Aruba Private Beach Hop & Snorkel Tour with Pickup

Summary

Snorkeling Aruba’s Secret Beaches with a Local Guide

You’ll meet your local guide right at your hotel for a private beach hop around Aruba’s best snorkeling spots—Mangel Halto’s calm lagoon, San Nicolas’ colorful street art scene, Baby Beach’s gentle waters, and crystal-clear Tres Trapi. With snacks, cocktails, and gear included, it’s an easygoing day you’ll remember long after you rinse off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

Li was already waiting outside our hotel in Oranjestad, waving like we were old friends. She handed us cold water bottles before we even got in the van — I remember thinking, “Okay, this is going to be easy.” Our first stop was Mangel Halto. The air smelled salty and sweet, and the sun was just starting to feel serious. Li pointed out the mangroves as we shuffled into our fins — she said this spot’s a favorite for locals because of the calm lagoon and all the fish hiding in the roots. I still think about how quiet it felt under the water there, just my own breathing and flashes of yellow fish darting past.

After drying off (sort of — my hair never stood a chance), we drove through San Nicolas. I didn’t expect to see so much street art; every wall had something different splashed across it. We wandered past a little gallery where an older man nodded at us but didn’t say much. Li told us about her favorite snack spot nearby, so we tried these fried pastries that were flaky and warm — honestly, I could’ve eaten five more but didn’t want to look greedy.

Baby Beach came next. It’s exactly how people describe it: shallow forever, soft sand everywhere, families laughing in Papiamento and Spanish. We floated for ages — you can walk out so far and still touch the bottom. The last stop was Tres Trapi. The steps down are rough stone (watch your toes), but once you’re in, it’s clear blue and full of life. We saw two sea turtles gliding by like they owned the place. On the way back, Li poured us Aruba-Ariba cocktails from a cooler in the trunk — she laughed when I tried to pronounce it right (“Ariba!”), which probably wasn’t even close.

I keep thinking about that feeling after Tres Trapi — salty skin, tired arms, sand everywhere (even in my shoes), but happy in that way you only get after swimming all day with strangers who don’t feel like strangers anymore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aruba Beach and Snorkeling Tour

• Your hotel or cruise pickup and scenic drive through Oranjestad
• Snorkel at Mangel Halto lagoon
• Explore San Nicolas street art and galleries
• Relax and swim at Baby Beach
• Snorkel and swim at Tres Trapi

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included on this Aruba beach hop tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or cruise ship is included.

Are snorkeling equipment and gear provided?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is provided for use during the tour.

What beaches do we visit on this private Aruba snorkel tour?

The tour visits Mangel Halto, Baby Beach, San Nicolas area, and Tres Trapi.

Are drinks or food included during the tour?

Yes, local snacks, bottled water, soda/pop, and Aruba-Ariba cocktails are included.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes—Baby Beach is especially family-friendly with shallow waters.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes—the transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants or small children join this day trip?

Yes—infants can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available.

How long do we spend at each beach?

The exact timing varies but you’ll have time to swim and explore at each stop.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or cruise ship in Oranjestad or nearby areas; all entrance fees; use of snorkeling equipment at every stop; complimentary bottled water and soda; local Aruba-Ariba cocktails served by your guide; authentic Aruban snacks along the way; plus comfortable transport between Mangel Halto lagoon, San Nicolas’ artsy streets and eateries, Baby Beach’s calm bay for families or swimmers of any level—and finally Tres Trapi for clear water swims before heading back salty but happy.