Set Sail in Aruba: Jolly Pirate Cruise with Snorkel Adventure

The best part of this Aruba outing is the mix of real water time and good old-fashioned boat fun. You board an 85-foot teak schooner, swim at three sites, look down on a World War II wreck, then climb aboard for barbecue, rum punch, music, and a rope swing into the sea. It feels more like a full morning at sea than a quick snorkel stop.

I like the three different swimming areas, since calm shallows suit beginners while the SS Antilla gives stronger swimmers something memorable to see. I also like the generous all-in price: gear, lunch, and open bar are included. The main catch is that the boat can carry up to 65 people, and the music may feel loud if you want a quiet sailing trip.

Key points at a glance

• Three snorkel stops: Malmok, Boca Catalina, and the SS Antilla shipwreck
• A real shipwreck below you: The German freighter rests in about 60 feet of water
• The rope swing is a highlight: A simple, exciting way to enter the sea
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect ribs, chicken, Caribbean rice, potato salad, fruit, bread, and an open bar
• Useful onboard comforts: Snorkel gear, life jackets, shaded seating, and two restrooms
• Easy half-day timing: Meet at MooMba Beach at 9:00 a.m. and return there after roughly four hours

Sailing from MooMba Beach on a classic schooner

Your morning begins at MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard in Noord. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own way to the meeting point and arrive ready for a 9:00 a.m. departure.

The boat itself is part of the attraction. This is not a plain motorboat with a few seats and a cooler. The 85-foot vessel is a teak schooner fitted out in pirate style, with room to move between sunny and shaded areas. You can settle in, watch Aruba’s coast slide by, and enjoy the ride between swim stops.

The crew keeps the tone playful and social. Music, dancing, jokes, and the bar make this a good match for families, couples, and groups of friends who want an active morning rather than a quiet sail. The crew also pays attention to safety around the water, the rope swing, and the shipwreck stop.

With a maximum of 65 people, this is a group cruise. That size helps keep the price in check, but it also means you should not expect a private charter or a peaceful boat with only a handful of passengers. Pick a shaded spot early if you prefer to stay out of the sun.

Malmok gives you an easy first swim

The first stop is Malmok, a shallow area near the shoreline. This is a sensible way to begin the water portion of the trip because you can get comfortable with the mask and snorkel before reaching the deeper wreck site.

The water here is turquoise, and the shallow setting makes it easier to watch tropical fish without needing advanced swimming skills. You may spot smaller reef fish moving through the clear water, though conditions can change with wind and sea clarity.

You will have roughly 20 minutes at each stop, based on the usual schedule described for the cruise. That is enough time to swim and look around, but it is not a long marine-life study session. If you are new to snorkeling, use the first stop to adjust your mask, practice breathing through the tube, and learn how the current feels.

Bring sunscreen and reapply it. You will spend much of the morning exposed to strong Caribbean sun, even if you plan to snorkel often. A rash guard, hat, and a towel are useful additions to the gear supplied on board.

Boca Catalina offers calmer water and reef life

Next comes Boca Catalina, a protected cove with shallow, calmer water. This stop is especially useful for people who want to see reef life without dealing with the deeper water around the wreck.

The area is known for fish such as yellow-striped grunts, angelfish, green parrotfish, and grouper. You may also see elk coral, brain coral, and barrel sponges. The point is not to race from one sight to the next. Float slowly, keep your hands off the coral, and give your eyes time to adjust.

Boca Catalina is also a good stop for mixed-ability groups. Strong swimmers can look farther from shore, while cautious swimmers can remain in the shallow water. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone should listen closely to the crew’s instructions before entering the sea.

The supplied equipment makes the morning easier. You do not need to pack a mask, snorkel, or other basic gear, though you can bring your own if you prefer a familiar fit. Life jackets are available as well.

The SS Antilla is the morning’s main sight

The third stop is the SS Antilla, a German ship sunk by its captain and crew near the beginning of World War II. The wreck lies in about 60 feet of water, with parts of the hull and masts rising toward the surface.

From above, you see the ship’s shape beneath you rather than walking through it. Fish and other marine life have made the wreck their home, so this stop combines history with underwater scenery. The wreck is the strongest reason to choose this cruise over a simple beach swim.

The water is deeper here, and conditions may feel more challenging than at Malmok or Boca Catalina. You should be comfortable in open water and able to follow the crew’s directions. The boat provides snorkeling gear, but this is still a sea activity, not a glass-bottom sightseeing ride.

You might see sea turtles along with schools of fish around the wreck. The exact marine life is never guaranteed, but turtles have been spotted during this outing. Keep your expectations sensible and your camera ready, while remembering that visibility depends on the day.

One practical point: the schedule moves along. You will not have unlimited time at the Antilla. If the wreck is your top priority, head into the water promptly when the crew gives the signal.

