Top 10 Snorkeling and Diving Spots in Aruba
Aruba’s crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and fascinating shipwrecks make it a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Whether you're a seasoned scuba diver or just love floating with a mask and fins, the island offers a wide variety of underwater adventures. Here are the top 10 snorkeling and diving spots in Aruba that will leave you breathless—in a good way!
1. Mangel Halto
Located on the southeast coast, Mangel Halto is ideal for both snorkelers and divers. With calm, shallow waters near shore and drop-offs further out, it offers colorful corals, sea fans, and plenty of fish. A perfect place for beginners and experienced divers alike.
2. Antilla Shipwreck
One of the Caribbean’s largest wrecks, the Antilla is a 400-foot-long WWII German freighter resting in shallow water. Covered in coral and teeming with marine life, it’s a bucket-list dive and also visible to adventurous snorkelers.
3. Boca Catalina
This quiet bay near Malmok Beach is one of the best places to snorkel right off the beach. It’s calm, clear, and full of fish—perfect for families or anyone looking for an easy, beautiful snorkel.
4. Malmok Beach
Just north of Boca Catalina, Malmok offers rocky ledges and small reefs just meters from the shore. It’s a favorite spot for snorkel cruises, and you’ll often see sea turtles and schools of tropical fish.
5. Arashi Reef
Arashi Beach is known for its soft sand and relaxed vibe, but it’s also a great place for snorkeling. Swim out a bit and you’ll find a coral reef teeming with parrotfish, angelfish, and even eels.
6. Jane Sea Wreck
Located off Barcadera, the Jane Sea is a 250-foot cement freighter that sits upright on a sandy bottom at about 30 meters deep. It’s a stunning wreck dive and home to barracudas, groupers, and an impressive amount of coral.
7. De Palm Slope
Just offshore from De Palm Island, this dive site features a sloping reef filled with marine life and occasional nurse sharks. The visibility is usually excellent, and the current is mild—ideal for a relaxing dive.
8. Pedernales Wreck
This World War II oil tanker was torpedoed by a German sub and now lies in shallow water. It’s an easy dive site perfect for beginners and full of interesting structures, coral growth, and reef fish.
9. Catalina Cove
A bit deeper than Boca Catalina, this cove has a reef wall and sandy bottom where you can spot stingrays, squid, and more. Great for confident snorkelers or shallow divers.
10. Harbour Reef
Located near the Renaissance Island area, this lesser-known dive site has stunning coral formations, sponges, and lots of tropical fish. A great place to escape the crowds and dive in peace.
From easy-access beach snorkels to epic wreck dives, Aruba offers something for every underwater explorer. Don't forget your GoPro—these spots are too beautiful not to share!