Snorkeling Gear for Aruba: What Actually Matters

Snorkeling gear for Aruba comes down to three things that matter and several that do not. The island has its own quirks, and they change the list.

The gear that matters most in Aruba

Water shoes come first, and that surprises people. Aruba is limestone, and several of the best entries are over sharp rock rather than sand.

At Tres Trapi they are not negotiable. At Mangel Halto you need them for the rocky left shelf, though you can avoid it by entering from the sand.

A mask that seals is second. Fit beats price every time, so test it dry before you buy: press it to your face, breathe in, and see whether it holds without the strap.

Reef-safe mineral sunscreen is third. Chemical sunscreen bleaches coral, and you will be face-down in the sun for an hour.

What matters less

Fins are optional at most sites here. The reef is close in, the water is calm on the leeward coast, and fins are one more thing to carry.

A wetsuit is unnecessary. The water is 26 to 29°C year-round, so a rash guard is plenty and it doubles as sun protection.

The one piece people forget

A surface marker buoy, if you are swimming at Malmok Beach. Tour catamarans work that water all day and a snorkeler face-down is very hard to see from a helm.

Rent or bring?

Bring your own mask if you own one. Rent fins if you decide you want them.

Note that several sites have no rental at all — Baby Beach included, and it is thirty kilometres from Palm Beach. Therefore, sort your gear before you drive south.

Alternatively, book a boat: the snorkeling tours include gear, which is a fair reason to take one on your first day.