Aruba: Pirate Ship Snorkel Cruise & BBQ Lunch with Open Bar

Summary

Snorkel Aruba’s reefs & shipwrecks then swing into turquoise water

You’ll board an 85-foot pirate schooner for a relaxed sail along Aruba’s coast with stops to snorkel Malmok Reefs and explore the Antilla shipwreck. Try swinging off the rope into clear water or just soak up sun on deck. A BBQ lunch and open bar keep things easygoing as local guides share stories and help you spot colorful fish.

What’s the experience like?

I still smell the salt on my skin from that day in Aruba — it’s the first thing I remember, actually. We climbed aboard this big old teak pirate ship (the Jolly Pirate, which sounds cheesy but honestly felt right), and the crew was already laughing about someone’s flip-flops going overboard. The wood under my feet was warm and smooth, and there was reggae playing somewhere behind me. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed before we even left the dock.

Our guide, Miguel, handed out snorkel gear with a grin and told us to watch for parrotfish at Malmok Reefs — “the ones that look like they’re smiling,” he said. When I slid into the water, it was cooler than I thought it’d be, but not shocking. There were flashes of blue and yellow everywhere below me. At Boca Catalina, I tried to follow a school of fish but got distracted by some kid doing cannonballs from the rope swing. The crew cheered every time someone let go — I nearly chickened out but ended up doing it twice (my landing wasn’t graceful).

The Antilla shipwreck was something else — you could see her shape lying sideways in the water, all rusted and ghostly. Miguel told us stories about German ships during WWII while we floated above her. Lunch was simple: grilled chicken, slaw, rice, corn on the cob — nothing fancy but tasted perfect after swimming (maybe that’s just hunger talking). Someone spilled their drink when the boat rocked and we all laughed; nobody cared.

I didn’t realize how sunburned my nose got until later that night. But what sticks is that feeling of floating between sun and shade, music drifting over the water, strangers swapping stories by the open bar. If you’re thinking about a day trip in Aruba with snorkeling and a bit of silliness thrown in — this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail, snorkel, swim, and enjoy lunch

• Board 85-foot teak schooner
• Sail to Malmok Reef
• Snorkel and swim at Malmok Reef
• Sail to Boca Catalina
• Snorkel and swim at Boca Catalina
• Sail to WWII shipwreck Antilla
• View shipwreck and snorkel
• Enjoy BBQ lunch on board
• Relax under canopy or sunbathe
• Try the ship's rope swing
• Enjoy open bar and party with crew

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Aruba snorkel cruise?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included with this tour.

What sites do you visit on this Aruba pirate cruise?

The cruise stops at Malmok Reefs, Boca Catalina, and the Antilla WWII shipwreck.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a BBQ lunch is included with chicken, coleslaw, Caribbean rice, corn on the cob, and melon.

Are drinks included on board?

Yes, there is an open bar with unlimited drinks throughout the cruise.

Can children join this Aruba snorkeling tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in a stroller.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, full-set snorkeling gear is provided for all guests.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

How deep is the Antilla shipwreck site?

The Antilla rests in about 60 feet of water near Aruba's coast.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing on an 85-foot teak schooner with multilingual local guides, use of full snorkeling gear at three sites (Malmok Reefs, Boca Catalina, Antilla wreck), access to two restrooms onboard, unlimited drinks from an open bar, a BBQ lunch (with vegetarian options if needed), plus plenty of time for swimming or swinging off the rope into turquoise water before returning to shore in the afternoon.