Turtle Snorkel And BBQ Sail

Aruba: Sail & Snorkel with Turtles at WW2 Shipwreck with BBQ

★ 4.7 81 reviews

from $119 per person

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

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Lucy’s Retired Surfer Bar Dock
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: Spronk Catamarans

Overview

Spronk Catamarans runs this 4.5-hour coastal sail out of Renaissance Marina in Oranjestad, and the route packs in three snorkel stops: the WWII Antilla shipwreck, Boca Catalina, and Tres Trapi, where sea turtles are the main draw. Between stops the boat cruises the shoreline while drinks and snacks circulate.

The first hour is sailing, followed by an hour at the wreck, where the listing includes beer, cocktails, spirits, swimming, snorkeling and local snacks. From there the boat sails on to Boca Catalina for another hour, then anchors at Tres Trapi for a BBQ lunch and more swimming before the roughly 45-minute cruise back. Snorkel gear comes with the tour, with a choice of full-face or traditional masks and fins, and paddleboards are complimentary for anyone who wants time out of the water. Lunch has a vegetarian option and the bar stays open.

Reviewers often single out the crew and the unhurried pace at each stop. One traveller reported only eleven guests aboard, which made for a relaxed day, and several mentioned turtles and fish in close range.

What's Included

Included

Snorkel masks with fins. Choice of full mask or traditional.
SUP boards
BBQ lunch is included. Also, vegetarian options.
All alcoholic beverages are included

Not Included

Transportation: Please keep note that there is $10 transport fee per person that has to be paid in person when guests choose this option

Itinerary

Meeting at Renaissance MarinaThe tour starts and ends at Renaissance Marina in Oranjestad. Pickup is an option depending on the selection made, with a $10 per person transport fee paid in person.
Sail along the coastThe catamaran cruises the Aruban coastline for 1 hour on the way out.
Antilla Shipwreck snorkelOne hour at the WWII wreck with beer, cocktails, spirits, swimming, snorkeling, local snacks, welcome refreshments and marine life viewing.
Boca Catalina BeachOne hour at Boca Catalina with drinks and sailing time.
Tres Trapi turtle stop45 minutes at Tres Trapi for lunch, swimming and the BBQ, with turtles frequently seen here.
Return sailA 45-minute cruise back toward Oranjestad, with drop-off at either Noord or Renaissance Marina.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points help this day go smoothly, from what to pack to how the stops actually run.

Bring and wear. The listing asks guests to bring towels and sun protection. Swimwear is needed for the three water stops.
Food and drink. A BBQ lunch and an open bar are included, with a vegetarian option at lunch. Reviewers repeatedly called the food good and plentiful, so there is little reason to bring your own.
Pace at the stops. Several travellers noted the stops felt unrushed, with time to take it in at each location. Turtles at Tres Trapi reward patience, as one reviewer found when a turtle swam past after others had given up watching.
Crew and group feel. Reviewers across the board praised the crew as friendly, attentive and helpful, with clear directions for where to snorkel safely. Group size varies from sailing to sailing, so the crowd on deck can feel quite different from one day to the next.
Gear on board. Snorkel masks and fins are provided, with a choice of full-face or traditional masks. Complimentary stand-up paddleboards are also on board, and the crew will help anyone new to them.
Photography. Underwater cameras or a GoPro are worth packing for the turtles and the wreck. One reviewer captured a turtle on video, and reviewers mention large numbers of fish at the stops.

Common issues. Turtle sightings are likely but not absolutely certain, and one reviewer noted most of their group missed the turtles by leaving the water too early. Transport, when chosen, carries a $10 per person fee paid in person, so it is an extra cost on top of the booking.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The tour includes a BBQ lunch with a vegetarian option, an open bar with alcoholic beverages, snorkel masks and fins in full-face or traditional styles, and stand-up paddleboards. Snacks and drinks are served during the stops.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Pickup is offered as an option, but there is a $10 transport fee per person paid in person when guests choose it. Otherwise the tour starts and ends at Renaissance Marina in Oranjestad.

How Long Is The Tour And Where Does It Go?

It runs 4.5 hours from Renaissance Marina, with snorkel stops at the Antilla shipwreck, Boca Catalina and Tres Trapi, plus sailing time along the coast in between.

Will I See Sea Turtles?

Tres Trapi is a known turtle spot and many reviewers reported seeing turtles up close, at Boca Catalina as well. Sightings depend on the day and on patience in the water, since one reviewer noted others in their group missed a turtle by giving up early.

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 a refund, so plan changes early.

What Should I Bring?

Towels and sun protection, per the listing. Swimwear is needed for the three snorkel stops.