Tres Trapi Beach, Palm Beach Travel Guide

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Discover Aruba's underwater paradise at Tres Trapi Beach: snorkel with sea turtles in crystal-clear waters, a must-visit for marine life 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. 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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tres Trapi Beach.

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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Explore Tres Trapi Beach on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Tres Trapi Beach, mapped for you.

Getting There

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.
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.
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.

Discover more about Tres Trapi Beach

Tres Trapi Beach, a hidden gem on Aruba's northwest coast, offers a unique snorkeling experience. The name 'Tres Trapi,' meaning 'three steps' in the local Papiamento language, refers to the steps carved into the coral rocks that provide access to the water. While not a traditional sandy beach, its rocky shoreline and clear waters create a haven for marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkelers and swimmers.The beach is located north of Palm Beach, between Malmok Beach and Boca Catalina, and is easily accessible from L.G. Smith Boulevard. Keep an eye out for a distinctive 7-foot coral wall marking the entrance. The unique underwater landscape is home to a variety of sea creatures, including sea turtles, starfish, and colorful tropical fish. Snorkelers often spot turtles feeding on seagrass just beyond the buoys. The water is exceptionally clear, providing excellent visibility for observing marine life.Tres Trapi is best visited early in the morning, between 6 AM and 11 AM, for the best chance of spotting sea turtles and to avoid the crowds that arrive later in the day. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. While the beach itself has limited amenities, convenient parking is available nearby. Remember to bring water shoes to protect your feet from the sharp coral and slippery steps.