Tres Trapi Beach: Aruba's Hidden Snorkeling Gem

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Discover Aruba's underwater wonders at Tres Trapi Beach: a haven for snorkelers and sea turtle enthusiasts!

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Tres Trapi Beach

Tres Trapi Beach, meaning 'three steps' in Papiamento, is a small, rocky cove on Aruba's northwest coast, renowned for its excellent snorkeling and sea turtle sightings. Accessible via steps carved into the rock, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant marine life.

A brief summary to Tres Trapi Beach

L. G. Smith Boulevard 105, Noord, AW

Local tips

Arrive early (6 AM - 11 AM) for the best chance to swim with sea turtles and secure a parking spot.
Wear water shoes to protect your feet from the sharp coral and slippery steps.
Bring your own snorkel gear, as there are no rental facilities directly at the beach.
Pack a picnic and plenty of water, as there are no food or drink vendors on site.
Be aware of boat traffic when swimming or snorkeling, especially when venturing further out.

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Getting There

Driving

From Oranjestad, head northwest on L.G. Smith Boulevard. Continue until the roundabout with Route 2 and Route 3. Take the second exit onto Route 3 north for about 3.5 miles, then turn left onto Route 4 (Palm Beach Road). After 1.5 miles, turn right onto Malmokweg. Tres Trapi will be on your left. Free parking is available in a dirt lot. Be careful of bumps. If that is full, parallel parking is available across the street. Driving time from Oranjestad is approximately 20 minutes.
Public Transport

From Oranjestad or Noord, take the Arubus. The L10A bus route stops at Malmok Beach or Boca Catalina. From the bus stop, walk approximately 1000 feet to Tres Trapi. A single bus fare is $3 USD.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Aruba, but it's advisable to arrange for a return trip in advance, especially if you plan to swim. From the high-rise hotel area, a taxi ride to Tres Trapi will cost approximately $15-$20 USD. Taxis may not allow wet passengers.
Walking

From the Ritz Carlton, there is a sidewalk on the ocean side leading almost the entire way to Tres Trapi. From Eagle Beach, the walk is approximately 7.6km and will take over an hour.

Discover more about Tres Trapi Beach

Tres Trapi Beach, located on the northwestern coast of Aruba, is a unique snorkeling destination. The name 'Tres Trapi' translates to 'three steps,' referring to the steps carved into the coastal rock that provide access to the water. While not a typical sandy beach, Tres Trapi offers crystal-clear waters and a rocky shoreline teeming with marine life. The main draw of Tres Trapi is the exceptional snorkeling. The calm, clear waters are home to a variety of sea creatures, including colorful fish, sea stars, and, most notably, sea turtles. Snorkelers often spot turtles feeding in the seagrass beds just offshore. The unique underwater landscape also features interesting rock formations and coral. Tres Trapi is a relatively undeveloped beach, with limited amenities. There are no restrooms, restaurants, or chair rentals available. However, there is free parking available, and some shade is provided by a few scattered pavilions. The beach can get crowded, especially during peak hours, so arriving early is recommended.