LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
This is a copy of a post by Arubalisa, from our Aruba forum. I though it might be of interest here, as well.
Info & Ideas for Snorkeling in Aruba
My husband and I love Aruba and are returning for the 13th time in September.
Info & Ideas for Snorkeling in Aruba
For a boat tour with small groups check out Roberto's Private Snorkeling or Tranquilo.
The website www.shorediving.com does just a fantastic job of describing and mapping out the different spots you are able to snorkel from. Yes, I know the title says "diving" but if you read the reviews of each "dive" spot, though the website is for "shore dives" there are many many comments about snorkeling these sites as well.
Some of our personal favs:
Catalina Cove (just north of Boca Catalina)
Boca Catalina (shade palapas)
Malmok Beach (rocky)
De Palm Slope (on De Palm Island, thus not free)
Mangel Halto Reef (aka Spanish Lagoon)
Baby Beach Reef (the furthest taxi ride, thus more expensive to get to...)
Dh and I like Boca Catalina & Catalina Cove. They are next to one another. The little sand beach at Malmok is tiny, so not a lot of people visit there. If my memory serves me correctly, this spot is also a little further away from where the sail/snorkel excursions anchor. If you are able to find it, it is also excellent.
Please avoid any beaches on the east side of the island or #1 Shallow Reef (shorediving.com). My husband and I are both divers and when diving in NJ have seen some rough conditions, but these waters on that side of the island are just treacherous. At Baby Beach also, if you plan on snorkeling outside the wall... the waves and current are extremely strong.
Baby Beach is about the furthest from downtown Oranjestad where the cruise ships are docked. The taxi fare from Oranjestad to Baby Beach is going to be somewhere in the area of $35 each way.
Oranjestad to Arashi is $18.00 each way.
Oranjestad to Malmok is $17 - $18 each way.
Oranjestad to Palm Beach is $10 each way.
http://www.taxiaruba.com/
All of the beaches on the island of Aruba are public. You may not however use resort's shade palapas, chaise lounges etc. If you plan on spending the day at Palm Beach, and have your own snorkel gear, there is also another option. A short walk towards the southern end of Palm Beach just before the Phoenix Resort, there is a break that goes about 150 yard out into the water. The water is very calm there. There is also a little rock island where you can view fish, octopus, etc. There is a little Polis (Police) substation right there on the beach (point of reference- between the Aruba Resort [former Wyndham] and Phoenix). This is a perfect spot on Palm Beach if you just want to do some snorkeling on your own. Unfortunately the sand here is loaded with tiny coral pieces and rocks, but there is free shade. There are no chaises though nor much else close by.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks