Aruba turtle snorkeling is easier than most people expect. Green and hawksbill turtles feed along the calm leeward coast, often in shallow water close to shore. However, they are wild animals, so no reef and no tour can promise you one.
Where to go Aruba turtle snorkeling
Boca Catalina is the island’s best turtle site. Green and hawksbill turtles graze the seagrass there, often for twenty or thirty minutes at a stretch.
Also, Mangel Halto on the south coast has green turtles on its seagrass. Meanwhile, hawksbills feed directly on the sponges at Arashi Beach.
At Baby Beach, turtles stay out near the barrier. However, that zone suits confident swimmers only.
The best time for Aruba turtle snorkeling
Go early. Between seven and ten in the morning, the water is calmest and the reefs are quietest.
After ten, the catamaran groups start to arrive at Boca Catalina. As a result, the water gets busier and cloudier.
Book a guided turtle snorkel
The Aruba Hidden Turtle Adventure is a two-hour guided snorkel around Malmok. Your guide swims with you, the trip includes the gear, and groups stay at twelve people or fewer.
It costs $100 per person. First, you pay a $20 deposit online. Then you pay the rest in cash on the day. If the weather turns bad, you can reschedule or get a refund.
Book 24 hours or more ahead and your trip confirms straight away. For anything sooner, you send a request first.
How to swim with sea turtles
Aruba protects its sea turtles. So keep two meters away, and never touch, chase or block one.
In particular, never swim above a turtle, because it needs to reach the surface to breathe. Instead, hover still, and it will usually keep feeding next to you.
Finally, wear reef-safe mineral sunscreen, since chemical sunscreen harms the coral and seagrass that turtles need. Our snorkeling safety guide covers the rest, and the Aruba Tourism Authority has more about the island.
