17 Best Snorkeling Tours in Aruba in 2023
Are you looking for the best snorkeling tours in Aruba? Look no further!
Aruba offers some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean – trust me, I would know, as I’ve been snorkeling all over the Caribbean. But that’s not all – it also offers a wide variety of unique snorkeling tours that will make your trip unforgettable.
You will find tours that offer just about anything. You’ll find open bars, secluded islands, beach BBQs, and sunset sails. Choose from options for small groups, large groups, families, private tours, and more.
Whether you have a group of beginners or experienced snorkelers, the knowledgeable local guides will help ensure that your tour is safe and enjoyable. Let’s take a look at the best options for your trip to Aruba!
Don’t have time? Here are our top picks for snorkel tours in Aruba!
⭐ 5/5 Stars
The Arusun – Aruba Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling
✓ Open bar, snacks
✓ Snorkeling equipemnt
⭐ 5/5 Stars
💎 Private Catamaran Charter: Snorkel, Open Bar, Meal
✓ Crew and equipment
✓ Champagne breakfast or lunch
Best Snorkeling Tours in Aruba
1. Aruba Afternoon Sailing and Snorkeling Trip With Lunch
Rating: ⭐ 5/5 Stars | Reviews: 255 | Length: 3 hours | BOOK NOW!
Set sail on this 40-foot trimaran from Palm Beach. Your professional crew will provide everything you need to have an incredible snorkeling trip through Malmok Reef and Antilla.
This Aruba snorkel tour is the perfect way to have a fun day on the water and learn a little about the turquoise waters in Aruba while you’re sipping a nice cold drink!
What’s included:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Lunch
- Open bar
- Restroom on-board
Guest Review: “Friendly and efficient crew kept the fun level high and everything running smoothly. Would definitely do this trip or another option through mOctopus again.” – Steven (more reviews)
Best Snorkeling Tours in Aruba
2. Discover Snorkeling Tour Mangel Halto & Baby Beach
Rating: ⭐ 5/5 Stars | Reviews: 29 | Length: 4 hours | BOOK NOW!
You’ll have a safe time with the patient crew at Nautilus Dive Center Aruba. They’ll assist with guiding you through the marine life at Mangel Halto Beach and Baby Beach.
With a small crew, you’ll feel like this is a private tour with your PADI-certified guide. If you’re a diver, though, you’ll want to head to Bonaire, the shore diving capital of the world!
There are plenty of hotel pickup options to make transportation easy if you don’t rent a car during your stay.
What’s included:
- Transportation options
- Snorkeling equipment
- Max 8 guests
- Water, snack
Aruba snorkeling reviews about tour: “They offer free pick-up service from your hotel. Very experienced and knowledgeable guides. They snorkeled along with you, pointed out the various fish, what they were, how they lived, etc., very respectful of the environment and ecology. Easy and fun to talk with while driving to and from the two beaches we visited. This is truly a guided experience – highly recommend it!!” – Jaclyn (more reviews)
Best Aruba Snorkel Tour
3. Jolly Pirate Morning Sail and Snorkel Cruise in Aruba
Rating: ⭐ 5/5 Stars | Reviews: 627 | Length: 4 hours | BOOK NOW!
Start your morning with this Jolly Pirate morning sail and snorkel! Who doesn’t want to sail around like a pirate in the morning?!
This 85-foot teak schooner will take you to Malmok Beach, Boca Catalina, and the famous Antilla shipwreck. These are all popular spots you don’t want to miss if you love swimming with marine life!
During your trip, they’ll have a BBQ lunch and even a rope swing to make an exciting entrance into the sea! This is really a party on the water – the perfect option for single travelers looking to make some friends during your trip.
