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Why Boca Catalina and Malmok are known as snorkeling spots
On the northwest coast of Aruba, beyond the hotel strip, the coastline changes from wide sandy beaches to a rocky coast with small coves. It is precisely here that Malmok and Boca Catalina are located, and it is no coincidence that this is where snorkelers go.
The water is clear and sheltered there, and the bottom consists of rock and coral instead of sand. Because of this, you can immediately see fish swimming from the shore, while on the large beaches you mainly look out over a sandy expanse.
It's not an area for a classic beach day with an umbrella and sun lounger. You come here primarily to go into the water, and that makes it a pleasant addition to a day at Eagle Beach or Palm Beach.
Boca Catalina and Malmok, in brief
| Topic | What to expect | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Northwest coast, past the hotel strip towards Arashi | Route through the north |
| Entry | Rocky, so water shoes are recommended | What to bring |
| Snorkeling | One of the best spots from the shore in Aruba | Snorkeling in Aruba |
| Facilities | Limited, bring your own water and shade | Most beautiful beaches |
| Nearby | Arashi Beach and the California Lighthouse | California Lighthouse |
| From the sea | Many snorkeling tours stop here. | Best boat trips |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
Boca Catalina and Malmok are located in Aruba.
Both locations are on the northwest coast, a short distance past the last hotels of Palm Beach. From the hotel strip, it takes about ten to fifteen minutes to get there via a paved road along the coast.
Malmok is the elongated strip of rock plateaus and narrow stretches of sand, and Boca Catalina is the small bay just north of it. They border each other, so in practice, you often visit both.
If you drive a little further, you'll reach Arashi Beach and eventually the California Lighthouse. That combination makes for a beautiful morning, and we describe it in The North Aruba Route.
What does Boca Catalina look like?
Boca Catalina is a small, enclosed bay with a strip of sand and rocks on either side. Because it is sheltered, the water there is usually calm and clear, even when it's a bit windier elsewhere along the coast.
The bay isn't large, so it can get crowded when multiple boats are anchored offshore. Early in the morning, you often have it mostly to yourself.
There is a staircase or path going down from the road, and the space is limited at the bottom. Therefore, don't bring more than you need.
What does Malmok look like?
Malmok is less of a beach and more of a coastline of flat limestone plateaus with patches of sand here and there. You enter the water from the rocks, which is fine but requires footwear that can withstand some rough handling.
The water is clear and generally calm, and there are regularly boats offshore because it's a fixed stop on snorkeling routes. Underwater, you'll see coral, rock formations, and many fish.
For those who want it quieter, there are several small entry points next to each other along the coast. Choose one where there are few people at that moment.
What do you see underwater?
Expect clear water with rock formations, coral pieces, and schools of fish that gather around the structures. Because it starts shallow and gradually gets deeper, you can see all sorts of things without having to swim far, even without experience.
It's often said that you can encounter sea turtles here, and that's true, but they are still wild animals that don't stick to a schedule. You might have a chance, but that's all.
Keep a distance from everything you see, do not touch coral, and do not step on it. What else can be seen underwater on the island is in our guide about snorkeling in Aruba.
What do you pay attention to when you go into the water?
The entry is rocky in most places, so water shoes make the difference between smoothly entering the water and carefully balancing. Bring them, even if you're just lounging on sandy beaches otherwise.
Before you go, check the water level, because with more wind, there will be more swell against the rocks. If in doubt, don't go into the water alone and stay within a distance from which you can easily return.
Also watch out for boats, as snorkeling tours regularly sail along the coast. Stay close to the shore and do not cross open waterways.
Facilities and parking
This is not a developed beach, so don't expect sun loungers, changing rooms, or a row of restaurants. The available facilities vary by season, so bring your own water, sunscreen, and something for shade.
Parking is along the street, and space is limited. You'll find a spot more easily in the morning than around noon, especially during peak season.
Don't leave anything visible in the car, because you won't be near your belongings while snorkeling. This applies here just as much as at busier beaches.
The Best Moment of the Day
In the early morning, the water is calmest and clearest, and there are no boats off the coast yet. That is precisely the moment when you have the best chance to snorkel undisturbed.
Later in the day, the wind usually picks up, creating more ripples on the water and slightly reducing visibility. Additionally, around noon is when snorkel tours are busiest.
