Clear water, reefs and shipwrecks
Aruba's calm west and south coasts are ideal for snorkelling. You can walk into the water from the beach at many spots, or join a snorkel sail to reach the reefs and wrecks further out.
Best snorkel spots
- Boca Catalina – shallow cove with seagrass, coral patches and often sea turtles; one of the best shore snorkel spots.
- Malmok Beach – clear water close to the Palm Beach hotels and the gateway to the Antilla wreck.
- Baby Beach – very shallow, calm lagoon in the far south, ideal for children.
- Arashi Airplanes – shallow plane wrecks
- Antilla wreck – WWII freighter off Malmok
- Mangel Halto – calm lagoon and reef near Savaneta
- Top 10 snorkeling and diving spots – our favourite spots
Snorkel tours
- Sailing & catamaran cruises – snorkel sails and sunset cruises
- De Palm Tours – the island's largest tour operator
- Red Sail Sports – sailing and diving from Palm Beach
Rules and tips
- Only use reef-safe sunscreen; products with oxybenzone have been banned since 2020.
- Several reefs are part of the protected Parke Marino Aruba; do not touch or stand on coral.
- Stay in calm waters on the west and south coasts and be careful of currents further out.
Last updated: September 2026.