Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran

The shipwreck is only the beginning. Aruba’s Palm Pleasure afternoon sail combines two snorkel stops, a spacious 70-foot catamaran, an open bar, and enough food to make this feel like more than a quick swim. I especially like the SS Antilla wreck and the crew’s friendly help for first-time snorkelers. I also like the roomy deck, where you can stretch out on the nets or find shade in the cabin.

The main caution is the group size. The boat can carry up to 80 people, and several dozen swimmers may enter the water at once. That can make the snorkel stop crowded, especially when other boats anchor nearby. For a quieter experience, a private boat would be a better fit.

Key points before you book

• The SS Antilla is the star stop: A German freighter from World War II, now covered with coral, sponges, and fish.
• Two snorkel locations: The usual stops are the Antilla wreck and Boca Catalina, with about 45 minutes at each according to one detailed account.
• Open bar and food are included: Drinks flow throughout the three-hour trip, with sandwiches, hot dogs, and other light snacks.
• The crew helps beginners: Instructions and equipment are included, and crew members may enter the water to assist people who feel unsure.
• Snuba is an optional upgrade: You can reach about 20 feet without scuba certification, but the upgrade can sell out.
• The afternoon schedule works well: Departure is at 2:00 p.m., giving you a relaxed sail in the late-day light and a return around early evening.

Setting sail from De Palm Pier at 2 p.m.

Your afternoon begins at De Palm Pier on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, between the RIU and Hilton resorts. If you drive yourself, check in at the Coconuts retail store at least 30 minutes before departure. The pier entrance is reached from the sidewalk near the RIU delivery entrance, marked by the De Palm Pier archway.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available at most major hotels, but transportation is not automatically included for every booking arrangement. Select your hotel when reserving, or contact the operator if your property is not listed. The tour is not a good match for cruise ship passengers because the timing usually does not line up with ship arrivals.

The Palm Pleasure is a 70-foot catamaran, so you are not squeezed onto a small speedboat. You can claim a place on the forward nets, sit on the open deck, or retreat to the shaded cabin. There is also a restroom onboard, a useful detail when you are spending three hours at sea.

The first part of the trip is easygoing. You board, collect a drink, and watch Aruba’s coast slip away as the boat heads toward the snorkel sites. The late afternoon light gives the ride a pleasant holiday feel without requiring you to spend an entire day on the water.

The Antilla wreck, Aruba’s most memorable snorkel stop

The SS Antilla is the reason many people choose this particular boat trip. The German freighter ran aground during World War II and now rests in the Caribbean, where coral and tube sponges have formed over parts of the wreck. Fish have made the structure their home, and sea turtles may also appear in the area.

You will receive a mask, snorkel, and fins, along with instructions before entering the water. At the wreck, a guide points out coral growth and marine life while you swim above the ship. From the surface, the Antilla gives you something unusual to look at. This is not just a general reef stop with a few fish below you. The outline of a large sunken freighter adds a sense of place and history to the swim.

The wreck is about 40 feet long according to the tour information, though descriptions also refer to the vessel as a large shipwreck. Either way, you are looking down at a substantial underwater structure rather than a small object on the seafloor. The optional Snuba program takes you to roughly 20 feet, allowing you to get closer to the wreck while breathing through an air line.

The water conditions can change. On a calm day, visibility may be good and the fish easy to spot. One account describes low visibility and choppy water at the first stop, though the overall outing was still enjoyable. You should treat the Antilla as a weather-dependent experience, not a guaranteed postcard view.

Boca Catalina brings a second kind of snorkeling

The second stop is usually Boca Catalina, a calmer area with clear water and a reef setting. It balances the Antilla nicely. The wreck gives you an unusual object to explore, while Boca Catalina offers a more traditional look at coral, small fish, and other sea life.

One detailed description puts the time at roughly 45 minutes per location. That is long enough to get comfortable, look around, and return to the boat without feeling rushed. If you are new to snorkeling, the crew can show you how to use the equipment and offer help in the water. People who do not swim confidently should speak with the crew before entering.

Marine life varies from trip to trip. You might see large schools of fish, jellyfish, coral, and possibly a turtle. Several accounts describe turtles near the wreck or reef, but no wildlife sighting is guaranteed. The best approach is to enjoy the wreck and reef first, then treat turtles as a lucky extra.

The chief drawback is congestion. The Palm Pleasure may share the site with several other boats, and a large group can spread across the same patch of water. If you want plenty of elbow room or quiet underwater time, this is not the ideal format. If you enjoy a social boat ride and do not mind sharing the site, the crowd is easier to accept.

Snuba adds extra depth without scuba certification

The Snuba upgrade is aimed at people who want to go below the surface without committing to a full scuba course. You breathe through an air system connected to the surface and follow a certified Snuba guide to a maximum depth of about 20 feet.

This can be a strong choice for a first underwater experience. One family found the guide reassuring, especially for two people trying it for the first time. Another account describes Snuba over the Antilla as worth the added cost because it allowed a closer look at the ship and fish.

Availability is the issue. The upgrade can sell out, as happened to one couple who returned the next day to take part. If Snuba is important to you, ask about availability early rather than assuming you can add it once onboard.

You do not need a snorkeling or scuba certification for Snuba. You still need to be comfortable following instructions and using the equipment. Anyone with concerns about swimming or breathing underwater should discuss them with the crew before choosing the upgrade.

Food, drinks, and the social side of the sail

The open bar is available throughout the three-hour outing, with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. The crew keeps the mood lively, and several people singled out the friendly service and good-humored atmosphere. Alex, the bartender, received a specific mention for keeping drinks moving and adding to the fun.

