Aruba’s vibrant underwater world beckons adventurers to explore its captivating depths. The Afternoon Snorkel Sail aboard the Palm Pleasure Catamaran offers the perfect opportunity to discover the island’s stunning marine life. With a guided snorkeling excursion at the historic SS Antilla shipwreck, travelers can enjoy a realm teeming with diverse coral formations and vibrant sea creatures. Complemented by an intimate atmosphere, complimentary refreshments, and a knowledgeable crew, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience. But what lies beneath the surface of this captivating adventure? Prepare to be swept away by the wonders that await.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Aruba.

Key Points

Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail Aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran - Key Points

  • This 3-hour excursion features snorkeling at the Antilla shipwreck, the largest shipwreck in the southern Caribbean, located in shallow waters.
  • The tour has a maximum capacity of 80 travelers for an intimate experience and includes snorkel equipment, instructions, and transportation.
  • Guests can enjoy complimentary snacks and an open bar, with a friendly and knowledgeable crew ensuring safety and comfort throughout the tour.
  • The tour offers an optional snuba diving experience, allowing exploration up to 20 feet without certification, enhancing the snorkeling adventure.
  • The tour departs at 2:00 PM from the De Palm Pier in Aruba, with ample time allotted for check-in and gear setup.

Overview of the Tour

Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail Aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran - Overview of the Tour

The Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail on the Palm Pleasure Catamaran is a 3-hour excursion that typically features snorkeling at the Antilla shipwreck.

The tour includes complimentary snacks and drinks from an open bar, and travelers can opt to upgrade to a snuba dive, which allows them to dive up to 20 feet without certification.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 80 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience. The meeting point is at the De Palm Pier, and the tour departs at 2:00 PM.

The experience includes snorkel equipment, instructions, local taxes, gratuities, and transportation.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it welcomes travelers as young as 3 years old.

Tour Details

Travelers meet at the De Palm Pier, located at J.E. Irausquin Blvd 1 in Aruba, to begin the 3-hour Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail tour. The excursion departs promptly at 2:00 PM.

The tour includes snorkel equipment, instructions, local taxes, gratuities, and transportation. It’s not wheelchair accessible, but there’s no minimum age restriction, with a minimum of 3 years old.

Travelers receive confirmation at booking and can cancel for free up to 24 hours prior. The catamaran can accommodate up to 80 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Guests can enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks from the open bar throughout the tour, making for a refreshing and enjoyable afternoon on the water.

Snorkeling Experience

Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail Aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran - Snorkeling Experience

Aboard the 70-foot Caribbean catamaran, guests embark on a scenic sailing journey before plunging into the vibrant underwater world for a guided snorkeling adventure.

The highlight of the tour is exploring the SS Antilla shipwreck, where colorful coral and schools of tropical fish create a captivating underwater landscape.

With the guidance of knowledgeable staff, snorkelers can marvel at the abundance of marine life and learn about the wreck’s history.

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, the optional Snuba dive allows guests to descend up to 20 feet without the need for certification.

Throughout the snorkeling portion, the crew ensures the safety and enjoyment of all participants, making this an unforgettable aquatic adventure.

Crew and Amenities

Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail Aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran - Crew and Amenities

An engaging and knowledgeable crew enhances the Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail experience, catering to guests’ needs throughout the tour.

A well-stocked open bar and complimentary snacks keep travelers refreshed, while the thoughtful provision of corrective goggles ensures that everyone can fully enjoy the underwater sights.

The crew’s emphasis on safety and customer satisfaction further contributes to an unforgettable and worry-free aquatic adventure.

The friendly and attentive staff go above and beyond to create a fun and immersive experience for all participants.

Whether it’s offering tips on spotting marine life or ensuring everyone’s comfort, the crew’s dedication shines through, making the Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail a truly memorable excursion.

Traveler Feedback

Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail Aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran - Traveler Feedback

According to reviews, the Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail has impressed travelers with its 4.5 out of 5 star rating based on 249 experiences.

Guests have consistently praised the excursion’s friendly crew, efficient organization, and the overall memorable experience it provides.

Many passengers highlight the value and fun atmosphere of the tour, which features an open bar and snacks.

While some have noted occasional issues with snorkeling congestion and visibility at certain stops, the majority of reviewers recommend the Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail for its emphasis on safety and customer satisfaction.

Exploring the Antilla Shipwreck

Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail Aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran - Exploring the Antilla Shipwreck

The highlight of the Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail is the chance to explore the legendary Antilla shipwreck, a German freighter that met its demise during World War II.

As the largest shipwreck in the southern Caribbean, the Antilla now rests in shallow waters just off the coast of Aruba, providing an incredible snorkeling experience.

Descending into the wreck’s eerie interior, snorkelers can observe the remains of the ship, admiring its towering hull and spotting schools of tropical fish that now call the wreck home.

The knowledgeable crew provides insights into the wreck’s history and points out the most fascinating underwater features, ensuring an immersive and educational snorkeling adventure.

Snuba Diving Option

Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail Aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran - Snuba Diving Option

Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail Aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran

Snuba Diving Option

For those seeking a more immersive underwater experience, the Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail offers an optional snuba diving upgrade. Snuba combines the ease of snorkeling with the depth and freedom of scuba diving, allowing participants to descend up to 20 feet without the need for certification. The snuba experience is perfect for those who want to explore the vibrant marine life around the Antilla shipwreck without the hassle of obtaining a scuba certification.

Snuba Diving Benefits
No certification required
Explore depths up to 20 feet
Guided by experienced staff

Meeting Point and Start Time

Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail Aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran - Meeting Point and Start Time

The meeting point for the Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail is at the De Palm Pier, located along J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 1 in Aruba.

The tour departs promptly at 2:00 PM. Guests should plan to arrive a few minutes early to check in and get set up with their snorkel gear.

The excursion lasts approximately 3 hours, allowing ample time to sail, snorkel the Antilla shipwreck, and enjoy the open bar and snacks.

Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or new to the activity, the knowledgeable crew is on hand to provide guidance and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience exploring the vibrant underwater world off the coast of Aruba.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Marine Life Can I Expect to See?

During the snorkel tour, travelers can expect to see vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful tropical fish, shimmering schools of small reef fish, and potentially other marine life like sea turtles, rays, and perhaps even sunken shipwreck artifacts.

How Long Does the Sailing Portion of the Tour Last?

The sailing portion of the tour typically lasts around 3 hours. During this time, guests will enjoy sailing on a 70-foot catamaran through the Caribbean waters, taking in the scenic views and preparing for the upcoming snorkeling experience.

Are Lifejackets and Other Safety Equipment Provided?

Yes, the tour provides all necessary safety equipment, including lifejackets, to ensure a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience. The friendly crew provides thorough instructions on proper use of the gear.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?

Yes, you can bring your own snorkeling gear. However, the tour provides all necessary snorkel equipment, including corrective goggles, so there’s no need to bring your own unless you have a preferred mask or snorkel.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The 3-hour excursion is the standard length, providing ample time for snorkeling at the Antilla shipwreck and other nearby sites. Extending the tour is not available.

Recap

The Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail aboard the Palm Pleasure Catamaran is a must-do adventure for anyone visiting the island.

With guided snorkeling at the historic SS Antilla shipwreck, travelers can marvel at the vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations in an intimate setting.

The knowledgeable crew ensures a safe and enjoyable experience, making this excursion a highlight of any Aruba vacation.