Pirates feel silly… until you’re floating over a wreck. This Aruba pirate cruise trades the usual sit-and-stare boat routine for a proper half-day snorkeling plan on an 85-foot teak schooner, with a shipwreck stop and time to swim multiple locations. I especially like that you get snorkeling gear included, plus food and drinks that make the whole day feel like a real activity, not a snack-and-sun cruise.

For the on-board fun, you’re not just a passenger. There’s a BBQ lunch, an open bar, and even a rope swing when the crew turns the boat into a mini adventure playground. The main thing to consider is simple: hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need your own way to get to MooMba Beach.

Top Things to Know Before You Sail

• 85-foot teak schooner experience: Big pirate-ship vibes, built for a group day on the water
• Three snorkeling stops: Malmok, Boca Catalina, and the SS Antilla wreck for a mix of conditions
• Included snorkeling gear and life on board: Fewer hassles, plus lunch and unlimited drinks
• Rope swing time: Optional, but it’s the kind of moment people remember
• WWII SS Antilla shipwreck at ~60 feet: A dramatic snorkeling destination compared with typical reefs
• Max 65 travelers: Enough space to enjoy it without feeling like you’re packed in

Setting Sail From MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant

Your day starts at MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant on J.E. Irausquin Blvd 230 in Noord, Aruba. The tour departs at 9:00 am and runs for about 4 hours, ending back at the same meeting point. That timing matters. You get out early enough to beat later crowds, and you’re back on shore while you still have room in your afternoon for another beach, a casual dinner, or a quick explore.

The ride itself is the start of the fun. You’ll be on an 85-foot (26-meter) teak schooner that’s styled like a pirate ship. This isn’t a tiny charter where you’re forced to crowd into one photo spot. It’s made for a group day, with space to move around and different ways to enjoy the trip—shade when you need it, sun when you want it, and plenty of time for the crew’s activities.

One practical note I’d plan around: since there’s no hotel pickup, you’ll want to build a little extra buffer into your transport. It’s a beach meeting point, so once you’re there, you’re good—but getting there on time is on you.

The Cruise Plan: Three Snorkel Locations With Different Water Styles

This tour is built around variety, and that’s a big part of why it works well for first-timers and experienced snorkelers alike. You’ll visit three snorkeling locations along Aruba’s coast. Each stop is designed to give you a different feel—shallow near shore, a protected cove, and then the shipwreck.

A typical rhythm looks like this: you cruise out, snorkel at a location, then reset for the next stop. Snorkeling time is long enough to actually see things, and short enough that you don’t feel exhausted before lunch and drinks kick in. From the pace people report, you can expect roughly around 20 minutes per snorkel stop (give or take), which is a good length for a fun first snorkeling session.

Here’s the key idea: you’re not doing one long, rocky swim and hoping you see something. You’re getting multiple tries in different settings, including a destination most Aruba snorkel trips don’t include.

First Stop: Malmok’s Shallows Near the Shoreline

The first snorkeling area is Malmok, a shallow zone near shore where the water sits in turquoise tones. This stop is all about comfort and ease. Shallow water usually means you can settle quickly, keep your footing when you want it, and spend more time watching what’s right there instead of fighting conditions.

In Malmok, you’re typically looking for small tropical fish moving through the shallows. Even if you’re not an expert at clearing water from your mask, this kind of setting gives you a forgiving introduction. It’s the sort of location where you can focus on the fun parts: slow finning, looking both up and down, and spotting movement before you move toward it.

Potential drawback at this kind of site: because it’s near shore and shallow, you might find yourself dealing with changing visibility depending on wind and water conditions. That said, shallow stops also tend to feel calmer and less intimidating for many people.

Second Stop: Boca Catalina for Clearer, Protected Cove Snorkeling

Next you head to Boca Catalina, described as a shallow, protected cove. This is where visibility and calm water become the selling point. When the cove is doing its job, you get a more relaxed snorkeling experience and more time to really look around.

This stop is also where the tour’s fish list gets more specific. You may see species like:

• yellow-striped grunts
• angel fish
• green parrot fish
• grouper
• plus coral and sponge habitats such as elk coral, brain coral, and barrel sponges

What I like about this approach is that it isn’t only about spectacle. Boca Catalina is a place you can slow down and actually notice the structure. Coral and sponges aren’t just decorations—they create the “rooms” where fish hang out. If you’ve ever snorkeled in places where everything looks the same, a protected cove with habitat detail usually feels more rewarding.

One thing to watch for: even in calmer areas, you’re still snorkeling in open water. You’ll want a steady pace and good buoyancy so you’re not accidentally kicking up sand or spooking fish.

Third Stop: Snorkeling the SS Antilla WWII Shipwreck

Then you reach the main headline: the SS Antilla, a German ship sunk early in World War II. The wreck lies on the ocean floor at about 60 feet (18 meters), with the hull and masts rising above the water. This is the stop that gives the day its “this is different” feeling.

When you snorkel over the SS Antilla, you’re not just swimming near a structure. The ship has essentially become artificial reef habitat. The idea is that marine life has moved in, and you can see how sea life uses the wreck as shelter, feeding territory, and a place to anchor their daily routines.

This is the part I’d plan mentally as a highlight even if you’re not super confident in snorkeling yet. The wreck is a magnet. You’ll likely find yourself turning your head constantly—checking the lines of the hull, the angles of the masts, and how fish react to your presence.

The key consideration here is depth and comfort level. The wreck itself is deeper than the earlier stops, so you’ll want to feel okay managing your breathing and staying calm in open-water conditions. If you’ve never snorkeled beyond shallow water, start the day relaxed and let the earlier stops build confidence.

