Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise From Palm Beach

The Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise from Palm Beach offers an immersive underwater adventure for those eager to explore the island’s vibrant marine life. Operated by the experienced team at De Palm Tours, this 90-minute excursion takes guests on a journey to discover the colorful coral formations and diverse array of fish species that inhabit Arashi Reef and the historic Antilla shipwreck. With a glass-enclosed viewing area and expert commentary, this family-friendly experience allows visitors to marvel at Aruba’s underwater wonders without ever getting wet. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the unique opportunity to…

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

Key Points

• The Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise departs from the De Palm Pier near Palm Beach, offering a 90-minute tour to explore the Arashi Reef and Antilla shipwreck.
• The semi-submarine vessel has a submerged viewing area, allowing guests to observe the diverse marine life, including colorful coral formations and tropical fish.
• The tour is led by a knowledgeable captain and a marine expert, providing informative commentary to enhance the educational aspect of the experience.
• The cruise is family-friendly, but not recommended for those prone to motion sickness or with physical limitations, as the vessel is not wheelchair accessible.
• The Antilla shipwreck, a World War II German freighter, serves as an artificial reef and offers a unique historical perspective to the marine exploration.

Overview

The Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise is an activity that allows visitors to explore the vibrant marine life and a historic shipwreck in a comfortable, glass-enclosed viewing area just below the water’s surface.

This 90-minute tour departs from the De Palm Pier in Palm Beach, Aruba, at 11:30 am. The semi-submarine can accommodate a maximum of 44 travelers and is operated by De Palm Tours.

Priced from €58.88, the tour offers a unique opportunity to observe the underwater world without getting wet. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before departure, and while the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for families and older adults, though not recommended for those prone to motion sickness.

Itinerary

De Palm Pier, located on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 1 in Aruba, serves as the meeting point for the Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise, with directions available via Google Maps.

After boarding the transfer boat, passengers are taken to the Seaworld Explorer, a semi-submarine vessel near the Arashi Reef. The submerged, glass-enclosed viewing area allows for an up-close look at the vibrant marine life.

Throughout the 90-minute cruise, the captain provides informative commentary, and a marine expert is on hand to answer any questions.

The tour’s highlights include the Arashi Reef and the Antilla, a 423-foot-long WWII German freighter that’s partially submerged in 60 feet of water and serves as a thriving habitat for diverse marine and bird life.

Cruise Details

After boarding the transfer boat, passengers are taken to the Seaworld Explorer, a semi-submarine vessel near the Arashi Reef.

The submerged, glass-enclosed viewing area allows for an up-close look at the vibrant marine life. Throughout the 90-minute cruise, the captain provides informative commentary, and a marine expert is on hand to answer any questions.

As the semi-submarine descends just below the water’s surface, guests can admire the colorful coral formations and diverse array of fish swimming in their natural habitat.

The highlight of the tour is the wreck of the Antilla, a 423-foot-long German freighter that sank during World War II and now serves as an artificial reef teeming with aquatic life.

Key Highlights

Vibrant marine life thrives at Arashi Reef, where colorful coral formations and a diverse array of fish populate the underwater landscape.

The wreck of the Antilla, a 423-foot-long German freighter that sank during World War II, serves as an artificial reef teeming with aquatic life, offering a captivating highlight of the tour.

The partially submerged wreck lies in 60 feet of water, its intricate structure now home to an array of marine species, including schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and even moray eels.

Guests aboard the semi-submarine have the unique opportunity to observe this historic shipwreck and its thriving ecosystem from the comfort of the vessel’s submerged viewing area.

Inclusions

The Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise includes the semi-submarine tour, local taxes, and gratuities, though food and drinks as well as hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t provided.

This unique underwater experience allows participants to explore the vibrant marine life and a historic shipwreck without getting wet.

While the tour is family-friendly, it’s not recommended for those prone to motion sickness.

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of purchase unless the trip is within 7 days of travel, in which case it will be provided within 48 hours.

Accessibility

The Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the tour. It’s also not recommended for those prone to motion sickness.

The semi-submarine is a unique experience, allowing participants to explore the underwater world without getting wet. However, some physical limitations need to be considered. Guests should be able to navigate steps and move around the confined space of the underwater viewing area.

Those who struggle with balance or experience seasickness may find the rocking motion of the vessel challenging. Despite these accessibility considerations, the Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise remains a popular and accessible way for many visitors to discover the marine life and shipwrecks of Aruba’s waters.

Reviews

Guests generally praise the knowledgeable and entertaining guides on the Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise, finding the experience family-friendly and suitable for both children and older adults.

The unique opportunity to view marine life and a historic shipwreck without getting wet is a common highlight, with many reviewers appreciating the safe and comfortable setting.

However, some have noted that the guides’ humor can sometimes overshadow the informative content, and there are concerns about potential damage to the coral from the submarine’s operations.

Summary

Offering a unique underwater experience, the Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise allows participants to explore vibrant marine life and a historic shipwreck in a safe, comfortable setting. This makes it an ideal activity for families and those unable to snorkel or dive.

The 90-minute cruise departs from De Palm Pier, with the semi-submarine taking guests just below the water’s surface near Arashi Reef. There, they can marvel at the diverse aquatic life and the partially submerged German freighter, the Antilla, while a knowledgeable captain provides commentary.

Attracting overwhelmingly positive reviews, this unique tour offers an engaging and educational experience that doesn’t require getting wet, ensuring a memorable outing for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Drinks on the Cruise?

The information provided does not mention whether passengers can bring their own snacks or drinks on the cruise. The inclusions indicate that food and drinks are not included, but it’s best to check with the tour operator for their policy.

Is There a Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour has no strict dress code, but comfortable, casual attire is recommended. Wear clothing and shoes suitable for walking around the boat. Bring a light jacket or sweater as it may be breezy on the water.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Minimum/Maximum Age Requirements?

There are no strict age restrictions, but the tour is not recommended for infants. Children are welcome, and there is no minimum or maximum age requirement. Older adults can also participate, as long as they can board the semi-submarine.

How Often Does the Tour Operate and What Are the Schedule Options?

The Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise operates daily, with departure times at 11:30 am. There are no age restrictions, making it suitable for all travelers. The 90-minute tour provides a flexible schedule option that fits most visitors’ needs.

Can I Store My Belongings Securely During the Cruise?

Storage options during the cruise are limited. There’s no secure storage onboard, so travelers should keep valuables with them. Belongings can be stored in a small on-site locker at the departure point, but space is restricted.

Recap

The Aruba Semi-Submarine Cruise from Palm Beach offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world of Arashi Reef and the historic Antilla shipwreck.

With its comfortable glass-enclosed viewing area and expert commentary, this family-friendly experience allows visitors to discover Aruba’s captivating marine life in a safe and convenient manner.

This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking to enjoy the island’s stunning natural beauty.