Mangel Halto: Aruba's Tranquil Snorkeling Paradise
Discover Mangel Halto: Aruba's hidden gem for serene snorkeling, diving, and mangrove exploration away from the crowds.
Mangel Halto, nestled in Pos Chiquito on Aruba's southeastern coast, is a hidden gem favored by locals seeking tranquility. This secluded beach, approximately 600 meters long, is known for its calm, shallow waters and rich marine life, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving. The area is surrounded by an intriguing network of mangroves, adding to its unique charm and providing a habitat for various bird species. The beach offers diverse snorkeling experiences. Beginners can explore the calm bay, while advanced snorkelers can venture beyond the reef. The reef boasts a variety of fish, including parrotfish, yellowtail snapper, and blue tangs. Divers can explore depths of up to 110 feet, where octopi, morays, and barracuda abound. A sunken tugboat, the Kappel, rests at a depth of 12 meters, offering an accessible wreck dive. Mangel Halto was designated a marine reserve in 2019 as part of Marine Park Aruba. The beach provides a sandy area, a wooden sun deck, and access through the mangroves for kayaking and paddleboarding. While Mangel Halto offers limited amenities, the beach provides palapas for shade.
Local tips
- Bring your own snorkeling gear, as there are no rentals available at the beach.
- Wear water shoes, especially if entering the water from rocky areas.
- Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Pack food, drinks, and reef-safe sunscreen, as amenities are limited.
- Be mindful of currents if swimming to the outer reef.
A brief summary to Mangel Halto beach
- Faradaystraat 10, Savaneta, Pos Chikito, AW
Getting There
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Car
From Oranjestad, drive south on L.G. Smith Blvd, past the airport, and follow signs to Pos Chiquito. Continue straight at the roundabout for about 4 kilometers, then turn right onto Spaanse Lagoenweg to reach Mangel Halto Beach. Parking is free and available on both sides of Mangel Halto Bar or along the road. Expect a 15-minute drive from Eagle Beach. There are no tolls.
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Public Transport
From Oranjestad, take the L1 bus towards San Nicolas and disembark at Pos Chiquito. From the bus stop, walk a short distance to Mangel Halto Beach. Buses depart once daily from Eagle Beach to Pos Chiquito. A single bus fare costs approximately $3 USD.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Aruba. Confirm the fare before starting your journey to Mangel Halto Beach. A taxi ride from the airport or Oranjestad typically costs $25 - $35 USD. The ride is approximately 15 minutes from Eagle Beach.
Attractions Nearby to Mangel Halto beach
Landmarks nearby to Mangel Halto beach
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Mangel Halto Bar
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Sea Breeze Aruba
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7 shades of blue
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Rum Shop Pos Chiquito
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Oasis Farm
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Chachi's Snack Truck
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Pos Chiquito 70A
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Marina Pirata Restaurant
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G&G Pizza Co. & The WingShack
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Ocean Front Property
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Centro Di Pesca Spaans Lagoen
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Sabana Basora Noord
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Spanish Lagoon
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Balashi Gold Mills
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Fundacion Savaneta Traditional Aruban Painted House