Lunch comes with a generous serving of boat time

After the swimming stops, or during the cruise between them, you can eat a barbecue lunch on board. The menu includes ribs, chicken, Caribbean rice, potato salad, fruit, and bread. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking, and you should provide any other dietary needs in advance.

The food matters because snorkeling and sun make you hungry. This is more useful than a small snack, and portions have been described as generous. You can eat in the shaded section, then return to the deck for more sun, conversation, or water views.

The open bar is included in the price. Drinks are unlimited, and the rum punch is a popular choice. The minimum drinking age is 18. Pace yourself, especially in the heat, and drink water along with alcoholic beverages. You still need to swim, climb steps, and use the rope swing safely.

The bar and music give this cruise its party-boat edge. That is fun for many people, especially groups celebrating a vacation together. If you prefer quiet nature watching, the atmosphere may be more energetic than you want. One specific complaint is that the music can be loud, so consider this before booking if you are sensitive to noise.

The rope swing supplies the comic relief

The rope swing is not a small extra. It is one of the most memorable parts of the day. You climb up, hold on, swing out over the water, and let go. The crew helps manage the activity and keeps an eye on the landing area.

You do not have to use it. You can watch from the deck, swim from the steps, or simply enjoy the boat ride. Many people find the swing easier than it looks, but it still requires enough balance and strength to climb and hold the rope.

This is where the cruise feels different from a standard snorkel charter. You are not only looking at the sea. You are part of a playful activity that brings people together, and the pirate setting makes the whole thing feel a little less formal.

Wear a swimsuit you can move in and secure loose items before you swing. Keep sunscreen nearby, but do not apply oily lotion immediately before handling the rope. Follow the crew’s instructions and wait your turn.

What the $108 price really covers

At $108 per person, the value depends on how much of the package you will use. You are paying for about four hours aboard a distinctive schooner, three snorkel stops, equipment, a barbecue lunch, unlimited drinks, a professional crew, and the rope swing.

A basic boat ride might cost less, but it would not necessarily include a full meal, open bar, or several swim locations. On the other hand, you are sharing the boat with a sizable group and do not get hotel transportation. Add the cost and time of reaching MooMba Beach yourself.

I see this as good value for an active half-day. The package works best if you plan to snorkel, eat on board, and enjoy the social atmosphere. It is less useful for someone who only wants a short scenic sail or who does not drink and dislikes loud music.

The price also removes several small decisions. You do not need to rent snorkel equipment separately, find lunch after swimming, or arrange a second boat for the wreck. That convenience has real value during a short Aruba stay.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend the Jolly Pirate cruise to:

• Families with children who want several activities in one morning
• Couples who enjoy swimming, music, and a playful boat setting
• Groups of friends looking for an easy social outing
• First-time snorkelers who want equipment and crew support
• Stronger swimmers interested in seeing the SS Antilla
• Anyone who wants lunch and drinks included rather than paying as they go

The cruise also works for mixed groups because you can choose how much activity you want. One person can snorkel, another can stay in the shade, and another can try the rope swing. The two onboard restrooms are a helpful touch during a four-hour outing.

I would hesitate if you want a private, quiet sailing trip, have trouble with open-water swimming, or dislike a lively party atmosphere. The itinerary is active, and the boat can carry up to 65 people. You should also think twice if you need hotel pickup or want a flexible cancellation policy.

Practical advice before you book

Wear swimwear under light clothing and bring sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, and a cover-up. The sun can feel intense even when a sea breeze makes the air comfortable.

Tell the operator about vegetarian meals or other dietary requirements at booking. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided, so check your route to MooMba Beach before the morning of the cruise.

This activity requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Otherwise, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so choose your date carefully.

The cruise is operated by multilingual guides. Children need an accompanying adult, and the stated physical fitness level is moderate. You should be able to manage a boat, swimming equipment, and entry into the sea, even if you skip the rope swing.

Should you book the Jolly Pirate cruise?

Book it if you want Aruba in one cheerful package: a handsome schooner, three water stops, a World War II wreck, barbecue, open bar, and a rope swing. The strongest parts are the mix of shallow and deeper snorkeling, the helpful crew, and the fact that lunch and equipment are already covered.

Skip it if your perfect morning means soft music, few people, and long stretches of quiet sailing. This is a lively group outing, not a private yacht charter. For most active visitors, though, the $108 price is fair because the day gives you much more than a boat ride. Bring sunscreen, arrive ready to swim, and save room for the rum punch.

FAQ

Where does the Jolly Pirate cruise depart?

The cruise departs from MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant at J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 230 in Noord, Aruba.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately four hours and returns to the MooMba Beach meeting point.

Which snorkeling locations are included?

The cruise visits Malmok, Boca Catalina, and the SS Antilla shipwreck.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are available for use during the cruise.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. The tour includes a barbecue lunch and unlimited drinks from the open bar. Vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must arrange your own transportation to and from MooMba Beach.