Strap on a mask and snorkel to experience Aruba’s turquoise seas and stunning marine life on these top guided tours.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Aruba is the quintessential Caribbean island, where both land and sea are a vibrant celebration of nature’s beauty. At only 20 miles (32km) long, this little island at the southern end of the Lesser Antilles chain is a great place for snorkeling, an activity which takes people to some of the more secluded places if done as a guided tour. The following is a selection of Aruba’s five best snorkeling tours, all of which run on a daily basis, unless mentioned otherwise.
Aruba Beach-Hopping Snorkeling Tour
Take a half-day snorkeling tour to a couple of great locations on Aruba, such as Mangel Halto with its soft sand and schools of colorful fish flitting about beneath the surface. Aruba is a small island, so there aren’t the kinds of hidden secrets that you might find in a much bigger country. Having said that, plenty of beaches around the island yield some marvelous snorkeling opportunities, such as the stunning turquoise water-lapped Baby Beach. This, the best-value snorkeling tour on the island, runs on Weds and Fri throughout the year. From $37 per person.
Discover the Island of Aruba Bus Tour & Snorkel
A number of great Aruba tours combine a short spell of snorkeling with other activities. This half-day morning tour blends experiences on both land and sea. Visit Bushiribana Gold Mine Ruins, the island’s first Catholic church, and the California Lighthouse. The final stop heads right to the water’s edge at Arashi Beach, where you can snorkel or lounge on the white sand. Pickup is available from hotels and cruise ships visiting Aruba. These tours run on most days of the year, especially when cruise ships are docked. From $51 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Aruba Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling
Hop aboard the Arusun, a 20-meter (65-foot) catamaran with plenty of deck space for sunbathing as you sail to various top snorkel spots around Aruba. Capable of whisking you to the types of snorkeling sites that are unreachable by land, this tour allows for some quality one-on-one time with the delightful dwellers of the island’s coastal waters. Snorkeling equipment is provided along with free snacks. Among the stops is the Antilla shipwreck, which was scuttled in World War II and lies just beneath the water, covered in marine life. From $55 per person.
Aruba Boat Trip with Snorkeling and Open Bar
Another great catamaran and snorkeling combo tour option takes things to another level with an open bar included. Now, naturally with all that sea, sun and snorkeling, you may wish to pace yourself at the beginning, but the return journey is where the intrepid day’s events end, and the night can begin with a couple of beers. Tours last three hours, visit the Antilla wreck and Boca Catalina, and depart daily in the early afternoon. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price. From $69 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Aruba De Palm Island Day Trip
De Palm Island is one of Aruba’s top all-inclusive water and activity parks. This tour, which includes transportation, a tour of the island and admission to the resort, is particularly worthwhile as it lasts a full day. Make the most of activities such as snorkeling, riding a banana boat, or corkscrewing down a water slide. There’s a kid’s water park here too, plus an open buffet and bar are included in the price. From $115 per person.