Aruba: Private Boat Cruise & Snorkeling at Antilla Wreck

Private Aruba boat ride with snorkeling stops at Antilla wreck, Arashi Beach reef and Malmok’s caves led by local captain

You’ll board a private boat in Aruba with your own captain, cruise along the coastline to snorkel above the WWII Antilla shipwreck and explore reefs near Arashi Beach. Swim through clear water with all equipment provided, spot marine life up close, and relax on deck between stops — it’s a day where Aruba feels yours alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat cruise with snorkeling

• Board private boat with captain
• Snorkel at German freighter Antilla wreck
• Pass by Arashi Beach and reef
• Snorkel at Malmok reef and Boca Catalina Bay
• Cruise along scenic shoreline

The Experience

I still remember stepping barefoot onto the deck, salt in the air and my hair already doing its own thing. Our captain, Diego, grinned and handed us cold water — he joked about “island time” when we asked how long to the first stop. It felt like the boat belonged to us for those hours, just our group and that wide blue stretch between Aruba’s coast and the horizon. I kept watching pelicans dive near Arashi Beach as we motored past the lighthouse — didn’t expect to see so many this close.

The real surprise was snorkeling above the Antilla shipwreck. Diego tossed us masks and pointed out where to jump in (I hesitated — that water is clearer than any pool). The hull looked massive under there, covered in sponges and little flashes of yellow fish darting around. My friend tried a snorkel scooter for the first time, zipped off way too fast, came up laughing. There’s this odd quiet underwater except for your own breathing; I caught myself just floating above the steel bones of that old freighter thinking about how it ended up here.

Later we drifted near Malmok’s shoreline — you can see fossilized coral if you look close enough. The sun got stronger but there was always a breeze. Diego told us locals come out early before tourists crowd Arashi Beach, but today it felt peaceful, just a couple families on shore waving at us. We finished with fruit on deck (pineapple tastes different here somehow?) and let ourselves dry off in the sun before heading back. I still think about that view behind us as we left — maybe that’s what people mean by “One Happy Island,” though nobody says it quite like that in real life.

Top questions

How long does the private boat cruise last?

The standard option is 2 hours but may vary depending on booking selection.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included with the 2-hour option.

Where does the tour go?

You’ll visit Antilla shipwreck, Arashi Beach reef, and Malmok shoreline/caves.

Are children or infants allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome onboard.

Is hotel pickup provided?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

What should I bring for check-in?

The credit card holder must bring photo ID or a copy (ID card, driver’s license or passport).

Can beginners snorkel here?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; guides assist if needed.

Are snorkel scooters available?

Snorkel scooters are available if you select that option during booking.

What’s included

Your private cruise includes use of snorkeling equipment (with 2-hour bookings), optional snorkel scooters if selected ahead of time, a knowledgeable local captain guiding you to each spot along Aruba’s coast, plus space for infants or small children in prams or strollers if needed.