REVIEW · ARUBA
Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran
Book on Viator →Operated by De Palm Tours VBA · Bookable on Viator
Aruba’s shipwreck snorkeling is weirdly magical. This 3-hour afternoon sail takes you by catamaran over bright Caribbean water, then drops you in to snorkel Aruba’s famous WWII wreck. I love the 70-foot catamaran comfort—lots of space to spread out—and I love that the crew actually helps you feel at ease in the water.
You’ll also get an open bar with snacks, and the timing is made for late-day light. My one heads-up: depending on conditions and boat traffic, the water can feel crowded or visibility can be less than perfect at the shipwreck stop.
Below is how to decide if this is the right fit for your Aruba afternoon, and how to get the most out of the SS Antilla experience without any fuss.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth planning around
- A 2:00 pm catamaran rhythm that feels made for Aruba
- De Palm Pier logistics: easy once you know where to check in
- The boat experience: 70 feet of space and real comfort
- Stop 1: SS Antilla shipwreck snorkeling (the main event)
- Stop 2: Boca Catalina for calmer snorkeling time
- Open bar and snacks: the surprisingly big part of the value
- Snuba upgrade: underwater breathing without certification
- Who should book this Aruba afternoon sail
- Price and value: why $85 can work well here
- Practical tips to make your snorkeling smoother
- Should you book the Palm Pleasure Afternoon Snorkel Sail?
- FAQ
- Is hotel pickup included?
- What locations will we snorkel at?
- How long is the tour?
- Do I need snorkeling or scuba certification for snuba?
- Are restrooms available onboard the catamaran?
- What should I wear?
Key highlights worth planning around
- SS Antilla shipwreck snorkeling at one of the Caribbean’s best-known WWII wrecks, now covered in coral
- Open bar plus snacks for the full 3 hours, so you don’t turn hungry halfway through
- Two snorkeling areas—not just one quick stop, with time at each location
- Snuba upgrade to about 20 feet (6 meters), with no snorkeling or scuba certification required
- Big-boat comfort on a 70-foot catamaran, with shade and sundeck space
- Support in the water—the crew is hands-on if you’re nervous about jumping in alone
A 2:00 pm catamaran rhythm that feels made for Aruba
This tour runs from 2:00 pm for about 3 hours—the sweet spot when the island shifts from hot afternoon to that softer late-day glow. Boarding happens at De Palm Pier (J.E. Irausquin Blvd 1), and then you’ll be out on the water quickly.
What I like about the timing is that it keeps the day from feeling rushed. You can do a beach morning, grab lunch, and then let the afternoon carry you into something different. The catamaran’s cruising setup also helps: you can lounge in the shade or claim a spot on the sundeck and watch the coastline recede.
If you’re the type who hates long stretches of waiting, this schedule is friendly. You spend the middle part doing what you came for—water time—then you’re back before your evening plans get complicated.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Aruba
De Palm Pier logistics: easy once you know where to check in
The boat leaves from De Palm Pier, which is between the RIU and Hilton area. If you’re driving yourself, plan to check in at least 30 minutes before departure at Coconuts retail store.
If you’re staying at a major hotel, hotel pickup and drop-off is included. That’s a big practical win on Aruba, where it’s easy to waste time negotiating taxis for short trips. If your hotel isn’t listed, you can choose a nearby pickup spot or select I will select my pickup location later and then coordinate directly with the operator from the ticket info.
One more practical detail: pier access is walkable, and you’ll want comfortable shoes if you’re coming in from the beach or hotel area. You’re going to go from “sitting nice” to “stepping on and off the boat,” so skip anything that feels slick.
The boat experience: 70 feet of space and real comfort
This is a 70-foot (20-meter) catamaran, built for groups. The upside of a larger boat is simple: you’re not stuck shoulder-to-shoulder the whole time. You can move around—nets, open deck spots, shaded areas inside the cabin—and settle where you feel best.
You’ll also have use of snorkel equipment and instruction, plus onboard restrooms. That last part matters more than you’d think once you’re already on island time. It keeps you from rushing back in the middle of your stop.
The vibe is also part of the value. From the way people describe the crew, you get a sense that this isn’t a silent cattle-call. It’s more like a fun organized afternoon with staff who will pay attention if you’re unsure.
Stop 1: SS Antilla shipwreck snorkeling (the main event)
The star of the tour is the SS Antilla, a German freighter that ran aground during WWII. It’s now a reef structure—so instead of “just a wreck,” you’re snorkeling over an underwater home where coral and tropical fish have moved in.
When you reach the wreck, you’ll suit up with the provided mask, snorkel, and flippers. Then your guide leads you around the ship so you’re not just floating randomly. This is where you’ll see the most “how is this still here?” kind of moments.
Two things I’d take seriously before you jump in:
- Boat traffic is real. The shipwreck is famous, and multiple boats can be anchored in the same area. If you’re sensitive to crowding, you may feel like there’s a lot going on when you enter the water.
- Conditions affect comfort. One traveler noted rougher water and lower visibility at the first stop. You can’t control that part, but you can control whether you’re prepared—snorkel timing, calm entry, and taking your time.
How to make it better: when you drop in, don’t rush to swim straight over the wreck. Go slowly, breathe, and let your eyes adjust. You’ll usually spot more fish once you’re relaxed instead of charging forward like it’s a race.
