Tres Trapi: Aruba's Turtle Snorkeling Cove

Discover Aruba's underwater paradise at Tres Trapi: a haven for snorkelers and sea turtle enthusiasts. A must-see for marine life lovers!

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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. With limited sandy beach, it's more of a swimming and snorkeling destination, offering crystal-clear waters and easy access via carved rock steps.

A brief summary to Tres Trapi

Noord, AW

Local tips

Arrive early (6 AM - 8:30 AM) to avoid crowds and increase your chances of swimming with sea turtles.
Wear water shoes to protect your feet from the sharp rocks and prevent slipping on the steps.
Bring your own snorkeling gear, as rentals may not be readily available.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs and marine life.
Be aware of boat traffic when snorkeling and stay within the designated swimming areas.

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Getting There

Driving

From the high-rise hotel area in Noord, drive north along L.G. Smith Boulevard. Turn right onto Malmokweg, and Tres Trapi will be on your left. There is free parking available directly in front of the cove. Parking is usually not an issue, especially on weekdays.
Public Transport

From Palm Beach, take the Arubus (Line 10A) towards Malmok Beach. The bus fare is $3 USD. Get off at the Malmok Beach bus stop, which is a short walk (approximately 10 minutes) from Tres Trapi.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Aruba, especially near the hotel areas. A taxi from the Noord high-rise hotel area to Tres Trapi will cost approximately $14 USD. Note that taxi rates are fixed and per taxi, not per person, with a maximum of five passengers.

Discover more about Tres Trapi

Tres Trapi, Papiamento for 'three steps,' is a unique snorkeling spot on Aruba's northwest coast, near the Malmok area. This isn't your typical sandy beach; instead, Tres Trapi features a rocky shoreline and limited space for lounging. The main draw is the exceptional snorkeling, particularly the chance to swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat. The cove is easily accessible via a set of rustic steps carved into the coastal rock, giving the site its name. The clear, calm waters are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish and the cushion sea stars. Snorkelers often spot turtles feeding on the seagrass just beyond the buoys. While the beach itself has few amenities, its natural beauty and abundant sea life make it a must-visit destination for snorkelers and nature lovers. Tres Trapi is best visited early in the morning to avoid crowds and increase your chances of seeing turtles. Be sure to wear water shoes, as the rocky entrance can be slippery. Remember to respect the marine environment by not touching or disturbing the turtles or starfish.