Aruba Snorkel Antilla Shipwreck: Two Sites, Open Bar

Snorkel two Caribbean reefs in one afternoon without renting gear or arranging drinks

You board a catamaran at Palm Beach, snorkel in the calm, shallow waters of Catalina Bay first, then head to the Antilla shipwreck where visibility reaches 50 feet and the wreck is alive with tropical fish and rays. Snorkeling gear, instruction, an open bar and snacks are all included, and you're back on shore by afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran sail and snorkeling tour

• Board luxury catamaran
• Enjoy open bar and snacks
• Snorkel at Catalina Bay
• Snorkel at Antilla Shipwreck
• Relax and sail back to Palm Beach

The experience

The safety briefing at Catalina Bay took longer than expected: the crew wanted to make sure everyone was comfortable in the water before we even got in. That's the kind of thing that doesn't sound like much until you're actually there and realize it matters. The bay itself sits off the northwestern tip of Aruba, shallow and calm, maybe 15 feet down at most. Queen angelfish drift past, blue parrotfish school together, and the water is so clear you can see the sand. If you've never snorkeled before or haven't done it in years, this is where you get your confidence back.

Then the catamaran takes you out to the Antilla shipwreck, and it's a different world. The wreck is a WWII freighter that went down decades ago, and now it's basically a reef. The starboard side is crusted thick with coral, and the visibility runs 30 to 50 feet depending on the day. The wreck itself starts about 10 feet below the surface, so you're not diving, just snorkeling over it. Yellowtail snapper, butterfly fish, southern stingrays, green morays. They're all living in and around the upper deck like it's their neighborhood, which it is. You float there and watch them move through the structure, and it's quieter than you'd think, just your own breathing and the sound of the water.

Between the two snorkel sites, you're back on the catamaran with an open bar and bite-sized appetizers. The crew handles all the gear (it's provided and fitted for you), so you're not fumbling with rental equipment or worrying about whether your mask fits. The whole thing runs three hours, which is long enough to feel unhurried but short enough that you're not exhausted by the end. If you're staying in Aruba and want to get in the water without arranging your own boat or spending a full day on the ocean, this fills that gap.

What’s included

• Your three-hour tour includes snorkeling equipment and instruction at both sites, a luxury catamaran with two snorkel stops, an open bar, and bite-sized appetizers.
• You'll visit Catalina Bay first for shallow-water snorkeling, then the Antilla shipwreck where visibility runs deep and the marine life is abundant.
• All gear is fitted and provided by the crew.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday, Saturday and SundayDeparts at 14:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Meet us 30 minutes prior to your activity at Piet's Pier in between the Barcelo and Hyatt on Palm beach.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Red Sail Sports - Aruba

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to snorkel Aruba's two most famous sites in one afternoon without renting gear or navigating the boat yourself. The three-hour window is what keeps both stops unhurried and leaves your day flexible.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What's the water depth at the Antilla shipwreck?

The wreck begins about 10 feet below the surface. Visibility averages 30 to 50 feet, and you snorkel (not dive) over it. Catalina Bay is shallower, around 15 feet.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. All snorkeling equipment and instruction are provided. The crew fits your gear before you enter the water.

What's included to eat and drink?

An open bar and bite-sized appetizers are included throughout the three-hour tour.

How long is the tour?

Three hours total. You visit two snorkel sites: Catalina Bay first, then the Antilla shipwreck, with time on the catamaran between stops.

Do you need to arrange a transfer to the pier?

Transfers are available on request for major hotels not within walking distance of Palm Beach pier, but availability is limited. Contact the supplier directly to arrange.

What marine life will I see?

At Catalina Bay: queen angelfish, blue parrotfish, damselfish. At the Antilla wreck: yellowtail snapper, butterfly fish, southern stingrays, green morays, barracudas, bluehead wrasse, and white grunts.

What should I bring?

Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and a camera. Gear is provided.