Aruba: Catamaran Shipwreck Snorkel & Turtle Swim Tour

Summary

Snorkel Aruba’s shipwrecks then swim with turtles and relax on deck

You’ll sail Aruba’s coast on a catamaran with friendly local crew, snorkeling above the historic Antilla shipwreck and swimming with turtles at Tres Trapi. Enjoy a light lunch onboard with cold drinks from an open bar before relaxing in shaded spots or trying out the rope swing. Expect laughter, real stories from locals, and a few surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t actually expect the water off Aruba to be that clear. When we first climbed onto the catamaran—bare feet, sunscreen half rubbed in—I could already see the blue stretching out like someone had turned up the color. The crew, all smiles and quick jokes, handed out masks and gave us this safety talk that was way less boring than I thought it’d be. I kept fidgeting with my snorkel strap while the wind picked up, salty and warm. Someone from our group asked if the Antilla shipwreck was haunted (the captain just grinned).

The actual snorkeling at the Antilla shipwreck felt sort of unreal—like swimming through a movie set, but quieter. You can see the outline of the old German freighter under you, barnacled and swaying with fish. It’s weirdly peaceful down there; even my heartbeat sounded loud. I tried to follow our guide’s hand signals but mostly just floated above everything, watching tiny blue fish dart around rusted metal. My mask fogged up once and I almost swallowed some seawater—classic me.

After that we sailed over to Tres Trapi for turtle spotting. The sun was higher by then and the deck was getting hot underfoot. One of the crew—Li—pointed out how to spot turtles before they surface (I still missed it until everyone else started pointing). When one finally popped up right next to me, I think I squeaked? Anyway, it felt like time slowed down for a second. Lunch back on board meant fruit so cold it made my teeth hurt, little sliders, pastries that tasted vaguely of coconut. There was an open bar but honestly I stuck to juice because saltwater always makes me thirsty.

I ended up stretched out in the shade while someone else tried the rope swing off the side (looked fun but not for me). The breeze kept blowing snack wrappers around and Li told us about growing up here—how he still swims at Tres Trapi sometimes when he’s off work. It all felt strangely familiar by then, like we’d been doing this forever instead of just a few hours. I still think about that moment floating above the shipwreck—quiet except for my own breath—and how different everything looked underwater.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran cruise and snorkeling adventure

• Board luxury catamaran
• Receive snorkeling equipment and safety briefing
• Sail along Aruba's scenic coast
• Snorkel at Antilla shipwreck
• Snorkel with turtles at Tres Trapi
• Enjoy light lunch and open bar
• Relax on spacious decks with shaded areas

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment included in this Aruba catamaran tour?

Yes, all snorkel gear is provided onboard along with a free lesson if you need it.

What food and drinks are served during this trip?

A light lunch is included—fresh fruit, sliders, local pastries—and there’s an open bar with liquors, mixers, juices, soft drinks, and water (beer not included).

Do you get to swim with turtles on this tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at Tres Trapi where you can swim and snorkel with Aruba’s turtles.

How long does it take to reach the Antilla shipwreck?

The catamaran sails along Aruba’s coast; reaching Antilla is part of the relaxed itinerary but exact timing may vary depending on conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

Private transportation is included for your convenience.

Are there shaded areas on board?

Yes, there are comfortable shaded spots on deck where you can relax between swims.

Can children join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Is beer served during this cruise?

No beer is included; only liquors (for guests 18+), mixers, soft drinks, juices, and water are available from the open bar.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation to and from your accommodation in Aruba plus use of snorkel equipment (with free lessons if needed), safety briefing by friendly local crew, two guided snorkeling stops at Antilla shipwreck and Tres Trapi turtle site, access to shaded seating areas as well as rope swing and diving platform fun onboard—a light lunch featuring fresh fruit, sliders and pastries is served alongside an open bar stocked with spirits (for adults), soft drinks and juices throughout your cruise.