The relatively flat island is about twice the size of Sylt and has 110,000 inhabitants. Aruba is described by many American tourists as the Caribbean Netherlands with an American dip. This also explains the large selection of dining options and the high level of service. Americans are simply not satisfied with a simple cheese sandwich (make the most of it!). Aruba also has unspoilt nature and award-winning beaches with pearly white sand - as a windsurfer, you'll certainly feel like you're in paradise. Local 20-time windsurfing world champion Sarah-Quita Offringa really knows all about it: She reveals her favourite spots to you here.
In this article:
The best windsurfing spots in Aruba
1st Fisherman's Huts
Although the wind on the west side of the island has become gustier due to the many hotels that have been built on the beach over time, it is still a great place to windsurf. Fisherman's Huts, also known as The Huts for short, is the most famous of the spots and is located on the north-western tip of Aruba. There are surf schools here - and despite the offshore wind, many beginners and intermediates are taught. Depending on the time of year, there is an approximately 50 metre wide and very long standing area along the beach, where the water is waist-deep and the wind only blows moderately. Beginners who drift out of this area to leeward are usually picked up immediately by one of the many boats. Advanced riders generally surf further out due to the more even, clean wind. The water usually remains fairly smooth there too, but depending on the swell, a nice, small wave comes in from time to time, over which freestylers can catapult themselves high with the right timing.
Further out, on the so-called Blue Highway, the waves stop breaking and advanced slalom and foil pilots get their money's worth. The colour of the water is simply incredible and the wind usually blows all day - from nine in the morning until just before sunset.
2. barcadera
The Barcadera spot is located directly below the airport in a lagoon, shielded by an offshore reef overgrown with mangroves. Over the years, this small lagoon has become my favourite spot for freestylers. The best time for a session is around ten o'clock in the morning, when the wind is a little more southerly (more sideshore). Later in the day, the wind can be slightly offshore, making it gustier. Compared to the other spots, Barcadera has a few knots more wind and the chop is steeper - perfect for explosive freestyle moves or bump and jump. The many boats coming in and out of the lagoon occasionally create waves big enough for high front loops and shakas. An intense but very fun place!
3. boca grandi
Boca Grandi in the south-east, on the other side of the island so to speak, was originally a windsurfing spot - but is now mainly used for kitesurfing. The journey from The Huts takes around 45 minutes by car. That seems quite far by Aruba standards, but it's worth it. Because over there it feels like you've arrived on a completely different island. Here on the wild side of the island, the wind comes onshore and is therefore incredibly constant. Depending on the strength, a considerable wind swell builds up, which can also be used with waveboards. Boca Grandi works best in the morning - you can meet people on the water as early as sunrise. The wind usually dies down slightly around midday, but picks up again around 3 pm and continues to blow until it gets dark.
4th Rodger's Beach
Around the corner from Boca Grandi is Rodger's Beach - at the tip of the island. In the right conditions, the spot is reminiscent of a good day in Cabezo on Tenerife, where you can sometimes find some really gnarly wave conditions. Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict when the spot will be right - even the locals fail to do so. So on windy days, it's best to just pop in and maybe you'll get lucky. Rodger's Beach usually has the same wind pattern as Boca Grandi.
Sarah-Quita's culinary highlights on Aruba
My favourite restaurantIsland Grind is the place where I have my daily cup of coffee (or two). Eduardo's Hideaway in Noord has delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes: the perfect energy boost after a long session at The Huts.
TheBar Craft is good for breakfast and coffee, plus they have great drinks with happy hour on offer in the evenings when it's time to see and be seen, but with a cool atmosphere. There is also a nice happy hour at Pelican Pier and MooMba Beach. A boat trip with the Jolly Pirates is also guaranteed to be fun.
We generally like to eat out in Aruba.Bohemian is a French fusion restaurant in a kind of secret garden: good food, good cocktails and good music.
Taste My Aruba is for connoisseurs: an authentic family business that cooks with Aruba flair.
For a little treat after the session on the south side of the island, I canKamini's Kitchen orColorado Shack highly recommend. And for a quick smoothie on the way to Boca Grandi, you should definitely stop atMauchi Smoothies pop into Savaneta.
Additional information about Aruba
On the extensive website of the Aruba Tourist Board you will find structured overviews of accommodation, car hire offers, things to do - and everything else you need for a successful stay (apart from windsurfing) on the island.
Surf schools and more Aruba info:
