ARUBA · SNORKELING IN ARUBA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 snorkelling trips in Aruba worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Spend 2.5 hours aboard the 65-foot Arusun from Palm Beach, with snorkeling at the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay. Captain Amanda, Ronnie, Rashim, or Gabriel may lead your trip. You get gear, snacks, and an open bar, but must reach the pier yourself and board the catamaran by zodiac.
“Had a wonderful experience. We were a small group which was nice. Captian Amanda and 1st mate Ronnie were great.”
Spend three hours aboard The Dolphin catamaran from Noord, with snorkeling at the Antilla shipwreck and Boca Catalina Bay. You get fresh equipment, wraps, fruit, snacks, an open bar, music, and access to a spinning water slide and rope swing. Crew members such as Frederick, Oscar, Rio, Jay, and Brandon are often praised for friendly, attentive service.
“Best snorkeling/catamaran experience we’ve ever been on—and we’ve been on a lot. The vibe was low key and family friendly. Could have had maybe a tad more time at the shipwreck site (that’s where we saw a turtle), but the generous snorkeling time at the next site made up for it. We saw some corals doing a-okay and some unique reef fish. Ending the adventure with the rope swing was awesome! Highly recommend!”
Spend four hours aboard a spacious catamaran from Pelican Pier, with breakfast, lunch, mimosas, an open bar, and three snorkeling stops. You may visit a shipwreck, Tres Trapi, or Boca Catalina. The crew provides gear, safety help, and, at some stops, a third-lung air system for underwater exploring.
“Great food, great drinks and great snorkeling! Easy location to find. Perfect amount of time for a morning excursion if you are looking for something to do that won't eat up your whole day.”
Meet at MooMba Beach at 9 a.m. for a four-hour cruise aboard an 85-foot teak schooner. You’ll snorkel at Malmok, Boca Catalina, and the SS Antilla shipwreck, with gear, barbecue lunch, open bar, restrooms, and a rope swing included. Hotel pickup is not provided.
“We did the early morning pirate sail. It was so much fun! The snorkeling was great, the crew was engaging, and the pirates poison is a must have!”
Join Red Sail Aruba at Piet’s Pier Bar for a four-hour catamaran trip with three snorkel stops, including Catalina Bay and the SS Antilla wreck. You’ll get gear, instruction, snacks, a Caribbean buffet, and an open bar. Crew members such as Captain Dion, Liz, Junior, and Captain Richard have earned praise for safety and fun, though the water time at each stop is limited.
“Snorkeled 3 different places. Had an amazing lunch. Lots of fun!! Tour guides and captain did a great job keeping us safe as well as making us laugh.”
Spend about four hours aboard De Palm Tours’ 70-foot Palm Pleasure catamaran, stopping at the Antilla Shipwreck, Boca Catalina, and Arashi reef. You can snorkel, try SNUBA, or relax on deck. The crew, including the often-praised Cesar, serves a buffet lunch and open bar. Hotel pickup may be available, but confirm before booking.
“Great snorkeling spots. Lots of fish and fun. Crew was very kind and helpful. Would book again if we come back to Aruba”
Sail from Palm Beach aboard the Octopus catamaran for two 45-minute snorkel stops at the Antilla shipwreck and Malmok Reef. The 34-person boat includes equipment, instruction, light brunch appetizers, unlimited drinks, a restroom, and an Octopus souvenir. Crew members such as Richard, Jose Luis, Jameel, and Roger help keep the morning friendly and well organized.
“Great weather, great guys, great captain.They know exactly where to go and the food was very good as well. thank you.”
Meet your private guide at Tres Trapi Beach for a 90-minute turtle-spotting snorkel. Guides such as Ray, Marcus, Alan, and Pauline provide gear, explain respectful turtle viewing, and film your time in the water. Basic swimming skills are required, and good water shoes help on the rocky steps.
“Great experience. Saw at least 3 turtles and interacted with 2 baby turtles. Really neat. The guide was very helpful and considerate.”
