Private Boat Tour in Aruba: Shipwrecks and Turtle Snorkeling

Shipwrecks, sea turtles, and snorkeling in the calm waters off Malmok Beach

A private boat tour in Aruba departing from Ritz Carlton beach, led by captain Carl, takes you to historical shipwrecks and protected snorkeling sites where you swim with green sea turtles. The route covers the 600-foot Antilla wreck, the shallow reefs of Mangel Halto, and the Malmok Beach area with its colorful fish and the Baboo shipwreck. Light lunch, snorkeling gear, water shoes and drinks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour with snorkeling and lunch

• Start tour at Ritz Carlton beach
• Visit Antilla shipwreck for snorkeling
• Snorkel at Malmok Beach with turtles
• Explore Mangel Halto lagoon and reefs
• Enjoy light lunch with views
• Take surprise tour to south-east island

The experience

Captain Carl runs this tour from Ritz Carlton beach, starting at a shipwreck before moving to snorkel-only sites accessible by boat. The Antilla, a 600-foot German merchant vessel sunk during World War II, sits in shallow water where you can see it by snorkeling. The guide explains its history and points out the marine life around it. Mangel Halto is a shallow lagoon with green-blue reefs where the protected sea turtles swim freely. You'll snorkel there and the crew will video you with them. The Malmok Beach area holds small and large colored fish, the Baboo shipwreck (placed deliberately to create habitat), and more turtles visible from the boat itself.

The boat carries restroom facilities on board. You get snorkeling equipment and water shoes provided, so you arrive ready to enter the water. A light lunch is served partway through, along with sodas, bottled water, Dutch cheese and Dutch pastries. The crew speaks English, Spanish, French, German and one additional language, and they take note of any dietary preferences or allergies when you book. The tour runs five to six hours total, with a surprise stop on the southeast side of the island that the operator details after booking.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and water shoes.
• light lunch with sodas, bottled water, Dutch cheese and Dutch pastries.
• on-board restroom.
• live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and one additional language.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Ocean Encounters Aruba

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so you and your group have the boat and captain to yourselves: ideal if you want to move at your own pace, take extra time at a favorite snorkel site, or coordinate the day around your schedule. The five- to six-hour duration fits a half-day or full morning, leaving the afternoon free for other activities in Aruba.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

25 verified traveler reviews

5 ★25

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Dutch.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Antilla shipwreck like when you snorkel over it?

The Antilla is a 600-foot German merchant vessel that rests in shallow water off Aruba's coast, one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean. You can see it clearly by snorkeling above it, and the guide explains its World War II history: the German captain chose to sink the ship rather than surrender it. Colorful marine life surrounds the wreck.

Can you actually swim with the sea turtles in Malmok Beach?

Yes. The green sea turtles in Malmok Beach are protected in Aruba and swim freely in that area. The shallow water makes it safe and easy to snorkel, and the crew will video you snorkeling with them. Turtles are also spotted from the boat in the same area.

What snorkeling sites does this tour visit?

The tour includes Mangel Halto, a shallow lagoon with preserved green-blue reefs; Malmok Beach with its colored fish and the Baboo shipwreck (an artificial reef); and the Antilla wreck. All three are accessible only by boat and offer different views of Aruba's marine life.

Is snorkeling gear provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment and water shoes are provided as part of the tour, so you don't need to bring your own gear.

What food and drinks are included during the tour?

A light lunch is served on board, along with sodas, bottled water, Dutch cheese and Dutch pastries. The crew takes note of any dietary preferences or allergies when you book.