Banana Adventure Catamaran Shipwreck Snorkel and Turtle Swim

The Antilla shipwreck is the star of this Aruba catamaran trip. This former World War II vessel has been underwater for more than 80 years, and you can snorkel above its remains before heading to Tres Trapi in search of sea turtles. The wreck can be rough and hard to see on windy days, but it gives the outing a real sense of place.

I like the small-to-moderate group size, capped at 36 people and often much smaller, and the relaxed mix of snorkeling, sailing, snacks, and time on the rope swing. I also like that the crew keeps running the boat even when only a few people book, which can turn the cruise into something close to a private outing.

The main caution is simple: turtles are not guaranteed, and the water around the wreck can be choppy. Tres Trapi is easy to reach from shore with a car, so the boat adds the most value if you want the sailing, open bar, crew service, and second snorkeling stop along with it.

Key points at a glance

• Two main snorkeling stops: Visit the Antilla shipwreck and Tres Trapi, with fish at both sites and a chance to see turtles.
• About three hours on the water: The schedule includes sailing time, snorkeling, snacks, drinks, and free time on the catamaran.
• Open bar with limits: Liquors, mixers, soft drinks, juice, and bottled water are included. Beer is not.
• Light lunch included: Expect fresh fruit, sliders, and local pastries, though the meal is not meant to replace a full lunch.
• Family-friendly boat setup: Shaded seating, stable catamaran decks, snorkeling gear, a safety talk, and a rope swing suit mixed-age groups.
• Maximum of 36 people: Actual numbers can be much lower, but cruise-ship timing and weather can affect the pace.

Why the Antilla wreck makes this trip different

Many Aruba boat trips offer a pleasant ride and a quick swim. This one has a clear center of gravity: the Antilla, one of the Caribbean’s best-known shipwreck sites.

The wreck sank more than 80 years ago during World War II and remains largely intact. From the surface, you may see the outline of the hull and sections of the ship below. Fish now use the structure as shelter, so the site combines a piece of wartime history with ordinary reef life.

The word may matters here. The wreck is offshore, and conditions can change quickly. Strong trade winds can make the water rough. Several people have found the wreck impressive, while others felt it was too deep or too cloudy to deliver the full effect. Boats can also gather at the site, which makes the water feel less quiet.

I would book this stop for the setting and the chance to see an unusual underwater landmark, not for a perfect, close-up ship tour. If you want calm water and easy snorkeling, the second stop may suit you better.

Sailing from Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier

The cruise begins at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier, also called Berea di Piscado Hadicurari, in Noord. Pickup and private transportation are offered, so check the arrangements when you book rather than assuming you need to make your own way there.

Once aboard, the catamaran gives you a more comfortable ride than a small open boat. Its multihull design is stable, and the broad deck provides places to sit in the shade or stretch out in the sun. Aruba’s steady trade winds supply much of the entertainment as the boat moves along the coast.

The sailing portion is not just dead time between snorkeling stops. It gives you a chance to dry off, look back at the shoreline, and settle into the easy rhythm of the island. The crew also explains safety rules and gives instructions for using the snorkel equipment.

The boat can carry up to 36 people, but the actual group may be far smaller. Some departures have had only a handful of people aboard. That is a major advantage if you dislike packed party boats. It also means the atmosphere can vary from quiet and personal to more social, depending on the date.

Snorkeling above the Antilla

At the wreck stop, you receive snorkeling equipment and a basic lesson before entering the water. The crew explains where to swim and reminds you to stay near the group, which is useful when wind and current make the surface less settled.

You can expect fish around the wreck, but conditions control how much you see. On a calm day, the ship’s shape and marine life can make this the strongest part of the trip. In rougher water, the visibility may be limited, and floating above the wreck can become tiring.

This is not the best stop for someone who dislikes open water. The wreck is not a shallow shore entry, and the ride out can expose you to wind. If you are a confident swimmer, the site offers more interest than a standard reef stop. If you are new to snorkeling, stay close to the boat and crew instructions.

One practical point: the guides do not always enter the water with the group. Some crews have helped people locate turtles or pointed out fish from the boat, while some departures have kept the staff aboard. You receive safety guidance and supervision, but you should not expect a personal underwater guide at every moment.

Looking for turtles at Tres Trapi

The second stop is Tres Trapi, a popular Aruba snorkeling area known for sea turtles. The name refers to three small steps carved into the coast, and the spot can also be reached from shore. That makes the boat ride less essential for this particular stop, but it lets you pair Tres Trapi with the Antilla and a full sailing outing.

Turtles are the attraction, yet no crew can promise a sighting. Some people see several turtles, while others spot none and find plenty of fish instead. The turtles move freely, so you may need to search patiently rather than wait for one to swim directly toward you.

Follow the crew’s instructions and give the animals room. The best part of a turtle encounter is watching quietly as the animal moves through the water. Chasing one usually makes the sighting shorter and less pleasant for everyone.

Tres Trapi may feel underwhelming if you have already visited it by car or if the water is cloudy. Its value is higher for people who want the complete catamaran day, not just a single turtle sighting. Bring modest expectations and you will be less likely to judge the whole trip by whether one animal appears.

Rope swing, shaded decks, and time between stops

The boat offers more than snorkeling. A rope swing and diving platform give you a playful way to enter the water, and they are especially popular with children and adults who want a break from looking through a mask.

