Snorkeling in Aruba
Snorkeling in Aruba centers on the northwest coast reefs and the Antilla wreck. The best water is on the northwest coast, where a reef sits close to shore at Boca Catalina, Arashi Beach and Mangel Halto. The island's best-known underwater sight is the Antilla, a large German freighter scuttled in World War II and shallow enough to snorkel over from a catamaran.
Places to go
Arashi Beach
Arashi Beach is a calm, shallow stretch of white sand on Aruba's northwestern coast, near the California Lighthouse. A reef lies about 150 meters offshore, and it is known for snorkeling and diving.
Antilla Shipwreck
The Antilla is a scuttled German freighter lying off Malmok Beach on Aruba's west coast. Snorkelers and divers reach it by catamaran, and the wreck is one of the largest in the Caribbean.
Boca Catalina
Boca Catalina is a small bay near Malmok on Aruba's northwest coast, with a little sandy beach, some rocky areas and a reef close to shore. People come to swim out and snorkel over it.
Baby Beach
Baby Beach is a shallow, sheltered lagoon at the southeast tip of Aruba, near San Nicolas. The calm water makes it one of the easiest places on the island to wade, float and snorkel.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach is the busy main strip of sand in front of most of Aruba's high-rise hotels. It is the island's resort hub, with restaurants, bars and water sports close by.
Natural Pool
Conchi, also called the Natural Pool or Cura di Tortuga, is a small saltwater tide pool on Aruba's wild north coast. You reach it inside Arikok National Park, across rough volcanic rock.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most people see Aruba's snorkeling in one of two ways. The first is a catamaran sail with a snorkel stop at the Antilla shipwreck and a reef stop at Boca Catalina or Malmok. These trips usually take three to five hours and pick up near Oranjestad. The second is a shore visit: at Boca Catalina, Arashi or Mangel Halto you bring your own gear and swim out over the reef.
Boca Catalina is a small bay near Malmok with a small sandy beach and some rocky areas. The water is gentle, and colorful reef fish and angelfish are just offshore. Arashi Beach is shallow and calm, with a reef about 150 meters out. Mangel Halto is named for its mangroves, and its barrier reef is a short swim from the shore, which keeps the water calm.
Where to go
- Antilla Shipwreck. A scuttled 400-foot German freighter from World War II, shallow enough to snorkel, reached on a sail-and-snorkel catamaran trip. By boat. A trip that goes here: The Antilla Shipwreck Sail and Snorkel Trip, 3 Hours, $89 a person
- Boca Catalina. A small bay near Malmok with gentle waves, angelfish and starfish close to shore, and clear water on a good day. By walk, then swim out from the sand. A trip that goes here: Champagne Brunch Sail, 3 Hours, $139 a person
- Arashi Beach. A shallow, calm beach near the California Lighthouse, with a reef about 150 meters offshore that suits snorkelers and divers. A trip that goes here: Explore Aruba Tour, 4 Hours 30 Minutes, $69 a person
- Mangel Halto. A bay named for its mangroves, with a protective barrier reef that keeps the shallow water calm.
Getting there
Boca Catalina, Arashi and Mangel Halto are on the northwest coast and are reached by taxi or by car, or on a tour that visits them.
When to go
October to January is the rainy season in Aruba, when freshwater runoff can cut visibility, so mornings tend to be clearer for snorkeling. Snorkeling is possible year-round, and the water stays warm and the conditions are easy to plan for.
Good to know
- Bring your own mask, snorkel and fins if you plan to swim from the shore at Boca Catalina, Arashi or Mangel Halto.
- Catamaran sail-and-snorkel trips are usually booked in advance and run three to five hours.
- Reef spots on the northwest coast are calm, but the northeast coast has rough seas and strong currents, so stay on the calm side.
- A taxi to Eagle Beach takes about 10 minutes.
Questions
Where is the best snorkeling in Aruba?
The best known spots are the Antilla shipwreck, reached by catamaran, and the reefs at Boca Catalina, Arashi Beach and Mangel Halto. The reefs lie close to shore and have calm water suited to snorkeling.
Can I snorkel in Aruba on my own?
Yes. Boca Catalina, Arashi Beach and Mangel Halto can be reached without a tour, and you only need your own gear. The Antilla shipwreck needs a boat trip.
Is Aruba good for snorkeling with children?
Yes. Baby Beach is calm enough for very small children and for people new to snorkeling. The reef spots at Boca Catalina and Mangel Halto also have calm water.
