In addition to being home to the Caribbean’s best beaches, Aruba’s clear, tranquil waters and unique chain of close-to-shore reefs make it an ideal island destination for snorkeling. We tasked our staff at Vacation Aruba to share their favorite local snorkel spots—all easily accessible for walk-in snorkeling experiences.
Snorkeling in Aruba is one of the best family-friendly things to do while on vacation with us. Whether you’re looking for a spot ideal for a beginner to get some confidence up or are ready to dive into the deep end, you’re in luck on our island.
Here are our favorite snorkeling spots in Aruba, as told by locals.
Arashi
- Location: Northwestern Aruba
- Best For: Variety of reefs to choose from, based on your experience
Just under the watchful eye of the California Lighthouse along Aruba’s western coastline, Arashi is touted for its crystal-blue water, sugary white sand, and well-kept public palapas. A small reef sits just off of the rocky barrier that separates Arashi from the next beach south, Boca Catalina. For the more adventurous snorkelers, another coral reef sits about 150 meters offshore.
There’s a beach bar selling local beer, beverages, and casual bites.
Boca Catalina
- Location: Northwestern Aruba
- Best for: Excellent underwater visibility
Just beneath Arashi Beach is this quaint palapa-dotted beach with easy access to a popular snorkeling spot with excellent underwater visibility. This close-to-shore reef is frequented by schools of colorful fish. A large group of brown pelicans are often spotted putting on an aerial show diving for their next meal in this area.
Malmok
- Location: Northwestern Aruba
- Best for: Spotting sea turtles
Continuing along this coastline, you’ll find Malmok Beach sandwiched between breaks in the limestone terrace that runs along this stretch of the island. Many of the sail-and-snorkel tours visit this area, as it’s a favorite grazing area for sea turtles.
Lucky for you, you can stay just steps from Malmok Beach by booking one of our Malmok vacation rental homes.
Spanish Lagoon & Mangel Halto
- Location: Southwestern Aruba
- Best for: Vibrant mangrove ecosystem
The southwest coast of Aruba is dominated by the Spanish Lagoon, one of the Caribbean’s largest natural lagoons and one of the protected areas overseen by Arikok National Park. The clear turquoise water is just stunning here!
Just south of the lagoon is Mangel Halto, characterized by a lush network of mangroves. Both of these areas attract young marine species that live among the shallow water and mangrove roots until strong enough to swim in open water.
There’s also a barrier reef about 50 yards out, ideal for stronger swimmers and seasoned snorkelers.
It’s common to see kayakers and paddle boarders in the mangroves, another one of Aruba’s best watersports to try.
Baby Beach
- Location: Southernmost point of Aruba
- Best for: Families and those new to snorkeling
Baby Beach, on Aruba’s southern end, skirts a calm lagoon distinguished by its shallow waters that make it ideal for families and snorkeling. It is not recommended to swim or snorkel outside of the lagoon, as the currents here are strong.
A Few Snorkeling Tips
Before you make the plunge, be sure to keep these snorkeling tips in mind:
- For safety, snorkel in pairs and always keep an eye on your snorkel buddy.
- Stay close to shore and if there are ropes marking a swim zone, stay within this area to avoid boat traffic.
- Test your mask’s seal in shallow water and adjust appropriately before heading to deeper waters.
- When using fins, use small gentle kicks to conserve your energy and avoid splashing that can scare sea life away.
- Look, don’t touch! Observe fish and marine life at a distance and do not attempt to follow or interact.
- Don’t stand on or touch coral—this protects the fragile reef ecosystem and also you.
- Only reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreens are permitted in Aruba. Sunscreens with oxybenzone cause coral bleaching, which can destroy our reefs.
- Make it a beach day! Our recommended snorkel spots are beach-access areas. Bring beach chairs, sun umbrellas, and pack a cooler with plenty of beverages, sandwiches, and snacks.
Our Concierge team can arrange rentals of snorkel gear, beach chairs and accessories, and even coordinate prepared snacks, sandwiches, or a fully catered gourmet picnic.
If you prefer an organized, guided experience, check off that Aruba bucket-list with a snorkel-and-sail excursion or a kayak/snorkel combo. Our Concierge team can also assist in booking the ideal vacation itinerary curated just for you.
Where Will You Snorkel in Aruba?
With so many great beaches to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options when deciding where to go snorkeling while in Aruba. If you have the time, we highly recommend you give a few of these snorkeling spots a try as each one offers something unique.
