Skip to main content
Aruba365
Dos Playa
Photo: Ginelly.Q via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)
North & NoordBeach

Dos Playa

Wild windward bays, not for swimming

WaterRough surf
SandWhite
VibeWild & dramatic
WaterRough surfCurrentStrong (dangerous, no swimming)SandWhiteVibeWild & dramatic

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 white 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. Dos Playa is accessible by car or on foot.

Important to know

  • Swimming is not safe here: strong surf, current and undertow make the water dangerous.
  • Access is by car or on foot inside Arikok National Park; park fees apply.
  • There are no facilities or lifeguards, though sea-grape trees offer shade, 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.

Facts on this page were last compared with their sources on . Details may have changed since. How we check

In pictures

Photo gallery

Dos Playa in Arikok National Park, Aruba, with the park information sign

Photo: Ginelly.Q via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)

Good to know

Dos Playa questions

Can you swim at Dos Playa?

+

No. Dos Playa is on the wild windward coast, exposed to strong surf, powerful currents and undertow that make swimming dangerous. Come for the dramatic scenery, photography and empty sand, not for swimming. Experienced surfers occasionally ride the breaks, but the water is unsafe for most visitors.

How do you get to Dos Playa?

+

Dos Playa lies inside Arikok National Park on the rugged northeast coast, accessible by car or on foot. Park fees apply. A guided Arikok jeep safari is the easiest and safest way to reach it.

What is there to do at Dos Playa?

+

Dos Playa is about wild scenery: two dramatic crescents of white sand framed by cliffs and pounding Atlantic surf. It is one of the most photographed wild spots on the island, popular for photography, sightseeing and experiencing the untamed windward coast.

Are there facilities at Dos Playa?

+

No. There are no facilities or lifeguards, though sea-grape trees offer shade. Bring everything you need, including plenty of water and sun protection, and be prepared for a remote, exposed setting inside Arikok National Park.