9 Top Aruba Snorkeling Tours to Include on Your Itinerary
Looking for the best Aruba snorkeling tours? Here’s the ultimate list of the best snorkeling excursions in Aruba!
This gorgeous Caribbean island is well-known for its crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life.
Snorkeling is definitely one of the best things to do in Aruba thanks to its clear waters, shallow bays, and variety of coral reefs that surround it.
Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a complete beginner, these Aruba snorkeling tours are musts on your itinerary.
Why snorkel in Aruba?
The island’s location in the Southern Caribbean Sea provides warm temperatures year-round, making snorkeling one of the many reasons Aruba is worth visiting.
The island boasts numerous shallow reefs near the shore, perfect for beginners and those who prefer a more leisurely snorkel. If you’re more experienced, you can venture to deeper waters to explore shipwrecks or offshore reefs where vibrant corals and exotic fish abound.
Another draw for snorkeling in Aruba is the island’s dedication to marine conservation. Many efforts have been put in place to protect the fragile coral reefs, and numerous artificial reefs have been established.
These human-made structures, such as sunken airplanes, boats, and intentionally placed materials, provide snorkelers with unique sights to explore while supporting the growth of healthy marine ecosystems.
Ultimately, what sets Aruba apart as a snorkeling destination is the combination of beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diverse underwater attractions, so make sure to include a few Aruba snorkeling tours on your itinerary!
Best Aruba Snorkeling Tours
1. Aruba Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling aboard the Arusun
⭐️ Reviews: 5/5 | ⏰ Length: 2.5 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability
The Aruba Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling tour is a fun-filled adventure that takes you on a scenic sail along the crystal-clear waters of Aruba’s coastline. The tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel or cruise port, where you will be transported to the catamaran dock.
“Overall the best excursion of my cruise, and for only $55 nothing came close to beating it. I would of paid $100+ for this excursion. The workers were nice and friendly, and most importantly fun! Food was great and open bar was truly unlimited and great bartender on board. They took us to an old WWII German ship wreck and a spot where sea turtles hung out, yes we got to see a sea turtle it was great.”
– Eric C (See more reviews)
The catamaran will set sail and take you to two of the best snorkeling spots in Aruba, including a WWII shipwreck where you will have the opportunity to explore the underwater world and get up and close to plenty of marine creatures.
After snorkeling, you can relax on the catamaran’s deck and take in the stunning views of Aruba’s coastline. The crew will serve you a delicious lunch and you will also have an open bar available!
2. Aruba Champagne Breakfast and Lunch Cruise with Snorkeling
⭐️ Reviews: 4.5/5 | ⏰ Length: 4 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability
The Aruba Champagne Breakfast and Lunch Cruise with Snorkeling is a luxurious and relaxing tour that takes you on a scenic sail along the beautiful waters of Aruba’s coastline.
Once onboard, you will be greeted by the friendly crew who will serve you a delicious breakfast of pastries, fresh fruit, and champagne. The catamaran will set sail and take you to three different snorkeling locations.
“The most incredible, once in a lifetime experiences.”– Amanda (See more reviews)
After snorkeling, you can relax on the catamaran’s spacious deck and take in the stunning views of Aruba’s coastline. The crew will serve you a delicious lunch that includes paella, cheese, fruit, and a chicken salad plus more champagne!
3. Adults Only Catalina Bay Small Group Snorkel & Sunset Sail
⭐️ Reviews: 5/5 | ⏰ Length: 3 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability
This Adults Only Catalina Bay Small Group Snorkel & Sunset Sail will take you to Boca Catalina, a stunning lagoon in Aruba that boasts incredible snorkeling opportunities, a variety of colorful fish, and crystal-clear waters.
“Crew was friendly and informative. Snorkeling was beautiful and the sunset was breathtaking. Rum punch sneaks up on you 😉”
– Aericka H. (See more reviews)
This adults-only charter only allows up to 12 guests for an intimate experience, with an open bar and snacks available.
This tour happens before sunset, making it a great choice if you’re not an early bird and want to snorkel and enjoy a gorgeous sunset with drinks on hand!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
- Flamingo Beach Aruba: The Ultimate Guide to Aruba’s Flamingo Island
- Aruba Jeep Tours
- Curacao vs Aruba: Which Island is Better?
- Is Aruba Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
4. Discover Mangel Halto Aruba Snorkeling Tour
⭐️ Reviews: 4.8/5 | ⏰ Length: 2.5 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability
Experience a fun-filled day at Mangel Halto, one of the best snorkeling spots in Aruba, and embark on an exciting adventure with this Discover Mangel Hato tour.
Nautilus Dive Center, the only Professional Snorkeling and PADI dive center in Mangel Halto, offers a daily PADI DISCOVER SNORKELING experience that allows beginner and advanced snorkelers to swim in the calm waters along Mangel Halto Beach, a turquoise-blue paradise well-known for its crystal-clear shallow snorkel areas.
