Like sun, swimming and snorkeling?  Try Arashi Beach.

Arashi Beach is one of the best swimming beaches on Aruba and has some of the best snorkeling as well.  It is the best of both worlds.

Arashi which means "storm" in Japanese,  is located near the California Lighthouse, and California Point. Almost all of the swimming beaches of Aruba are on the west side of the island, with Arashi being at the northern most point.

This is a public beach and in order to so arrive early if you wish a spot under a beach hut.  There are no facilities as Arashi Beach, however,  so you may need to keep that in mind.

Here you will see plenty of squid and tropical fish when the surf cooperates. The sea bed here gradually tapers off into darkness - sand all the way. You can see a good 150 feet or more on a normal day. Also, check out the view of the surf off the Aruba California Lighthouse point.

Certainly one of the best beginner snorkeling beaches on the island, Arashi Beach. The best visibility is mid-morning, mid-afternoon, especially when the wind and rain are at their lowest. The best snorkeling near Arashi Beach is toward Malmok Beach. You'll notice that between the two, there's a large outcropping of rock with plenty of fish and coral.

For fish, it's just what they need to thrive in the nooks and crannies of the rock. For coral, less runoff from rain enters the ocean in rocky areas so they do quite well without the silt that runoff brings. Silty water smothers coral, which is why so many of the great reefs around populations are now disappearing.

As you make your way to Malmok, look for the staghorn and brain coral, quite prominent between the two beaches. Around ten to fifteen feet, and look for squid which generally travel in pods, or schools.  Baby Parrot Fish and starfish can be found as well.  

The best time to snorkel is high tide, or as the tide is moving in. Your swim will be the clearest during this period. And, if you can time it right, mid-morning is a great time to watch fish. They are still out hunting their next meal.

Enjoy your snorkel at Arashi and Malmok, but don't forget to visit the other superb snorkel spots on the island of Aruba.