Snorkeling in Aruba: Private boat with turtles and shipwreck

You steer the day, not the other way around.

A private snorkeling charter in Aruba pairs you with a captain and first mate who know the reefs and take you to calm swim areas, snorkeling spots and scenic coastline. You choose what matters: whether to spend time with turtles at Arashi Beach, explore corals and fish at Boca Catalina, or dive near the SS Antilla, a German cargo ship scuttled in 1940. The boat carries snorkel gear, drinks, snacks and ice. The crew handles safety and navigation while you decide the pace.

Options for this experience

2 options

From US$ 2,000 per group, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Food and drinks may be brought from home No fixed time Guide in English, Spanish or Dutch Snorkeling in a private setting

All Inclusive No fixed time Guide in English, Spanish or Dutch Open bar and charcuterie board, with private snorkeling

None of these options right for you? See 12 alternatives ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Private snorkeling and cruising tour

• Board private boat
• Snorkel at Arashi Beach
• Snorkel at Boca Catalina
• View SS Antilla shipwreck

What’s included

• Snorkel gear.
• soda and soft drinks.
• alcoholic beverages.
• snacks.
• ice.
• captain and first mate.
• live guide in English, Spanish or Dutch.
• all fees and taxes.

Times

• Every day No fixed time

Before you book

Group Private 7 group tours ›

Live guide English, Spanish and Dutch

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. 4 with pickup ›

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Stroller-friendly Pets welcome Public transport nearby Infants must sit on laps

Operated by Strea Charters

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

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Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 11 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

The boat itself is the difference here. A private charter means no schedule written by someone else, no strangers' preferences shaping the stops, no rush between sites. Your captain and first mate are local experts on Aruban marine life and they know which reefs hold turtles on any given day, where the calmest water sits for swimmers who want no current, and how to read the conditions so you spend your time in the water, not waiting. Snorkel gear comes with the booking, or bring your own if you prefer.

Arashi Beach is the starting point for most days. A protected bay where turtles are common and the water stays shallow enough to see the seafloor clearly. From there, the captain takes you where the conditions and your mood point. Boca Catalina, a small tranquil bay on the northwest coast, holds fish and corals in water so clear you see them without effort. The SS Antilla, a 1939 German cargo ship sitting in Malmok Bay since its crew scuttled it in May 1940 to keep Dutch authorities from seizing it, rises from the seabed as an artificial reef now thick with marine life. Which stops you hit depends on what you want that day.

The boat carries soda, beer, wine and snacks. Ice keeps everything cold. You can bring your own food and drinks instead if that suits you better: the two options let you choose at checkout. A four-hour window gives you time to snorkel at two or three sites without feeling rushed, and the crew stays focused on keeping everyone safe and comfortable in the water.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish 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 kind of fish and marine life will I see while snorkeling in Aruba?

Arashi Beach and Boca Catalina both hold tropical fish and corals. Turtles are common at both sites. The SS Antilla wreck, sitting on the seabed in Malmok Bay, has become an artificial reef with its own population of fish and marine growth around the hull and cargo holds.

Do I need my own snorkel gear or is it provided?

Snorkel gear is included with the charter. You can use the equipment the boat provides, or bring your own if you prefer your own mask and fins.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the boat?

Yes. The charter offers two options at checkout: an all-inclusive package with soda, beer, wine and snacks provided, or a bring-your-own option if you'd rather pack your own food and drinks.

How experienced do I need to be to snorkel on this charter?

You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to participate. The captain and first mate are experienced guides who can show you how to use the gear and will take you to calm water and shallow reefs where you can see clearly without strong currents.

Is this charter suitable for families with young children?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on the boat, and infants can sit on an adult's lap during the cruise. The crew is trained in safety and can help families with kids get in and out of the water.