Aruba: Sail & Snorkel WW2 Shipwreck with Turtles & BBQ Lunch

Summary

Sail aruba’s coast, snorkel ww2 wrecks, turtles and bbq lunch

You’ll sail Aruba’s coastline on a spacious catamaran with local guides, snorkeling above a WW2 shipwreck and swimming alongside turtles in crystal waters. Enjoy an open bar and fresh BBQ lunch as you relax with new friends and soak up Caribbean sun. The little moments — laughter, music, salt air — will stick with you long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not going to believe how blue this water is,” our guide, Miguel, said as we drifted out from Palm Beach. He was right — it’s the kind of blue you almost want to touch just to check if it’s real. There was music playing softly (some old soca tune), and someone behind me was already laughing about the open bar. We were maybe twenty-five people on this big catamaran — plenty of space to flop down or lean over the rails without bumping elbows. I’d worried it might feel crowded but honestly, it felt more like a group of friends who hadn’t met yet.

The first stop was the Antilla Shipwreck — this hulking old German freighter from WWII just lying there under the surface, half-swallowed by coral. I remember the sharp tang of salt in my mask and that weird thrill when a sea turtle glided right past my arm. Miguel called out names of fish in Papiamento (I forgot all of them except “pargo”), and one of the crew handed me a chunk of pineapple while I tried to get my fins off without falling over. Tres Trapi was next — apparently “three steps” because of these rocky ledges you scramble down. The water here was so clear I could see every ripple on the sand below. A couple from Rotterdam waved at me underwater through their goggles — still cracks me up.

Boca Catalina was calmer, more fish than I could count darting around my legs. Someone tried paddle boarding (not me — balance isn’t my thing after two rum punches). Lunch was this smoky BBQ on deck: ribs, grilled chicken, some sort of herby rice, veggie pasta for a few folks who asked. I ate too much but didn’t care because everything tasted better with that sea breeze blowing in your face. The crew kept checking if we needed anything — even brought sunscreen when they saw us turning pinker than planned.

I keep thinking about that moment stretched out on the netting at the front, sun drying saltwater off my skin, listening to strangers swap stories over beers like they’d known each other forever. It wasn’t perfect — I lost a flip-flop overboard (Miguel fished it out) — but somehow that made it even better.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and snorkel along Aruba coast

• Board catamaran with limited guests
• Sail to Antilla Shipwreck
• Explore marine life and corals
• Snorkel at Tres Trapi with turtles
• Snorkel at Boca Catalina
• Relax on nets or shaded cockpit
• Enjoy BBQ lunch onboard

Top questions

How many people are on the Aruba sail and snorkel tour?

The catamaran can hold up to 50 guests but each trip is limited to fewer than 35 passengers for comfort.

Is lunch included on the Aruba snorkeling trip?

Yes, a BBQ lunch is included with options like ribs, chicken, seafood fillet or vegetarian pasta plus salads and rice.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No, snorkel equipment is provided as part of your Aruba sail and snorkel tour.

Where does the Aruba snorkeling tour go?

The tour visits Antilla Shipwreck, Tres Trapi for turtle spotting, and Boca Catalina for snorkeling with tropical fish.

Are drinks included during the Aruba sailing trip?

Yes, there is an open bar onboard with refreshing drinks available throughout your cruise.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian meals are available upon request during booking or onboard.

Is transportation provided to the departure point?

Public transportation options are nearby but hotel pickup is not specifically mentioned.

Is this Aruba snorkeling tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, all physical fitness levels are welcome and guides are there to help if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing along Aruba’s coast with a friendly captain and crew guiding you between three top snorkeling spots; all snorkel equipment provided; local snacks served while cruising; unlimited drinks from an open bar; complimentary stand-up paddle boards; plus a freshly cooked BBQ lunch with vegetarian options before heading back in the afternoon sun.