Aruba: Private Turtle Snorkeling Excursion & Pro Video

Swim with turtles in aruba private snorkeling day filmed by locals

You’ll slip into Aruba’s clear water with a local guide who knows exactly where the turtles hang out — and how to help you spot them without scaring them off. Every moment is filmed for you, so you can relive floating beside sea turtles long after your trip ends. Expect laughter, sandy toes, and real stories from someone who calls this island home.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Meet certified snorkeling guides
• Learn how to approach turtles
• Snorkel and spot turtles
• Have guides film your experience
• Receive professionally edited video

The Experience

I’ll be honest — I was nervous about seeing turtles up close in Aruba. Not scared exactly, just that kind of jittery excitement you get before trying something new. Our guide, Daniel, met us right at the beach with this easy grin and a bag full of snorkels. He asked if we’d ever done this before (we hadn’t) and didn’t make us feel silly about it. The water was warm, almost like stepping into tea, and I could smell sunscreen mixing with salt air while he explained how to move slowly so we wouldn’t startle the turtles.

We floated quietly for a while — I remember hearing my own breathing echo through the snorkel — and then Daniel pointed out the first turtle gliding below us. It’s hard to describe how calm it felt watching it move; everything else just faded out for a second. He showed us this little hand signal to let the turtles know we were friendly (I probably looked ridiculous but hey, it worked). And yeah, he had his waterproof camera going the whole time — I forgot about it until he laughed underwater when I got surprised by a fish darting past my mask.

Afterwards, we sat on the sand dripping saltwater everywhere while Daniel told us stories about growing up here and how they learned to spot where turtles like to feed. The sun was already low but nobody seemed in a rush. Later that week when our video arrived — all edited together with music and these slow-motion shots of me flailing around — I actually watched it three times in a row. There’s something about seeing yourself swimming next to those turtles that sticks with you longer than you’d think.

What’s included

Your day includes private guidance from certified local instructors who provide all necessary snorkeling equipment and capture your entire turtle spotting adventure on film—so later you’ll receive an edited video to share or keep as a memory.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Underdog Divers Aruba

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

739 verified traveler reviews

5 ★711

4 ★12

3 ★5

2 ★2

1 ★9

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Do I need snorkeling experience for this Aruba turtle tour?

No, but you should have basic swimming skills. The guide teaches you everything needed for snorkeling safely with turtles.

Is equipment included on this private turtle snorkeling excursion?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is provided as part of your booking.

Will someone film our turtle snorkeling experience?

Yes, your guide films your swim and you'll receive a professionally edited video afterwards.

How close can we get to turtles during this Aruba tour?

Your guide teaches gentle techniques so turtles may swim quite close if they're comfortable.

Are guides certified for safety on this Aruba snorkeling trip?

Yes, guides are certified lifeguards, snorkeling instructors, and emergency response trained.

Is lunch or drinks included on the excursion?

No meals or drinks are included; only equipment and video are provided.

How long does the private turtle spotting tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect enough time in water plus prep and wrap-up on shore.

Can children join this Aruba turtle snorkeling activity?

It’s suitable for all fitness levels as long as participants can swim; check directly for age specifics.