Practical details
Pickup time: 7:30am
Private group size: 1 – 5 *
* For larger groups please contact us
Duration: about 5 hours (hiking + snorkeling)
Highlights: Mangrove forest · Gold mill ruins · bird life · pristine coral reef · 100% private · all-inclusive · family-friendly
What's included?
- Complimentary pick up & drop off
- Private local guide
- Snacks & beverages
- Use of snorkel gear
- Use of towels
- Use of reef-safe sunscreen
- ...and more!
What should I bring?
- Sturdy shoes
- Hat and/or sunglasses
- Swimwear
- Flip flops (recommended)
- Rashguard (recommended)
Price
$145 guide fee + $60 per adult
Children (15 or younger) half-price
What to expect
Get up close and personal with Aruba’s wildlife in a way that’s currently unique on the island. We’ll start our hike at the Balashi gold mill ruins, where you’ll learn all about its history and enjoy a great view from Spanish Lagoon. You’ll then venture into the surrounding hills and mangroves, where you’ll enjoy Aruba’s local birds and flora.
After the hike you can cool off at Mangel Halto, snorkeling past healthy coral reefs under guidance of an experienced, EFR certified guide. You can expect a private experience that is 100% catered to the pereference and experience level of your group. The activities are extremely versatile and can be adapted on the spot if you decide to take it easy, or want to look for more adventure.
We do not operate by boat. Boat engines are loud and disturb (and potentially damage) marine life. By approaching from shore, you get to access rarely-visited spots that are more vibrant with fish, coral and other marine life.
Searching Availability...
Rather book the hike or snorkel separately?
Hike only: Mangrove forest
Snorkeling only: Pristine coral reef
@jaclynkpRead More
"Wonderful hike and snorkel!"
We really enjoyed this private hike and snorkel excursion. The hike gave us a chance to see more of the island with our knowledgeable tour guide, Rob. A good mix of nature and exercise! A surprise trip to the Donkey Sanctuary gave us more insight to the islands history and a chance to spend time with donkeys, peacocks, and roosters. ending with a snorkeling adventure where we saw plenty of underwater “friends”! Would recommend.
We really enjoyed this private hike and snorkel excursion. The hike gave us a chance to see more of the island with our knowledgeable tour guide, Rob. A good mix of nature and exercise! A surprise trip to the Donkey Sanctuary gave us more insight to the islands history and a chance to spend time with donkeys, peacocks, and roosters. ending with a snorkeling adventure where we saw plenty of underwater “friends”! Would recommend.
@jasonsW7757OERead More
"Endangered wildlife & tropical fish"
We really enjoyed our time with Rob! We figured the mangrove hike would be an underrated excursion, and we weren't wrong. The hike took us through several different biomes, from the mangrove swamp to sand flats to xeric upland shrublands. Wildlife we saw included threatened burrowing owls, and the native eagle. Flora in bloom ran from aloes to passionflowers to barrel cactus. Afterwards, we did the reef snorkel, which was certainly the best-equipped snorkel I'd done. Rob had modern, higher-tech, easy-to-use equipment that looked brand new. He led us down a current over a reef not far offshore. It was enjoyable to drift with the current and watch the colorful tropical fish.
We really enjoyed our time with Rob! We figured the mangrove hike would be an underrated excursion, and we weren't wrong. The hike took us through several different biomes, from the mangrove swamp to sand flats to xeric upland shrublands. Wildlife we saw included threatened burrowing owls, and the native eagle. Flora in bloom ran from aloes to passionflowers to barrel cactus. Afterwards, we did the reef snorkel, which was certainly the best-equipped snorkel I'd done. Rob had modern, higher-tech, easy-to-use equipment that looked brand new. He led us down a current over a reef not far offshore. It was enjoyable to drift with the current and watch the colorful tropical fish.
@Y86RNalexcRead More
"Incredible tour!"
I couldn't have been happier. I'm not a very experienced snorkeler and my wife had never even put on flippers but Rob took great care of us and made sure we felt comfortable. The spot he took us to was beautiful too, we were the only people out at the reef. Saw some incredible sea life and had a blast. The hike was awesome too, through some mangroves and part of the arid side of Aruba. We saw lots of birds. Rob answered all of my questions about the island and took the time to explain everything. This was a great tour and I recommend it to anyone from the first-timer to the experienced snorkeler. So much better than getting on one of those giant boats with 50 other people.