What’s included in your morning sail and snorkel:
- Snorkel gear
- Open bar
- BBQ lunch
- Restroom on board
Recent guest review: “We thoroughly enjoyed our Jolly Pirates trip. The snorkel sites were great and the guides were super fun and engaging. The highlight was the delicious lunch! Blew us away the amount of food and the quality. We’d def. do this tour again! Thanks Guys!” – Amye (more reviews)
You’ll hit the same incredible snorkeling Aruba spots and get to enjoy the open bar. However, this cruise is slightly cheaper than the morning cruise since it doesn’t include a BBQ lunch. It’s also a slightly shorter cruise.
Best Snorkeling Tours in Aruba
4. Jolly Pirate Afternoon Sail and Snorkel Cruise in Aruba
Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5 Stars | Reviews: 321 | Length: 3 hours | BOOK NOW!
Not a morning person? No problem! Hop on the Jolly Pirates Afternoon sail and snorkel adventure cruise instead!
So, if you’d prefer to enjoy lunch downtown or at your resort, book this afternoon sail instead.
What’s included:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Open bar
- Rope swing
- Restrooms on board
Guest Review: “Capt. Julio and his staff were top-notch from the moment you stepped on the boat. Let you know exactly what to expect and describe what our Tour would entail. When it came time for the fun they gave everyone their equipment and let you know exactly what to look for. If you are looking for a good time do not go any further.. Ask for Capt. Julio!!” – Edward (more reviews)
Best Aruba Catamaran Tours
5. The Arusun – Aruba Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling
Rating: ⭐ 5/5 Stars | Reviews: 1349 | Length: 2:30 hours | BOOK NOW!
This is a fan-favorite pick on Viator with over 1,200 5-star reviews! The comfy 65-foot catamaran gives you and your crew plenty of room to spread out, relax, and sip rum runners from the open bar.
During your 2-and-a-half-hour cruise, you’ll visit the shipwreck offshore and Catalina Bay, another popular snorkeling spot in Aruba. This sailing cruise will only book up to 35 travelers.
What’s included in this catamaran Aruba snorkeling tour
- Open bar
- Snacks
- max 35 travelers
- Snorkeling equipment
Guest review: “Amanda, our Capitan, and her counterpart (forgot his name) provided an amazing snorkel experience in two different places. I saw trigger fish, cow fish, blue tangs, and sea turtles. They kept the drinks coming with great music and had some great snack wraps. It was an enjoyable and beautiful snorkel trip.” – Shelby (more reviews)
Best Snorkeling Tours in Aruba
6. Aruba VIP Morning Delight Champagne Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch
Rating: ⭐ 5/5 Stars | Reviews: 27 | Length: 3 hours | BOOK NOW!
Sail in luxury with a champagne flute hand during this VIP morning snorkeling cruise. With only 12 guests per boat, you’ll feel like you’re on a private cruise while you lay back and relax.
The comfortable seating on the ship makes it perfect for anyone looking to hang out on the boat.
The team at Black Pearl and Blue Melody will take you through the waters of Aruba to snorkel. You’ll also have a light lunch and drinks on board.
This snorkeling tour in Aruba includes:
- Lunch
- Open bar
- Snorkeling Equipment
- 12 guests max
Review: “This trip is relaxing, fun and super comfortable. It was probably the best tour experience we had during our stay. We preferred the more private style then one of the large catamarans. The bonus was the food. All of it was delicious. Would highly recommend.” – Chris (more reviews)
Best Snorkeling Tours in Aruba
7. Sailaway Morning Adventure Tour
Rating: ⭐ 5/5 Stars | Reviews: 210 | Length: 5 hours | BOOK NOW!
Grab onto the rope swing and sail into the clear waters on this morning adventure tour with Sailaway Tour Aruba.
The team will take you to the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean and a popular beach for snorkeling and relaxing. There are areas on the boat to hide from the sun if you prefer the shade. If you want to bask in the sun, hang out on the net upfront.
This tour includes snacks, drinks, fruit, and water so you’ll stay happy and hydrated the whole ride! This is a larger group sail, so if you love making vacation friends, this is the perfect Aruba snorkel tour for you!
