Mangel Halto
Map of MPA Mangel Halto (blue) and Arikok National Park (green).[1]
Coordinates12°27′54″N 69°58′10″W / 12.464917°N 69.969528°W / 12.464917; -69.969528
Dive type
Depth range16 to 25 m (52 to 82 ft)
Average visibility20 m (66 ft)
Entry type
  • Shore
  • Boat
Bottom compositionSand and coral
WaterSalt
Nearby sites
  • Hole in the wall (0.12 km (0.075 mi))
  • Isla di Oro (1.35 km (0.84 mi))
  • De Palm slope (1.58 km (0.98 mi))
  • Santo largo reef (2.24 km (1.39 mi))

Mangel Halto is a shallow lagoon and recreational dive site near Pos Chikito in Aruba.[2][3] In 2019, it was designated as a marine reserve within the Marine Park Aruba, with management overseen by the National Park Foundation of Aruba.[1]

Geography

Coastal features

Mangel Halto is nestled amidst the mangrove forests and boasts is a tranquil beach that stretches approximately 600 metres (0.37 mi) in length. To the north of the beach lies the natural reserve known as Spaans Lagoen.[4] The calm and shallow lagoon make it an ideal spot for activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP boarding.[5]

Inside the bay

Mangel Halto, Tugboat is a bowl-shaped dive site with the wreck of an old tugboat, Kappel, at a depth of 12 metres (39 ft).[6] Suitable for beginner snorkelers.[7]

Outside the cut

Mangel Halto, Outside is a sloping coastal reef dive site located just beyond the reef where the ocean depth reaches 110 metres (360 ft).[2] There are two cuts on the left side of the reef, these cuts are used to get access beyond the reef. The deepest cut is marked by a white buoy. The left cut is more shallow and less chance for boat traffic. This area is suitable for advanced snorkelers.[7]

The reef ecosystem serves as a habitat for octopuses, Green moray, sea turtles and barracudas.[5][2]

Geomorphology

The area around Mangel Halto features limestone cliffs from the Late Pleistocene Lower Terrace mixed with reef rubble.[1]

Limestone cliffs
Mangrove forest

References

  1. 1 2 3 Wal, Sietske van der; Nunes, Giancarlo; Silva, Natasha & Cuba, Roland de (2019). "Parke Marino Aruba 2019-2021 Preliminary Management Plan" (PDF). Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database. Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA).{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  2. 1 2 3 "MANGEL HALTO BUITEN, Aruba, duikstekinformatie". www.duikersgids.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 2023-11-02.
  3. ↑ "Mangel Halto dive site | PADI". PADI Travel. Retrieved 2023-11-02.
  4. ↑ "Mangel Halto Beach". 🏖️Beaches of Aruba. Retrieved 2023-11-02.
  5. 1 2 "Mangel Halto Beach Aruba - Snorkelling & Shore Diving". www.aruba.com. Retrieved 2023-11-02.
  6. ↑ "MANGEL HALTO, LOODSBOOT, Aruba, Dive Site Information". www.divers-guide.com. Retrieved 2023-11-03.
  7. 1 2 "Snorkeling Mangel Halto - Best In Aruba, Not For Beginners". 2021-08-09. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
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