Jolly Pirate Cruise Aruba: Snorkel the Antilla Shipwreck & Malmok Reefs
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness and basic swimming ability recommended; you’ll be climbing ladders and swimming between boat and reef.
Overview
Board an 85-foot teak schooner at MooMba Beach and spend four hours snorkeling Malmok and Boca Catalina, viewing the WWII Antilla wreck, and lounging under a shaded canopy with a BBQ lunch and open bar. Ideal for travelers with basic swimming skills who want a lively, well-run introduction to Aruba’s nearshore reefs.
Jolly Pirate Cruise Aruba: Snorkel the Antilla Shipwreck & Malmok Reefs
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When the teak deck tips into a slow roll and the Caribbean breathes warm against your cheeks, the Jolly Pirate schooner feels less like a tourist boat and more like a private invitation to the island's marine playground.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early
Boarding begins 45 minutes before departure—arrive on time to get a good spot on deck and complete check-in.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect the coral and your skin by applying reef-safe sunscreen before boarding; reapply with a towel between swims.
Secure Small Electronics
Bring a waterproof case or leave phones ashore—wave action and rope-swinging can send loose items overboard.
Know Your Limits in the Water
Snorkel sites include shallow reefs and a deeper shipwreck; if you’re not comfortable in open water, stay with the boat’s flotation aids.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Parrotfish and schooling snapper
History
The Antilla was a German freighter scuttled in 1940; over decades it has become an artificial reef and popular snorkel site.
Conservation
Aruba’s reefs are fragile—use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral, and follow crew guidance to reduce impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Palm Beach (Oranjestad area)
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin while preventing chemical damage to coral reefs.
Water shoes or secure sandals
Makes getting on/off the ladder and scrambling on rocky shorelines safer.
Quick-dry towel and swimwear
You’ll be in and out of the water; a quick-dry towel speeds transition back to deck.
Light UV shirt or windbreaker
Useful for wind and sun protection on the return to port.