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Aruba🇦🇼 | townsNoordPalm Beach, resort strip, Bubali wetland, casino evenings | things to do and best time to go

Explore Arikok National ParkExplore Oranjestad

Backpacking in Noord
🏆 Top picktown ranked #2
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Noord suits beach-and-resort travelers who want long swims, easy dinners and a car-free base near the best sand. Hardcore culture hunters and nightlife chasers may find it less rewarding, since evenings run quiet and sleepy compared with the capital. You will find Noord in the north of Aruba, a strip of high-rise hotels, casinos and restaurants behind Palm Beach and Eagle Beach’s northern stretch. It works best as a comfortable base with a few sights nearby, not as a place with a historic center. The main road, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, is lined with hotels, so buses stop right outside. Dinner spots fill by 7 PM, so book ahead or eat early. Compared with Oranjestad, Noord is calmer, greener and far more resort-minded, with fewer budget beds and fewer travelers wandering between hostels.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #2 town in Aruba
Why Noord should be on your travel list

Noord earns its place on a route because the best swimming beaches on the island are a short walk from your door, and the island’s north-coast sights sit close by. Most backpackers stay two or three nights, long enough to fill a slow beach day, a kayak or snorkel outing and a couple of good dinners. Budget beds are scarce, so you will often be sharing apartments or splitting a studio with new friends, which is actually how many solo travelers meet people here. Look for the Palm Beach strip, where water-sport rental huts line the sand and the sea stays calm enough for beginners. Food is a real draw too, from the Saturday-night grills at local snack spots to the casual seafood places near Bubali Bird Sanctuary, where you can watch birds at dusk after a day outside. Slow travelers, couples and … read more 👉
Noord earns its place on a route because the best swimming beaches on the island are a short walk from your door, and the island’s north-coast sights sit close by. Most backpackers stay two or three nights, long enough to fill a slow beach day, a kayak or snorkel outing and a couple of good dinners. Budget beds are scarce, so you will often be sharing apartments or splitting a studio with new friends, which is actually how many solo travelers meet people here. Look for the Palm Beach strip, where water-sport rental huts line the sand and the sea stays calm enough for beginners. Food is a real draw too, from the Saturday-night grills at local snack spots to the casual seafood places near Bubali Bird Sanctuary, where you can watch birds at dusk after a day outside. Slow travelers, couples and small groups will enjoy Noord most. Party-driven backpackers will want a night or two at most, then a bus back toward the capital for livelier bars and cheaper rooms.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Noord

  1. Palm Beach: Aruba’s busiest and most polished stretch of sand, with calm turquoise water, rental huts for snorkel gear and kayaks, and beach bars that stay open into the evening. Go in the morning for a quiet swim, or near dusk for the light. Free to enter, with chair rentals around US$15 to 30. Allow 2 to 4 hours.
  2. Bubali Bird Sanctuary: A shallow wetland just off the hotel strip, with a small observation tower and a flat path along the water. Herons, egrets and ducks feed here, and early morning is the best window. Free, and 30 to 60 minutes is enough.
  3. Alhambra Casino and Bazaar area: A small cluster of shops and casino floors on the main strip, handy for souvenirs and a rainy-hour wander. Entry is free, and an hour is plenty.
  4. Eagle Beach, northern end: A wide, quieter beach with space to spread
… read more 👉
  1. Palm Beach: Aruba’s busiest and most polished stretch of sand, with calm turquoise water, rental huts for snorkel gear and kayaks, and beach bars that stay open into the evening. Go in the morning for a quiet swim, or near dusk for the light. Free to enter, with chair rentals around US$15 to 30. Allow 2 to 4 hours.
  2. Bubali Bird Sanctuary: A shallow wetland just off the hotel strip, with a small observation tower and a flat path along the water. Herons, egrets and ducks feed here, and early morning is the best window. Free, and 30 to 60 minutes is enough.
  3. Alhambra Casino and Bazaar area: A small cluster of shops and casino floors on the main strip, handy for souvenirs and a rainy-hour wander. Entry is free, and an hour is plenty.
  4. Eagle Beach, northern end: A wide, quieter beach with space to spread out and the famous bent fofoti trees. Mornings are calm, and evenings are good for walking. Free, with 1 to 3 hours of beach time.
  5. Arashi Beach: The nearby Arashi Beach is reached by a short drive or local bus, with reef snorkeling close to shore and a Sunday-afternoon crowd of local families. Entry is free, though gear rentals run about US$10 to 20. Plan 2 to 3 hours.
Noord has easy day trips to the California Lighthouse, the dramatic Alto Vista Chapel, the Ayo and Casibari rock formations and the Natural Pool on the wild north coast. Palm Beach and Bubali are free, and the sanctuary asks nothing more than your time.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Noord

