Tommy’s field notes: the place and the timing
The rocky area marked on the map is the spot Tommy identifies from his own snorkeling observations. He has seen turtles resting here around sunrise and during the first two hours afterward. The number of animals and their behavior vary between visits.
Tommy is a former local tour guide sharing his experience, not currently leading these tours. The aerial and beach-entry photographs on this page are his own; the route overlay is an illustration based on his observations.
Read more: Meet Tommy and read about his experience
The sunrise route in plain language
Use the sandy opening visible at the bottom of the aerial photo as your starting landmark. The orange lines trace the buoy layout; the yellow line illustrates the outward and return swim. It is not a measured distance or a live navigation track.
On the diagram, the yellow route leaves the sandy entry through the gap between the orange buoy lines, curves slightly right toward one rocky cleaning-station area, then returns to the same beach entry.
The diagrams do not confirm that crossing a buoy line or using a gap is permitted. Follow current signs and local instructions; never cross a marked swimming boundary or enter a boat lane. If access or conditions are unclear, stay out and ask a qualified local guide.
The selected diagram has no compass or current arrow. Do not infer a fixed compass bearing or current direction from its layout.
1. Get oriented from the sand
Walk down the roadside steps to the sandy beach. Before getting in, identify the same opening you will use to return and agree on it with your buddy. Fit your mask and check that you can breathe comfortably through the snorkel before heading away from shore.
2. Locate the rocky observation area
The diagram’s route passes through the gap between the buoy lines and curves slightly right toward the edge of the single rocky patch labelled “Cleaning station / Resting turtles.” Look slowly toward the bottom from the surface. The route does not go through the rocks or circle the resting animals; the turtle symbols are illustrative, not guaranteed sightings.
3. Observe, then return to your entry
Leave resting turtles space and keep their path to the surface open. Do not descend onto the rocks or follow an animal away from the area. Keep checking your position against the beach and turn back with energy in reserve, returning along the outward corridor to the same sandy entry. Never enter a boat lane or treat the drawing as permission to cross a marked swimming boundary.
What is a turtle cleaning station?
A cleaning station is a place where fish remove parasites from a turtle’s shell while feeding. NOAA documents this behavior on reefs; that explains the term, but does not independently verify the location or timing of this particular Boca Catalina spot.
Here, “cleaning station” is Tommy’s name for the rocky area he repeatedly visited. His early-morning observations include turtles resting on the bottom. Resting, being cleaned and feeding are different behaviors: a motionless turtle is not necessarily being cleaned, and a short look cannot confirm that it is asleep.
Watch quietly from the surface. Do not touch or wake a resting turtle, offer food or crowd it for a photograph. Keep at least two metres away and leave its route to the surface open. The eight turtle symbols in our illustration are schematic, not a census or an expected minimum.
Read more: NOAA: a sea turtle at a cleaning station
Getting there, parking and finding the entry
From Palm Beach, follow the coastal road north through Malmok toward Arashi and the California Lighthouse. Set your destination to Boca Catalina Beach, not Tres Trapi: these are separate entry points. Aruba Tourism Authority describes parking alongside the road and steps down to the sand.
Allow time to park, carry your gear down and check the sea before your planned swim. Keep the steps and access clear, avoid blocking driveways and do not leave valuables visible in the car. If arriving by taxi, arrange how you will return before entering the water.
Read more: Boca Catalina Beach on Google Maps · Aruba Tourism Authority: beach access
Plan your morning around sunrise
Use the sunrise calculator for your actual travel date. Treat the result as the start of Tommy’s observation window, not a meeting time that stays the same all year. Aim to be on the beach with your gear ready around sunrise, allowing extra time if this is your first visit.
Spend a few minutes checking waves at the entry, visibility, moving water and boat activity. Wait until you can clearly see your entry and return landmarks. If the conditions do not suit your ability, postpone the swim even if the timing looks ideal.
- The evening before: check the forecast, arrange transport and equipment, and save the map.
- On arrival: identify the exit, fit your gear and agree on a return plan with your buddy.
- After the swim: leave the water, drink, rest and decide whether a second stop is appropriate.
Read more: Calculate sunrise for your date
Is Boca Catalina right for beginners and families?
The sandy opening is more forgiving underfoot than a rock-cut entry, but an easy start does not make the whole turtle route easy. Moving away from the beach means open-water swimming, possible current and a return journey under your own power.
Start with mask-and-snorkel practice close to shore in suitable conditions. For children, use equipment that fits and close, continuous adult supervision. A flotation aid can support a swimmer but does not replace supervision, swimming ability or a guide’s assessment. Never push a nervous swimmer to continue because others are going farther out.
A qualified shore guide can assess the day, explain the route and help with equipment. Tell the operator honestly about swimming experience, children’s ages and any mobility needs before booking. Non-swimmers should not attempt this route independently.
Read more: Aruba snorkeling for beginners · Planning a snorkel with children · DAN: snorkeling safety
What to bring and what not to expect on the beach
There are simple shade huts visible in Tommy’s entry photo, but bring sun protection rather than counting on an empty one. VisitAruba lists no nearby facilities: use a restroom before arrival and do not rely on a shower, food counter or staffed gear-rental desk at the cove.
Sort out rentals before your sunrise visit. Try the mask on, check the snorkel mouthpiece and test that fins fit without rubbing. A mask that leaks or fins you cannot control are best resolved before heading away from shore.
- Well-fitting mask and snorkel, comfortable fins and appropriate flotation for your needs.
- Drinking water, a towel, sun-protective clothing and a hat for time on the beach.
- Footwear for the steps and shore; keep fins and feet clear of the seabed while swimming.
- A plan for keys and valuables, and a bag to take all your rubbish away.
Read more: Where to rent or buy gear in Aruba, and how to choose it · VisitAruba: beach facilities
Boca Catalina or Tres Trapi?
Choose the experience that fits your timing and ability. The field strategy continues at Tres Trapi about four hours after sunrise. Its separate diagram shows an outward leg, an offshore clockwise loop around algae and a return to the same rock-cut entry.
These are two separate shore-entry swims, not a continuous swim between beaches. Exit at the same place you entered and travel overland before reassessing conditions at the next beach.
| Planning detail | Boca Catalina | Tres Trapi |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Steps down to a sandy beach | Compact rock-cut steps to a small sandy opening |
| Tommy’s observation window | Sunrise and the first two hours | Around sunrise +4 hours |
| Focus of the visit | Rocky cleaning-station and resting area | Turtle feeding point |
| How to choose | Start here for the early resting-area visit | Consider a separate later visit after a break |
Read more: Full comparison: Boca Catalina vs Tres Trapi · Tres Trapi feeding-point guide and map
Visit independently or choose a shore tour?
An independent visit gives confident snorkelers flexibility over timing, pace and time on the beach. You take responsibility for equipment, a buddy, transport, reading conditions and finding the return route. Public beach access does not require a tour booking.
A shore tour is our preferred starting point for visitors who want help with the turtle route: you enter from the beach with a guide rather than arranging a boat transfer. Ask whether the guide stays in the water, what the group size is and whether equipment, flotation and transport are included.
Confirm that Boca Catalina and your preferred start time are actually part of the itinerary. Some options below are boat trips that include the bay; they are not the same experience as an early guided shore swim. The tour matcher can help you compare shore options for your dates, but the operator must confirm availability and the final plan.
Read more: Find a shore tour for your group · Compare private turtle snorkeling tours · Aruba Tourism Authority: public beach access