Boca Prins: Aruba's Untamed Coastal Beauty
Discover Aruba's wild side at Boca Prins: dramatic dunes, rugged cliffs, and powerful waves in Arikok National Park.
Boca Prins presents a striking contrast to Aruba's more tranquil beaches. Located inside Arikok National Park, this bay is characterized by its untamed beauty and powerful natural forces. Here, towering white sand dunes slope down to meet a narrow beach enclosed by dramatic, jagged limestone cliffs. The relentless trade winds whip the ocean into a frenzy, creating a spectacle of crashing waves and strong undertows, making swimming dangerous and inadvisable. Named after a former plantation, Boca Prins offers more than just scenic views. It's a place to witness the raw power of nature and appreciate Aruba's diverse landscapes. The adventurous can hike through the dunes or explore the rocky coastline, keeping an eye out for local wildlife like iguanas and various bird species. The Boca Prins - Dos Playa Loop Trail offers a moderately challenging hike that winds through the dunes and along the coast. While swimming is not recommended, the views and photo opportunities are abundant. The nearby Boca Prins Restaurant provides a spot to relax and enjoy the scenery while savoring the island's cool trade winds. Keep in mind that the sun sets on the opposite side of the island, so don't expect typical sunset-over-the-ocean pictures here.
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes for hiking the dunes and exploring the rocky terrain.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as there is little shade available.
- Check Arikok National Park's operating hours before you go.
- Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents and undertows.
A brief summary to Boca Prins
- Santa Cruz, AW
Getting There
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Car
From Oranjestad, take Route 1 south towards San Nicolas. At the roundabout at the entrance to Arikok National Park, take the second exit to enter the park. Follow the signs towards Boca Prins within the park. Note that a 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the unpaved and rugged roads. The entrance fee to Arikok National Park is $22 USD for adults.
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Public Transport
From Oranjestad, take the Arubus towards San Nicolas. Inform the driver you wish to get off near Boca Prins. The bus ride takes approximately 30-40 minutes. From the bus stop, follow the path leading to Boca Prins. A one-way bus fare is approximately $2 USD.
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Taxi
Taxis are available from Oranjestad to Boca Prins. The ride is approximately 30-40 minutes. Taxi fares are fixed and not metered; confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey. Expect to pay around $41-44 USD for a one-way trip from Oranjestad to Boca Prins.