“We are so glad we book with Juan. It was a great experience. He was very knowledgeable and made sure everyone in our group was comfortable and safe. Angela was very sweet and told us additional info about the island as we drove to and from the dive center. Would definitely recommend booking this!”
– Michelle T. (See more reviews)
The coral reefs are amazing, and you’ll encounter a variety of colorful fish such as Parrotfish, Triggerfish, Pufferfish, Angelfish, and more.
You’ll also have the opportunity to spot crustaceans like Hermit Crab and Lobster, mollusks like Oyster and Squid, and echinoderms like Sea Stars and Sand Dollars.
5. De Palm Island Fun and Snorkeling Tour
⭐️ Reviews: 4/5 | ⏰ Length: 6 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability
Palm Island is a private island located off the coast of Aruba, and it is known for its stunning natural beauty and a wide range of activities and this wonderful De Palm Island Tour is a wonderful way to explore it.
This day excursion offers a variety of activities for travelers to choose from, including relaxing on the sandy shores of the remote island and exploring the island.
“Sharing the experience with family. The experience was a whole vibe. It is a great place. Absolutely amazing and very beautiful place.”
– YahZarah Y. (See more reviews)
For those looking for a more adventurous experience, there is an option to upgrade to a SNUBA package, which is a hybrid of snorkeling and SCUBA that allows you to breathe easily underwater without wearing heavy gear.
You’ll be able to safely descend to a depth of 20 feet with the aid of a SNUBA instructor.
This is a perfect Aruba snorkeling tour for both kids and adults, and no previous experience is required.
6. Aruba Lunch & Snorkel Sail
⭐️ Reviews: 4.5/5 | ⏰ Length: 4 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability
Embark on a half-day Aruba snorkeling cruise and discover the SS ‘Antilla’ shipwreck, one of the largest wrecks in the Caribbean as well as two other incredible snorkeling spots around the island.
“The captain and crew were amazing would definitely use this company again. Thank you JJ and crew for giving us wonderful memories.”
– Richard T. (See more reviews)
During the tour, you’ll get to sail aboard a luxurious catamaran, where an expert crew will serve you an open bar and deli-style lunch while you take in the stunning views.
7. Aruba Afternoon Snorkeling and Beach Tour
⭐️ Reviews: 4.8/5 | ⏰ Length: 3 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability
The Aruba Afternoon Snorkeling and Beach Tour is an exciting adventure that takes you on a journey to explore the stunning underwater world of Aruba.
After boarding the boat and enjoying a refreshing drink from the open bar, you will set sail along the coastline to the first stop of the day – the SS Antilla shipwreck.
Here, you will learn about the fascinating history of this sunken ship from World War II and have the opportunity to snorkel and discover the colorful marine life that surrounds it.
“The boat ride was absolutely amazing! From the time we waited on the beach for the boat to arrive to the small boat ride that lead us to the larger boat we sailed on, it was a great experience. We had Gio and Manuel as our captain and server and they were great, very funny, attentive, and made the experience one to remember. The open bar was a plus and refreshments were just enough! Highly recommended!”
After a refreshing dip in the ocean, you will head back on board for lunch and more refreshments from the open bar before arriving at Boca Catalina Bay, where you will have free time to snorkel.
The tour concludes with a relaxing boat ride back to Noord, where you can enjoy one final cocktail and take in the stunning views of Aruba’s coastline.
8. Sailing and Snorkeling Experience with Drinks
⭐️ Reviews: 4.8/5 | ⏰ Length: 2.5 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability
On this Sailing and Snorkeling Experience with Drinks, you’ll get to experience the beauty of Aruba’s underwater world on a tranquil cruise that takes you to two of the island’s most prominent snorkeling spots.
The catamaran is equipped with everything you need for a fun-filled adventure, including snorkeling equipment, sunbathing trampolines, and plenty of drinks and snacks.
“An amazing way to see Arubas underwater life, spend some time on the boat and relax as well.”
The first stop is Boca Catalina Bay, which is known for its beautiful cove and diverse marine life and you will also visit the famous shipwreck of the “SS Antilla,” a German cargo ship that sunk during World War II.
9. Mangel Halto and Baby Beach Snorkeling Tour
⭐️ Reviews: 4.5/5 | ⏰ Length: 5 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability
This Mangel Halto and Baby Beach Snorkeling Tour combines two of the best snorkeling destinations in Aruba in one go!
Snorkeling in Mangel Halto is a great experience because of the abundance of marine life that can be seen in the area.
“It was a very fun experience! Baby beach and Mangel Halto just has breathtaking views and very clear water which is perfect for water activities. Our instructor and driver was super friendly and patient. I will come back and book them again in the future.”
The coral reefs are home to a variety of colorful fish such as Parrotfish, Triggerfish, Pufferfish, Angelfish, and more.
Baby Beach is another wonderful place to snorkel thanks to its shallow and calm waters that make it ideal if it’s your first time snorkeling or if you’re looking for Aruba snorkeling tours that are fit for kids!
