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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing bodyboardSurfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • 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.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
25–30 °C
Water Temperature
26–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: rash guard optional / sun and reef protection
Crowds by Season

Sometimes crowded overall; more crowded during winter months when a swell runs.

Storm/Rain Season

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.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Reef break
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).
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBoots

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Showers
Restaurant
Bar
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).
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

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.

Best time to visit: February–July for a combined sports-and-tourism trip (dry weather and peak wind), with December–April also noted for tourism convenience.
California Lighthouse2 km

Iconic stone lighthouse with panoramic views of Aruba’s coastline.

ATV & UTV Tours3 km

Guided off-road tours exploring desert terrain and limestone cliffs of the north coast.

Malmok Natural Pools~5 km west

Scenic coastal cliffs and natural pools at Malmok Beach.

Antilla Shipwreck1 km

Popular diving and snorkeling wreck site offshore from Malmok.

Noord Beach Bars~1–5 km

Beachfront eateries and bars across Noord and Tierra del Sol.

Moomba Beach Bar2 km

Open-air beachfront bar and restaurant with sunset views.

Oranjestad Dining District~5–15 km

International cuisine and local Dutch-Aruban dishes in Oranjestad.

Noord Shores~2–10 km

Shallow-water beaches suitable for children.

Butterfly Farm4 km

Tropical garden filled with hundreds of butterflies near the Palm Beach hotel strip.

Noord Beach Clubs~2–8 km

Family water parks and beach clubs along the northern coast.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.