Finding the Turtles at Tres Trapi, Aruba

Located on the northwest side of Aruba is Tres Trapi, one of the best places to go snorkeling in Aruba. This small cove is really more of a snorkeling and swimming destination than a beach, as you’ll find limited sand to relax on but plenty of sea creatures swimming around. In fact, it’s one of the best places to swim with turtles in Aruba!

Best of all? Visiting Tres Trapi is free if you have your own transportation. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to experience this amazing place.

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How to Get to Tres Trapi in Aruba

Located between Boca Catalina and Malmok Beach, Tres Trapi is convenient to reach for those staying in the high-rise or low-rise section of the beach. In fact, you may want to visit more than once depending how long you’re in Aruba. You can see the location of Tres Trapi on Google Maps here.

Let’s deep dive into the many ways to get there.

Drive to Tres Trapi

If you’ve rented a car in Aruba, getting to Tres Trapi is simple. Just drive north along the west coast to Malmok Beach and keep an eye open on your left for the access point to Tres Trapi. It’s visible from the street and there is parking available right there. You can drive up L.G. Smith Blvd. or Route 2.

To give you an idea of location, here are some drive times to get to Tres Trapi Beach:

• Palm Beach to Tres Trapi: 9 minute drive / 4.5 km

• Eagle Beach to Tres Trapi: 12 minute drive / 7.2 km

• Oranjestad to Tres Trapi: 17 minute drive / 10.2 km

Ride the Bus to Tres Trapi

Without a rental car, the cheapest way to get to Tres Trapi is via bus. In fact, there are two Arubus bus stops near Tres Trapi. Choose from Arubus Stop Malmok Beach or Arubus Stop Boca Catalina. Both of them will put you within a few minute walk of Tres Trapi.

Tours to Tres Trapi

Another awesome way to visit Tres Trapi is via tour. There are tons of island tours and snorkeling tours that stop at this popular destination. A few of the best are:

• UTV morning tour or UTV afternoon tour: Explore the island via UTV and then stop at Tres Trapi Beach for snorkeling.

• Scuba diving for certified divers or a discover scuba experience for non-certified divers: Truly immerse yourself in the underwater world by scuba diving Tres Trapi!

• North Coast Seabob Reef Tour: Explore Tres Trapi with a jet-powered underwater scooter.

Best Things to Do at Tres Trapi, Aruba

As Tres Trapi is a small cove surrounded by coral walls, it has limited sandy beach to enjoy. This means, it’s not a great place to relax on the beach or tan, but it is a great place for snorkeling to see turtles in Aruba and other water adventures!

If you’re wondering how deep the water at Tres Trapi, don’t worry, it starts very shallow and goes to about 10 -15 feet deep max. For strong swimmers, you’ll find the water easy to navigate, but if you’re a weaker swimmer or bringing children with you, pack a life jacket or float to give you extra buoyancy as you look for turtles. Better safe than sorry!

Snorkeling at Tres Trapi

When you get into the water at Tres Trapi Beach, you’ll have some of the best snorkeling right at your fingertips. Choose to go straight out into slightly deeper water where the sea grass starts for your best chances of finding the famous Tres Trapi turtles. Turn to the left to look for starfish dotting the sandy floor, or choose to start to the right where you’re sure to find schools of fish hanging out.

Swimming at Tres Trapi

In addition to snorkeling, Tres Trapi is a great place to swim due to its protected cove and shallow waters. Of course, this is best combined with snorkeling so you can enjoy the views below the surface.

While not recommended due to the choppy seas and boat traffic, you can swim out about 0.4 miles from the beach toward the Antilla Shipwreck. It is located only 20 – 60 feet deep and easily viewable from the surface. It’s one of the coolest things to see at Tres Trapi, but you may be better off taking a tour to snorkel or scuba dive around it.

Cliff Jumping at Tres Trapi

Okay, so calling it a cliff is a bit of a stretch, but you can jump from the coral walls surrounding Tres Trapi into the water. It’s only about a five foot vertical leap and you’ll only land in six feet of water, but it can give you that extra adrenaline rush that you’re looking for!