Join Octopus Aruba at Palm Beach for a three-hour afternoon sail aboard a 40-foot catamaran or trimaran. You’ll visit the Antilla shipwreck and Malmok Reef, with snorkel gear, instruction, lunch, drinks, safety equipment, and a crew that may include Martin, Richard, Jamel, or Randy. Expect calm water, music, and a social onboard atmosphere.
“This was great - our captain Martin & his crew were helpful & fun to spend the afternoon with. Very knowledgeable about the area & its history. They had tons of varieties of alcohol & mixers & frequent snacks so the booze doesn’t hit you too hard. Will absolutely go again!”
You’ll take a private two-hour trip from Palm Beach aboard a 26-foot Bayliner, with a captain such as Lex or Boi guiding your group to calm snorkeling spots near Boca Catalina and Malmok. Expect shallow water, colorful fish, possible turtles, flexible stops, gear, drinks, and a rum punch.
“We absolutely loved this private tour. Our guides were fun and friendly, made us feel very comfortable. We were able to choose 2 locations for our snorkeling experience and we saw so many colorful fish and coral. We were lucky enough to also spot some sea turtles. Highly recommend, don’t miss out!”
Spend three hours aboard Aruba’s 85-foot Jolly Pirate schooner, sailing from MooMba Beach to calm reefs, Boca Catalina, and the Antilla shipwreck. Snorkel gear, unlimited drinks, restrooms, and a rope swing are included. Captain Jose, Milton, and Johnnie are among the crew names linked with this lively afternoon cruise.
“We really enjoyed this 3 hour tour that included snorkeling above the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean then shallow reef snorkel in crystal clear waters. The crew were very helpful and the open bar provided plentiful beverages.”
Spend about three hours aboard a Red Sail Aruba catamaran, snorkeling at calm Catalina Bay and the Antilla shipwreck. You’ll get gear, instruction, snacks, and an open bar, with crew members such as Lizzie, Dennis, Junior, Kevin, or Rowy depending on the sailing. Arrive early at Piet’s Pier Bar and expect a lively party-boat atmosphere.
“Loved this tour, unfortunately we went on a very windy day so seeing the wreck was a bit of work fighting the current but saw some incredible fish and sea turtles, the crew was awesome and the drinks and snacks were great. Definitely would recommend!”
Join Pelican Aruba at Pelican Pier for a 2.5-hour catamaran trip to Catalina Bay and the Antilla shipwreck. Guides provide snorkeling gear and instructions, then serve snacks and unlimited drinks beneath a shaded canopy. Sam, Carlos, Jamil, and Andy are among the crew members praised for their help and easygoing spirit.
“Fun tour snacks served was trash but the experience was fun. Tour guides were amazing no top shelf so just wait for the headache in the morning.”
Spend about seven hours exploring Aruba with EZ Raider Aruba Tours. Guides such as Rocky, Kurt, Dre, and Andrew lead a small jeep group through Arikok National Park, past caves and beaches, to Conchi Natural Pool and Baby Beach. Breakfast, lunch, water, park fees, and snorkeling gear are included.
“Excellent tour. Very bumpy, tossed us around like rag dolls. Tie your hair up well or a brush will never go through it again. Do not go if you have back or neck issues. The snorkeling should have fins. I brought mine but all others struggled at Baby Beach with the current.”
At Mangel Halto Beach, Aruba Bob guides a maximum of six people on a mile-long reef loop using solar-powered sea scooters. Guides such as Vinnie, Mark, Loui, Jeff, and Martina provide hands-on instruction, snorkeling gear, safety support, and about 100 complimentary photos. Expect fish, live coral, and possible shipwreck sightings.
“We had the best tour with Aruba Bob’s today! There was only one other couple on the tour with us so it was very relaxed and personal. The guides were very experienced and helpful throughout the tour. We were able to see several fish, squid and a sunken boat! I highly recommend this tour for anything looking to snorkel!”
Pick an island, a reef or a road.
