Boca Catalina is a small, secluded bay in the Malmok area of Aruba, about a five-minute drive from the high-rise resorts of Palm Beach on the road toward the California Lighthouse (Aruba Tourism Authority, read 7 November 2026). The water is crystal clear and calm, with easy access from a white-sand beach reached by steps from a spacious parking area, which makes it a good first snorkeling stop for families.
Highlights
The bay itself
A small white-sand cove with easy ocean access, popular with snorkelers and with visitors who want a quieter, more private beach than the resort strip.
Makeshift beach huts
The tourism board mentions makeshift huts that give some shade. It lists no restrooms, lifeguards, rentals or food service, so decide before you go what you need to bring.
Weekdays versus weekends
Weekdays are usually quiet, and you may have the bay largely to yourself; weekends bring a mix of local families and visitors.
The neighbours
California Lighthouse, the California Dunes, the restaurant El Faro Blanco and The Birdie at Tierra del Sol are all within a mile.
Practical info
Tips
- Boca Catalina is also a boat-trip stop. The Red Sail Antilla snorkel sail visits Catalina Bay, which VisitAruba describes as suited to beginner snorkelers, and the Antilla wreck; the 3-hour trip costs $79 for adults and $63 for children aged 5 to 11 (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 2:00 to 5:00 pm, read 7 November 2026). The Pelican Adventures sail and snorkel cruise also makes two stops, at Boca Catalina and the Antilla shipwreck (2.5 hours, 2:00 to 4:30 pm, snorkel gear and drinks included). For a trip on the water with a champagne brunch, the Palm Beach champagne brunch and aqua safari is rated 4.6 out of 5 from 89 reviews on GetYourGuide (read 7 November 2026). To compare cove and boat options see snorkeling tours in Aruba, catamaran cruises and, a little further north, Arashi Beach, where the best coral is on the left side facing the sea.
How to get there
Boca Catalina is on the main road toward the California Lighthouse, five minutes from Palm Beach. There is a large parking area beside the road and steps down to the sand (see getting around Aruba).
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
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