Tres Trapi: Aruba's Turtle Snorkeling Paradise

Discover Aruba's underwater wonders! Swim with sea turtles at Tres Trapi, a snorkeling paradise on the island's northwest coast.

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Tres Trapi

Tres Trapi, meaning 'three steps' in Papiamento, is a small, rocky cove on Aruba's northwest coast, renowned for its excellent snorkeling and abundant sea turtle population. It's not a typical sandy beach but a prime spot for underwater exploration.

A brief summary to Tres Trapi

Noord, AW

Local tips

Arrive early (before 11 AM) or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and increase your chances of seeing sea turtles.
Bring your own snorkeling gear, as there are no rental facilities on site.
Wear water shoes to protect your feet from the rocky shoreline and slippery steps.
Pack a picnic and plenty of water, as there are no food or drink vendors at Tres Trapi.
Be respectful of the marine life; observe turtles from a distance and do not touch or feed them.

Getting There

Bus

From the Palm Beach area, take the Arubus (L10a) towards Noord. The bus departs every 20 minutes and costs $3. Get off at the Malmok Beach or Boca Catalina bus stop. Tres Trapi is a short walk from either stop.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in the Palm Beach and Noord areas. A taxi ride from Palm Beach to Tres Trapi will take approximately 10 minutes. The taxi fare is fixed and will cost around $27. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. A $3 surcharge applies on Sundays, major holidays, or at night (11 PM - 7 AM).
Car

From the high-rise hotels in Palm Beach, drive north along L.G. Smith Blvd. Tres Trapi is located between Boca Catalina and Malmok Beach. Look for the small parking area on the left side of the road, near the three steps leading down to the cove. Parking is free. Be aware that the parking lot can be bumpy. During the week, parking shouldn't be an issue.

Discover more about Tres Trapi

Tres Trapi isn't your typical Aruban beach with expansive sands, but it offers something far more captivating: an incredible snorkeling experience with a high chance of swimming alongside sea turtles. Located on the northwest coast of Aruba, just north of Malmok Beach and south of Boca Catalina, this small cove is easily accessible and a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The name 'Tres Trapi' comes from the three rustic steps carved into the rock that provide access to the water. While the beach itself is small and rocky, the clear, calm waters teem with marine life. Snorkelers can expect to see a variety of colorful fish, cushion sea stars, and, most notably, sea turtles. The turtles are often found feeding on the seagrass just beyond the buoys, making for an unforgettable encounter. Tres Trapi is free to visit and open 24/7, but it's best to arrive early in the morning (before 11 AM) or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and increase your chances of spotting turtles. While there are no amenities like restrooms or chair rentals, there is free parking available. Remember to bring your own snorkeling gear, water shoes, and a picnic to enjoy a full day at this natural gem.