Tres Trapi Steps - gray concrete stairs between trees during daytime
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Tres Trapi Steps

4.6
·491k reviews·Noord, Aruba

Discover Tres Trapi Steps, Aruba's charming cove famous for sea turtle sightings and vibrant snorkeling. A must-visit natural gem!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better turtle sightings

CrowdLow
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Tres Trapi Steps - gray concrete stairs between trees during daytime

Tres Trapi Steps

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better turtle sightings

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Tres Trapi Steps, Aruba's charming cove famous for sea turtle sightings and vibrant snorkeling. A must-visit natural gem!

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Tres Trapi is a gorgeous lagoon that captures the essence of the Caribbean, & if you like to snorkel… this is the spot!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

Essential for navigating the rocky entry and protecting your feet on the stone steps.

🐢 Go Early for Turtles

Maximize your sea turtle sightings by arriving before the tour groups.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sea Turtle Encounters

Sea Turtle Encounters

Swim about 100 yards offshore

Witness majestic sea turtles in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable experience for snorkelers.

Instagram+1
The Three Steps

The Three Steps

Entrance to the cove

The iconic carved steps leading down to this charming, rocky cove. A unique natural feature and photo opportunity.

Instagram
Vibrant Marine Life

Vibrant Marine Life

Offshore snorkeling areas

Discover a variety of colorful tropical fish and red cushion starfish in the clear Caribbean waters.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Turtle Sightings

Tres Trapi is a prime spot for sea turtle encounters, but it gets busy. Aim for early mornings to avoid tour groups and maximize your chances of a peaceful snorkel with marine life. Instagram+1

Water Shoes are a Must

The name 'Tres Trapi' refers to the three carved steps leading into the water, but the entry and surrounding areas are rocky. Water shoes will protect your feet and make accessing the prime snorkeling spots much easier. Instagram

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better turtle sightings
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Tour groups tend to visit on weekends
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tres Trapi is a great spot to see Sea Turtle! Swim out about 100 yards and find the sea grass! Otherwise, lots of cool fish! I do recommend water shoes to enter as there are 5 stone steps and very rocky around the entry point. #aruba #arubavacation #arubaonehappyisland #beachlife #seaturtles #aruba
arubavacationtips
6 likes • 288 views

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

Essential for navigating the rocky entry and protecting your feet on the stone steps. Instagram

🐢 Go Early for Turtles

Maximize your sea turtle sightings by arriving before the tour groups. Instagram+1

Tres Trapi is a beautiful off shore snorkeling location in Aruba. It gets its name from the three steps that have been carved into the rocks. It’s best to get there in the morning before the tour groups. This is a great location to spot sea turtles and start fish among other sea life. Worth free shaded parking and easy entry into the water this is a great beginners location. 🇦🇼🌴🐟🐢🏝 . . . . . . . #...
allisonsheffieck
116 likes • 5.6K views
🏷️ save! A must see for your travel bucket list 🌊 Tres Trapi (three steps) is a gorgeous lagoon that captures the essence of the Caribbean, & if you like to snorkel… this is the spot! 🤿 • • Shoutout to @holidayinnaruba for the bikes! 🚲 • • • • Explore ARUBA #aruba #arubaonehappyisland #traveltips #travelbucketlist #travelwithus #travelgram #travel #arubabeach #trestrapiaruba #explorepage #explor...
yours_truly_julie23
0 likes • 2.2K views

🐠 Snorkel for Fish

Beyond turtles, explore the seagrass beds for diverse tropical fish and starfish. Instagram

🚗 Free Shaded Parking

Convenient parking is available, making your visit hassle-free. Instagram

Add this beach to your bucket list… 📍Tres Trapi - Aruba Tres Trapi means 3 steps and is named after the stairs in the rock leading to the small sandy cove below. Tres Trapi is a popular snorkeling spot in Aruba because it is home to many tropical fish, red cushion starfish, and sea turtles 🐢 This spot gets crowded so try to get there early and bring your own snorkel gear! We arrived around 8...
bucketlistriley_
185 likes • 6.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Water Shoes

Essential for navigating the rocky entry and protecting your feet on the stone steps. Instagram

🐢 Go Early for Turtles

Maximize your sea turtle sightings by arriving before the tour groups. Instagram+1

🐠 Snorkel for Fish

Beyond turtles, explore the seagrass beds for diverse tropical fish and starfish. Instagram

🚗 Free Shaded Parking

Convenient parking is available, making your visit hassle-free. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Tres Trapi's incredible sea turtle sightings and vibrant underwater world, making it a top snorkeling spot. The unique carved steps add to its charm. However, the rocky entry and potential for crowds can detract from the experience for some.

