Tres Trapi

About Tres Trapi

Is it a beach? Is it a snorkeling hotspot? Is it a serene lagoon?

Well, it’s up to you to decide! But one thing’s for sure: Tres Trapi is an incredible snorkeling and scuba diving spot that captures the essence of the Caribbean. If you want to see turtles in Aruba, this is the place to be. That’s why it’s on our list of the top snorkeling spots in Aruba. Tres Trapi is situated north of Palm Beach, between Boca Catalina and Malmok Beach. Finding it is a breeze – keep an eye out for a stunning 7-foot coral wall with an entrance. To get into the water, you’ll need to descend a well-carved staircase in the rock formation that leads straight to the ocean. “Tres Trapi” means “Three Steps” in the local language, referring to the original three steps carved into the coral years ago to access the water. Nowadays, there are about six steps. Be cautious as you enter the water, as the stairs can be a bit slippery and rough on your feet. Consider bringing along some water shoes. Once you’re in the water, get ready to experience some of the finest offshore snorkeling in Aruba. And if luck is on your side, you might spot some turtles. The turtles tend to hang out around the sandy sea grass fields, so make sure you snorkel out to the darker grass areas to catch a glimpse of them. You’ll also encounter a variety of beautiful tropical fish, moray eels, and perhaps a few stingrays and sea snakes. The water at Tres Trapi is incredibly clear and stunning, providing an awe-inspiring underwater experience!

Swimming

Swim close to the cliffs, and you’ll witness an abundance of fish swimming among the fallen rocks. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, swim towards the shipwreck, which is located about 0.4 miles away. There, you may have the chance to see sea turtles and even spot a few starfish. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, there’s a cliff where you can jump from about 5 feet above the water into a refreshing depth of around 6 feet. To attract tropical fish, bring an empty water bottle and fill it with small pieces of bread. Just cut some small holes in the top. Once the bottle is filled with seawater, you can disperse the bread crumbs to entice the fish. While enjoying your swim at Tres Trapi, keep an eye out for recreational boat traffic (as many boat tours utilize this spot for snorkeling). If you plan to swim far offshore, consider wearing brightly colored gear for better visibility. When it’s windy, be mindful of the surf at Tres Trapi, as it can get quite rough. This site can sometimes get crowded, but if you visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you can enjoy a peaceful dip and let the water wash away your stress. Convenient parking is available right behind Tres Trapi, and you’ll find a bit of shade there. On weekdays, finding a parking spot shouldn’t be much of a hassle. And who knows, you might even encounter a few lizards at the parking lot!

So, get ready to have an amazing swim at Tres Trapi!

Scuba Diving

Tres Trapi is also a notable dive site on this side of the island. Its easy accessibility and shallow depth make it a favorite choice for training dives. The sandy bottom provides an excellent opportunity for practicing buoyancy control and honing navigation skills. However, experienced divers should not overlook this site either. Tres Trapi boasts a diverse range of marine life that may not be found in many other locations. Additionally, the shallow depth allows for longer bottom times, maximizing the enjoyment of the dive. While Tres Trapi may not be renowned for its abundant coral formations, it is particularly notable for its encounters with turtles. As said, this dive site offers a high likelihood of turtle sightings, adding to the thrill of the experience. Furthermore, Tres Trapi presents the opportunity to spot some rare species, such as the elusive frogfish, making each dive unique and exciting. Whether you are a novice diver looking for a suitable training site or an experienced diver seeking encounters with intriguing marine life, Tres Trapi offers an enjoyable and rewarding diving experience for all!

Note: you can take a 2-hour Scuba Diving lesson for non-certified divers right at Tres Trapi!

This 2-hour Underwater scooter tour of the North Coast includes some playtime at Tres Trapi.

Please Mind the Tres Trapi Sea Turtles

If you are lucky enough to encounter a sea turtle while snorkeling at Tres Trapi, here’s what you should do:

• Maintain Distance: It’s important to give the sea turtle space and avoid getting too close. Keep a respectful distance to avoid causing stress or disturbing their natural behavior.
• Observe Quietly: Enjoy the opportunity to observe the sea turtle in its natural habitat. Stay calm, move slowly, and avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that could startle or scare the turtle.
• Do Not Touch: Resist the urge to touch or chase the sea turtle. Remember, they are wild animals, and respecting their space and natural behavior is important.
• Capture Memories Responsibly: If you have a camera or smartphone, you can take photos or videos from a distance. However, avoid using flash photography as it can startle marine life.
• Enjoy the Moment: Take the time to appreciate and enjoy the experience of observing a sea turtle in its natural environment. It’s a unique and magical encounter that should be cherished.

Before you go, please think about your sunscreen. Look for sunscreens labeled “reef-safe,” “coral-friendly,” or “ocean-friendly.” These products are specifically designed to minimize the negative impact on marine life. Avoid using sunscreens containing oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) and octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate). These chemicals have been linked to coral bleaching and can disrupt the growth and development of coral reefs.

Tres Trapi Map

• Use the map below to explore the area surrounding the beach.
• Fill in your vacation dates to get a real-time view of available accommodations near Tres Trapi!

Booking.com

Where to Stay near Tres Trapi - Our Top Picks

How to Get to Tres Trapi

By Car

To get to Tres Trapi from Oranjestad, start by heading northwest on L.G. Smith Boulevard (Route 1) from Oranjestad. Continue on L.G. Smith Boulevard until you reach the roundabout with the intersection of Route 2 (Sasakiweg) and Route 3 (Matividiri). Take the second exit at the roundabout to merge onto Route 3 (Matividiri), heading north. Stay on Route 3 for approximately 3.5 miles until you reach the intersection with Route 4 (Palm Beach Road). Turn left onto Route 4 (Palm Beach Road) and continue heading northwest. Continue on Route 4 for about 1.5 miles until you see Malmokweg on your right. Turn right onto Malmokweg and continue for a short distance. Tres Trapi will be located on your left-hand side!

By Arubus

You can get to Tres Trapi by bus; it stops at the Boca Catalina bus stop and the Malmok Beach bus stop. You’ll have to walk for the last 1000 feet or so.

After Tres Trapi, There's Always Another Beach to Explore!