Aruba is perhaps the Caribbean island to go snorkeling at. The many reefs close to the shore of its coastline make it possible to snorkel in shallow water, explaining its vast popularity as a snorkeling destination.
After all, how can you resist the clear-blue water, perfect weather, mind-blowing sea life, whether that’s beautiful reefs, colorful corals, or some other underwater wonder?
However, where do you snorkel in Aruba? And what’s the ideal location? These are all questions we address with our list of destinations for the best snorkeling in Aruba.
The 4 Top Destinations for the Best Snorkeling in Aruba
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best spots for you to snorkel in Aruba and why they’re on this list.
1. Arashi Beach
Located on Aruba’s northern coast, Arashi Beach is one of the most popular snorkeling hotspots, especially among beginners. We can certainly see why with the stunning white beach, crystal-blue shallow water, healthy reef, dainty, colorful fish and bigger ones, easy transportation, and palapas, providing shade with their palm trees/branches ceiling.
Plus, you get to enjoy the California Lighthouse’s strategic and aesthetically pleasing view. The beach is also slightly over 160 yards away from our next destination, Boca Catalina.
Tip: Bring your own snorkeling gear, as there aren’t any nearby rental vendors. Also, make sure you go early in the morning because it gets crowded with locals later on.
2. Boca Catalina
Boca Catalina is a small, secluded bay found in the Malmok Beach area. It’s another snorkeling attraction famous for its incredibly diverse sea life, like palometa swimming close to the shore, needlefish, trunkfish, angelfish, goatfish, sergeant majors, and all kinds of vibrant colored fish and corals near the beach.
Thanks to the excellent underwater visibility, you get to see all of these curiosities and more. Like Arashi Beach, Boca Catalina is lined with palapas for those times you want a shield from the sun.
3. Malmok Beach
Towards Southern Boca Catalina, Malmok Beach is a small place with no less excellent snorkeling than its predecessors, and catamarans and sailboats go there regularly.
What we love about Malmok Beach is the variety of coves and abundance of fish, including sergeant majors, bluehead wrasses, banded butterflyfish, trunkfish, angelfish, and more.
Besides, you can explore the infamous shipwreck of Antilla, one of the Caribbean’s largest shipwrecks, just a few yards offshore from Malmok Beach.
Tip: There are sharp rocks near the shores, so be careful while walking or make sure you’re wearing your fins or water shoes.
4. Mangel Halto
Near Savaneta city, Mangel Halto is one of the less-known snorkeling beaches, but it’s an absolute gem. Its water is vast, calm, and shallow, with a barrier reef close to the shore, making it perfect for snorkeling.
Its rich sea life is evident in the parrotfishes, squids, butterflyfish, yellowtail snappers, sergeant majors, blue tangs, sand divers, among other underwater creatures.
Tip: Watch out for the sharp rocks on the shore, and keep an eye out for strong currents because the sea can get very violent.
Final Thoughts
We hope that one or more of these beaches has sparked your interest to embark on an endeavor to the best snorkeling in Aruba. Certainly, Arashi Beach is a no-brainer, especially for beginners, with such a rich sea life and easy public transportation.
You can also make a detour to Boca Catalina from there, but whatever your choice is, don’t waste a minute; put your snorkel masks on and make the most out of your Aruba adventure!