Snorkeling in Aruba With Kids

Snorkeling in Aruba with kids is easier than on most islands, because one beach removes almost every risk at once.

That beach is Baby Beach, and it is worth the drive.

Why Baby Beach works for children

It is a semi-circular lagoon at the southeastern tip of the island, protected by a natural coral barrier.

Inside it there is effectively no current. The water runs half a metre to a metre and a half over sand for most of its width, so a child can stand up almost anywhere.

You can also see across the whole lagoon, which means supervising two children at once is realistic rather than stressful.

There is a large free car park, restrooms, and a food truck at weekends. However, there is no gear rental — rent in Palm Beach before you drive down.

The one rule

Do not let anyone swim outside the barrier. The lagoon is calm precisely because that barrier is holding back open-ocean current, and that current is strong.

The next step up

When they are confident, Arashi Beach is the natural second site. The entry is wide, sandy and gradual, there are restrooms and picnic tables, and hawksbill turtles feed on the sponges just offshore.

Boca Catalina also works for a strong swimmer, and the turtles there are the reason most children remember the trip.

What to skip

Skip Tres Trapi entirely. The only entry is three concrete steps into surge, with nowhere to stand and sharp limestone underfoot.

Skip the windward coast, always.

Skip the afternoon, too. Children get tired and the wind gets up, so a nine o’clock start is a better trip than a two o’clock one.

Gear that matters

A mask that fits is the whole game. A leaking mask ends a child’s snorkeling career in about four minutes, so test the seal before you leave the shop.

Water shoes matter on rock entries. Bring more water than you think, because shade is scarce at several of these sites.