Private Aruba Snorkeling Trip: Catalina Bay & Malmok Reefs with Rum Punch
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be comfortable swimming short distances and treading water.
Overview
Glide out from Palm Beach aboard a private 26-foot Bayliner and spend two hours snorkeling shallow reefs at Malmok and Catalina Bay. Ideal for families and first-timers, the trip includes gear, bottled water and a rum punch to toast the view.
Private Aruba Snorkeling Trip: Catalina Bay & Malmok Reefs with Rum Punch
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The first thing you notice as the Bayliner slips away from Palm Beach is the color — a strip of turquoise so clear it seems to be lit from below. The captain eases the throttle, and the city’s hotel skyline softens into a horizon of reef and wind. In two hours you’ll hop between shallow snorkel shelves off Malmok and the quieter pockets around Boca Catalina, each stop a different room in an underwater gallery where sea fans unfurl and tiny angelfish dart like notes in a score.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early to sort logistics
Give yourself 20–30 minutes to meet at the Octopus Aruba beach hut behind the Holiday Inn so gear fittings and pickup arrangements don’t cut into snorkeling time.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect coral and your skin: apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding and bring a rash guard for extra sun protection.
Bring a waterproof camera or case
Shallow reefs reward close photos — a simple waterproof camera or phone case captures much more than shore shots.
Ask for a skills refresher
If you’re new to snorkeling, request a guided refresher and a short practice float in calm water before heading to the reef.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Queen angelfish
- Blue-green damselfish
History
Aruba’s northwestern coast has long been used by indigenous Arawak communities and later served as sheltered fishing grounds during colonial times, shaping local maritime skills.
Conservation
Visitors are asked not to touch or stand on coral, use reef-safe sunscreens, and avoid feeding fish; small private groups reduce reef pressure compared with large commercial tours.
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Adventure Hotspots in Palm Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Rash guard or lightweight wetskin
Protects against sun and light chafing during repeated snorkel sessions.
summer specific
Reef-safe sunscreen
Prevents sunburn while protecting coral ecosystems.
summer specific
Waterproof phone case or compact underwater camera
Captures close reef encounters without worrying about salt spray.
Snorkel fins (if you prefer personal fit)
Personal fins improve efficiency and comfort, especially in brief current.