I couldn't have been happier. I'm not a very experienced snorkeler and my wife had never even put on flippers but Rob took great care of us and made sure we felt comfortable. The spot he took us to was beautiful too, we were the only people out at the reef. Saw some incredible sea life and had a blast. The hike was awesome too, through some mangroves and part of the arid side of Aruba. We saw lots of birds. Rob answered all of my questions about the island and took the time to explain everything. This was a great tour and I recommend it to anyone from the first-timer to the experienced snorkeler. So much better than getting on one of those giant boats with 50 other people.
@Q6534DNjuliemRead More
"A wonderful way to appreciate Aruba!"
Great private tour with Rob from Fins and Feet, I highly recommend this activity, which includes a hike of the Spanish Lagoon area and snorkeling in a secluded area leading out to a coral reef. One of the best things for me personally was Rob’s 7-year experience as a Dive Master. I hadn’t snorkeled in a long time, and he was able to provide reassurance, practical tips, and equipment that allowed me to relax and fully experience the beautiful aquatic life off the coast of Aruba. Not only did he come equipped with the right snorkeling gear and safety equipment, he had water, fruit, granola bars, and sandwiches to keep us adequately hydrated and energized. Loved having photos of us hiking and snorkeling, too. He’s also just a heck of a nice young man, and my husband and I wish him and his girlfriend all the best as they continue to build their fledgling company. Thanks Rob!!
Great private tour with Rob from Fins and Feet, I highly recommend this activity, which includes a hike of the Spanish Lagoon area and snorkeling in a secluded area leading out to a coral reef. One of the best things for me personally was Rob’s 7-year experience as a Dive Master. I hadn’t snorkeled in a long time, and he was able to provide reassurance, practical tips, and equipment that allowed me to relax and fully experience the beautiful aquatic life off the coast of Aruba. Not only did he come equipped with the right snorkeling gear and safety equipment, he had water, fruit, granola bars, and sandwiches to keep us adequately hydrated and energized. Loved having photos of us hiking and snorkeling, too. He’s also just a heck of a nice young man, and my husband and I wish him and his girlfriend all the best as they continue to build their fledgling company. Thanks Rob!!
@mathieudesmetRead More
"We highly recommend Fins & Feet for a personal and dedicated, safe and ecologically responsible experience"
We had a beautiful and very interesting hike through the mangroves, learned about history, nature and local culture at the same time. At the end of our tour we spotted several burrowing owls. For our snorkeling trip in open sea my wife was very nervous, but thanks to Rob's calm and clear explanations and guidance, this too was a great succes. Everything went smooth, the reef was just the most beautiful thing, and with Rob pointing out several gorgeous fish and corals, this was just an amazing experience. We did see the typical mass snorkeling at Tres Trapi, 4 boats and about 80 people in the water at the same time, and we were so glad we booked this eco- and reef friendly personal and safe snorkeling experience!
We had a beautiful and very interesting hike through the mangroves, learned about history, nature and local culture at the same time. At the end of our tour we spotted several burrowing owls. For our snorkeling trip in open sea my wife was very nervous, but thanks to Rob's calm and clear explanations and guidance, this too was a great succes. Everything went smooth, the reef was just the most beautiful thing, and with Rob pointing out several gorgeous fish and corals, this was just an amazing experience. We did see the typical mass snorkeling at Tres Trapi, 4 boats and about 80 people in the water at the same time, and we were so glad we booked this eco- and reef friendly personal and safe snorkeling experience!
@K1694EArachelmRead More
"Personal Touches & Expertise Make the Experience!"
This was our favorite excursion in Aruba. Monica led our hike and snorkel trip. Her calm confidence, warmth and knowledge of the island made the experience. We also loved the personal, thoughtful and eco-friendly touches of aluminum water bottles, homemade sandwiches and fruit in reusable containers, and a stop to feed the donkeys our watermelon rinds. Highly recommend for the experience and opportunity to connect with locals in an authentic way. Thank you, Monica and Fins and Feet!
