Aruba: Catamaran Morning Snorkel Sail & Antilla Shipwreck

Summary

Snorkel Aruba shipwrecks reefs and beaches with open bar lunch

You’ll board a spacious Aruba catamaran for a morning of sailing, snorkeling at Antilla Shipwreck and Boca Catalina reef, plus a stop at Arashi Beach. Enjoy an open bar, fresh buffet lunch, and friendly local crew who help you feel at home from the start. Expect laughter, sun-warmed decks, and those little moments that stick with you long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the boat — literally. My sunscreen exploded in my bag right as we got to Palm Beach, so I was wiping sticky coconut goo off my hands when the crew waved us over. They were already laughing (in that easy Aruban way), and one guy — I think his name was Miguel — handed me a towel like he’d seen this before. The catamaran felt huge, all white nets and bright cushions, with music drifting out from somewhere near the bar. I didn’t expect to feel so loose so fast, but maybe it was just the wind or that first cold sip of Balashi beer.

We sailed out past the hotels and suddenly everything went quiet except for water slapping the hull. Our guide, Li, pointed at a dark shape under the surface: “That’s Antilla,” she said, “German ship from World War II.” I’d read about it but seeing it down there — all coral-crusted and ghostly — was something else. When I slipped into the water (awkward flipper moment, but whatever), there was this weird silence except for my own breathing. Fish everywhere, yellow stripes flashing by. At Boca Catalina, someone spotted a sea turtle and everyone lost their minds for a second. Lunch came after — grilled chicken, salads, something with pineapple that tasted way better than it looked.

The last stop was Arashi reef. By then people were sunburned and happy and just sort of sprawled on deck eating fruit or watching pelicans dive near the shore. Li showed us how to say “danki” for thank you in Papiamento; I tried it out on Miguel and he grinned like I’d passed some tiny test. The whole thing lasted maybe four hours but felt longer in that good way where time goes soft around the edges. There’s still salt in my hair as I write this — not complaining.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Morning sail and snorkeling tour

• Board Palm Pleasure catamaran
• Enjoy sailing and open bar
• Snorkel at Antilla Shipwreck
• Snorkel at Boca Catalina
• Snorkel at Arashi reef
• Relax on the beach
• Have lunch on board

Top questions

How long is the Aruba morning snorkel sail?

The tour lasts about half a day with three snorkel stops.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this catamaran tour?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is provided during the trip.

What are the main snorkeling spots visited?

You’ll visit Antilla Shipwreck, Boca Catalina, and Arashi reef.

Is lunch included on this Aruba catamaran tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch prepared by local chefs is included onboard.

Are drinks provided during the sail?

An open bar with beer and tropical drinks is available throughout.

How much time do we get at each snorkel stop?

You have about 30–45 minutes to snorkel at each location.

Is this Aruba snorkeling trip suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; minimum age is 3 years old.

Should I bring anything special for this catamaran tour?

It’s recommended to bring sunscreen and a beach towel.

What’s included

Your morning includes sailing aboard a spacious 70-foot catamaran with three guided snorkel stops at Antilla Shipwreck, Boca Catalina, and Arashi reef; use of all snorkeling equipment; an open bar serving beer and tropical drinks; plus a buffet lunch prepared by island chefs before returning to shore feeling sun-kissed and salty in all the right ways.