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🏘️ NeighborhoodsHow different areas shape the experience

Noord is the northwest tip of Aruba, and it splits into a few distinct pockets that are easy to mix up on a map. Here is how they differ and the smarter way to use each.
  • Palm Beach strip: This is the high-rise resort belt along Palm Beach and Eagle Beach's northern end, with casinos, mall food courts and busy water-sports huts. It looks like the only option because the buses and signs all point here, but the sand is crowded by 10 a.m. Walk the beach at breakfast time, then cut back to the quieter side streets for cheaper lunches.
  • Noord village center: Around the Our Lady of Alto Vista road and Noord's local roads you will find snack bars, supermarkets and Aruban lunch counters where pastechi, funchi and a plate of stewed goat cost far less than the beachfront. Locals eat here because rents are
… read more 👉
Noord is the northwest tip of Aruba, and it splits into a few distinct pockets that are easy to mix up on a map. Here is how they differ and the smarter way to use each.
  • Palm Beach strip: This is the high-rise resort belt along Palm Beach and Eagle Beach's northern end, with casinos, mall food courts and busy water-sports huts. It looks like the only option because the buses and signs all point here, but the sand is crowded by 10 a.m. Walk the beach at breakfast time, then cut back to the quieter side streets for cheaper lunches.
  • Noord village center: Around the Our Lady of Alto Vista road and Noord's local roads you will find snack bars, supermarkets and Aruban lunch counters where pastechi, funchi and a plate of stewed goat cost far less than the beachfront. Locals eat here because rents are lower, and so should you. Go before 1 p.m., when the daily specials run out.
  • Alto Vista and the north coast: A tiny yellow chapel, wind-bent divi-divi trees and a rough, rocky coast with almost no development. The road is quiet because there are no hotels, which also means no shade or shops. Bring water and visit mid-morning.
  • California Lighthouse and Arashi: Dive-boat sites, snorkelers' coves and the lighthouse hill. Sunset crowds pack the lighthouse, so locals go up an hour earlier, then drop to Arashi Beach for a calmer swim. Both are doable by bus plus a short walk, though the last stretch has little shade.

⌛️ 1 day1-day itinerary for Noord

8:00 AM, Bubali Bird Sanctuary: Start here because the birds are most active in the cool early hours and the path is empty. Walk the flat trail and climb the tower for a view over the wetland, then stroll toward the coast.
9:30 AM, Palm Beach: Rent snorkel gear or a kayak and spend a calm morning in clear shallow water. Staying near the shoreline keeps things easy for beginners, and you can leave your bag with the rental hut.
12:30 PM, Lunch at a local snack bar: Skip the resort restaurants and head inland for a pastechi, fried fish or a plate of stewed goat with funchi. These are the spots where residents eat, and prices are far lower than on the main strip.
2:00 PM, Alto Vista Chapel: Take a short taxi or bus-and-walk trip to this small yellow church above the coast. Its Stations of the Cross … read more 👉
8:00 AM, Bubali Bird Sanctuary: Start here because the birds are most active in the cool early hours and the path is empty. Walk the flat trail and climb the tower for a view over the wetland, then stroll toward the coast.
9:30 AM, Palm Beach: Rent snorkel gear or a kayak and spend a calm morning in clear shallow water. Staying near the shoreline keeps things easy for beginners, and you can leave your bag with the rental hut.
12:30 PM, Lunch at a local snack bar: Skip the resort restaurants and head inland for a pastechi, fried fish or a plate of stewed goat with funchi. These are the spots where residents eat, and prices are far lower than on the main strip.
2:00 PM, Alto Vista Chapel: Take a short taxi or bus-and-walk trip to this small yellow church above the coast. Its Stations of the Cross path is quiet and its rural setting is a world away from the hotel strip. This is the stop most beach visitors skip.
4:00 PM, Eagle Beach, northern end: Come back toward the coast for a slow walk along the wide sand. The light softens and the crowds thin, making this a good place to cool off.
6:30 PM, Dinner on the strip: Finish with a seafood dinner at a beach-facing restaurant, ideally with a table booked ahead. After eating, linger on the sand or wander the lit-up boulevard before heading to bed.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

