Mangel Halto

Mangel Halto is a shallow lagoon beach near Pos Chikito in Savaneta, on Aruba's south coast, framed by mangroves and protected by an offshore reef. The beach is about 600 m long, and in 2019 the area was designated a marine reserve within the Marine Park Aruba. The Aruba Tourism Authority rates it among the island's best spots for snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding, with public huts, shaded areas and a wooden sun deck.

What makes Mangel Halto different?

Most Aruban beaches are open sand; Mangel Halto is a maze of mangrove islets and channels with calm, clear water between them. Mangel is the Papiamento word for mangrove. The roots shelter juvenile fish, and the lagoon is shallow enough to wade in many places. North of the beach lies Spaans Lagoen, a protected nature reserve, so this is one of the greenest stretches of the otherwise arid coast.

Is Mangel Halto good for snorkelling?

Yes, and it offers two very different levels. Inside the lagoon the water is calm and shallow, suitable for beginners, and there is the wreck of an old tugboat at about 12 m in the bay. Beyond the reef, the tourism authority describes a wall that drops to around 110 ft (about 34 m), with parrotfish, yellowtail snapper, sergeant majors, blue tangs, gorgonians, sponges and anemones; octopus, morays and barracuda live deeper down. Snorkellers and divers reach the outer reef through cuts in the reef, one marked by a white buoy.

Is it safe?

Inside the lagoon, conditions are usually calm. The outer reef is a different matter: it is open sea, deep and exposed, and the cuts can be used by boats. Go out only if you are a confident swimmer, ideally with a buddy and a float, and turn back if you feel a current. Wear water shoes or booties, because the bottom has rock and coral rubble in places. As this is a marine reserve, do not touch, stand on or collect anything, and do not feed the fish.

Is there shade?

Yes, more than at many beaches. Public huts and shaded areas are spread along the sand, and the mangroves themselves give some cover. There are no beach bars listed by the tourism authority, so bring water and food; the huts are good for a picnic.

When is the best time to go?

Morning, when the water is usually calmest and clearest and before weekend family groups arrive. The beach also catches the late-afternoon light. Paddlers can explore the mangrove channels at any time of day; see kayak and paddleboard for how to rent. For more on the reef, see snorkelling and scuba diving; for the village, Savaneta. Baby Beach, further east, is the other great calm-water snorkelling spot on the south coast.