Background

Dos Playa: Aruba's Untamed Coastal Beauty

Discover Dos Playa: Aruba's secluded surfing beach within Arikok National Park, offering raw beauty and thrilling waves for experienced surfers.

★★★★★4.7 (68)

Dos Playa, nestled within Arikok National Park, offers a rugged and unspoiled beach experience with two white-sand coves framed by limestone cliffs. Known for its strong waves and currents, it's a haven for experienced surfers and those seeking a wilder side of Aruba. Swimming is not recommended.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Dos Playa

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
Santa Cruz, AW

Explore places near Dos Playa

    See all →

    Unlock the Best of Dos Playa

    Find tickets, tours with entry, and experiences available for this location.

    Buy tickets

    No tickets available

    Book tours with entry

    No tours with entry available

    Book tours without entry

    No tours without entry available

    Getting There

    Car

    From the entrance of Arikok National Park, follow the main park road southeast, observing signs for Dos Playa. The road becomes unpaved and rough, requiring caution. After approximately 15 minutes, you'll arrive at a parking area, followed by a short 5-10 minute walk along a marked trail to the beach. The entrance fee to Arikok National Park is $15 USD per adult.

    Public Transport

    Take the Arubus from Oranjestad to Santa Cruz. From Santa Cruz, hire a taxi or arrange a local shuttle to the Arikok National Park entrance. Confirm with the driver they can take you to Dos Playa. From the park entrance, it's a walk or pre-arranged ride to the beach. Arubus retour card (two trips) costs $5 USD. Taxi fare from Santa Cruz to the park entrance will vary, estimate $20-$30 USD. The entrance fee to Arikok National Park is $15 USD per adult.

    Local tips

    Bring your own refreshments and beach gear, as there are no amenities available at Dos Playa.
    A 4x4 vehicle is recommended to navigate the rough, unpaved roads leading to the beach.
    Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents; this beach is best for experienced surfers.
    Visit during the nesting season for a chance to see sea turtles.

    Discover more about Dos Playa

    Dos Playa, meaning 'Two Beaches,' is a captivating coastal gem hidden within the boundaries of Arikok National Park on Aruba's northeastern coast. This secluded location features two distinct coves, each boasting a narrow beach embraced by dramatic limestone cliffs. Carved by the relentless pounding of the surf, Dos Playa presents a raw and untouched landscape, a stark contrast to the island's more tranquil, tourist-centric beaches. While Dos Playa's beauty is undeniable, its strong waves and powerful underwater currents make it unsuitable for casual swimming. Instead, it has become a favored destination for experienced surfers and bodyboarders seeking to challenge its dynamic waters. The beach's consistent swells and untamed nature provide a thrilling experience for those skilled enough to navigate them. Beyond its appeal to surfers, Dos Playa also serves as an important nesting site for sea turtles, including leatherback, hawksbill, green, and loggerhead turtles. During nesting season, visitors may witness the incredible sight of these magnificent creatures laying their eggs or the tracks of newly hatched turtles making their way to the sea. Located within Arikok National Park, reaching Dos Playa requires either a 4x4 vehicle or a scenic hike. The journey itself adds to the adventure, with the opportunity to explore the park's other natural wonders, such as the rolling dunes of Boca Prins and the intriguing caves scattered throughout the landscape.

    A brief summary to Dos Playa

    Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.

    Mobile App
    Get the app

    Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

    Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.

    File:Aruba California lighthouse.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

    More about Noord

    Discover Noord in Aruba: A blend of serene beaches, rich history, and vibrant local culture. Perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and history buffs.

    Tell me more about Noord

    Select Currency

    Choose the currency you want prices to display in.