Aruba: Seabob Reef Tour with Turtles & Starfish Swim

Summary

Glide over Malmok Beach reefs meet turtles at Tres Trapi swim Boca Catalina

You’ll zip along Aruba’s reefs on a Seabob scooter with a local guide, spotting parrotfish near Malmok Beach and floating quietly above starfish at Tres Trapi. Swim alongside sea turtles in crystal-clear water and end your tour sandy-toed back at Arashi Beach — it’s one of those days that sticks with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the Seabob handles, I kicked off from Arashi Beach — sand still stuck between my toes from when we met our guide, Diego. He had this easy way of making everyone laugh (even before we’d zipped up our vests), and I’ll admit I was a little nervous about looking ridiculous on the scooter. But once you hit the water, it’s just you and that gentle hum under your chest, pulling you out over Malmok’s reef. The water was so clear that even with my mask fogging up a bit, I could see parrotfish darting below and these weirdly elegant staghorn corals waving in the current.

We drifted past Boca Catalina — Diego pointed out angelfish and then, suddenly, an octopus tucked into a rock. I tried to get everyone’s attention but mostly just spluttered through my snorkel. There’s this moment when you stop thinking about how you look or whether your hair is sticking to your face and just float there, watching butterflyfish flicker past. The sun kept flashing off their scales like tiny mirrors. It smelled faintly salty-sweet; sunscreen mixed with ocean air.

Tres Trapi was next — Diego called it “the turtle hangout.” And yeah, he wasn’t kidding. A green turtle glided right by us, not in any hurry at all. Underneath were these bright red cushion starfish scattered across the white sand; I counted at least six before giving up because honestly it felt kind of silly to count when there was so much going on around me. My arms got tired but the Seabob did most of the work (I’m not exactly an athlete). We ended back on Arashi Beach where someone handed me cold bottled water and I realized I’d been grinning for an hour straight.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Aruba reefs with SEABOB and snorkel

• Experience SEABOB personal watercraft
• Glide over Arashi Reef coral
• Snorkel at Boca Catalina reef
• Visit Tres Trapi sandy cove
• See Red Cushion Starfish on seafloor
• Swim with sea turtles at Tres Trapi
• Start and finish at Arashi Beach

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Aruba Seabob Reef Tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are available at selected locations near main hotels and the port.

Can children join the Seabob reef tour in Aruba?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants may need to sit on an adult's lap or use a specialized seat.

Are guides present during the Aruba Seabob tour?

Yes, professionally trained SEABOB guides are with you throughout the entire tour.

What marine life might I see on this Aruba reef tour?

You may spot angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, squid, octopus, sea turtles, and red cushion starfish.

Is the Aruba Seabob Reef Tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Where does the Aruba Seabob Reef Tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at Arashi Beach in Aruba.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your tour booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup if needed, all snorkeling gear for exploring Malmok Beach and Boca Catalina reefs by SEABOB scooter with your local guide always nearby. Bottled water is provided after swimming with turtles at Tres Trapi before returning sandy but happy to Arashi Beach.