Snorkel Spots in Aruba — All Six Reefs Compared

Arashi Beach

Metre-tall orange barrel sponges and hawksbill turtles feeding on them - a reef that looks like nowhere else in Aruba.

Visibility 10-20m Best Before 10 AM Read the guide →

Baby Beach

A shallow, current-free lagoon behind a natural coral barrier - the one spot on the island where you can genuinely relax while…

Visibility 5-15m Best 8-11 AM Read the guide →

Beginner

Boca Catalina

The island's best place to meet a sea turtle from shore - greens and hawksbills graze the seagrass here for twenty minutes…

Visibility 10-20m Best 7-10 AM Read the guide →

Beginner-Intermediate

Malmok Beach

Eagle rays patrol Malmok more reliably than anywhere else you can reach from shore - and the Antilla, the Caribbean's largest accessible…

Visibility 15-30m Best 6-7 AM Read the guide →

Beginner-Intermediate

Mangel Halto

Tucked on Aruba's south coast, Mangel Halto has the healthiest coral on the island and the best odds of meeting an eagle…

Visibility 15-25m Best 7-10 AM Read the guide →

Plan the rest of it

Book the day around it

The tours worth paying for, somewhere to sleep nearby, and a car to reach the reefs that have no bus.

Direct

Palapa Aruba — Beach Umbrella & Two Chairs

Shade reserved in your name at Eagle Beach or the Hyatt. $100 a day.

10 AM – 4 PM

From $100 per day, plus 16% tax

Book Direct

Booked direct with the operator

Direct

Isabella Private Catamaran — 3-Hour Charter

The whole boat for three hours, up to 12 guests. $275 holds it.

3 hours

From $825 for the boat

Book Direct

Booked direct with the operator

Direct

Malmok Charters — 3-Hour Private Boat Charter

Three hours, your own boat and skipper. $180 reserves it.

3 hours

From $900 for the boat

Book Direct

Booked direct with the operator

Where to stay near the water

The reefs worth an early start are spread from Malmok to San Nicolas. Staying on the right side of the island saves you an hour of driving at dawn.

Search Aruba hotels

You will need a car

Mangel Halto, Tres Trapi and Baby Beach have no practical bus route. A small automatic is enough for every site on this page.

Rent a car in Aruba

Everything else on the island

Restaurants, beaches, itineraries and the rest of the trip, from our sister site.

Aruba travel guide

Free guide

The Aruba Snorkeling Guide

Every spot on the island with the honest version: where to park, where to get in, what you will actually see, and the mornings worth setting an alarm for.