Best for beginners
Snorkeling the Antilla Shipwreck
Snorkel a WWII shipwreck teeming with fish, beginner friendly and shallow.
· 3 Hours · from $79per person
Boca Catalina is a small, sheltered cove near Arashi Beach that offers arguably the best shore snorkeling in all of Aruba. The crystal-clear water and abundant marine life make it a favorite among snorkeling enthusiasts and tour boat operators. Sea turtles are frequent visitors. The beach itself is small and undeveloped, with a rocky entry that gives way to sandy bottom. It fills up when tour boats arrive in the morning, so early arrival is rewarded.
Best time
Arrive by 9am, tour boats crowd the cove mid-morning and the water is calmest early.
Swim safety
Sheltered cove, calm water, rocky-then-sandy entry. Great for confident snorkelers.
Parking
Limited street parking along the road; comes early or you'll walk.
Shade
No real shade, bring an umbrella or rashguard.
At a glance
Features
- Premier snorkeling
- Sea turtles
- Crystal clear
- Small cove
- Tour boat stop
Best For
- Snorkeling
- Marine life viewing
- Quiet mornings
Facilities
- None - bring your own supplies
- Street parking
Booked person to person
On Boca Catalina, we book this direct with the crew
A handshake deal with an operator we know personally; a small deposit out of their own price confirms your spot, and the balance is settled with the crew.
Chapter 01 · Tours
Tours that actually fit Boca Catalina
Hand-picked for this beach. Cancellation and confirmation shown per tour, not promised in bulk.
Classic Aruba sail
Catamaran Sail & Snorkel Cruise
A 2.5 hour coastal sail with snorkeling, snacks, and unlimited open bar.
· 2.5 Hours · from $63per person
Tour bookings via Viator (a TripAdvisor company). Browse them all on the activities page.
Turn this beach into a day
The easy version: morning swim at Boca Catalina, lunch at Eduardo's Beach Shack (about 3.5 km away), then Snorkeling the Antilla Shipwreck.
Nearby food
Where to stay
Stay near Boca Catalina
Want to wake up near Boca Catalina? These are the live rates for the closest stretch of hotels, set to your dates in USD.
Where to stay
See what your dates cost
Pick a side of the island, set your dates, and read the real numbers on Agoda before anything is decided.
Dates and travellers start on a sample week for 2 adults in 1 room. Change anything above and the prices follow it.
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The local team
Want Boca Catalina done right?
We're a local team that actually lives in Aruba, and the free planner shapes your week around the beaches that fit how you travel, in English or Dutch.
