Boca Prins is a small beach located in Arikok National Park in Aruba. Visiting this beach was one of my favorite stops in the National Park. Me and my husband rented UTV’s or 4-wheelers for the day and explored the entire park!
It was my favorite day in Aruba.
FYI – This beach is not a swimming beach. Because of the currents and the high waves it is actually dangerous to swim or snorkel here.
Visiting Boca Prins Beach in Aruba!
Visually Boca Prins is one of the most beautiful beaches on earth! The white sands framed by rock cliffs on both sides and piercing blue water are absolutely stunning.Â
You may immediately wonder this beach isn’t more famous or doesn’t have 15 different fancy resorts lining its shores?
The reason this beach is more of a stopover point rather than the ultimate destination in itself is that the waters are almost always churning to the point where swimming is legitimately unsafe.
Not only could the Boca Prins waves and currents crash you into the rocks or pull you out to see, but the beach is located in the heart of the Arikok National Park, which makes it slightly more difficult to access.
Even with these hurdles, I still recommend you visit Boca Prins beach since it somehow looks even more beautiful in person. Not only is the beach worth a stop, but there are tons of other amazing things to see and do in the Arikok National Park.
So why would you prioritize visiting a beach you can’t swim at?
Boca Prins is worth visiting because of the environment, the natural beauty and secluded nature of the beach is worth experiencing at least once. Also, you can take amazing pictures and videos here. We had the entire beach to ourselves!
Boca Prins Quick Facts:
- Water: Turquoise clear water (but aggressive waters)
- Sand: Golden sand
- Length: 180 ft (55 meters)
- Facilities: none
- Activities: hiking
- Check out a quick YouTube video here on Boca Prins (no edits).
Where is Boca Prins located?
This beach is located in Arikok National Park in Aruba. It is on the northern side and center east side of the island.Â
You will pass the beach on your way to the famous Quadirikiki Caves in Arikok National Park so its a great stop while on your way to the famous caves.
It was also really close to a few other Aruba treasures, Boca Keto and the Aruba Natural Pool. You can read more about those here.Â
Read also: 13 Things to Know Before Visiting Aruba
Where is Boca Prins located?
This beach is located in Arikok National Park in Aruba. It is on the northern side and center east side of the island.
You will basically pass the beach to the famous Quadirikiki Caves in Arikok National Park.
It was also really close to a few other Aruba treasures, Boca Keto and the Aruba Natural Pool. You can read more about those here.Â
How to get to Boca Prins
If you are coming from the airport it will take you about 30 minutes to drive here. Without traffic it could be up to 10 minutes shorter, but unfortunately the traffic often backs up.
To make the process more enjoyable, and to help with the ability to drive through the entire national park I recommend renting ATVs.
To open up more roads and paths in the Arikok National Park you need to walk or have an ATV. That is what we did to get to BOCA Prins.
Once you are in the park there is ample signage directing you where to go. It was my favorite day in Aruba.
Getting down to the beach:
There are wooden stairs that take you down to the beach beach area of this pristine bay, named after former plantation Prins alongside the rugged coastline of Aruba.
Swimming Conditions (no swimming)
Unfortunately you should not swim at this beach. Given prevailing currents and position of the beach the waters are almost always extremely aggressive.
Even if you can’t see them there are likely dangerous currents that could pull you out and ram you against the rocks.
Though it may be tempting, I recommend dipping your toes in only.Â
Boca Prins Surfing
I’ve heard some hard core wave chasers talk about trying to surf at this beach due to the waves.
I don’t recommend surfing at Boca Prins.
Even though there is some surfing that can take place here, there are much better beaches for it.
If you are interested in surfing or watching surfers I recommend checking out Bachelors Beach, Boca Grandi, and Grapefield beach.
If you are interested in surfing or watching surfers I recommend checking out Bachelors Beach, Boca Grandi, and Grapefield beach.
Facilities
Other than a parking lot and the stairs down to the sand there are no facilities.
There are ample restrooms, gift shops, and more in the National Park though.
As always at secluded beaches without facilities, make sure you prepare well before visiting and emphasize on renting or taking the proper transport.
Although there are no facilities on the actual beach, there is a nearby Boca Prins Restaurant you can eat at! Check it out here.
Why Prioritize a Beach you can’t Swim at?
Even though you can’t swim here, you can still lounge in and enjoy the sand. We enjoyed dipping our toes in the sand and dancing in and out of the waves on the shore.
If you want to continue on from the beach you can continue hiking up the coast. The coastline is obviously breathtaking at the beach, but stunning views continue as you hike along.
Obviously you can also take pictures from the cliff edges or directly from the sand.
Is Boca Prins worth visiting?
Even though you can’t swim here, this beach is still an absolute must stop! Be sure to take the steps down to the beach and get pictures from there, even if you don’t plan to dip your toes in the water and lounge in the sand.
Think of this as a beach to stop at on an epic day trip, not the one and only destination of the day!
Quick Boca Prins video on YouTube below
Other things to do in the area:
- Natural Pool
- Caves
- Boca Keto Beach