Private Snorkel Boat Aruba: Malmok Beach, Small Groups
Your own boat, your own pace, your own snorkel spots in Aruba
You get a private 26-foot boat with a captain who customizes the route, snorkeling gear, and time in Catalina Bay's shallow coral gardens where beginner and experienced snorkelers both feel at home. Rum punch, water, and pickup from your hotel are included, and you pay extra hours only if you want them.
Step-by-step itinerary
Private snorkeling excursion in Aruba
- Meet captain and board boat
- Cruise to Malmok beach
- Put on snorkeling gear
- Snorkel in shallow waters
- Spot tropical fish and coral
- Return to beach and disembark
What’s included
- Your day includes snorkeling gear, rum punch, bottled water, soft drinks, an octopus souvenir, and a captain who guides you through the shallows. Pickup from high-rise hotels is free.
- other hotels are $10 per person round trip. You can add extra hours at $125 per booking if you want to stay longer.
Times
- Every day 09:00 11:30 14:00 16:30
Before you book
Operated by Octopus Snorkeling, Sailing & Sunset Tours - Private Charter - Boat Rental
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
The captain hands you a rum punch before you even sit down on the Bayliner, and you realize this is not going to be a cattle-car snorkel tour. It's your boat for the day: well, shared with up to nine other people, but the captain builds the route around what you want to see. Most mornings he takes the 26-footer south toward Malmok and Catalina Bay, where the water sits so shallow and clear that you can see the sand ripples from the surface. The coral and sea fans start almost immediately, and the fish (angel fish, damsel fish, parrotfish) are used to boats showing up, so they do not scatter the moment you slip in.
If you've never snorkeled before, the captain and guide do not rush you. They work through the basics in the shallows, watch your breathing, make sure the mask fits right. The whole point is that you're comfortable enough to actually look around instead of panicking about whether you're doing it correctly. Malmok is not crowded most days (the captain says they're often the only boat there), which means you get to move at your own speed between the coral heads without dodging other groups. The water temperature is warm enough that you do not need a wetsuit, and the gear is included, so you show up with a towel and sunscreen and that's it.
The rum punch is real, and the bottled water keeps coming. You get an octopus souvenir at the end, which sounds kitschy until you're holding it and remembering exactly where you saw the actual octopus hiding in the rocks. If you want to stay out longer, extra hours run $125 per booking, and you can add them on the spot. Pickup is free from the high-rise hotels. If yours is not on the list, it's $10 per person round trip. The balance gets paid in cash on the beach the morning you sail, so there's no surprise charge waiting at the end.
Is this one for you?Right for groups or families who want their own boat and do not want to follow a fixed schedule or a large group. The shallow Malmok waters and patient guide make it work whether you're a first-time snorkeler or already comfortable underwater.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Is this good for people who've never snorkeled?
Yes. The captain and guide work through the basics in shallow water and stay with you until you're comfortable. Malmok Bay is beginner-friendly.
How many people will be on the boat?
Up to 10 people total. Most days the captain says they're the only boat at Malmok, so it doesn't feel crowded.
What's included in the price?
Snorkeling gear, rum punch, bottled water, soft drinks, and an octopus souvenir. Pickup is free from high-rise hotels. $10 per person round trip from other hotels.
What should I bring?
A towel, sun cream, and sunglasses. The water is warm, so you don't need a wetsuit.
When do I pay?
In cash on the beach the morning of your tour. Extra hours can be added the same day.
Can the captain customize the route?
Yes. You work with the captain to build your own itinerary, though Malmok and Catalina Bay are the main snorkel spots.
Private Snorkel Boat Aruba: Malmok Beach, Small Groups
2h · EN · ES +1
from US$ 140 per person
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