Tres Trapi Beach: Aruba's Hidden Snorkeling Gem
Discover Aruba's underwater paradise at Tres Trapi Beach: snorkel with sea turtles in crystal-clear waters, a must-visit for marine life enthusiasts!
Tres Trapi Beach, meaning 'three steps' in Papiamento, is a small, rocky cove on Aruba's northwest coast, renowned for its excellent snorkeling. Accessible via steps carved into the rock, it offers encounters with sea turtles and starfish in crystal-clear waters, making it a favorite spot for underwater exploration.
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 avoid crowds.
- Wear water shoes to protect your feet from sharp coral and slippery rocks.
- Bring your own snorkel gear, as there are no rental facilities on-site.
- Pack a picnic and plenty of water, as there are no food or drink vendors at Tres Trapi.
- Be mindful of boat traffic when swimming or snorkeling outside the cove.
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Getting There
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Bus
From Oranjestad, take the Arubus route L10a towards Noord. The bus departs from the Oranjestad Arubus Terminal every 20-30 minutes. Get off at the Malmok Beach or Boca Catalina bus stop. From either stop, walk approximately 1000 feet (300 meters) to Tres Trapi Beach. The bus fare is $3 USD.
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Car
From the high-rise hotel area in Noord, drive north along L.G. Smith Boulevard. Tres Trapi is located on the left side of the road, between Boca Catalina and Malmok Beach. Look for the small parking area. Parking is free. From Oranjestad, head northwest on L.G. Smith Boulevard (Route 1). Continue until the roundabout with Route 2 and Route 3. Take the second exit onto Route 3 and continue for 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Route 4 and continue for 1.5 miles until you see Malmokweg. Turn right onto Malmokweg, and Tres Trapi will be on your left.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Aruba, especially in tourist areas like Oranjestad and Palm Beach. A taxi from the high-rise hotel area in Noord to Tres Trapi is a short ride. The fare will likely be around $15-$20 USD, but confirm with the driver before starting your trip. Note that taxis may not allow wet passengers, so ensure you are dry or have a change of clothes.
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