Are you ready to find tropical fish and colorful marine life throughout crystal-clear waters? Aruba’s beaches are some of the best spots to snorkel and will give you an experience to remember. The range of different, easily-accessible snorkel sites (from calm and mild to rugged and rocky) all bring a unique underwater perspective. And this Aruba snorkeling guide will point you in the right direction!
Fishes of all colors. Bright coral reef. String rays and sea turtles…If you know where to go in Aruba, you can see it all!
Aruba Snorkeling Guide: The Best Beaches to Visit
The best places to snorkel are on the west side of the island while the rough east side is reserved for admiring from afar. And while Eagle Beach and Palm Beach are two popular, white-sand beaches that you will definitely become familiar with, the snorkeling spots are elsewhere. Here is the Aruba Snorkeling Guide that lists out the best beaches to visit:
Boca Catalina & Catalina Cove: Aruba Snorkeling Spot #1
North of Palm Beach is one of the most fantastic snorkel stops on the island with gorgeous white sand and the open ocean. The turquoise waters in this area are full of sea life and it’s a great spot for beginners.
Boca Catalina Beach & Tres Trapi
If you want to go on your own, you have a good chance to find green sea turtles, string rays, blue tangs, and large barracuda. That said, you have to get here early. Aim to arrive between 7:00-8:00 AM to take advantage of calm waters before too many people and boats start to disrupt the waters.
My best snorkel experience ever was at Boca Catalina—I’ll never forget the turtles!
After Boca Catalina, make your way south to find Tres Trapi (“three steps.”) Use the steps carved out into the rock to enter the water and see what you can find in this area. While there are fewer fish, you will find plenty of sea stars!
Malmok Beach: Aruba Snorkeling Spot #2
Catamaran Snorkel Tours (2-for-1)
One of the most fun experiences in Aruba is a catamaran snorkel tour where you will visit Boca Catalina and the SS Antilla wreck at Malmok Beach, one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean. About a half-mile out from shore, the ship is nearly 400 feet long with a maximum depth of 60 feet.
If you choose this route, you will knock both Catalina Cove and Malmok Beach off your snorkel list. Plus, you will benefit from a guide to help show you where the shipwreck is, as well as any hot spots for certain sea creatures. In addition to snorkeling, you can drink, play music, take advantage of the rope swing and swim in the bright turquoise waters.
Arashi Beach: Aruba Snorkeling Spot #3
This Aruba beach is tough to beat and certainly a favorite place of mine. Located in a perfect spot on the north end of the island, the trade winds will be blowing and keeping you cool in that hot Aruba sun. And you will get beautiful views including the open ocean and California Lighthouse.
And of course, there is no shortage of tropical fish and coral reefs at Arashi Beach. This is another spot that is good for beginners because there is plenty to see just off the shoreline. The right side is where you will find a wide variety of colorful reefs and small fish.
Mangel Halto Beach: Aruba Snorkeling Spot #4
Moving to the southern end of the island, Mangel Halto (The “Spanish Lagoon”) is more of a hidden gem than the rest. The colors are magnificent and the entry spot (pictured below) is out of a dream. You will come across incredible marine life at this snorkel site including moray eels, squid, yellowtail snappers, and plenty of other fish. You will definitely want fins or water shoes here due to its rocky bottom in some areas.
Note: there are stronger currents in this location so be mindful when you are out there. It’s recommended that you are a good swimmer if you choose to snorkel at Mangel Halto.
Baby Beach: Aruba Snorkeling Spot #5
Get to Baby Beach early and grab one of the beach huts for a perfect Aruba day! This is a popular spot for both tourists and locals and one of the best places to snorkel. The half-moon-shaped lagoon has shallow waters (this is where the Aruba babies learn to swim!) and a rocky area where the fish flock. Keep your eyes peeled for squid, small octopus, parrotfish, and eels. You can rent equipment right from Baby Beach.
Be very careful when snorkeling at Baby Beach because of the strong currents. While there are calm waters here, they can sneak up on you.
Aruba Snorkeling: What to Bring With You
Make sure you are prepared! Here is what to bring on your snorkeling trip:
Mask, Snorkel, Fins
The best way to go is to bring your own equipment. For packing purposes, we typically have ours in its bag and tied to the front of our backpacks. No flight has mentioned it when boarding or storing it. If you’re looking for a good set, check out this one.
If you need snorkel gear, don’t worry. You have options. One would be to opt for the catamaran cruise where you will not only check out two snorkeling spots but have your gear included as well. Another option is to rent equipment from one of the beach activity huts on Eagle Beach or Palm Beach. Most of these have 24-hour options so you don’t need to worry about picking up and returning on the same day.
Snorkel Vest or Noodle
The safest way to snorkel in Aruba is to have a floatation device. A snorkel vest is a great option, but something we learned (for much cheaper) is to buy a noodle in Aruba and take it with you. Not only do you feel a bit more secure, but you get less tired and can snorkel for longer!
Underwater Camera or Phone Case
Take some amazing photos—from underwater! I highly recommend purchasing an underwater camera or phone case to take some footage of your experience. This underwater case has been PERFECT for us on numerous trips with zero leaks or issues.
Sunscreen
In addition to snorkel equipment, do not forget your sunscreen! The Aruba sun is hot, hot, hot. Apply before and immediately after you snorkel. I love Cocokind which is natural/organic.
The Best Beaches to Visit for Snorkeling in Aruba
You are sure to find good snorkeling in Aruba with its crystal clear waters and variety of environments for sea life. Use this Aruba Snorkeling Guide and check all of the stops off the list!
