Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay Snorkel Sail

Explore the captivating underwater world of Aruba’s Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay during this thrilling snorkel sail. Dive into crystal-clear waters and witness the historic 400-foot German freighter, now teeming with vibrant marine life and colorful coral formations. With personalized attention for up to 75 guests, this excursion caters to all skill levels, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned snorkelers. Onboard, you’ll enjoy complimentary snacks and an open bar, elevating the experience. But the true allure lies beneath the surface, where you’ll come face-to-face with a remarkable underwater landscape that will leave you wanting more.

Contents hide

1 Overview of the Excursion

2 Itinerary and Highlights

3 Snorkeling Experience at Catalina Bay

4 Snorkeling Experience at the Antilla Shipwreck

5 Onboard Amenities and Services

6 Customer Feedback and Recommendations

7 Preparing for the Excursion

8 Booking and Cancellation Policies

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

An intimate snorkeling excursion that offers the chance to explore the vibrant marine life of Catalina Bay and the historic Antilla shipwreck in Aruba.
The tour includes a 30-minute snorkel at Catalina Bay and a 40-minute snorkel at the Antilla wreck, with snorkeling gear and safety briefing provided.
Catalina Bay offers a diverse ecosystem with angelfish, yellowtail snapper, and stingrays, while the Antilla wreck features coral-covered surfaces and marine life such as butterflyfish and moray eels.
The tour has a maximum capacity of 75 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience, and includes an open bar and bite-sized snacks.
Suitable for all skill levels, the tour provides an unforgettable underwater adventure and has received positive feedback from 294 reviewers, with a 4.5-star rating.

Overview of the Excursion

This afternoon excursion in Aruba invites travelers to experience the vibrant marine life of Catalina Bay and the eerie allure of the Antilla shipwreck while aboard a luxurious catamaran.

During the tour, you’ll have the chance to snorkel alongside tropical fish, including angelfish, yellowtail snapper, and stingrays. The open bar and bite-sized snacks onboard will add to the enjoyment of the excursion.

With a maximum of 75 travelers, this tour provides an intimate and personalized experience. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, the variety of marine life and the sunken German freighter promise an unforgettable adventure in the crystal-clear waters of Aruba.

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Itinerary and Highlights

The excursion kicks off at 2:00 PM, with travelers meeting at the Piets Pier Bar, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 85, Noord, Aruba, 30 minutes prior to the activity start time. The first stop is Catalina Bay, where guests can spend 30 minutes snorkeling among sea fans, coral, and a variety of fish. Next, the catamaran sails to the famous Antilla Shipwreck, a 400-foot German freighter sunk in 1940. Here, snorkelers can explore the wreck, teeming with marine life like butterflyfish and moray eels, for 40 minutes. The tour includes all necessary snorkeling gear and a safety briefing, catering to a maximum of 75 travelers.

Itinerary	Duration
Catalina Bay	30 minutes
Antilla Shipwreck	40 minutes
Snorkeling Gear & Safety Briefing	Included
Maximum Travelers	75
Meeting Point	Piets Pier Bar, Noord, Aruba

Snorkeling Experience at Catalina Bay

Catalina Bay offers an ideal snorkeling environment for beginners, with a depth of approximately 15 feet, allowing visitors to leisurely observe the vibrant sea fans, coral formations, and diverse array of fish species that inhabit the area.

The calm and clear waters of Catalina Bay provide excellent visibility, enabling snorkelers to enjoy the underwater world.

From angelfish to yellowtail snapper, the bay is home to a vibrant marine ecosystem that captivates and delights.

The snorkeling experience at Catalina Bay is suitable for all skill levels, making it a perfect introduction to the wonders of Aruba’s marine life for both experienced and novice snorkelers alike.

Snorkeling Experience at the Antilla Shipwreck

Spanning a remarkable 400 feet, the Antilla shipwreck offers snorkelers an unparalleled opportunity to explore a captivating underwater world, with visibility reaching up to 50 feet. As divers descend, they’re greeted by a vibrant array of marine life, from colorful butterflyfish to enigmatic moray eels. The wreck’s coral-covered surfaces provide a stunning backdrop, inviting exploration and discovery. To enhance the experience, the tour provides specialized snorkeling equipment and guidance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey through this historic maritime landmark.

Wreck Characteristics	Details
Wreck Name	Antilla
Wreck Type	German freighter
Wreck Size	400 feet long
Visibility	30-50 feet
Marine Life	Butterflyfish, moray eels

Onboard Amenities and Services

This catamaran excursion provides a range of onboard amenities and services to enhance the snorkeling experience. An open bar offers a selection of refreshing drinks, complemented by bite-sized appetizers to satisfy guests’ cravings.

The tour thoughtfully includes snorkeling equipment and provides thorough safety briefings, ensuring participants feel prepared and comfortable throughout the adventure. Plus, gratuities are covered, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the journey without worrying about additional costs.

The tour is also stroller accessible and conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible for families and those with mobility considerations.

These thoughtful touches ensure that guests can focus on the stunning underwater sights and enjoy a stress-free, memorable day on the water.

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Customer Feedback and Recommendations

With an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 294 reviews, this catamaran excursion has earned a Badge of Excellence, showcasing its popularity among travelers.

Customers highlight the friendly crew, enjoyable snacks and drinks, and memorable snorkeling experiences at both Catalina Bay and the Antilla shipwreck.

While most reviews are positive, some suggest room for improvement, such as enhancing the liquor quality and providing more assistance for non-swimmers.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the supplier can arrange transfers from major hotels.

Preparing for the Excursion

To prepare for the excursion, guests should arrive at the meeting point, Piets Pier Bar, 30 minutes prior to the 2:00 PM start time. The catamaran departs promptly, so early arrival ensures participants don’t miss the boat.

Guests will receive their snorkeling gear and a safety briefing before heading out. Those who aren’t confident swimmers may want to consider bringing a life vest, which are available upon request.

Guests should also bring a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes, as they’ll be spending a significant amount of time in the water.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Customers can book the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay Snorkel Sail excursion directly through the tour provider’s website or by contacting them. The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

For added convenience, the excursion also offers:

Complimentary pickup and drop-off service from major hotels in the area.
Flexible scheduling, with multiple departure times available throughout the week.
Secure online payment options, ensuring a hassle-free booking experience.

With these flexible booking and cancellation policies, customers can plan their Aruba adventure with confidence, knowing they can easily adjust their plans if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Snorkel Location?

The excursion spends 30 minutes at Catalina Bay and 40 minutes at the Antilla shipwreck, allowing participants ample time to explore each snorkel location and observe the diverse marine life.

Are Underwater Cameras Permitted on the Excursion?

Underwater cameras are generally permitted on snorkeling excursions, as long as they don’t disrupt the activity or the marine life. Guests should check with the operator beforehand to confirm the policy for this specific tour.

Is the Catamaran Wheelchair Accessible?

The catamaran is stroller accessible, indicating it may accommodate some mobility devices. However, the listing doesn’t explicitly state it’s wheelchair accessible. Guests with mobility needs should check with the tour operator to confirm accommodations.

Can Children Participate in the Snorkeling Activities?

Children can participate in the snorkeling activities, but they’ll need to wear a life jacket and receive proper instruction. The tour provider offers snorkeling gear and safety briefings for all participants, including kids.

Are Towels Provided for the Snorkeling Portion of the Tour?

The snorkeling tour provides towels for participants. Towels are included as part of the amenities and services offered during the snorkeling excursion, allowing guests to conveniently dry off after their time in the water.