Noord is best visited from April to early August, when the trade winds keep the beaches comfortable and rates sit below the winter peak.
  • Peak Season (mid-December to March): Days run 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F), with almost no rain and the biggest crowds. Hostel and guesthouse prices climb sharply, and Palm Beach sand fills early.
  • Shoulder Months (April to June): Temperatures sit around 29 to 32°C (84 to 90°F) with steady wind. Rates ease and the beaches feel roomier.
  • Hot, Humid Summer (July to September): Expect 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F), calmer wind and stickier nights. Deals are best now, and the sea is warm for snorkeling.
  • Brief Wet Spell (October to December): Short, heavy showers pass quickly, with highs of 29 to 31°C (84 to 88°F). Rain rarely wrecks a whole day, and prices stay low until mid-December.
… read more 👉
Noord is best visited from April to early August, when the trade winds keep the beaches comfortable and rates sit below the winter peak.
  • Peak Season (mid-December to March): Days run 28 to 31°C (82 to 88°F), with almost no rain and the biggest crowds. Hostel and guesthouse prices climb sharply, and Palm Beach sand fills early.
  • Shoulder Months (April to June): Temperatures sit around 29 to 32°C (84 to 90°F) with steady wind. Rates ease and the beaches feel roomier.
  • Hot, Humid Summer (July to September): Expect 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F), calmer wind and stickier nights. Deals are best now, and the sea is warm for snorkeling.
  • Brief Wet Spell (October to December): Short, heavy showers pass quickly, with highs of 29 to 31°C (84 to 88°F). Rain rarely wrecks a whole day, and prices stay low until mid-December.
Book a late-November stay to get low prices and nearly dry beach days.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: highly recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: highly recommended for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: good for travelingNOVNovember: good for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling

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🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

The best budget base near Noord is the strip around Eagle Beach and the lower Palm Beach side streets, where guesthouses, apartment rooms and a handful of hostels cost far less than the resorts. Dorm beds are scarce on Aruba, so book ahead in high season, as a bed in January can sell out weeks early. Noord village itself is the second option, as it has a few small guesthouses and apartments and a local feel. Both areas have good bus links, and the Arubus line stops within a short walk of most budget places. Cooking is possible in many apartment-style rooms, which stretches your money, and supermarkets … read more 👉
The best budget base near Noord is the strip around Eagle Beach and the lower Palm Beach side streets, where guesthouses, apartment rooms and a handful of hostels cost far less than the resorts. Dorm beds are scarce on Aruba, so book ahead in high season, as a bed in January can sell out weeks early. Noord village itself is the second option, as it has a few small guesthouses and apartments and a local feel. Both areas have good bus links, and the Arubus line stops within a short walk of most budget places. Cooking is possible in many apartment-style rooms, which stretches your money, and supermarkets are close by. Noise is the main issue near the casinos and beach bars on Palm Beach, so ask for a room away from the main road if you want sleep. At night the streets in both areas are well lit and walkable, with taxis easy to flag near hotels. If you want quiet, the village side is calmer and cheaper, while the beachfront puts you closest to the water. Outside December to March, you can often negotiate better rates for longer stays.