You can also stay aboard. Shaded seating matters in Aruba, where the sun can feel strong even when the trade wind keeps you cool. The catamaran has enough space for you to choose between sitting quietly, chatting with the crew, or watching others take their turn on the swing.

The boat is described as comfortable and clean rather than high-end in a formal sense. That is the right expectation. You are paying for a well-organized outing on the water, not a private yacht charter with luxury service.

The crew names associated with different departures include Captains Sean, Cuba, and Joidel, along with Benji, Mussa, Jeremy JJ, Manuel, and other crew members. Service can vary by crew and by how busy the boat is, but the strongest pattern is attentive safety instruction, frequent drink service, and a friendly approach. A few people found the crew more directive than chatty, so do not expect constant entertainment.

What you actually eat and drink

The included food is a light lunch, not a full restaurant meal. The usual selection includes fresh fruit, sliders, local pastries, and small sandwiches. This is useful after swimming, especially when you have spent time in the sun, but you may still want a larger meal later.

Food timing can vary. On one departure, the sliders arrived late in the return journey because of the schedule. If you have a strict lunch plan afterward, leave some flexibility.

The open bar includes various liquors, mixers, soft drinks, juices, and bottled water. Beer is specifically excluded. Alcohol is available only to people 18 and older, so younger participants receive nonalcoholic choices.

I like the way the food and drinks fit the outing. They keep you from needing to pack a full picnic, and a cold drink feels welcome after snorkeling. Still, the meal is basic. If lunch quality is your top concern, this should not be your main reason for booking.

Bring sunscreen and consider a refillable water bottle, even with bottled water provided. The sun, salt, and wind can catch you off guard, especially when the boat ride feels cool.

Is $65 a good value in Aruba?

At $65 per person, this is a solid price for roughly three hours if you want several elements in one package. The fee includes transportation, the catamaran ride, snorkeling gear, a safety lesson, two snorkeling areas, light food, and an open bar with the stated limits.

The value improves when your group wants variety. One person can snorkel while another relaxes under the shade, and children can use the rope swing instead of spending the entire trip in the water. Couples and mixed-age families do not need to choose between a quiet cruise and an active excursion.

The value is weaker if you only want to visit Tres Trapi. Since that site can be reached from land, renting a car and snorkeling from shore may cost less, especially if you already have transportation. The boat earns its price through the Antilla visit, sailing time, crew service, food, and drinks.

Group size also affects the price in practice. A nearly empty departure can feel like an excellent deal because you get more room and personal attention. A full boat is still limited to 36 people, but it will feel less private. If avoiding crowds matters to you, ask about expected numbers before booking.

Timing, transportation, and small practical cautions

The experience lasts about three hours and returns to Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier. Pickup is offered, and private transportation is included, but confirm the exact pickup plan and allow extra time after the cruise. One departure took longer than expected to arrange the ride back to the pickup point.

The trip may also be adjusted for cruise-ship schedules. A departure with many cruise passengers was shortened by about 30 minutes, so ask about the day’s timing if you have a flight, shore excursion, or restaurant reservation afterward.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. You still need to be comfortable getting into open water and using snorkeling equipment. The crew provides gear and a lesson, but the boat is not a substitute for swimming ability.

The experience depends on good weather. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside 24 hours are not refunded, except when poor weather causes the operator to cancel, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who should book this catamaran?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and small groups who want more than a simple shore snorkel. The stable boat, shaded areas, snacks, and rope swing make it easy to mix activity with downtime. Children ages 8 to 12 have been especially well served by crews who pay close attention to safety.

It also suits you if you prefer a calmer boat with a cap of 36 people rather than a large party vessel. The music and mood are not the main point. The attraction is the coast, the water, the wreck, and the chance to swim near turtles.

I would be more cautious if you need guaranteed wildlife, dislike wind, or want a full meal. The Antilla can be rough, turtles may stay out of sight, and the lunch is modest. You may also find Tres Trapi familiar if you have already visited it from land.

Should you book the Banana Adventure?

Book this tour if you want a well-priced half-day on the water with two snorkel stops, a historic wreck, possible turtles, a rope swing, and drinks included. Its best quality is balance: you can be active without giving up a comfortable ride or a shady place to sit.

Skip it if your only goal is a guaranteed turtle encounter or a close view of the Antilla in calm water. No snorkeling company can control those conditions. For most people, though, the combination of sailing, fish, open water, simple food, and a friendly crew makes this a sensible Aruba outing at $65.

FAQ

Where does the Banana Adventure Catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier, also called Berea di Piscado Hadicurari, in Noord, Aruba.

How long does the catamaran excursion last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and private transportation is included.

Which snorkeling sites does the boat visit?

The itinerary includes the Antilla shipwreck and Tres Trapi, where you can look for sea turtles.

Are snorkeling masks and equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a free lesson are included.

Are turtles guaranteed?

No. Tres Trapi is a turtle-swimming stop, but sightings depend on the animals and water conditions.

What food is included?

The light lunch includes items such as fresh fruit, sliders, and local pastries.

What drinks are included, and is beer available?

Liquors, mixers, soft drinks, juices, and bottled water are included for participants 18 and older. Beer is not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted or refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.