Aruba’s clear waters and calm beaches make it a popular destination for families, and Arashi Beach often comes up as a top snorkeling spot. But while the beach looks ideal, not every part of it is beginner-friendly—especially for kids. Parents planning to snorkel Arashi Beach with children need to know which areas offer safe, shallow water and where stronger currents or rocky terrain can make snorkeling more challenging. This guide breaks down the beach by section, highlights the best snorkeling routes for families, and shares practical tips to help parents prepare. From understanding where to enter the water to knowing what marine life you might see, here’s everything you need to know before snorkeling Arashi Beach in Aruba with kids.
Why Arashi Beach Is Popular for Snorkeling
Families often hear about Arashi Beach as a must-visit snorkeling destination, and it’s easy to see why. The beach offers white sand, clear water, and easy access from the road with parking nearby. It’s located at the northwestern tip of Aruba, just past Boca Catalina and close to the California Lighthouse — a popular sightseeing stop.
However, unlike guided tours that take you directly to the reef, snorkeling at Arashi Beach requires some local knowledge. Without it, families might end up swimming over empty sand and sea grass, missing the more vibrant areas where fish and coral are actually found.
What Parents Should Know Before Snorkeling
1. The Reef Isn’t in Front of the Main Beach Area
From the main sandy stretch of Arashi Beach, the water looks inviting — but looks can be deceiving. Directly in front of the beach, the seafloor is mostly sand and sparse sea grass. Despite some dark patches on the surface that might appear to be coral reef, many of these are floating algae or deeper sandy spots with minimal marine life. Families who enter the water here may come out disappointed, having seen very little.
2. There Are Two Distinct Snorkeling Zones
Right Side: For Experienced Swimmers
At the far right (north) end of Arashi Beach, near the rocky point by the cliffs, there is a narrow reef that eventually opens into a more vibrant coral area. To reach it, you’ll need to:
- Walk all the way to the rocky point on the right side of the beach.
- Use polarized sunglasses to spot the rocky, shallow reef zone — the water here shifts from light turquoise to darker blue.
- Enter the water just to the left of the rocky area, where the bottom is sandy.
- Swim out until the depth increases (around 4–5 feet), and the coral becomes visible.
This area has healthier corals and better fish visibility, including Pillar Coral, Star Coral, and occasionally schools of tang. However, the swim to this spot can be long, and ocean conditions vary. There may be waves, surge, or even currents — particularly because this area is close to the northern tip of the island, where waters can be more unpredictable.
Important for Families: This zone is not recommended for young children or beginner snorkelers. Currents and shallow coral formations increase the risk of injury and coral damage.
Left Side: Easier Access for Families
On the far left end of Arashi Beach (south side), you’ll find another rocky point that connects to the reef system at Catalina Cove. This area offers shallower, calmer water and is more suitable for cautious swimmers or older kids with some snorkeling experience.
Families can also access this reef more easily by starting from Catalina Cove itself. For more on this nearby site, read our Family Guide to Snorkeling at Catalina Cove.
Video of Snorkeling at Arashi Beach
How to Enter the Water Safely
If you’re snorkeling from the right side, follow these steps for safer entry:
- Walk to the rocky point but stay to the left of the dark reef area.
- Enter the water where the bottom is sandy — aim for waist-deep water before floating to put on fins.
- Avoid stepping into the dark patches directly, as the bottom is rocky and shallow for a long distance.
- Swim slowly out to where the coral gets deeper and visibility improves.
👟 Do you need water shoes? Not if you stay in the sandy zone. But if your kids tend to walk into rocky areas or you’re entering near the reef edge, shoes can help prevent cuts from coral or rocks.
What Marine Life Can Families Expect to See?
The reef system along Arashi Beach isn’t as populated as some of Aruba’s boat-access-only spots, but there’s still enough to make it worth the visit — especially on the outer edge of the reef. Families may spot:
- Small schools of tang and wrasse
- Parrotfish near the rocks
- Healthy stands of Pillar Coral and Star Coral
- A few patches of Elkhorn Coral, some living and some dead
Water depths range from 1–5 feet, with the best snorkeling found on the outer side of the reef where the coral begins to drop off gently. Visibility can vary — on some days the water is very clear, while on others it’s murky due to algae or floating seaweed, especially in summer months.
Safety Tips for Families
- Stay on the beach side of the white buoys — these mark the swimming zone. Boats pass just beyond them.
- Watch for currents. Especially near the reef edges or when winds are strong.
- Always snorkel with a buddy. Even confident swimmers should not go out alone.
- Bring flotation devices for kids or beginner snorkelers — a snorkel vest or float belt can reduce fatigue.
- Check conditions before entering. Avoid snorkeling when the surf is rough or visibility is low.
Beach Facilities at Arashi
While Arashi Beach has a more natural feel compared to resort beaches, there are a few basic amenities:
- Shade palapas: Free to use but limited in number — arrive early to claim one.
- Beach chair rentals: Available from local vendors.
- Restrooms: There is a porta-potty near the parking lot.
- Trash cans: Located along the edge of the lot and at the entrance path.
- Parking: Free, with a paved lot just steps from the beach entrance.
There are no food vendors on the beach itself, so families should pack snacks and water or stop by one of the cafes near Boca Catalina before arriving.
Is Arashi Beach a Good Snorkeling Spot for Kids?
Yes — but only in specific areas. The left end of the beach or the Catalina Cove access point are best for younger or less experienced snorkelers. The right end of Arashi Beach offers more advanced snorkeling but comes with risks and challenges that aren’t ideal for families with young kids.
If you’re looking for other snorkeling options in Aruba with calmer waters and easier access, explore our guides to:
Final Thoughts for Parents
Snorkeling Arashi Beach can be a fun and memorable part of your family’s Aruba vacation — as long as you go in with the right expectations and plan accordingly. Understanding where to enter, how far to swim, and which areas are safe can make the experience more enjoyable and safer for everyone. With the right gear, a little preparation, and some patience, families can still discover colorful coral and tropical fish just off the shore of Arashi Beach.
