Flagship Afternoon Schooner, Antilla Wreck

Aruba: Afternoon Snorkel Cruise to SS Antilla Wreck

3 reviews

from $76 per person

Opens the live booking listing with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 3 - 3.5 hours
Meeting point: Hadicurari Fishermen's Pier
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Flagship-Aruba

Overview

This afternoon cruise puts you on a classic schooner run by Flagship-Aruba, with the SS Antilla as its centerpiece stop. The Antilla was a German cargo ship from the WWII era and now rests as one of the larger shipwrecks in the Caribbean, and it is one of two snorkel sites on this run. The trip lasts three to three and a half hours on the water.

The order of the afternoon is straightforward. The crew first takes the boat to the wreck for a snorkel session, then on to Boca Catalina, where the water is calm and shallow and full of tropical fish. Between and after the stops there is an open bar serving local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, light bites, and music on deck. Before the return leg, passengers can take turns on a rope swing off the bow.

The boat is set up for mixed crowds. There is a sunny terrace at the bow, a shaded lounge at the stern, and several restrooms, so it works for groups, families and solo travellers alike. Two practical points to plan around: hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of this cruise, and anyone wanting top-shelf spirits or specialty cocktails can pay extra onboard for the Premium Bar upgrade.

What's Included

Included

Snorkel cruise aboard a classic schooner
Snorkel stops at the SS Antilla shipwreck and Boca Catalina
Premium snorkeling gear
Professional, safety-trained crew
Open bar with local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Light bites
Music on board
Use of rope swing
Onboard restrooms

Not Included

Premium bar upgrade with top-shelf spirits and specialty cocktails (available onboard for an extra charge)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities (optional)

Itinerary

Meet at Hadicurari PierMake your own way to Hadicurari Fishermen's Pier (Berea di Piscado Hadicurari) in Noord, Aruba. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off on this cruise.
Board the schoonerClimb aboard the classic schooner and meet the safety-trained crew. Gear for snorkeling is provided.
Snorkel the SS AntillaThe first stop is the SS Antilla, a German WWII cargo ship and a World War II shipwreck off the coast of Aruba. Snorkel over the wreck with the crew nearby.
Snorkel Boca CatalinaContinue to Boca Catalina, calm and clear shallows known for tropical fish.
Rope swing and returnBefore heading back, take a turn on the rope swing off the bow, then cruise to the pier with drinks and music still flowing.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few things are worth knowing before you book, from what to bring to how the day actually feels on the water.

Getting there. You need to arrange your own transport to Hadicurari Fishermen's Pier in Noord. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so factor a taxi or rental car into your plans and arrive with time to spare.
Gear and clothing. Premium snorkeling gear is included, so there is no need to bring your own mask or fins. A swimsuit, worn under clothes or ready to change into, is the obvious choice for a wet afternoon.
Drinks and food. The open bar covers local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and light bites are served, so you will not go hungry or thirsty. If you want top-shelf spirits or specialty cocktails, the Premium Bar upgrade costs extra and can be arranged onboard.
Crew and atmosphere. Reviewers repeatedly single out the crew. Several described them as very friendly and welcoming, and one called the boat itself beautiful and stylish. Music plays on deck for the cruise.
Who it suits. The listing positions the trip for groups, families and solo travellers. There is a shaded stern lounge if you want to stay out of the sun, a sunny bow terrace if you want it, and several restrooms onboard.
Sea life reality. Boca Catalina is known for its clear, fish-filled shallows. One reviewer noted that sea turtles cannot be predicted, and they did not appear on that trip, so treat turtles as a bonus rather than a promise.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, which is the main logistical limit to plan around. The Premium Bar upgrade costs extra, and gratuities are not included even though they are optional. One reviewer pointed out that sea turtle sightings are never guaranteed, so anyone booking specifically for turtles may be disappointed.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The cruise itself aboard the schooner, snorkel stops at the SS Antilla and Boca Catalina, premium snorkeling gear, and a safety-trained crew are all included. An open bar with local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, light bites, music, use of the rope swing, and onboard restrooms are covered too.

Is Food Or Premium Alcohol Extra?

Light bites and the standard open bar are included. The Premium Bar upgrade, which adds top-shelf spirits and specialty cocktails, is available onboard for an extra charge. Gratuities are optional and not included.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off on this cruise. You meet the boat at Hadicurari Fishermen's Pier, Berea di Piscado Hadicurari, in Noord, Aruba.

How Long Is The Tour?

The cruise runs three to three and a half hours. That covers both snorkel stops, the open bar and light bites, and the rope swing before the return to the pier.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Inside that window the listing does not state a refund, so plan changes early.

Is It Suitable For Families And Kids?

The listing says the boat suits groups, families and solo travelers, with restrooms, a shaded stern lounge and a sunny bow terrace. Snorkeling is in the shallows at Boca Catalina as well as at the wreck, and the crew is safety-trained.