Aruba: Private Turtle Snorkeling Tour & Underwater Video

Swim beside wild turtles in Aruba’s clear waters with a guide

You’ll slip into Aruba’s warm waters with a small group and spot wild sea turtles up close, guided by a local who knows their favorite spots. All gear is included, plus you’ll get a pro-edited underwater video so you can relive those quiet moments long after you dry off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private turtle snorkeling experience

• Arrive at snorkeling location
• Receive snorkeling instructions
• Snorkel with sea turtles up to 40 minutes
• Explore vibrant underwater landscapes
• Professional GoPro12 video recording
• Respect turtle rules: no touching or feeding

The experience

The first thing I noticed was the salt on my lips and how the sunlight turned the water this weird, electric blue: almost too bright to look at. Our guide, Carlos, handed me the mask and made a joke about my “snorkel hair” (he wasn’t wrong). There was this nervous energy in our little group as we shuffled down to the shore. I could hear pelicans somewhere behind us, and kids laughing further down the sand. The main keyword here is turtle snorkeling Aruba. That’s what brought us, but I didn’t expect how quiet it would feel once my head went under.

I followed Carlos out past the first rocks, trying not to let my fins smack into anyone. Then suddenly there they were: sea turtles just gliding by like we weren’t even there. One of them looked straight at me for a second (or maybe I imagined that), then dipped down into the grass. You could hear your own breathing echoing through the snorkel tube, which is oddly calming after a while. The GoPro12 was clipped to Carlos’ wrist. He’d point at something cool and give a thumbs-up before filming it. At one point he caught me waving awkwardly at a turtle: no idea if that’ll make it into the final video.

The water felt colder than I thought it would be, but you get used to it fast. Forty minutes goes by weirdly quick when you’re distracted by fish and these slow-moving turtles that seem like they’ve seen everything already. Carlos reminded us not to touch or feed them (“they’re locals too,” he said). There was this moment where everyone just floated there, not talking, watching a turtle nibble on seagrass. I still think about that sometimes when things get noisy back home.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all snorkeling equipment, guidance from a local expert throughout your private session in Aruba’s waters, and professionally edited underwater video footage captured during your swim with sea turtles.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 06:30, 07:45, 09:00 and 15:45

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (8 to 14 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Boca Catalina beach We’ll message you 24 hours before your tour with the exact meeting point (Google Maps pin), parking/landmark details, and your guide’s contact info.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Turtle tours

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

232 verified traveler reviews

5 ★229

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 14 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

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 24h before the start.

How long is the turtle snorkeling session in Aruba?

The snorkeling time lasts up to 40 minutes during the private tour.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Aruba tour?

Yes, all necessary snorkeling equipment is included in your booking.

Do I get an underwater video of my experience?

Yes, your guide captures footage with a GoPro12 and provides an edited underwater video.

Can beginners join this private turtle snorkeling Aruba tour?

This tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and beginners are welcome.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options available near the meeting point.

Are we allowed to touch or feed the sea turtles?

No, touching or feeding sea turtles is not allowed: please respect their space.