What’s included:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Open bar, soda, juice, water
- Snacks
- Rope swing
Review: “This is a great trip if you like snorkeling and being in a smaller group. The wooden ship was a nice touch and had a shaded area which was nice since the sun can be intense. We stopped at 3 different snorkeling sites which were all great. One site had a sunken ship. There were a lot of beautiful fish. The crew were all friendly and very helpful. We highly recommend this trip.” – John (more reviews)
Best Snorkeling Tours in Aruba
8. Snorkeling with Solar Power Sea Scooters – Group Tour
Rating: ⭐ 5/5 Stars | Reviews: 147 | Length: 2:15 hours | BOOK NOW!
Use eco-friendly, solar-powered sea scooters to navigate through Mangel Halto Beach’s coral reefs and marine life!
This unique tour will include directions to use your sea scooters and 100 photos of your experience! Sea scooters are a great option if you have weaker swimmers in your group, or if you simply want to cover more water area faster.
What’s included:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Pictures included in price
- Maximum of 8 travelers!
Guest review: Such a memorable snorkeling experience! Lui was amazing, so knowledgeable and made everything comfortable and easy. The water clarity was perfect and the sea life variety was incredible! The little handheld motors were fun to use and allow you to cover so much more ground. This is a must-book tour when in Aruba! – Vlado (more reviews)
Best Snorkeling Tours in Aruba
9. UTV Off-Road Tour and Cave Pool Snorkeling
Rating: ⭐ 5/5 Stars | Reviews: 88 | Length: 4 hours
UTV tours are one of the most popular things to do in Aruba. If you want to explore the best off-path geological landmarks in Aruba, the Cave Pool is a must-do for any adventurer!
With this all-inclusive tour, you’ll hit the famous gold mines on the island, the Naturally formed bridge, and have an opportunity to climb into the Natural Pool – Arikok National Park’s top attraction. Snorkeling equipment not included.
This experience is also recommended by guests with families!
What’s included:
- Water
- Hotel pickup
- Guide
❌ Snorkel equipment not included
Guest Review (participated with family): “My wife and I with our 5 teenage children had a wonderful time. [The crew] made this excursion such a great time for all! We had 2 side by sides (UTV) for our family and they were perfect. Rocky gave a brief history at each stop on the trip and then we had time explore on our own. He really added a nice personal touch. We would absolutely book this again if we come back. Thank you for taking such good care of my family!!” – John (more reviews)
Best Snorkeling Tours in Aruba
10. Guided Mangel Halto and Baby Beach Snorkeling Tour from Aruba
Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5 Stars | Length: 5 hours | Book now
If you’re not one for boat rides, this is the perfect snorkeling tour for you.
This is also a great option for vacationers who don’t want to rent a car but do want to explore a few beaches outside of the resort.
A lifeguard from EL Tours and Transfers will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a guided tour through the reefs at Mangel Halto and Baby Beach.
What’s included:
- Hotel pickup and dropoff
- Guided snorkel tour from the beach
- Water
- Snorkeling equipment
Review: “Me and my 3 children had a great time. Picked up right out front our condo, the drive was refreshing, the beaches were very nice baby beach being my favorite. The lifeguard was very attentive and showed us where the fish were. I really appreciated his assistance. My kids are curious lol. Highly recommend and the price is unbeatable” – Shenita (more reviews)“
Best Snorkeling Tours in Aruba
11. Aruba Sailing & Snorkeling Experience
Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5 Stars | Reviews: 159 | Length: 2:30 hours
Have an unforgettable day with Pelican Aruba. This sail and snorkeling tour in Aruba will take you to the marine sanctuary, Catalina Bay, and the Antilla Shipwreck. At each location, you’ll get the chance to snorkel in some of Aruba’s most popular reefs and wrecks!
