Dos Playa

Dos Playa is a pair of wild, scenic sandy bays on Aruba's rugged northeast (windward) coast, set inside Arikok National Park. Cliffs and rocky headlands frame two crescents of golden sand pounded by Atlantic surf, a raw, untamed landscape that feels worlds away from the calm resort beaches on the leeward side. It is one of the most photographed wild spots on the island.

This is a place to admire rather than swim. The windward coast takes the full force of the trade winds and surf, producing strong waves, powerful currents and undertow that make swimming dangerous. Experienced surfers occasionally ride the breaks, but for most visitors Dos Playa is about the dramatic scenery, the empty sand and the wild coastline. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is needed to reach it over rough park tracks.

Important to know

• Swimming is not safe here: strong surf, current and undertow make the water dangerous.
• Access is by four-wheel-drive over rough tracks inside Arikok National Park; park fees apply.
• There are no facilities, shade or lifeguards, so bring everything you need.
• Come for the scenery, photography and the wild, empty coastline.

Dos Playa lies within Arikok National Park in the Santa Cruz interior, near the wild Andicuri Beach and the Natural Bridge. A guided Arikok jeep safari is the easiest way to see this rugged coast safely.