<p>The increasing urbanization and recreational activities of the sandy beaches have significantly altered coastal landscapes and negatively affected resident fauna. In this study, we investigate the responses of two typical sandy beach arthropods, the ghost crab (<i>Ocypode quadrata</i>) and the rove beetle (<i>Bledius</i> sp.), to recreational activities in northeastern Brazil. Control (natural) and disturbed areas (located in front to kiosks zone) of two beaches were sampled once for arthropod density and sedimentary characterization. Sedimentary differences were primarily due to sediment sorting, which was higher in control areas than in disturbed ones. Ghost crabs and rove beetles showed contrasting responses: ghost crab densities were higher at disturbed areas, probably due to higher availability of food scraps left by beachgoers, whereas rove beetles abundance was lower, likely due to human trampling. These contrasting patterns reflect species-specific life traits, suggesting that species with entire life development within the sediment, such as rove beetles, are more sensitive to sandy beach disturbance, especially that of low intensity, such as human trampling.</p>