Enjoy refreshing drinks as you explore Aruba’s scenic shorelines and underwater life. The Pelican team will be there the whole time to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
What’s included:
- Open bar
- Snorkeling gear
- Snacks
Guest Review: “This excursion was awesome! We’re so glad we booked. The captain and crew were nice & knowledgeable and they were also there to help for non-swimmers. They cared about the passengers having a good and safe time and still made for a great time with the necessary weather accommodations. Would definitely recommend this excursion. Nice people.” – Tanisha (more reviews)
Best Snorkeling Tours in Aruba
12. All Inclusive Afternoon Sunset Snorkel Tour
Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5 Stars | Reviews: 221 | Length: 3:30 hours | BOOK NOW!
Take advantage of the rope on board and swing into the water! Once you’re in, snorkel through Aruba’s famous shipwreck, Boca Catalina Bay, and Malmok Beach.
If you prefer staying on the boat, you can sip drinks on the cozy front net of the catamaran or enjoy light snacks. By the end, you’ll be sad to leave your new friends from the crew at Sailaway Tour Aruba.
What’s included:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Water, soda
- Rope swing
- Open bar
Guest Review: “The trip was great! The kids had fun snorkeling as well as the adults . The rope swing was very popular and fun to watch. The staff was friendly and helpful. Snacks included fresh pineapple, oranges and an individual container with an egg roll, quiche, and a hush puppy. The open bar was popular.” – Susan (more reviews)
Best Snorkeling Tours in Aruba
13. Aruba Champagne Breakfast and Lunch Cruise with Snorkeling
Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5 Stars | Reviews: 1,056 Length: 4 hours | BOOK NOW!
Breakfast, lunch, champagne, oh my! You’ll make three stops on this custom-built catamaran during your day with Pelican Aruba.
But this snorkeling cruise comes with a twist: you can snorkel with your average mask, snorkel, and fins. Or, you can try their ‘third lung’ system which lets you breath through a tube on the surface so you can dive even deeper!
For lunch, they offer a large spread of options to go with your open bar and champagne!
What’s included:
- Snorkel gear
- Champagne, open bar
- Breakfast, lunch
Review: “This tour well-exceeded our expectations. The staff was fun and friendly, the boat was such a fun place to be, and the snorkeling spots were incredible. Definitely a highlight of our vacation, and would not hesitate to do it again! “- Chris (more reviews)
14. Half-Day Aruba Special Champagne Brunch Cruise
Rating: ⭐ 5/5 Stars | Reviews: 320 | Length: 3 hours | Book now
Sail in luxury on this champagne catamaran breakfast cruise! You can sip drinks from the open bar while the crew sails you out to some of the best snorkeling spots around Aruba!
In three hours, you’ll hit three spots – two Aruba snorkeling tour spots (The Antilla Shipwreck and Malmok Reef) and sail along Palm Beach’s pristine coastline. If you prefer a smaller group instead of some of the more crowded charters, this is the tour for you!
What’s included:
- Open bar
- Restroom on-board
- Snorkel gear
- First responder and crew
- Breakfast
- Max 32 people
Guest review: “The snorkeling spots were so cool and absolutely beautiful! Brunch was delicious and the champagne/open bar was amazing too. Great service by the Octopus crew; they were super kind and friendly. Overall a relaxing and also fun experience, must go on this boat ride if visiting Aruba!“ Natalie (more reviews)
Aruba Private Snorkeling Tours
15. Private Aruba Snorkeling Tours
Rating: ⭐ 5 /5 Stars | Reviews: 182 | Length: 2 hours | BOOK NOW!
Take a ride on this 26-foot Bayliner boat to snorkeling spots around the island. Your guides will take you to the perfect spots depending on your interests.
Take a break from the crowded city, beaches, and tours with this private snorkeling trip just for you and your favorite people!