Food is more substantial than the word snacks might suggest, though expectations should stay modest. Sandwiches and hot dogs are served, and some descriptions call it enough for a light lunch. One account praised the quantity, while another found the sandwich too plain, with a single slice of meat and lettuce on a roll.

That difference tells you what to expect. This is practical boat food, not a restaurant meal. It is welcome after swimming, especially if you have not eaten since lunch, but you should not book the sail for gourmet cooking.

The combination of food and drinks improves the value of the trip. You are paying $85 per person for roughly three hours, and that price includes the catamaran ride, two snorkel stops, equipment, instruction, snacks, an open bar, and local taxes. Similar outings may offer only the boat ride and snorkel gear, so the included refreshments matter.

How the crew handles beginners and families

The minimum age is three, and most people can participate. The crew provides equipment and instruction, so you do not need to arrive with your own mask or fins. Prescription goggles may be available, including corrective lenses for people who are nearsighted. Ask ahead of time rather than waiting until the boat leaves.

The strongest part of the service is the personal help in the water. Crew members may get in with people who feel uneasy snorkeling alone, and they can help those who do not swim confidently. That does not turn the trip into a private lesson, but it makes the experience more approachable for families and first-timers.

Parents should still judge the conditions and their child’s comfort carefully. The minimum age is three, but the tour involves a boat ride, open water, fins, and time in a current that may not feel perfectly calm. A child who enjoys pools but dislikes waves may need extra support.

The boat’s size helps with comfort. You have room to move around, and you can sit in shade between swims. Still, a full boat feels different from a small family charter. You should choose Palm Pleasure for its social energy and broad mix of amenities, not for privacy.

What the $85 price really buys you

At $85, this is a solid-value half-day activity if you plan to use the included features. You get a large catamaran, two water stops, snorkeling equipment, instruction, food, and an open bar. Hotel pickup may also be included at most major hotels when selected during booking.

The value is strongest for couples and families who want one simple package. You do not need to arrange a boat, rent fins, find a reef, or organize drinks afterward. The crew handles the basic details, leaving you to enjoy the water.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a quiet snorkel. A crowded wreck site can limit the underwater portion, and a private excursion may be worth paying more for if space and flexibility matter most. You are paying partly for the catamaran atmosphere and onboard service, not just the fish.

The 4.6 rating from 291 ratings and 91 percent recommendation figure suggest broad satisfaction, but the lower-scoring experience is useful to keep in mind. The complaints center on congestion and water visibility rather than safety or poor organization. That is a fair warning, not a reason to dismiss the tour.

Practical details that make the afternoon easier

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring comfortable walking shoes for the pier. Pack a towel and reef-friendly sunscreen. The afternoon sun can still be strong, even as the light begins to soften.

Bring a small amount of cash if you want it for onboard purchases or tips, though the open bar itself is included. Ask for prescription goggles before the boat leaves if you need them. If you plan to try Snuba, confirm that space remains available as soon as possible.

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 2:00 p.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded.

The activity ends back at De Palm Pier. That makes dinner planning easy, especially if you are staying near the hotel zone. If you are arranging your own transport, allow time to return to your hotel after disembarking.

Who should book the Palm Pleasure sail?

I would choose this trip if you want a social afternoon on the water with snorkeling as the main activity, not the only activity. It suits couples, families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who likes having drinks and food included.

It is also a good fit if the SS Antilla is high on your Aruba list. The wreck gives the outing a clear focus, while Boca Catalina provides a second chance to see fish and coral if the first stop has poor visibility.

I would hesitate if you dislike crowds, need a quiet boat, or want long, uninterrupted time at one reef. In that case, compare private charters before booking. You should also think twice if your schedule depends on a cruise ship arrival, since the departure time is not designed around cruise passengers.

Should you book this Aruba snorkel sail?

For $85, Palm Pleasure gives you a well-rounded Aruba afternoon: a striking World War II wreck, a second reef stop, an open bar, light food, and a crew that takes beginner comfort seriously. The boat is clean, roomy, and more relaxing than a small motorboat.

Book it if you value convenience and a lively catamaran setting. Skip it in favor of a private trip if avoiding crowds matters more than the included drinks and snacks. If Snuba is your priority, check availability early. Otherwise, the standard snorkel trip offers the best balance of price, scenery, and easy holiday fun.

FAQ

Where does the Palm Pleasure snorkel sail depart?

The boat departs from De Palm Pier at J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 1, between the RIU and Hilton resorts. If you drive yourself, check in at the Coconuts retail store at least 30 minutes before departure.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 2:00 p.m. The experience lasts approximately three hours and ends back at De Palm Pier.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included at most major hotels when you select your hotel during booking. If your hotel is not listed, choose a nearby hotel or contact the operator using the number on your ticket.

Which places will I visit in the water?

The usual snorkel sites are the SS Antilla shipwreck and Boca Catalina. The Antilla is a World War II German freighter covered with coral and home to fish and other marine life.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes a mask, snorkel, fins, equipment use, and instruction. Corrective goggles may also be available if requested ahead of time.

Can I try Snuba without scuba certification?

Yes. The Snuba option does not require snorkeling or scuba certification. A certified Snuba guide leads the experience to a depth of about 20 feet.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. The price includes snacks and an open bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Food may include sandwiches and hot dogs, suitable as a light meal after swimming.

Can cruise ship passengers take this tour?

The tour is not recommended for cruise ship passengers because its schedule usually does not match most cruise ship arrival times.