When the island as a whole is at its calmest, read our guide about the best time to visit Aruba.
Arashi Beach is around the corner
Just north of Boca Catalina lies Arashi Beach, and that is a real sandy beach. The water is calm, there are palapas and it’s a nice place to lie in the sand for a while after snorkeling.
You can also snorkel at Arashi, especially along the rocky edges of the bay. It's a bit less spectacular than at Boca Catalina, but the entry is easier.
The combination of snorkeling at Boca Catalina and then relaxing at Arashi works well for a half-day. More beaches to choose from are listed in the most beautiful beaches of Aruba.
Snorkeling from the sea along this coast
This part of the coast is not only popular from the shore, as virtually all snorkeling tours on the island pass by here. From a boat, you can reach parts of the reef that you can't reach by swimming from the shore.
A catamaran trip usually combines this with sailing along the coastline and time to sit on board. If you’re not a strong swimmer, it’s also nice that there are guides and equipment on hand.
Check the tour page itself for what is included and where the stops are, as this can vary by tour and season.
The shipwreck off the coast
Off the coast of Malmok lies Aruba's most famous shipwreck underwater. It's too big and too deep to reach from shore, but with a tour, you can snorkel over it.
Because the wreck has been on the seabed for a long time, all sorts of things have settled on it and it attracts many fish. This makes it one of the most impressive snorkeling spots on the island.
Read more about what to expect there in our article about the Antilles shipwreck.
Is it suitable for children?
That depends on how comfortable they are in the water. Getting in over the rocks is more difficult for small children than a sandy beach, and there is little space to play in the sand.
For older children who are good swimmers, it's actually one of the most fun places on the island because there's something to see right from the shore. Water shoes and a well-fitting mask make all the difference.
With younger children, Arashi Beach or Baby Beach are easier choices. More about that is in Aruba with children.
What to bring
Your own snorkeling equipment is most important here, as there is little to rent on site. A well-fitting mask makes more of a difference than any other piece of equipment.
Also take water shoes, plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, and something for shade. A thin, long-sleeved shirt in the water will prevent your back from burning while you float face down.
Our complete list for the island can be found at what to bring to Aruba.
This is how this coast fits into your week
A morning of snorkeling at Boca Catalina and Malmok combines well with a drive north, past Arashi Beach and the lighthouse. This way, you'll have a full morning without driving too far.
Preferably plan it for a day when it's not too windy, as the underwater visibility is best then. Therefore, keep your schedule flexible and switch to another day if necessary.
How to divide everything over a week, let's see in Aruba in 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boca Catalina and Malmok
Can you snorkel from the shore at Boca Catalina?
Yes, and that's precisely why people come here. The water is clear and sheltered, and right from the shore, you can see rocks, coral, and fish. The entry is rocky, so water shoes are recommended.
Do you see any turtles?
You might have a chance because sea turtles frequent this coast. There are no guarantees, as they are wild animals that don't stick to fixed spots or times. Always keep your distance and don't swim after them.
What is the difference between Malmok and Boca Catalina?
Malmok is a longer stretch of flat rock plateaus and narrow sandy patches, while Boca Catalina is a small, sheltered bay with a strip of sand in between. They are located next to each other, so you usually see both during the same visit.
Are there facilities at Malmok and Boca Catalina?
The offerings are limited and vary by season, so assume you'll need to bring your own water, sunscreen, and shade. There are no extensive beach facilities like at Palm Beach.
How do you get there without a rental car?
The area is just past the hotel strip, so you can get there quickly by taxi. There are also snorkeling tours that visit the same spots from the sea, which is a good alternative. Aruba without a rental car Let's list the possibilities.
Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
For those who are comfortable in the water, yes, because it starts shallow and there's something to see right away. The rocky entry and the swell in more wind do require caution. If in doubt, go on a guided tour instead of alone.
Do you want to see more of Aruba's underwater life? Then check out which snorkeling tours and excursions fit your trip.
Baby Beach: Shallow Water and Calmness in the South of Aruba
Mangel Halto: snorkeling among the mangroves on Aruba
Tres Trapi: snorkeling with a chance of turtles and starfish
Best snorkeling spots on Aruba