Who Owns Aruba’s Beaches? A Call for Fairness in Public Spaces

Aruba’s pristine beaches are its crown jewel, a symbol of freedom, beauty, and a way of life for locals and tourists alike. Yet, a troubling trend is raising eyebrows across the island: hotels occupying public beaches with umbrellas and palapas, potentially turning these shared spaces into semi-private zones for paying guests. This begs the question: who are Aruba’s beaches truly for?

Are Hotels Overstepping?

The sight of hotel-branded umbrellas and palapas lining public beaches has led many to wonder: do these establishments have the proper government permits to occupy public land in this way? It’s hard to believe any business would risk public outrage without approval. But if permits have been issued, it raises a larger issue—why is the government granting what appears to be exclusive access to spaces that are supposed to belong to everyone?

Aruba’s laws have always maintained that beaches are public property, meant for all to enjoy. Allowing private entities to monopolize sections of these spaces not only undermines this principle but also creates a divide between locals and tourists. It sends a clear, albeit unintended, message: the comfort of visitors takes precedence over the rights of the island’s own people.

A Tale of Two Beaches?

If tourists can have their exclusive zones complete with amenities, why can’t locals have the same? Palapas and umbrellas are not luxury items—they’re essential for enjoying the beach under Aruba’s blazing sun. Yet, locals often find themselves pushed to the fringes, competing for limited shaded spots while hotels occupy prime real estate.

Imagine a system where dedicated beaches for locals are equipped with palapas and other amenities, available on a first-come, first-served basis, free of charge. Such a move would not only reaffirm the government’s commitment to equality but also ensure that locals feel valued and respected in their own home. After all, Arubans should not feel like second-class citizens on their own island.

A Question of Priorities

The government must address this issue with transparency and urgency. If permits are being granted, why are public beaches being handed over to private interests? Where is the accountability? And if hotels are acting without proper authorization, swift action must be taken to restore public trust. Locals deserve answers, and more importantly, they deserve action.

This is not just about beach access—it’s about equity, respect, and the preservation of Aruba’s identity. Locals and tourists alike should be able to coexist on the island’s beaches without one group dominating the other.

Demanding Accountability

Arubans must stand firm in demanding fairness. The government should prioritize the creation of designated local spaces with amenities and enforce regulations ensuring that public beaches remain accessible to everyone. After all, these sands belong to the people—not to the highest bidder.

The time for complacency is over. Aruba’s beaches are not just tourist attractions; they are sacred spaces that embody the soul of the island. If we allow them to be commercialized, we risk losing more than just the sand beneath our feet—we risk losing a part of who we are.