Best Place to Snorkel from Shore?

Would love advice on which beach to visit in Aruba that I could potentially snorkel from?

I've read through many of the threads, and had decided on either MVC Eagle Beach or Amsterdam Manor. However, I did just receive an email from MVC stating that the beach to snorkel is about 2km away, and would require a bus ride.

Does anyone know what beach this is? Ideally, I'd love a place where we could rent beach chairs that may also have a restaurant/restrooms?

Thanks!

There is not really good snorkeling from any beach in Aruba.

The search function appears to be working; these questions have been discussed hundreds of times on this forum. Here's a thread to get you started with more info:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1919644&highlight=snorkel

We enjoy going to De Palm Island sometimes.

So many beautiful large Blue Parrot Fish! :)

LuLu

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Actually, snorkeling at Catalina Cove can be excellent depending on conditions--that's where a lot of the snorkeling tours go. There is easy entry at Boca Catalina and you can take the bus there if you want cheap transport.

More Boca Catalina info

Thanks for the information on Boca Catalina! It looks great! We are thinking of spending most of our day around the MVC Eagle Beach - would you know approximately how far this is from there, and the best/cost efficient way to get there?

It is about 6-7 miles as the crow flies.

Take the bus between MVC Eagle Beach and Boca Catalina.

I have gone to Boca Catalina a number of time on the Arubus. It's a great place to snorkel from shore. If there is a problem is that it is a white coral sand beach which can get stirred up if there is any amount of wind and wave action. The trick is to move to the right as you face the water and you will find yourself over some shallow coral, the cloudiness disappears and you will see some wonderful fish. When you return if you don't care to take the bus you can often negotiate a pretty good deal with a cab driver who is returning empty.

All below are accessible by public bus, with Boca Catalina, Catalina Cove and Arashi beach being the furthest from the port. Take the public bus and ask the bus driver to drop you off wherever you wish. It will literally be a few foot steps onto the beach. If you are at Boca Catalina the bus runs "about" every hour. It is all dependent upon how many stops the bus makes along the way. Keep an eye out for it heading north and you can gather your things and be ready after it goes up and turns around at Arashi.

North of Palm Beach, by bus or taxi, there is a small beach at Boca Catalina which is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are a few shade palapas here but no restroom facilities. There are no "real" rest room facilities at all along the coast at either BC, Catalina Cove or Arashi. Though from what I understand, port-a-potties were a recent addition to Arashi beach as well as chaise lounge rentals. It is a beautiful white sand beach if only to get away from the hubbub of the Marriott.

Below is Arashi Beach on a day with a few waves, it can be very calm here as well.

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Arashi Beach is again pictured below. You can enter here and swim south towards and around the rocks and there is a reef there on the other side.

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It is a fairly easy walk street side from Arashi southward to Catalina Cove and then Boca Catalina. Malmok beach is further to the south.

Below is Boca Catalina

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If you enter at above, Boca Catalina there is a plain white sandy bottom. On some days, early in the morning, you will be able to see your feet. Put your fins on and walk backwards into the water or walk in as far as you need, sit or get into a crouched position and put your fins on there. This is the easiest spot for a beginner.

The snorkeling is a bit better at Catalina Cove below, though it is rocky which makes for a difficult entry. We normally enter the water at Boca Catalina and swim northward due to the difficult entry here at Catalina Cove pictured below.

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Catalina Cove, I would definitely put your fins on before entering and just walk backwards as best as you can. If one of you has more tender feet than the other, have the tough foot wade in without, holding your back so you do not fall.

I have further information and photos of this area here.

When we head to Boca Catalina to snorkel there are always other tourists there. It is a popular spot for those folks staying at apartments or villas to have beach access. Dh and I generally ask someone to keep an eye on our towels and of course never bring anything valuable in the first place.

There is a minuscule beach at Malmok. This photo is from 2 years ago. There was less beach here this past June.

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