The short answer: for the most fish, go to De Palm Island. To see several spots with all the gear handled for you, take a catamaran snorkel sail. On a budget, a shore snorkel at Boca Catalina is loads of fun and free. All three are great, it depends on what you are looking for. Whatever you pick, go in the morning.
Our pick for this
Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar
★ 4.8 (2,922 reviews) · 3 hrs
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This guide is written by a local who has snorkeled Aruba all three ways: on De Palm Island, at the stops on catamaran trips, and from the shore on his own. Aruba’s calm, clear water on the west coast makes it an easy place to snorkel, but the trip you pick changes the day a lot. Here is how to choose.
The 3 ways to snorkel Aruba (plus turtles), compared
| Option | What it is like | Gear | Best for | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| De Palm Island | Loads of fish: they feed the fish regularly and look after the reef | Mask and life jacket included | First-timers and families who want guaranteed fish | Worth It |
| Catamaran snorkel sail | Several snorkel stops in one trip, often including the Antilla wreck | Everything provided, incl. mask and life jacket | Seeing different spots without any planning | Worth It |
| Shore snorkel at Boca Catalina | No boat, you swim straight out from the beach | Bring your own mask or rent one at Fisherman’s Huts; water shoes help | Budget trips and doing it on your own schedule | Worth It |
| Small-group turtle snorkel at Tres Trapi | Short guided shore trip at the spot where turtles are most often seen | Usually provided (check the listing) | Seeing sea turtles | It Depends on turtles showing up |
Which one is right for you?
First time snorkeling, or with kids: De Palm Island
In our local’s words: “De Palm Island has loads of fish cuz they feed the fish regularly there and maintain the coral reef.” Masks and life jackets are included, so there is nothing to bring or rent.
De Palm Island has amazing snorkeling, but it is one location and not a party-boat vibe. A boat tour takes you around to different sites and lets you just float and enjoy being out with other people. Both are great first trips; pick by the kind of day you want.
Want to see several spots: a catamaran snorkel sail
“The catamaran tour takes you to several different locations and they provide you everything you need, so it’s really enjoyable.” If the Antilla wreck is your main goal, only book a trip that names it in the itinerary, because some cruises never stop there. Our catamaran guide compares the boats and the best time of day, and the Antilla wreck guide covers the wreck itself.
Snorkel sails, top-rated on Viator (pick a morning departure)
Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba
★ 4.8 (2,692 reviews) · 2.5 hrs
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On a budget: shore snorkel at Boca Catalina
“If you’re on a budget, a shore snorkel at Boca Catalina is also loads of fun.” There is no tour to book. Bring your own mask if you have one; otherwise rent one at Fisherman’s Huts. Wear water shoes.
Hoping to see sea turtles: Tres Trapi
A common mistake online is sending people to Mangel Halto for turtles. Locally, turtles are mostly seen at Tres Trapi, right next to Boca Catalina. Turtles are wild, so no trip can promise one, but mornings give you the best chance.
Small-group turtle snorkels, top-rated on Viator
Aruba Turtle Snorkeling Tour | Photos & Videos Included (2 Hours)
★ 5.0 (544 reviews) · 2 hrs
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Prefer a full day? A De Palm Island day pass and other snorkel trips are listed on Viator with live prices.
Catamaran, pirate ship or private boat?
A catamaran and the pirate ship can feel quite similar, depending on which catamaran you pick. The Jolly Pirates ship is clearly more of a party: open bar, a rope swing, lots of music and a mixed crowd.
A private or small boat is worth the extra money if you’re with family, like your own space and some quiet, or want to set the plan yourself. If you enjoy mixing and mingling and like a crowd vibe, a shared boat is more fun and costs less.
The Antilla wreck: amazing, but it can get choppy
We love this stop, and it is a highlight of most snorkel tours.
Not a strong swimmer?
The water at the wreck can get a bit choppy. Ask the crew for a life jacket and you’ll be fine.
Tres Trapi or Boca Catalina?
Tres Trapi has turtles and plenty of fish. It gets busy from late morning into the afternoon, so go early.
Boca Catalina is more of a beach day: not many turtles, but some fish. Local trick: go further down the road to the bend, where there’s parking and a rocky area in front of the house with the corner infinity pool. Swim out from there. It’s quieter and has more fish.
Local tips for a great snorkel day
- Go in the morning, ideally before 8am. It is our local’s number one tip: the water is calmer and clearer, it is a lot less hot, and there are far fewer people.
- Wear coral-safe sunscreen. It protects the reef you came to see.
- Wear water shoes at shore spots like Boca Catalina and Tres Trapi.
- Gear: catamarans and De Palm Island include masks and life jackets for free. For shore snorkeling, your own mask helps; renting is fine too (try Fisherman’s Huts).
- Don’t touch or chase the turtles. Give them space.
- Smile, enjoy it and take pictures. You’ll love looking back at them.
Quick questions
What is the best snorkel tour in Aruba for first-timers?
It depends what you want. De Palm Island has amazing snorkeling in one spot, with the gear included and a calmer feel. A boat tour takes you to several sites, with time to just float and enjoy being out with other people.
Do snorkel tours include gear?
Catamaran trips and De Palm Island include masks and life jackets for free. For shore snorkeling you bring your own or rent one.
Where can I snorkel in Aruba without a tour?
Boca Catalina is the easy budget pick. Tres Trapi next to it is where turtles are most often seen.
What time of day is best for snorkeling?
Morning. It is the local’s top tip, and on boat trips it also keeps you out of the hottest afternoon sun.
Fitting a snorkel trip into your days? Plan My Day builds a free day plan from local picks and real tour times, so you are in the water in the morning.
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Ratings, review counts and "from" prices come from Viator and refresh daily. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.