Aruba Private Boat Charter: Snorkel Mangel Halto, Boca Catalina & the South Coast
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable in open water; able to climb a boat ladder and swim short distances in a snorkel vest.
Overview
Settle into a private Bayliner and trace Aruba’s south and northwest shores from mangrove coves to clear-water reefs. This three-hour charter blends easy snorkel stops at Mangel Halto and Boca Catalina with breezy coastal cruising and big-island views.
Aruba Private Boat Charter: Snorkel Mangel Halto, Boca Catalina & the South Coast
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Palm Beach wakes early in Aruba. Trade winds hustle puffy clouds across a hard blue sky as the Bayliner noses off the sand in front of the Holiday Inn and idles south, bow cushions warming in the sun. It’s private—your group, your pace—so the island unfolds like a personal map: high-rise hotels thinning to low-rise, the port cranes shrinking behind, the shoreline sliding from boardwalk bustle to mangrove quiet.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Go early for calmer seas
Morning departures typically offer gentler wind and better visibility on Aruba’s leeward coast, especially at Mangel Halto.
Respect the reef and currents
Stay off coral, keep fins up in the shallows, and avoid the outer drop-off at Mangel Halto if current strengthens.
Sun protection that works
Wear a UPF long-sleeve rash guard and reef-safe mineral sunscreen; Aruba discourages chemical sunscreens that harm coral.
Secure loose items on deck
Trade winds love to snatch hats and towels—use a dry bag and straps, and keep electronics in a waterproof pouch.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Blue parrotfish and schools of blue tang
History
Off Malmok, the German freighter Antilla was scuttled in 1940 and now rests as one of the Caribbean’s largest wrecks, drawing divers and snorkelers when seas are calm.
Conservation
Coral here is living structure—never stand on reef or touch wildlife, and use reef-safe sunscreen. Mangroves at Spaanse Lagoon are protected; keep distance from roots and birds.
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Adventure Hotspots in Palm Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Protects skin and the reef; reapply after each swim.
UPF long-sleeve rash guard
Provides reliable sun protection and reduces the need for sunscreen.
Waterproof phone pouch or small dry bag
Keeps phones and valuables safe from spray and splash on deck.
Motion-sickness tablets or ginger chews
Helpful on breezier days when chop builds between snorkel stops.