Aruba: Afternoon Catamaran Snorkel & Antilla Shipwreck Sail

Summary

Snorkel Aruba’s shipwrecks and reefs with snacks and open bar

You’ll sail Aruba’s coast on a roomy catamaran with hotel pickup, then snorkel at Boca Catalina and above the Antilla shipwreck alongside friendly guides. Enjoy open bar drinks and tropical snacks as you dry off in salty sunshine. There’s laughter, music, and those underwater moments you’ll replay later — plus enough time to just lean back and let Aruba do its thing.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever seen a fish that bright blue?” That’s what the guy next to me asked as we bobbed near the Antilla shipwreck. I just shook my head — honestly, I was still trying to get my mask sorted and not swallow half the Caribbean. The crew on the Palm Pleasure catamaran had made it all look easy, handing out gear with these practiced hands and laughing about how everyone always forgets which way the fins go. I liked that they didn’t rush us, even when someone (okay, maybe me) kept dropping their snorkel in the net bag.

The first stop was Boca Catalina — water so clear you could see your own shadow on the sand below. Our guide, Jairo, pointed out a school of yellow fish darting around some coral. He said their name in Papiamento and grinned when I tried to repeat it (I definitely butchered it). There was this salty-sweet smell in the air from the snacks they’d set out — plantain chips and something coconutty I kept going back for. We drifted along until someone shouted “turtle!” but by the time I spun around, it was gone. Typical.

Getting to float over the Antilla wreck felt weirdly peaceful. You can see parts of it poking up through the surface — rusty metal covered in coral and tiny waving plants. It’s huge up close; Jairo told us it’s been there since World War II, which made me pause for a second thinking about how much has changed since then. The sun started dipping lower and everything turned gold for a minute. Back on deck, people lounged with rum punch from the open bar, music playing soft enough that you could still hear waves slapping against the hull. I still think about that light sometimes — not sure why it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon sail and snorkeling tour

• Pickup from your hotel
• Board 70-foot catamaran
• Enjoy cocktails and tropical snacks
• Sail on Caribbean turquoise waters
• Snorkel at two locations
• Explore Antilla shipwreck
• Return to shore and hotel transfer

Top questions

How long is the Aruba afternoon snorkel sail?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, all snorkel equipment is included along with instruction if needed.

Does this Aruba catamaran tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What sites do you visit during this Aruba snorkeling trip?

You’ll snorkel at Boca Catalina and explore the Antilla shipwreck site.

Are food and drinks included on board?

Tropical snacks and an open bar with drinks are provided during your sail.

Can children join this Aruba snorkeling tour?

The minimum age for participants is 3 years old.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or non-swimmers?

The crew provides instruction; basic swimming ability is recommended but not required for all activities.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes hotel pickup and drop-off, use of snorkel equipment with friendly instruction from local guides, all local taxes taken care of, plus complimentary tropical snacks and drinks from an open bar throughout your 3-hour catamaran sail before returning comfortably to your hotel.