BBQ Lunch, Open Bar, and a Rope Swing on a Pirate Schooner

Between snorkel stops and after them, the boat experience becomes part of the value. You’ll get a BBQ lunch and an open bar included in the tour price. This matters because food and drinks are often the hidden cost on water tours. Here, they’re built in.

Lunch typically includes items like:

• ribs
• chicken
• Caribbean rice
• potato salad
• fruit and bread

The portion size is consistently described as more than a token meal, which is exactly what you want after being in the sun. It’s also a practical setup: you’re out at sea, you’re active, and you need real fuel before you head back to shore.

The open bar is unlimited during the cruise. If you’re 18+ you can enjoy it as much as you like. And if you’re not looking to drink, it still helps the atmosphere. The boat tends to feel like an event—music, crew energy, and the overall sense that you’re on a planned adventure day, not just riding around.

Then there’s the rope swing. It’s one of those things you might think you’d skip—until you’re standing near it and watching someone swing clean through. People consistently call it a favorite. Also, it’s not described as something overly complicated; it’s more about taking the moment than doing extreme gymnastics. If you’re traveling with kids, adults often find it’s a moment that works for a range of ages because you can choose whether to try it.

Also pay attention to shade. The boat has a shaded portion where you can cool down. Between sun, snorkeling, and the boat time, you’ll want both options.

Group Size, Guide Style, and What the Boat Logistics Mean for You

This tour caps at 65 travelers, which is a big practical detail. Too-large groups can turn snorkeling days into a slow shuffle and a lot of waiting around. With a cap like this, the experience stays moving, and you’re less likely to feel like you’re stuck in a line.

You’ll also have a professional guide on board. The guides are multilingual, which helps if your group includes different language backgrounds. Clear instructions matter on snorkel tours, especially when the plan includes a wreck stop. You want to understand where to go, how long you have, and what to watch for.

The boat includes two restrooms. That sounds basic, but on half-day water tours, it can be a real quality-of-life difference. You’re out there long enough that having restrooms close by reduces stress.

Snorkeling gear is included, which saves you the hassle of renting or carrying your own. If you’re a first-timer, this is a major value point. It also helps you travel lighter. If you’re an experienced snorkeler, you still get equipment without having to think about it during your trip.

Price and Value: Why $108 Can Actually Make Sense

At $108.00 per person, this tour is priced as a mid-range day on the water. What makes it feel like strong value is the package:

• boat ride on an 85-foot schooner
• three snorkeling stops
• snorkeling equipment included
• BBQ lunch
• unlimited drinks via open bar
• rope swing
• guide support and on-board restrooms

Many Aruba excursions charge separately for transport, snorkeling gear, and food. Here, the big stuff is bundled. You’re paying for time on the water plus the essentials that usually add up quickly.

The main cost you might still handle is transport to the meeting point since hotel pickup isn’t included. So the real value depends on how easy your ride is to MooMba Beach. If getting there is straightforward, this package price looks even better.

Who benefits most: people who want a lively morning activity, want to snorkel more than one place, and don’t want to spend extra time figuring out gear and logistics.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This cruise works especially well if you:

• want multiple snorkeling locations in one half-day
• like the idea of a boat day that includes food and drinks
• want a memorable visual stop, like the SS Antilla wreck
• enjoy group energy, music, and a few hands-on moments like the rope swing

It’s also described as suitable across ages, since children can go as long as they’re accompanied by an adult. So if you’re planning a family trip, this can be one of those days that feels like an outing rather than a long, quiet boat ride.

It may be less ideal if:

• you strongly prefer calm, low-energy tours
• you expect a very flexible pacing schedule (this is structured around set snorkel stops)
• you don’t feel comfortable snorkeling beyond shallow water, since the wreck stop is deeper
• you rely on hotel pickup to avoid transit planning

A final reality check: the tour requires good weather. On a day with rough conditions, plans can change. That matters if you’re traveling in a tight schedule.

Quick Tips So Your Pirate Day Goes Smoothly

• Bring sunscreen and reapply when you’re out between swims. Sun + water equals faster burn.
• Pack a simple plan for water comfort: if you tend to get cold easily, you might still want to protect yourself from wind on open water.
• If you’re new to snorkeling, use the first stop to get comfortable with mask breathing and buoyancy.
• Decide about the rope swing early in your head. You’ll be more likely to try it when the moment shows up, not after it passes.
• Wear water-friendly footwear if you want extra confidence when boarding and moving around near the waterline.

Should you also bring your own gear? The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you can travel light unless you have specific personal needs.

Should You Book Jolly Pirates Sailing Cruises With Snorkel Adventure?

Book it if you want an Aruba morning that feels like a real adventure: pirate-ship vibes, snorkeling at multiple sites, included BBQ lunch, and an open bar that keeps the mood festive. The SS Antilla stop is the big reason, and the fact that snorkeling equipment is included makes the day easier.

Think twice if you need hotel pickup or if you prefer quiet tours with no crowd energy. Also make sure your comfort level matches the deeper wreck stop.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants one half-day that gives you stories (wreck snorkeling, fish spotting, rope swing photos) without extra add-ons, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Jolly Pirate Cruise with Snorkel Adventure?

It runs about 4 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant in Noord, Aruba (J.E. Irausquin Blvd 230).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

What snorkeling locations will I visit?

You’ll snorkel at Malmok, Boca Catalina, and the WWII shipwreck of the SS Antilla.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Is the BBQ lunch included?

Yes, a BBQ lunch is included.

Are drinks included, and what’s the age requirement?

Yes, there are unlimited drinks (open bar). The minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Are restrooms available on board?

Yes, the boat has access to two restrooms onboard.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, a vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking.

What happens if the tour can’t run due to weather?

If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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