Scuba Diving at Tres Trapi

Whether you’re certified to scuba dive or want to give it a try to determine if scuba diving is for you, Tres Trapi is a great place to dive! Sign up for a Discover Scuba class to learn the theory, skills and equipment needed for diving to get a taste of under the water, or bring your certification card with you and enjoy a 1 tank guided dive at Tres Trapi.

SEABOB at Tres Trapi

Want a more unique experience at Tres Trapi? Try the SEABOB, a jet-propelled underwater scooter. First you’ll explore the Arashi Reef, then move to Boca Catalina, and lastly stop at Tres Trapi. This SEABOB adventure is guided by professionals and promises an unforgettable experience. Learn more about SEABOB in Aruba.

Pro Tip: Just remember anytime you’re swimming out of the cove to be aware of boat traffic. There are a lot of tours to Tres Trapi, and they aren’t always as attentive as they should be, so wear bright colors and stay alert!

Other Helpful Information

Find additional details to make your excursion to Tres Trapi the most amazing experience it can be!

Amenities at Tres Trapi Beach

Tres Trapi is mostly a snorkeling destination rather than a beach. As such, you’ll find there are not a ton of amenities in the area. You’ll find parking and a bit of shade, but there are no chairs, restrooms, showers, or restaurants and bars on this beach.

Additionally, remember that this is a very natural area. You’ll be entering the water via the carved rock steps which can be a bit treacherous – think slippery and a bit rough on your bare feet. Consider bringing water shoes to help you get down to the rock steps with ease.

When to Go to Tres Trapi Beach, Aruba

Snorkeling at Tres Trapi is free 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. It is a public beach after all. That being said, you can strategize on the best time to go to Tres Trapi to avoid crowds.

I highly recommend an early morning visit or a late afternoon visit as this is when you’ll miss most of the tours that stop at Tres Trapi. Additionally, choose to visit on a weekday versus weekend for even less people. The perk of this is less people equals less people to scare away the turtles and fish!

What to Pack for Tres Trapi

Realistically, you don’t need to take much when you go to Tres Trapi. It’s a simple snorkeling spot close to town. Take the basics and return to your hotel afterwards for any additional items you may want for the rest of the day.

Here are the basics you’ll want to take with you:

• Snorkel gear: Take your own snorkeling gear to snorkel anytime you want in Aruba! Choose from the full face snorkel mask or the more traditional snorkel masks.

• Water shoes: Keep your feet safe from sharp rocks and coral as you climb down the steps into Tres Trapi.

• Reef-safe sunscreen: Protect both your skin and the delicate underwater ecosystem with sunscreen that’s safe for the reefs.

• Underwater camera: Capture and share memories of snorkeling with the Tres Trapi sea turtles with a GoPro or similar underwater camera!

• Rash guard: Wear a rash guard (men’s or women’s) for an extra layer of protection from the harsh Aruba sun as you explore Tres Trapi. It’s amazing how much sun your back can get while you’re enjoying the underwater world.

• Floats or life jackets: These are only a must if you have weak swimmers in your group. It will help ensure they have a safe and fun time.

• Lastly, avoid taking valuables with you if at all possible. If you must, take a locking Vaultz bag or FlexSafe by AquaVault to keep them safe.

Where to Stay near Tres Trapi

There are a few amazing hotels near Tres Trapi. The closest of which is Ocean Z Boutique Hotel. It’s just a four minute walk from Tres Trapi. Tierra del Sol Resort & Golf is about a twenty minute walk and the Ritz-Carlton is just 30 minutes walk down the road.

Ultimately, I would not choose your hotel based on this location simply because it is so simple to get there from most of the more popular hotel areas on the island. But, if you think this may be where you want to be, check out the below map to see what hotels are nearby!

How to Treat the Tres Trapi Aruba Turtles

Snorkeling with sea turtles at Tres Trapi is one of the best things to do in Aruba. Of course, you need to do so responsibly. What does that mean? Well, here are some tips:

• Do not touch the Tres Trapi sea turtles. Keep a safe and respectful distance giving them space to move freely in their natural environment. Observing them passively is the best way to minimize stress for the turtles.

• Do not feed the sea turtles. Feeding them can alter their natural behavior and diet, leading to potential harm.

• If you’re taking photographs, avoid using a camera flash. Flash photography can startle and stress the turtles, especially at night.

• Use reef-friendly sunscreen to minimize the impact of chemicals on the marine environment.