Sail and Snorkel Catalina Bay & Antilla Shipwreck — Aruba Catamaran Cruise
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be comfortable in shallow-open water and able to swim short distances.
Overview
Spend an easy three hours on a luxury catamaran exploring the placid reefs of Catalina Bay and the storied Antilla shipwreck. This guided snorkel sail pairs calm swim spots, expert briefings, and an open bar for an effortless afternoon on Aruba’s waters.
Sail and Snorkel Catalina Bay & Antilla Shipwreck — Aruba Catamaran Cruise
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The catamaran slips out from Piet's Pier with the steady sigh of rigging and a Caribbean breeze that seems to push you toward something bright and beneath the surface. In minutes, Palm Beach melts into a low horizon of hotels and coconut palms, and the boat settles into the kind of steady motion that makes the idea of getting wet feel inevitable and good.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early to Check Gear
Arrive 30 minutes before departure at Piet's Pier to get fitted for gear, hear safety briefings, and secure a good spot on the boat.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding to protect coral and reduce the need for reapplication in the water.
Bring a Waterproof Camera
Visibility at Catalina Bay and the Antilla can be excellent — a small waterproof camera captures the wreck and colorful reef life best.
Non-Swimmers and Kids
Notify the crew in advance if any children cannot swim; mandatory life jackets are provided and enforced for safety.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Queen angelfish
- Southern stingray
History
The Antilla is a WWII-era German freighter that became grounded and has since been colonized by coral, turning a wartime wreck into a thriving marine habitat.
Conservation
Operators encourage reef-safe sunscreen and no-touch policies; limiting contact with coral and proper anchoring keeps reefs healthy for future snorkelers.
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Adventure Hotspots in Oranjestad
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and local coral ecosystems during prolonged sun exposure on deck and in shallow water.
summer specific
Waterproof camera or action cam
Captures underwater scenes at Catalina Bay and the Antilla without risking your phone.
summer specific
Rash guard or swim shirt
Provides sun protection and a layer against chafing from life jackets or fins.
summer specific
Water shoes
Useful for walking on hot decks and for shallow shore entries if needed at calm bays.
summer specific