through them. Low morning or late afternoon light brings out the texture. Walk only. Driving on the dunes is not allowed, and the tourism office asks visitors to keep them clean.

Arashi Beach

Soft white sand, calm clear water, and a west-facing horizon. Morning gives you the cleanest color in the water. Late afternoon gives you warm light, and the last 20 minutes before sunset is when people pull out the camera. Our Arashi Beach page gives you a sense of the shoreline.

Boca Catalina

From the road above, you get a clean look down into this small bay. Steps lead to the sand. Boat tours stop here too, so you may have sails or boats in your frame, which can work well.

Malmok and the Antilla masts

MyArubaGuide says the masts of the Antilla wreck are visible in the bay. A long lens helps from shore. For a closer look, you need a boat. The freighter was scuttled here on May 10, 1940, and is about 400 feet long.

Hadicurari

If you want action shots, this is the windsurfing hub. A fast shutter and a windy afternoon will do the work.

Alto Vista Chapel

This small hilltop chapel dates to 1750 and overlooks the north coast. The approach road is lined with crosses. It is an active place of worship, so keep your voice down and be respectful of anyone there to pray.

Eagle Beach fofoti trees

The two fofoti trees on Eagle Beach are a classic Aruba photo. Do not climb them or hang anything in them. Aruba's code of conduct specifically says not to hang hammocks or belongings in the trees.

Light by the hour

• Before 10:00 AM: Clear water and clean color.
• Midday: Hard shadows. Take a break in the shade.
• Late afternoon: Warm light on the lighthouse and dunes.
• Sunset: About 6:11 PM in November to about 7:09 PM in July. Stay for the color after it drops.

Protecting your gear

• Change lenses inside the car, because the wind carries sand.
• Rinse your phone case after salt spray, if it is rated for water.
• Keep gear in a closed bag on the beach.
• Do not leave cameras in the car where they can be seen.

Rules to shoot by

Do not pick up a starfish for a photo. Aruba's code of conduct says they can only breathe underwater. Do not stack rocks, which the same code says harms the environment and animals. Leave shells, sand, and coral where they are. Stay out of hotel setups unless you are a guest.

Base yourself at Arashi

You can do all of this from one comfortable spot. Our set is one big umbrella and two beach chairs, set up and anchored before you arrive, for $120.00 per set per day, all in. It is held under your name from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so you can head out for photos and come back.

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

Source: Aruba.com: California Lighthouse, Wikipedia: California Lighthouse, Aruba.com: Sand Dunes, Aruba.com: Arashi Beach, MyArubaGuide: Boca Catalina, Wikipedia: SS Antilla, Frommer's: Aruba Beaches, VisitAruba: Alto Vista Chapel, Aruba Code of Conduct, Gaisma: Oranjestad Sun Times, Aruba Today: Seashells, Sand and Coral, Aruba Tourism Authority: Beach Guidelines 2026. Conditions change, so check on the day.