This was our favorite excursion in Aruba. Monica led our hike and snorkel trip. Her calm confidence, warmth and knowledge of the island made the experience. We also loved the personal, thoughtful and eco-friendly touches of aluminum water bottles, homemade sandwiches and fruit in reusable containers, and a stop to feed the donkeys our watermelon rinds. Highly recommend for the experience and opportunity to connect with locals in an authentic way. Thank you, Monica and Fins and Feet!
@365marjoleinwRead More
"Lots to see and learn"
We very much enjoyed the hiking early in the morning, with a lot of information from Rob on plants and animals. The snorling part of the tour was really marvelous, with a lot of colourful fish and some pieces of coral reef. A great experience, with a personal touch!
We very much enjoyed the hiking early in the morning, with a lot of information from Rob on plants and animals. The snorling part of the tour was really marvelous, with a lot of colourful fish and some pieces of coral reef. A great experience, with a personal touch!
@bethp763Read More
"Highlight of trip - best snorkeling ever"
I wrote a more extensive review about Fins and Feet - but this is the particular hike we did and we loved it. The highlight was the snorkeling, but the mangrove itself was fascinating. And we were happy to get away from the hotel areas and explore this unusual site (a former gold mill and lagoon and mangrove. We saw eagles and owls and no rattlesnakes ( to my delight). The snorkeling was phenomenal - the best snorkeling experience I've ever had. I'll be dreaming about it for the rest of my life. It's a magical world and it's our responsibility to protect it. Fins and Feet offers the chance to witness the beautify while not harming it, and that made the experience all the better. Thank you Rob!
I wrote a more extensive review about Fins and Feet - but this is the particular hike we did and we loved it. The highlight was the snorkeling, but the mangrove itself was fascinating. And we were happy to get away from the hotel areas and explore this unusual site (a former gold mill and lagoon and mangrove. We saw eagles and owls and no rattlesnakes ( to my delight). The snorkeling was phenomenal - the best snorkeling experience I've ever had. I'll be dreaming about it for the rest of my life. It's a magical world and it's our responsibility to protect it. Fins and Feet offers the chance to witness the beautify while not harming it, and that made the experience all the better. Thank you Rob!
@patton725Read More
"Great personal tours
Rob did a great job spotting wildlife and local plants. Was very knowledgeable about the ecology. We saw a rattlesnake, owls, osprey and others. Took the extra steps of showing off a local bakery and introducing us to local favorites. They specialize in small groups. We were the only ones on both of our excursions so great personal service. Highly recommended!!
Rob did a great job spotting wildlife and local plants. Was very knowledgeable about the ecology. We saw a rattlesnake, owls, osprey and others. Took the extra steps of showing off a local bakery and introducing us to local favorites. They specialize in small groups. We were the only ones on both of our excursions so great personal service. Highly recommended!!
@LoveTravel604413Read More
"Great excursion in Aruba with Rob"
As other folks have said, going on an adventure with Rob (and Miranka behind the scenes) was great. Rob does a great job of showing you things you might miss on your own. We spent the better part of the entire day with Rob, doing the nature hike, and snorkel. It was our favorite port/excursion for our cruise. A couple things stand our for us. First, they are willing to work with you on your trip, customize if you will. Let them know what you like to do, and your time frame and they'll work with you. All within a VERY reasonable price range. Another thing I really liked was Rob, was more than happy to take ample pictures along the way. This was especially helpful with the snorkel tour as I didn't have to worry about my GoPro Camera while in the water, just took in the natural beauty of if all. Rob shared his pictures with us a few days later, it was a nice bonus. Don't hesitate to contact Rob and Miranka, again, they'll work with you on your trip and will make sure you have a great time in Aruba.
As other folks have said, going on an adventure with Rob (and Miranka behind the scenes) was great. Rob does a great job of showing you things you might miss on your own. We spent the better part of the entire day with Rob, doing the nature hike, and snorkel. It was our favorite port/excursion for our cruise. A couple things stand our for us. First, they are willing to work with you on your trip, customize if you will. Let them know what you like to do, and your time frame and they'll work with you. All within a VERY reasonable price range. Another thing I really liked was Rob, was more than happy to take ample pictures along the way. This was especially helpful with the snorkel tour as I didn't have to worry about my GoPro Camera while in the water, just took in the natural beauty of if all. Rob shared his pictures with us a few days later, it was a nice bonus. Don't hesitate to contact Rob and Miranka, again, they'll work with you on your trip and will make sure you have a great time in Aruba.
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