🚌 Getting aroundGetting around like a local

Renting a car for your entire stay in Noord is the mistake that costs the most, because the resort area is compact and the buses cover it cheaply. Most backpackers walk the beachfront, ride the public Arubus for the rest, and rent a car or scooter for one day only to see the north coast.
  • Walking: Free, and the best choice along the Palm Beach strip and around Noord village, where sidewalks are decent. Sun is strong at midday, so walk early and carry water.
  • Arubus: The public buses run from Oranjestad through Eagle Beach to Palm Beach for about US$2.60 one way or US$15 for a day pass. They run frequently during the day and thin out late in the evening, so check the last departure before dinner out, usually around midnight on the main line. Buses do not reach Alto Vista or the lighthouse directly,
… read more 👉
Renting a car for your entire stay in Noord is the mistake that costs the most, because the resort area is compact and the buses cover it cheaply. Most backpackers walk the beachfront, ride the public Arubus for the rest, and rent a car or scooter for one day only to see the north coast.
  • Walking: Free, and the best choice along the Palm Beach strip and around Noord village, where sidewalks are decent. Sun is strong at midday, so walk early and carry water.
  • Arubus: The public buses run from Oranjestad through Eagle Beach to Palm Beach for about US$2.60 one way or US$15 for a day pass. They run frequently during the day and thin out late in the evening, so check the last departure before dinner out, usually around midnight on the main line. Buses do not reach Alto Vista or the lighthouse directly, which is why many people end up in a taxi anyway.
  • Taxis: Fixed government rates apply and there are no meters. Expect US$10 to 20 for rides within Noord and about US$25 to 30 to the airport. Agree the fare before you get in and split it with other travelers to make it pay.
  • Rental car or scooter: Cars cost roughly US$45 to 70 a day and scooters or UTVs US$50 to 100. Rent for one day, not the week, and use it to loop the north coast, lighthouse and Arashi. Parking at beaches is mostly free, and fuel is modest.
  • Bike: Flat roads make cycling easy, and rentals run about US$15 to 25 a day. Ride in the morning, since afternoon wind and heat get tiring.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)Travel costs and budget guide for Noord

Noord costs roughly US$100 to 167 a day for a backpacker in high season, and about US$130 if you cook some meals. Aruba is one of the pricier Caribbean islands, so what you save depends on where you eat and sleep.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$45 to 70Dorm beds are scarce, so a basic guesthouse room split between two is common, costing more in winter.
MealsUS$30 to 45Snack bar pastechi cost US$2 to 4, local lunch plates US$10 to 15, and resort dinners US$25 and up.
Local transportUS$5 to 12Arubus is about US$2.60 per ride or US$15 for a day pass, with taxis at fixed rates.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$10 to 25Most beaches are free, while snorkel trips and Arikok entry add to the total.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$10 to 15Water, sunscreen, drinks and tips; US dollars are accepted
… read more 👉
Noord costs roughly US$100 to 167 a day for a backpacker in high season, and about US$130 if you cook some meals. Aruba is one of the pricier Caribbean islands, so what you save depends on where you eat and sleep.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$45 to 70Dorm beds are scarce, so a basic guesthouse room split between two is common, costing more in winter.
MealsUS$30 to 45Snack bar pastechi cost US$2 to 4, local lunch plates US$10 to 15, and resort dinners US$25 and up.
Local transportUS$5 to 12Arubus is about US$2.60 per ride or US$15 for a day pass, with taxis at fixed rates.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$10 to 25Most beaches are free, while snorkel trips and Arikok entry add to the total.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$10 to 15Water, sunscreen, drinks and tips; US dollars are accepted everywhere.
Total Daily BudgetUS$100 to 167Around US$135 on a typical high-season day.
Buy groceries at a local supermarket in Noord and cook or pack lunches, which cuts food costs by about half compared with beachfront restaurants.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsWhere to go beyond the main area

