Aruba: Catamaran Sail & Snorkel Antilla Shipwreck with Open Bar

Summary

Catamaran sailing, snorkeling Antilla wreck and open bar fun

You’ll sail Aruba’s coastline on a roomy catamaran with local guides who keep things relaxed (and funny). Snorkel through clear waters at Catalina Bay, then float above the Antilla shipwreck while fish dart around you. Unlimited drinks and snacks keep you fueled between stops — it’s easygoing but somehow still sticks with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped barefoot onto the catamaran just as the sun was starting to warm up the Aruba coastline. There was this salty breeze — not too strong — and I could hear someone laughing behind me, probably already eyeing the open bar. Our guide, Daniel, handed out snorkel masks and told us Catalina Bay would be our first stop. He said something about parrotfish being especially curious here. I wasn’t sure if he was joking or not, but I liked the idea of fish with personalities.

Catalina Bay felt gentle, almost like a big swimming pool but with flashes of blue and yellow darting under us. The water was cooler than I expected (in a good way), and when I dipped my face in for the first time, there was this muffled quiet — just my own breathing and the distant sound of someone splashing nearby. I tried to wave at a kid who looked like he’d never snorkeled before; he waved back with both hands and nearly lost his mask. That made me laugh underwater, which is harder than you’d think.

After snacks (some kind of local pastry that tasted sweet-salty — wish I’d asked what it was), we sailed out toward the Antilla shipwreck. The mood shifted a bit; people got quieter as Daniel explained how the German freighter ended up here in 1940. Seeing its shadow below us gave me goosebumps. Some folks dove right in, but I hesitated at first — then just went for it. Swimming over that old wreck felt weirdly peaceful, like floating above a secret world nobody can really touch anymore. Even now, I still think about that view through my foggy mask.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and snorkel at Aruba sites

• Board spacious catamaran
• Sail along Aruba’s beaches
• Snorkel at Catalina Bay
• Snorkel at Antilla Shipwreck
• Enjoy open bar and snacks

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Aruba tour?

Yes, all snorkel equipment is included for guests.

Does this Aruba catamaran tour include drinks?

Yes, there’s an open bar with unlimited alcoholic beverages available onboard.

Where do we snorkel during this Aruba sail trip?

You’ll snorkel at Catalina Bay and at the Antilla Shipwreck marine sanctuary.

Are snacks served on this sailing & snorkeling tour?

Yes, snacks are provided during the trip along with drinks.

Is this Aruba snorkeling tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most fitness levels.

Can infants or small children join this catamaran trip?

Infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed onboard.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes use of National Geographic snorkeling gear at both Catalina Bay and the Antilla shipwreck marine sanctuary, unlimited drinks from an open bar (including alcoholic beverages), tasty snacks between stops, plus guidance from friendly local crew members throughout your time on board.