Glass Bottom Boat Snorkel Sites, 1.5 Hours

Aruba Snorkel Sites by Glass Bottom Boat

13 reviews

from $60 per person

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

Duration: 1.5 hours
Meeting point: Island Cabana, L.G. Smith Blvd, Noord
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Malmok Charters

Overview

The boat itself is the draw here: Malmok Charters runs a fully transparent vessel, so the reef, the fish and the wreck pass under your feet between snorkel stops. The tour runs 1.5 hours and packs in Aruba's three best-known snorkel sites. You set off from Island Cabana Aruba on L.G. Smith Boulevard in Noord and head straight for Tres Trapi, a coastal snorkel site included on guided tours.

From there the boat continues to the Antilla, a famous shipwreck that reviewers say is clearly visible through the glass floor as you drift above it. The final stop is Boca Catalina, where you get in the water with a mask and snorkel among coral and lots of tropical fish. Snorkel gear, bottled water and sodas are all provided, and a captain runs the trip throughout.

It suits families and casual snorkelers well. Several reviewers with young children described it working nicely, since kids who stay dry can still watch the marine life through the hull. Anyone wanting a close-up look at Aruba's underwater sights without a long day on the water will fit right in.

What's Included

Included

Includes snorkeling gears
Bottle of water
Sodas
Experienced Capitan

Itinerary

Meet at Island CabanaThe tour starts at ISLAND CABANA ARUBA on L.G. Smith Blvd in Noord. Hotel pickup is not included.
Ride to Tres TrapiA 30-minute glass bottom boat ride along the coast to Tres Trapi Beach, the spot where swimmers regularly encounter sea turtles.
The Antilla ShipwreckThe boat passes over the Antilla wreck, a glass bottom boat ride that runs 1.5 hours in total, one of the shorter outings in the Aruba snorkel lineup. The wreck is viewed through the transparent hull.
Snorkel Boca CatalinaA 30-minute stop at Boca Catalina Beach with snorkeling over coral and tropical fish.
Return to Island CabanaThe boat arrives back at the meeting point in Noord.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this short trip.

Bring basics. The listing asks guests to bring a towel and sunblock. Nothing else is required, since snorkel gear, life jackets, water and soda are all on board.
Kids are welcome. The operator pitches the tour as fun for all ages, and reviewers agree. One family reported their 8-year-old snorkeling among turtles while their 4-year-old watched everything through the glass walls.
Friendly crew. Reviewers again and again describe the crew as kind, helpful and willing to explain what you are seeing. Several also singled out the captain by name for praise.
Turtles and fish. Turtles at Tres Trapi and dense fish at Boca Catalina come up again and again in reviews. One traveller compared the fish stop to being in an aquarium, and another mentioned the reminder not to feed the fish.
Photography. The clear water and transparent hull make for unusual photos. Reviews mention seeing the ocean floor distinctly, and several travellers describe watching marine life pass beneath their feet.
Make your own way. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan transport to Island Cabana Aruba on L.G. Smith Blvd in Noord. Check the booking page for the exact meeting arrangements before you go.

Common issues. The tour is short at 1.5 hours, and one reviewer said there was plenty of time at all the spots. Hotel pickup is not included, which means arranging your own transport to Noord. One reviewer wished they could have swum with the turtles rather than viewing them from the boat, so manage expectations about which stops involve getting in the water. The listing also advises bringing a towel and sunblock.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Snorkeling gear, life jackets, bottled water, sodas and an experienced captain are all included. You need to bring your own towel and sunblock. Hotel pickup is not included.

Where Does The Tour Start?

The meeting point is Island Cabana Aruba on L.G. Smith Blvd in Noord. There is no hotel pickup, so you make your own way there. The listing carries a view details link for the exact location.

Is It Suitable For Children?

Yes. The operator describes it as fun for everyone of all ages, and reviewers have taken children as young as four. Young kids who do not snorkel can still see turtles, fish and the shipwreck through the glass bottom.

Do You Actually Snorkel Or Just Ride The Boat?

Both. Boca Catalina is a dedicated snorkeling stop, and Tres Trapi is the turtle spot. The wreck of the Antilla is viewed from the boat, which reviewers say works well because the transparent floor shows it clearly.

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 the terms, so check the booking page before committing.

What Should I Bring?

A towel and sunblock, per the listing. Snorkel equipment and life jackets are supplied, along with bottled water and soda. Nothing else is listed as required.