What’s included:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Water, soda
- Rum Punch
- pickup service with a shuttle boat to some high-rise hotels
Review: “Lex, the captain, and Tim, the first mate, were wonderful. We have done large, party boat-type snorkeling events in the past and were dissatisfied. This private excursion was perfect. Lex gave us the choice of two of four sites depending on our interests. We chose a reef to see tropical fish and an area that is known for sea turtle sightings. Both sites were delivered as promised. They picked us up and delivered us back to the beach at our hotel. The boat was clean. I strongly recommend this company and the private snorkeling trip!– Mary (more reviews)
Best Aruba Private Snorkeling Tours
16. Private Cruise along the Aruba Coast Line with Snorkeling
Rating: ⭐ 5/5 Stars | Reviews: 28 | Length: 1-2 hours | BOOK NOW!
Take your own group (up to 6) out to sea for some favorite snorkeling spots in Aruba. You’ll find a variety of reefs and wildlife during your trip. At the Malmok Reef, you can even see the ancient fossil reef along the underwater caves!
You’ll also hit Arashi Beach, right in front of Aruba’s favorite California Lighthouse. And of course, no snorkel trip is complete without hitting the historic Antilla shipwreck.
Grab your friends and get ready for one of Aruba’s best private snorkeling tours!
What’s included:
- Private cruise
- Snorkeling gear with the 2-hour option
Review: “Johnny was a great guide and took us to some great spots for snorkeling! Definitely a worthwhile excursion. The sunken ship is amazing to see.” – Ansley (more reviews)
Best Aruba Private Snorkeling Tours
17. Aruba Private Catamaran Charter with Snorkeling, Open Bar, and a Meal
Rating: ⭐ 5/5 Stars | Reviews: 115 | Length: 2-3 hours | Book now
Customize your sail with this private catamaran snorkel. You’re all-inclusive day will include food, unlimited drinks, and a friendly crew to cater to just you and your group.
Octopus Snorkeling, Sailing, and Sunset Tours will help you create the perfect itinerary for snorkeling, relaxing, and enjoying the open sea!
This is perfect if you’re looking for some romantic things to do in Aruba with your loved one.
What’s included:
- Open bar
- Restroom on-board
- Snorkel gear
- First responder and crew
- Champagne Breakfast or Lunch
Guest Review: “This was the first time we’ve ever done something like this…a private catamaran! For those who aren’t sure if the price is worth it…it’s definitely worth the money, especially if you have family members who don’t like crowds. We were picked up on the beachfront of our hotel in a small shuttle boat and taken to the catamaran. Everything about this experience including the food, drinks, music, and atmosphere was fantastic” – Sylvia (more reviews)
Is there any good snorkeling in Aruba?
Yes, there is excellent snorkeling in Aruba! The island’s clear-water reefs are abundant with colorful fish, healthy coral reefs, and tons of sea life. Many beaches around the island offer easy access to shallow reef areas as well as deeper dives for more experienced divers.
Popular snorkeling sites include Baby Beach, Boca Catalina, Arashi Beach, and Mangel Halto. With its warm Caribbean waters and bright sea life, Aruba offers some of the best snorkeling in the world!
You can step into the water from the beach or plan one of these snorkeling tours in Aruba to bring you out to deeper snorkeling sites that can’t be reached by land!
Where to Stay in Aruba
- Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba (Adults only) ⭐9.6/10
- Avila Beach Resort in Curacao ⭐8.8/10
- Penthouse by Eagle Beach ⭐ 5/5
What to Bring on Your Aruba Snorkeling Tour
☀️Reef Safe Sunscreen
Reef-safe sunscreen is required by law in most Caribbean islands. Be aware that just because it says “reef-safe” doesn’t mean it is! Check the reef-safe.org guide.
• SNORKEL GEAR
Your own snorkel set comes in handy if you prefer not to have to use the provided equipment during your snorkel tour. Sometimes, provided equipment doesn’t fit right and it affects my ability to snorkel. Also, you can snorkel everywhere in the Caribbean islands, so I never go without my own set.
🤢Sea Bands or Dramamine
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want sea bands or some motion sickness relief. Dramamine Non-Drowsy with Natural Ginger is my go-to for planes, cruises, and boats.
