Malmok Beach Aruba: What to Know Before You Go

Malmok is a stretch of small coves on Aruba's northwest coast, between Palm Beach and Arashi. People come for the snorkeling and the boats. It is less of a lay-out-all-day beach, and the shoreline takes some care. Here is what to know before you park.

What Malmok is like

Frommer's describes tiny coves, shallow water, and plenty of fish, with no facilities. The tourism office says it has some of the best snorkeling in Aruba. It also warns about sharp rocks near shore and many sea urchins. Do not walk around barefoot in the water here. Wear water shoes or get your fins on and float.

What you might see

The tourism office lists sergeant majors, bluehead wrasse, banded butterflyfish, trunkfish, and French angelfish. Follow the rocky edges of the coves, since fish tend to stay close to structure. Do not feed them. Aruba's code of conduct asks visitors not to feed marine life, including fish and turtles.

The Antilla wreck

The big wreck offshore is the SS Antilla, a German freighter scuttled in Malmok Bay on May 10, 1940. She is about 400 feet long and lies on her port side in water up to 60 feet deep. MyArubaGuide says her masts are visible in the bay, but that she is too far to swim to from the beach. Several snorkel cruises stop at the wreck. If you want to see it up close, book a boat.

Wind and water

Frommer's notes steady winds here, and windsurfers use this part of the coast. Aruba's trade winds blow year-round and are noticeably stronger from May through October, according to the tourism office. MyArubaGuide says mornings bring the lightest wind and clearest water just up the road at Boca Catalina. If the water looks choppy, wait or move on.

Parking and getting there

Malmok is on the coast road north of the Palm Beach hotels. Arubus line L10A runs along the coastal strip between Oranjestad and Arashi. Park only in marked or obvious spots. Aruba's code of conduct says not to drive or park on beaches and dunes. Lock your car and do not leave valuables inside.

Bring everything with you

• Mask, snorkel, and fins
• Water shoes
• Plenty of drinking water and snacks
• A reusable bag for your trash
• Oxybenzone-free sunscreen
• A dry bag or a person to stay with your things

Why many people stop here, then move on

A snorkel session at Malmok often takes an hour or two. Then the sun gets high and you want shade, a chair, and an easy way into the water. Arashi is a short way north and an easy move. The official description there is calm, shallow water with soft white sand, and our Arashi Beach guide walks through it.

Do both in one day

Book a set at Arashi and use it as your home base. You get one big umbrella and two beach chairs, set up and anchored before you arrive. It is held under your name from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and you can leave and come back. Snorkel Malmok early, drop your gear at your chairs, and spend the afternoon in the shade. The price is $120.00 per set per day, all in.

Book your set at least 24 hours ahead. You will get confirmation right away with a map to your spot.

Source: Frommer's: Aruba Beaches, Aruba.com: Top-Rated Snorkeling Beaches, Wikipedia: SS Antilla, MyArubaGuide: Boca Catalina, Aruba.com: Weather and Climate, Aruba Code of Conduct, Arubus Line L10A. Conditions change, so check on the day.