Level: Free shore access This spot have a free shore access: you can go snorkeling there freely and without having to book a tour or pay an entrance fee.
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Last updated on April 27, 2021
Colorado Point (also known as Punta Basora) is not one of the best-known snorkeling spots in Aruba. Covering a small “lagoon” that formed at the southeastern tip of the island, it is worth a visit if you visit the area, especially Baby Beach or Colorado Point lighthouse. Underwater, you’ll discover a pleasant marine environment, where butterflyfish, surgeonfish and damselfish gravitate peacefully around the corals.
Colorado Point is located at the southeastern tip of Aruba. From Oranjestad, head south on Route 1 (also serving the airport), following the direction of Sint Nicolaas.
Once in Sint Nicolaas, you can access the spot from two sides: either via Baby Beach, located about 600m west of the spot, or by the road that leads to the lighthouse of Colorado Point (do not turn towards the lighthouse but continue to the ocean, turn right and turn left at the pet cemetery).
Enter the water at the western end of the beach (see map), in the area sheltered by the reef.
The area to be explored is limited to the western part of the beach, where a “semi-lagoon” has formed. This area, well protected by a coral reef, allows you to get into the water safely.
However, be careful not to go east (in the direction of the lighthouse): after about 200m, the reef ends, exposing the coast to the swell and currents. This spot, less sheltered than those located on the west coast of Aruba, can be explored only when the sea conditions are optimal.
In the small “lagoon”, the depth is limited (↕3-10ft/1-3m). The seabed alternates between coral bommies, rocks and sandy areas. Without being spectacular, this spot allows observing many fish species.
Blue tangs, yellowtail snappers, parrotfish, yellow goatfish and beau gregory are among the most abundant on the reef.
There are no restaurants at Colorado Point. The nearest food option is located at Baby Beach, about 600m (a few minute’s drive) west of the spot.
These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters. This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.
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Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes…). The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us.
The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws.