Noord works well as a base because Aruba is only about 30 km long, so every trip is a half day or less by bus, taxi or rental.Oranjestad Walking Day: Pastel Dutch colonial buildings, the harbor and local cafes make the capital an easy day out. The bus from Palm Beach takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs about US$2.60, and you can spend US$15 to 25 on lunch and a museum entry. Go on a weekday morning when shops are open; Sundays are quiet, and many places close.
👉 Explore OranjestadArikok National Park: Rocky desert, caves and Conchi’s natural pool fill this park on the island's east side. Entry is about US$22 and a taxi or rental car is needed, since buses stop far away. Plan for 40 minutes each way from Noord and bring more water than you think necessary. First-timers often turn up in sandals … read more 👉
Noord works well as a base because Aruba is only about 30 km long, so every trip is a half day or less by bus, taxi or rental.Oranjestad Walking Day: Pastel Dutch colonial buildings, the harbor and local cafes make the capital an easy day out. The bus from Palm Beach takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs about US$2.60, and you can spend US$15 to 25 on lunch and a museum entry. Go on a weekday morning when shops are open; Sundays are quiet, and many places close.
👉 Explore OranjestadArikok National Park: Rocky desert, caves and Conchi’s natural pool fill this park on the island's east side. Entry is about US$22 and a taxi or rental car is needed, since buses stop far away. Plan for 40 minutes each way from Noord and bring more water than you think necessary. First-timers often turn up in sandals and regret it on the rocks.
👉 Explore Arikok National ParkBaby Beach and San Nicolas: The calm, shallow lagoon at the southeast tip is safe for beginners, and San Nicolas has street murals and local snack bars. Buses run via Oranjestad for roughly US$2.60 each leg, with a total trip of about 1.5 hours each way. Go between April and August when the water is flat and the sun is up long enough.
👉 Explore Baby BeachEagle Beach and Manchebo: A short bus ride gets you to Aruba's widest stretch of sand, with fofoti trees and shallow, clear water. Costs are minimal, mostly a drink and a bus fare of about US$2.60. Arrive before 10 a.m. to claim shade.
👉 Explore Eagle Beach

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Noord is broadly safe, and the usual issues are petty theft and sunburn rather than violence. Cars parked at beaches and lookouts such as the lighthouse are the main target, so leave nothing visible inside and take valuables with you. On the sand, don't leave phones or wallets unattended while you swim. Walking at night along Palm Beach is generally fine because the strip is lit and busy, but side roads around Noord village are quiet, so a taxi after dark is a sensible choice, particularly if you are alone. Solo travelers, including women, report few problems here. Timeshare sales pitches near the resorts are the most common annoyance, with offers of free breakfasts or tours in return for a long presentation. A polite no is enough. Strong sun and sea currents on the rocky north coast near … read more 👉
Noord is broadly safe, and the usual issues are petty theft and sunburn rather than violence. Cars parked at beaches and lookouts such as the lighthouse are the main target, so leave nothing visible inside and take valuables with you. On the sand, don't leave phones or wallets unattended while you swim. Walking at night along Palm Beach is generally fine because the strip is lit and busy, but side roads around Noord village are quiet, so a taxi after dark is a sensible choice, particularly if you are alone. Solo travelers, including women, report few problems here. Timeshare sales pitches near the resorts are the most common annoyance, with offers of free breakfasts or tours in return for a long presentation. A polite no is enough. Strong sun and sea currents on the rocky north coast near Alto Vista and Arashi are the real hazards, so swim only at sheltered spots and wear reef-safe sunscreen.

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Noord is worth two or three days if you like beaches and easy logistics, and it works poorly as a pure stopover. Palm Beach has calm water and sunset spots, the California Lighthouse and Alto Vista chapel are a short ride away, and the Arubus costs about US$2.60 a trip. Budget travelers will find it pricey, so plan around free beaches and local snack bars.
Three to four days covers Noord comfortably. Spend one day on Palm Beach, one on the north coast around Alto Vista and the California Lighthouse, and one on a rental-car trip to Arikok National Park. Add a fourth day if you want snorkeling or to see Oranjestad, a 20 to 30 minute bus ride away.
Yes, Noord is an easy day trip from Oranjestad, only 20 to 30 minutes away by Arubus for about US$2.60. A day gives you time for Palm Beach, lunch in the village and a taxi to the lighthouse for sunset. You will miss the quiet mornings and the nightlife, so staying one night is better if you can afford it.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Aruban towns near Noord

Explore more nearby:

  • Paradera—Inland cunucu, Casibari boulders, Hooiberg steps, Ayo caves| 4 km away
  • Oranjestad—Harbor capital, Dutch facades, Fort Zoutman, streetcar loop| 5 km away
  • Santa Cruz—Central base, Hooiberg views, snack counters, residential blocks| 8 km away

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We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on visiting Noord

Noord is for travelers who love the sea, slow days and good dinners over late-night party scenes. I would book dinners early, rent snorkel gear on Palm Beach in the morning and save one afternoon for Alto Vista Chapel, the quiet counterpoint to the hotel strip. Bring reef-safe sunscreen.

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The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Aruba. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

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