Arashi Bay Reef (Noord)
- Bodyboard, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Swell
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Arashi Bay Reef is an exposed reef break near Arashi Beach on the Noord coast, where conditions depend strongly on swell direction and tide. Sources describe it as a right-hand reef break that works best with North or Northwest swell, and it can be flat for much of the year when that swell isn’t present. Wind is typically from the East as part of Aruba’s trade-wind pattern, and providers indicate it often helps groom wave faces (offshore grooming) when it aligns well with the reef. The spot is reported as best around mid tide, with wave shape commonly described as peeling and ride potential improving during an active swell. The main safety issue is the bottom: there are sharp reef sections, submerged rocks, and numerous sea urchins. Entry/exit is described as hazardous, and reef booties are strongly recommended by sources. Lifeguards are not reported, and rescue availability at the spot is described as none; emergency access is available via 911 with a major hospital in Oranjestad. Crowd levels are described as sometimes crowded, especially during the winter swell season when reef breaks are among the better options for surf. When the spot is running, it can offer longer rides (sources cite ranges up to roughly 50–100 meters depending on swell angle).
- Exposed reef break suited to North/Northwest swells
- East trade winds often groom wave faces
- Best around mid tide
- Sometimes crowded during the winter swell window
- Clear, high-visibility water and a classic exposed reef break when it’s working.
- Wind can be offshore from the East trade winds, helping keep faces cleaner.
- Best during the mid tide and on appropriate North/Northwest swell windows.
- Reef hazards: rocks/coral and many sea urchins.
- Often flat unless the right North or Northwest swell arrives.
- Small take-off area can make it crowded during winter swells.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ENE, NE
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — East trade winds; trade/gradient-type pattern reported by providers
- Reliability
- high
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Wind described as steady/consistent
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, August, November
- Shadow Zones
- Minimal shelter provided by low limestone cliffs
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy shoreline with reef offshore
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Wave size described as small to medium depending on swell
- Launch
- Small — Small shallow launch zone near shore; reef starts about 150 meters offshore to the right (when facing the sea). Another description notes beach start by paddling out from Arashi Beach’s sandy shore.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch described as easy by one source; moderate by another
Through the year
Sometimes crowded overall; more crowded during winter months when a swell runs.
August–November (hurricane season) / October–December (rainier period reported by one provider); Aruba storm risk overall described as low.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break with a right-hand configuration that is highly dependent on North or Northwest swells. When active it can produce clean faces and longer rides; it may be flat for much of the year.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best around mid tide
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef break with limited shelter
- Wind Effect
- East trade winds can be offshore, grooming wave faces and keeping them cleaner.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger sets but may start to close out if the swell is too direct from the North.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Quality described as good/average depending on swell and wind angle
- Wave Power
- Soft — Described as soft; also reported as moderate on working swell
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling right-hand reef break
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling waves reported
- Ride Length
- Medium — Rides reported as medium on active swell
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides reported around 50–100 meters depending on swell angle (typical ride length cited as ~75 meters).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Arashi Bay Reef (Noord) in the full forecast view.
Arashi Bay Reef (Noord) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–17 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- E98°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2417 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–1.5 m6s period
- Temperature
- 27–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, Arashi Bay Reef (Noord) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.8–1.5 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- sharp coral reef
- sea urchins
- submerged rocks
- strong currents during high swell
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated rescue reported at the spot; regional/municipal emergency response available (via 911 / coastguard monitoring).
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospital in Oranjestad (Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hospital). Emergency number 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Sources describe mild localism and a small take-off area—be respectful of local riders.
Rules of the spot
Surfing allowed; follow general surf etiquette. Reef break with a small take-off area—respect other riders.
- Beware of urchins and rocks—enter/exit carefully.
- Booties are highly recommended for reef protection.
- Reef is about 150 meters offshore to the right when facing the sea, marked by a small white buoy.
- Often flat; check swell charts for North or Northwest winter swells.
- If unsure, confirm conditions at the buoyed reef line before committing.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Malmok
- Nearest Town
- Noord
- Parking
- Car parking available at/near Arashi Beach; public parking lot reported directly at Arashi Beach.
- Public Transport
- Public transport accessible; bus access along main routes (taxi/rental car commonly used for Noord).
- Access
- Car access via the main coastal road toward California Lighthouse; public parking available directly at Arashi Beach. Reef is ~150 meters offshore to the right when facing the sea, marked by a small white buoy.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English, Dutch, Papiamento
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous villas and hotels in the Malmok and Palm Beach areas.
- Food & Drink
- Beach shack on-site with snacks and drinks reported by one provider.
- Equipment Rental:
- No surf rentals at the beach; gear must be brought from shops in Palm Beach or Oranjestad (as reported by one provider).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Noord’s coastline combines desert landscapes with clear, turquoise water and strong tourism infrastructure, with the Malmok/Arashi area offering easy coastal access and nearby sightseeing options.
Iconic stone lighthouse with panoramic views of Aruba’s coastline.
Guided off-road tours exploring desert terrain and limestone cliffs of the north coast.
Scenic coastal cliffs and natural pools at Malmok Beach.
Popular diving and snorkeling wreck site offshore from Malmok.
Beachfront eateries and bars across Noord and Tierra del Sol.
Open-air beachfront bar and restaurant with sunset views.
International cuisine and local Dutch-Aruban dishes in Oranjestad.
Shallow-water beaches suitable for children.
Tropical garden filled with hundreds of butterflies near the Palm Beach hotel strip.
Family water parks and beach clubs along the northern coast.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Arashi Bay Reef (Noord)?
The best overall months at Arashi Bay Reef (Noord) are August, September, October, November. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, August, November.
Which wind directions work at Arashi Bay Reef (Noord)?
Arashi Bay Reef (Noord) works with E, ENE, NE winds. Offshore directions are E.
What skill level is Arashi Bay Reef (Noord) suitable for?
Arashi Bay Reef (Noord) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.