Top Aruba Snorkeling Locations
Mangel Halto
Located on the southeastern coast, Mangel Halto is one of the best snorkeling spots in Aruba.
What makes Mangel Halto an incredible snorkeling site is the diversity of marine life that can be found here.
The shallow waters near the shore are teeming with colorful fish, such as Parrotfish, Angelfish, and Triggerfish.
Snorkelers can also venture to deeper waters where the reef drops off, providing an opportunity to spot larger marine creatures such as sea turtles, eagle rays, and even the occasional octopus.
Boca Catalina
Boca Catalina is a small, picturesque bay located on the northwest coast of Aruba. It’s known for its pristine white sandy beach and calm, crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
One of the main attractions of Boca Catalina is the incredible underwater world that can be found here. The bay is home to a vibrant coral reef system, which attracts a wide variety of marine life.
Snorkelers of all skill levels can explore the reef and discover colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, and other fascinating creatures that call this underwater world home.
The calm waters of the bay make it an ideal location for beginners and families with children who are looking to experience the beauty of Aruba’s underwater world.
Antilla Shipwreck
For those interested in wreck-diving, the Antilla Shipwreck is a must-see snorkeling destination in Aruba.
The SS Antilla is a German cargo ship that was sunk during World War II and is now one of the most famous shipwrecks in the Caribbean.
Over the past half-century, the ship has become home to a vibrant coral reef system, which attracts a variety of marine life.
The shipwreck is now covered by tube sponges and coral formations, and it is home to tropical fish, shrimp, lobsters, and orange anemones.
Despite being submerged for over 80 years, the SS Antilla is remarkably well-preserved, and its history and beauty make it an unforgettable experience. Most of the best Aruba snorkeling tours make a stop here.
Baby Beach
Baby Beach is a stunning crescent-shaped beach located on the southeastern tip of Aruba, and it is known for its calm and shallow waters that are perfect for beginner snorkelers and families. It’s also considered one of the best areas to stay in Aruba!
The beach is surrounded by a natural lagoon, which provides a unique and tranquil atmosphere to the area.
Under the water, you’ll find a vibrant coral reef system where you’ll be able to spot plenty of colorful marine creatures!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top snorkel sites in Aruba?
Aruba offers a variety of snorkeling sites with diverse marine life and underwater landscapes.
Some of the top snorkel sites include the Antilla shipwreck, Malmok Beach, Catalina Bay, and the Tres Trapi area, to make just a few!
What are the best beaches in Aruba for snorkeling?
Aruba has several beaches that are ideal for snorkeling thanks to the many marine creatures you can spot right off the shore.
Boca Catalina, Malmok Beach, Baby Beach, and De Palm Island are just a few examples of the best beaches in Aruba for snorkeling.
Are Aruba snorkeling tours worth the price?
Yes, Aruba snorkeling tours are worth the price as they often provide a guided experience, transportation, and snorkeling gear.
Moreover, knowledgeable guides can help you explore the best snorkeling spots and provide a safe and enjoyable experience. I actually found most of the Aruba snorkeling tours to be great value for money!
Are there private snorkeling tours available?
Yes, private snorkeling tours are available in Aruba. These tours allow for a more personalized experience and can cater to your preferences and needs.
Is it better to go snorkeling in the morning or the afternoon?
The best time to snorkel in Aruba is during the morning when the water tends to be calmer and there is better visibility.
However, afternoon snorkeling can also provide an enjoyable experience combined with sunset views with cocktails if you book an open-bar tour option!
Can I snorkel in Aruba on my own?
Yes, you can snorkel on your own in Aruba.
There are many accessible snorkeling spots where you can rent gear and venture out independently.
Just be sure to follow safety guidelines and check the local conditions before venturing out.
What is the best beach for snorkeling in Aruba?
The best beach for snorkeling in Aruba is a matter of personal preference.
Boca Catalina and Malmok Beach are popular options due to their clear waters and the variety of marine life.
Baby Beach also offers a shallow, calm environment which is ideal for beginners or if you’re traveling with children.
What is the best time to visit Aruba for snorkeling?
The best time to visit Aruba for snorkeling is between April and August, as these months typically have the calmest waters and best visibility.
However, snorkeling can still be enjoyable during other times of the year, just be aware that weather conditions may vary.
Travel Insurance for Aruba
Don’t forget about travel insurance to travel to Aruba! Healthcare in Aruba is great, but having travel insurance to back you up is essential.
If you’re still on the lookout for travel insurance for your trip, I always recommend Safety Wing for great prices (less than $2 per day!) and coverage abroad (they’ll cover medical expenses in case of any accidents, travel delays, cancellations, and much more).
Aruba Snorkeling Tours: Conclusion
Aruba offers some of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Caribbean, with crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning coral reefs.
There are a variety of snorkeling tours available, ranging from family-friendly catamaran cruises to adult-only charters with lots of champagne included!
Each of these Aruba snorkeling tours is a great way to explore Aruba under its waves and get to know the colorful marine life that lives around the island.