📷 GoPro!
Although phones often have great built-in cameras these days, a GoPro can be really helpful for recording memories without having to worry about your phone all day!
🌊Floating Waterproof Phone Case
If you don’t want to commit to a GoPro, a waterproof and floating phone case will do the trick! I love being able to capture memories on land and in the water!
Snorkeling in Aruba FAQ
Can you snorkel from the shore in Aruba?
Yes, there are a number of locations in Aruba where you can snorkel from the shore. De Palm Island, Eagle Beach, and Baby Beach are some of the most popular off-shore snorkeling spots.
De Palm Island has its own coral reef surrounding the island where you can snorkel from the shore. Eagle Beach is close to Oranjestad, and it’s a sea turtle nesting ground!
Lastly, Baby Beach is a half-moon-shaped bay and one of the largest and best beaches for snorkeling in Aruba. The bay is huge and allows you to walk out a long distance and still touch the bottom.
Aruba is still better suited for off-shore snorkeling, compared to islands like the Bahamas.
Is Palm Beach in Aruba good for snorkeling?
Palm Beach in Aruba does not have any snorkeling offshore. If you’re staying on Palm Beach, I’d recommend choosing from these snorkeling tours to take you out to the best snorkeling spots.
What is the snorkeling like in Aruba?
The waters in Aruba are clear and calm making snorkeling a popular activity on this Caribbean island!
What beach in Aruba is best for snorkeling?
Mangel Halto is one of Aruba’s most beautiful places for snorkeling. It’s an ideal location due to the calm, shallow waters. You’ll see a variety of rich sea life. From parrotfishes to squid, yellowtail snappers to blue tangs, sand divers to stingrays and sponges.
If you choose to go to the deeper waters, you’ll see octopi and barracuda. Beware that there are sharp rocks at the seashore and the currents can get strong, so it’s not advised to snorkel alone.
Arashi beach and Tres Trapi are on the northern coast of Aruba and a perfect snorkeling spot for beginners. The waters are shallow and sandy, the fish are plentiful and colorful.
What should I be careful of in Aruba?
There are a few things you’ll want to avoid in Aruba. Most importantly, be careful of sunburn and dehydration. The sun can get considerably stronger than what you’re used to. Don’t wander around at night, especially on beaches and in secluded areas.
And a few more things to keep in mind:
– Resort areas are safer than neighborhoods without gated security
– Bring bug spray!
– Only book tours through well-rated tour companies
Where can I snorkel with turtles in Aruba?
Eagle Beach is a sea turtle nesting ground! You can also look for turtles in seagrass beds around Arashi Beach, Malmok Beach, Mangel Halto, and Boca Catalina.
Which Caribbean island has the best snorkeling from shore?
1. Trunk Bay, St John, USVI is well-known for its off-shore snorkeling. There are also many hikes in St John‘s Virgin Island National Park that will take you to great snorkeling beaches.
2. Kayaking and snorkeling Cas Cay is a popular St Thomas tour.
3. Pigeon Cay in Roatan is a particularly popular beach for snorkeling off-shore. You may know of Roatan as a popular dive destination. It’s also home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
4. St Martin, Grand Cayman Islands, and Dominica are all popular off-shore snorkeling destinations
Summary of the Best Snorkeling Tours in Aruba
Hopefully, you’ve found what you’re looking for regarding the best snorkeling in Aruba.
| Top Rated Snorkel Tour | 🏆The Arusun – Aruba Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling |
| Best All-Inclusive | 🍹Aruba Afternoon Sailing Snorkeling Trip With Lunch |
| Best Private Snorkel Tour | 💎 Private Catamaran Charter: Snorkel, Open Bar, Meal |
You can’t visit Aruba without snorkeling through some of the most famous shipwrecks and reef systems. This makes it one of the best snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean. So, please make the most of it!
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sail and snorkel trip with your closest friends or a party pirate ship full of fun, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Aruba!
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