What People Like

Amazing sea turtle encounters
Abundant marine life
Unique carved steps

What People Dislike

Rocky entry
Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tres Trapi is located on the northwest coast of Aruba, near Boca Grandi. Many visitors access it by car or taxi. Some accommodations offer bike rentals, which can be a fun way to reach the cove. Instagram Free shaded parking is available nearby. Instagram

The main access involves three carved steps into the rock leading to a small sandy cove. While the steps are manageable, the surrounding area is rocky, making water shoes highly recommended. Instagram+1

If you're staying in an Airbnb near Tres Trapi, walking is a viable option for morning snorkeling sessions. Reddit Otherwise, it's best reached by vehicle or bike. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tres Trapi is a natural public beach and cove, so there is no entrance fee to visit. Instagram

As a natural attraction, Tres Trapi does not have official opening or closing hours. It's accessible during daylight hours, but early mornings are recommended for the best experience. Instagram+1

No, booking a tour is not necessary to visit Tres Trapi. You can explore it independently. However, be aware that tour groups do visit, so arriving early is advised. Instagram+1

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

The best snorkeling is found by swimming out about 100 yards to the seagrass beds, where sea turtles are frequently spotted. Instagram The waters are also home to many colorful tropical fish and red cushion starfish. Instagram

You have a great chance of seeing sea turtles, tropical fish, and red cushion starfish. Instagram+1 The clear waters make for excellent underwater viewing. Instagram

Tres Trapi is suitable for beginners, especially if you wear water shoes for easier entry. The calm waters and abundant marine life make it an enjoyable snorkeling spot for all levels. Instagram+1

Definitely bring water shoes, your snorkeling gear, sunscreen, a towel, and plenty of water. An underwater camera is also a great idea to capture the marine life. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The carved steps leading down to the cove offer a unique perspective. Instagram The clear turquoise water and potential sea turtle sightings also make for stunning underwater photography. Instagram+1

Yes, you can take photos of sea turtles, but always maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tres Trapi offers a fantastic opportunity for families to introduce children to marine life. The calm waters and the excitement of spotting sea turtles can be a memorable experience for younger visitors. Instagram+1

Key recommendations for families:
* Bring water shoes: Essential for little feet navigating the rocky entry. Instagram
* Go early: Beat the crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone. Instagram+1
* Pack snacks and drinks: While parking is available, amenities are limited. Instagram
* Consider a flotation device: For younger swimmers, a life vest can add an extra layer of security while snorkeling. Instagram

🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts

For dedicated snorkelers, Tres Trapi is a must-visit. The proximity to seagrass beds means a high probability of encountering sea turtles, a major highlight. Instagram+1 The diverse marine life, including various tropical fish and starfish, adds to the underwater appeal. Instagram

Tips for snorkelers:
* Swim further out: Don't stay too close to shore; the best marine life is found in deeper seagrass areas. Instagram
* Invest in good gear: Ensure your mask and snorkel fit well for maximum enjoyment. Instagram
* Explore beyond the cove: While the cove is charming, the real underwater treasures lie just offshore. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Sea Turtle Sightings

Tres Trapi is renowned for its frequent sea turtle sightings, a major draw for visitors. To increase your chances, head out about 100 yards from shore into the seagrass beds, which serve as a feeding ground for these gentle creatures. Instagram Many travelers specifically choose accommodations near Tres Trapi for the opportunity to snorkel with turtles daily. Reddit

While sightings are common, remember that these are wild animals. It's crucial to observe them from a respectful distance and avoid any actions that could disturb their natural behavior. Bringing an underwater camera can help you capture these magical moments without getting too close. Instagram+1

Pro Tip: Early mornings often yield the best results, as the turtles are more active and the water is calmer, offering clearer visibility for both snorkeling and photography. Instagram+1

Navigating the Rocky Entry

The name 'Tres Trapi' translates to 'Three Steps,' referring to the three distinct steps carved into the rock that provide access to the small, sandy cove. While these steps offer a pathway, the surrounding area is quite rocky. Instagram

To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, water shoes are highly recommended. Instagram They protect your feet from sharp rocks and make it easier to walk on the uneven terrain. Many visitors emphasize the importance of wearing them, especially when entering and exiting the water. Instagram

Once past the rocky entry, the water quickly becomes clear and inviting for snorkeling. The convenience of free shaded parking nearby adds to the ease of accessing this unique spot. Instagram

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