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Boca Catalina Snorkeling Guide: Aruba’s Easiest Reef Stop
Boca Catalina is a small cove on Aruba’s northwest coast, just north of Malmok. It’s one of the spots locals send visitors to for a first snorkel.
What makes it good
- Clear water on the sheltered side of the island
- Coral and a lot of tropical fish close in
- Usually calm, especially in the morning
When to go
Morning is best. The trade winds usually build through the day, and early water tends to be flatter and clearer. Weekends can get busy.
What to bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard
- Water, since there’s little shade
- Water shoes if you’re entering from shore
From shore or from a boat
From shore, you swim out from a small beach. From a boat, you jump straight into the best part of the cove. The clear boat stops at Boca Catalina as part of a 1.5-hour trip that also covers the Antilla shipwreck and Tres Trapi. Gear is included, so you don’t need to rent anything.