Stop 2: Boca Catalina for calmer snorkeling time
Your second snorkeling area includes Boca Catalina. The water there is described as crystal clear and calm, which is exactly what you want after your shipwreck stop.
This part of the tour is often where the snorkeling feels more “easy.” You’re not just chasing the shapes of a wreck; you’re looking for fish and coral life in an area that tends to be more forgiving.
In practical terms, this is also a good match for beginners. You’ve had your first water experience by then, and the guide can help you build confidence for the second stop.
If you’re deciding whether to do the snuba upgrade, I’d think of Boca Catalina as your “classic snorkel” baseline. It helps you judge what level of underwater comfort you actually want.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Aruba
Open bar and snacks: the surprisingly big part of the value
This tour includes snacks and an open bar for the full experience. On paper, that sounds like a bonus. In real life, it changes the whole feeling of the afternoon.
You’re on a boat, you’re out in the sun, and you’re getting wet. Having food and drinks included means you don’t have to stop the day to find sustenance or ration your energy.
From the food descriptions, it’s more like a light lunch than a full meal—things like sandwiches and hot dogs. It’s enough to keep you comfortable after snorkeling, and it seems to satisfy most people because it’s served at the right time.
Also: the bar isn’t just about alcohol. People note options including non-alcoholic drinks, which is great if you’re traveling with someone who wants to stay clear-headed.
Snuba upgrade: underwater breathing without certification
If you want to go beyond snorkeling, there’s an optional upgrade called snuba. It’s designed so you can breathe underwater without needing snorkeling or scuba certification.
Here’s the key difference: snuba isn’t limited to staying on the surface like typical snorkeling. You follow a certified Snuba guide and go down to about 20 feet (6 meters). That’s deep enough to change your view, especially around structure and fish activity.
One reason this option tends to sell well is that it’s a controlled step-up. You’re still guided, still geared up, but you get a more “underwater perspective” than surface-floating snorkeling.
My advice: only upgrade if you’re genuinely curious about looking from deeper water. If you mainly want coral and fish at easy breath times, you’ll already get a lot from the snorkeling stops.
Who should book this Aruba afternoon sail
This tour makes the most sense if you want:
- A classic Aruba snorkel day with a major wreck and a second site
- Comfort on a larger catamaran with room to move
- Support from the crew if you’re not 100% confident in the water
- Food and drinks included, so the trip feels complete
It’s also a solid choice for couples and small groups who want a fun afternoon rather than a super technical diving-style experience. The max group size is up to 80 travelers, so you should expect a lively atmosphere rather than quiet private-water vibes.
If you’re strongly anti-crowds, put your expectations in the right place. The shipwreck site is popular. You may still enjoy the experience, but you might prefer a smaller boat if you want maximum space and minimal bumping.
Price and value: why $85 can work well here
At $85 per person, you’re paying for more than a snorkel ticket. You’re getting:
- Two snorkeling areas (not just one)
- Equipment and instruction included
- Open bar and snacks
- Round-trip time on a large catamaran with shade/sundeck options
- Restrooms onboard
That matters because snorkeling costs add up fast if you have to pay separately for gear, transport, and food. Here, the experience is packaged so your time on the water feels like the main event.
The other value factor is the wreck itself. SS Antilla is the kind of Aruba activity people build days around. If that’s on your list, this tour gives you direct access with a guided approach.
Practical tips to make your snorkeling smoother
A few things I’d do before you go, based on what the tour encourages and what people appreciate:
- Wear your swimsuit under clothes, then bring a towel.
- Use reef-friendly sunblock and bring some basics for comfort.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes for the pier area.
- If you need prescription support, ask about goggles with corrective lenses ahead of time.
In the water, slow is your friend. Try to stay calm in your first minutes at each stop. Once your breathing is steady, you’ll notice more fish and coral.
Also, if you’re sensitive to rough water, remember this is an afternoon sail. Conditions can change, so keep your expectations realistic.
Should you book the Palm Pleasure Afternoon Snorkel Sail?
Book it if you want a fun, well-supported afternoon with big-boat comfort, included food and drinks, and a real centerpiece: SS Antilla shipwreck snorkeling plus a second site like Boca Catalina.
Skip or reconsider if you know you hate crowds at popular anchoring spots, or if you only want perfectly calm water with zero boat traffic. The shipwreck area can get busy, and conditions can vary.
If you’re somewhere in the middle—curious, eager to snorkel, and okay with a lively shared experience—this is the kind of Aruba tour that fits your day. Plan for a classic late-afternoon sea adventure, bring a towel and reef-friendly sunscreen, and let the crew do the guiding while you focus on watching fish and coral do their thing.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off at most major hotels is included. You’ll choose your hotel when confirming your reservation.
What locations will we snorkel at?
You’ll snorkel at Boca Catalina and at the Antilla Shipwreck (SS Antilla), with coral and tropical fish attracted to the wreck.
How long is the tour?
It runs for about 3 hours.
Do I need snorkeling or scuba certification for snuba?
No. The snuba upgrade does not require snorkeling or scuba certification. You follow a certified Snuba guide to about 20 feet (6 meters).
Are restrooms available onboard the catamaran?
Yes, restrooms are available on the catamaran.
What should I wear?
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring comfortable walking shoes, bring a towel, and use reef-friendly sunblock.
