Where to go snorkelling in Aruba

by Mihai Pinzariu on September 25, 2019

Aruba is home to some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean. Great weather, crystal-clear waters, and world class beaches are waiting with a huge abundance of marine life to discover. This is a snorkeler’s paradise, with loads of different snorkeling spots to choose from, all easily accessible for beginner snorkelers to the pros.

Whether you’re looking for a remote secluded beach, crowded tourist beaches, or swimming with turtles, you’ll find it all here. Best of all, you can easily drive between all the snorkeling sites here, so if one doesn’t tickle your fancy just drive off onto the next.

Fish in Aruba: Angelfish, Chub, Eels, Goatfish, Parrot Fish, Snapper, Squirrelfish, Surgeonfish, Wrasse (Blue Head and Clown), Yellow Jacks, and more.

Coral in Aruba: Blue Crust, Branching Tube Sponge, Christmas Tree, Finger Coral, Lobed Star, Long Spined Urchin, Mustard Hill, Rock Boring Urchin, Tube Worm, Zoanthids, and more.

Aruba snorkelling map

Best places to snorkel in Aruba

Antilla Shipwreck

Where: 1.7km west of Central Tierra del Sol
Details: A 120-metre long German freighter ship that was wrecked during World War 2, this is one of the Caribbean’s best shipwrecks to explore by snorkelling. Visibility is great and you can easily see the ship from the water’s surface. There’s plenty of coral and fish life to discover inside, as well as the eerie vibe of a shipwreck.

Information:

You have to organise for a boat tour to snorkel the Antilla Shipwreck. It might be tempting to swim the 500-metre distance from shore, but we do not recommend this at all as there’s a strong current and lots of boats going to and from the area.

Arashi Beach

Where: 2.4km northwest of Central Tierra del Sol
Details: One of Aruba’s most beautiful beaches, the snorkeling here isn’t really recommended for beginners or children. The snorkel site is a long swim away from shore (though in shallow waters), and the area is prone to surge and currents. That said, you’ll be able to see lots of fish and coral here, including Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Damselfish, Filefish, Goatfish, Mojarra, and more.

Facilities:

  • Chair and umbrella hire is available,
  • Portaloos on-site,
  • Parking available.

Boca Catalina

Where: 1.2km west of Central Tierra del Sol
Details: Boca Catalina is another spot just to the left of Catalina Cove, accessible by land or water. There are lots more fish out here, but you’ll have to swim further away from the coastline to really see them all. Beware here as there’s a bit of a current.

Facilities:

  • Lots of parking along the main road,
  • Portaloos on-site (just bring toilet paper…)

Catalina Cove

Where: 1.2km west of Central Tierra del Sol
Details: Pristine white sandy beaches populated with tonnes of fish waiting to swim with you! You’ll find a lot of the same sealife here as Arashi as they’re quite close. The fish in this region are used to plenty of boat trips and interaction with people, so if you bring a little fish food they might try and eat it from you!

Facilities:

  • Beach umbrellas are available,
  • Lots of shady trees,
  • Easily walk to and from Arashi beach, just north of Catalina Cove.

Malmok Beach

Where: 1.2km west of Central Tierra del Sol
Details: This is one of Aruba’s most popular beaches, a tourist favourite that’s often crowded with boats and snorkellers. The reason why it’s so popular is obvious – crystal clear water, safe and easy snorkelling, and access to both Antilla and Baboo shipwrecks. Here you’ll be swimming amongst Lizardfish, Squirrelfish, Groupers, Trumpetfish, and look out for turtles amongst the seagrass!

Information:

  • If you want to avoid the rush, go early in the morning.
  • Visibility can sometimes be a bit bad due to all the boat traffic, so if you’re short on time head to one of the other beaches for a guaranteed good view.

Facilities:

  • There are no facilities at this beach.

Mangel Halto

Where: 5.8km northwest of Central Lagoville
Details: This is the best place to snorkel in Aruba, and a definite favourite amongst pro-snorkellers. Here you’ll find the largest populations of diverse fish and coral to discover, from huge schools of Blue Tang and Surgeonfish to different varieties of Grunts, Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, and a huge diversity of coral life. A lot quieter than other beaches, the corals on the edge of the bay are absolutely incredible.

Information:

  • If you’re a beginner, beware as a strong current runs through Mangel Halto. You might want to take a snorkel vest and stay inside the bay.

Facilities:

  • Beach umbrellas are available,
  • Portaloos on-site.

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Based on 1513 reviews
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Prescription Lens for full face snorkel

Recently we went on a cruise to the South Pacific with lots of opportunities to snorkel. I was asked so many times "are they prescription lenses in there" & "where did you get them from".

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It was easy to find out what level (prescription/strength) was needed, I just went to my optometrist with the options and they told me which ones I needed.

D
Lifetime Warranty
Diane K. (Melbourne, AU)
The Ninja Shark Snorkel mask is awesome!

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T
Lifetime Warranty
Tom P. (Melbourne, AU)
Recommended

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Package : Air Adults (Mask + Fins + Bag)
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Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
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Clear as day

Clear to see and easy to breathe,
Whole family loves the NinjaShark Snorkel mask.

R
Lifetime Warranty
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M
(DRAFT) Package: Dry Snorkel (Set + Fins + Bag)
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Life changing

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J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Joanne T. (Brisbane, AU)
Super quality & fit

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Highly recommend this product :)

N
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
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mask swimming

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R
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
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S
Lifetime Warranty
Sarah B. (Surfers Paradise, AU)
Love it!

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J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Jen M. (Brisbane, AU)
Love it

Bought these for myself and my husband after getting the full face masks for the kids, and they were so good we’re getting them for the rest of the extended family for Xmas. The fact u can dive down and not get water down ur snorkel is a brilliant bonus! Makes our family holidays much easier and better without snorkel dramas!

This made our holiday

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The photo is us snorkelling off Amadee Island looking for turtles!

My kids love them

I’ve got three of these masks for my younger kids, however the oldest wants one too as the young ones rave about how good the are.

Summer Family Fun

Our Ninja masks have made snorkelling as a whole family very easy and enjoyable. The kids (and parents) find them super easy to use and have allowed us as a family of five to snorkel for longer than we ever could using traditional snorkel gear. I would highly recommend these masks.

G
Lifetime Warranty
Geri D. (Sydney, AU)
Lifetime warranty

Glad I have but haven’t needed to use .. yet

Great Mask

Love this mask. Kids find it so much easier snorkelling with the Ninja Shark. The snorkel mask is super clear and doesn’t fog up. The adjustable straps are great and easy to loosen and tighten. Very happy that we made the decision to get these for the kids.

A must for snorkelers!

Recently purchased the Equaliser Pro Mask, Finns and bag. 🤿 🐠🐡🐟🦈 Had an amazing time snorkeling off Fitzroy Island, the Pro mask allowed me to explore for over 7 hours. Higly recommend! Planning must next snorkeling trip! 🤿💦🌴☀️