Spend your cruise stop at Aruba on a catamaran, where you can sail, snorkel, swim, eat, and drink. Enjoy the warm sunshine and the amazing southern Caribbean Ocean.
You'll meet the catamaran a quick taxi ride about 15 minutes from the Aruba cruise terminal to the small pier where you'll depart. Board the 41-foot Trimaran Yacht and settle in to start your sail to the first snorkel spot. The catamaran holds up to 45 people, but there will never be more than 36 on your excursion. This will allow more space for you to move around and more personalized service. Lunch is provided and comes in 3 parts. The first will be served as you sail to the first snorkel location.
Weather permitting you'll be snorkeling for about 45 minutes each at 2 different sites. No need to bring anything as all the snorkel and safety gear is provided. Beginners and experienced snorkelers are welcome and if you need any help, just ask. If you prefer to stay dry the catamaran has trampoline nets on the front where you can relax and catch some rays.
The first stop is the Antilla Ship Wreck. The Antilla was launched in 1939 and was built to carry goods across the Atlantic between Germany and the Caribbean. But when Germany invaded Denmark and Norway, the Netherlands feared they too would be invaded. The German crew was confined to the ship and before they could be boarded, they scuttled the ship by flooding and burning it. It's one of the largest wrecks in the area and coral and sponges have taken over. Lobster and fish also can be seen there. It's a great wreck to explore for snorkelers and divers.
The second site is Boca Catalina Bay. This small bay has calm clear waters making it ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The shallow reef has a wide variety of colorful fish and corals. You may see Barracudas, schools of French grunt, French angelfish, bluefin trevally, and Bermuda chub if the visibility is good. There are beautiful coral formations, gorgonian (soft coral), and sea fans. Bring an underwater camera to capture this other world.
The bar is open for the entire cruise so you can enjoy a cocktail while everyone snorkels. It's advised that the snorkelers not drink before snorkeling. Lunch will be served throughout the sail. Enjoy a turkey sandwich (white or brown bread, mayonnaise, sliced turkey, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber), tuna salad wrap (whole-grain wraps, tuna, yellow onion, mayonnaise, and parsley), fruit stick (100% fruit - honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, pineapple, and grapes).
You'll finish your sail back at the small pier and can take a taxi from there back to your Aruba cruise ship.
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4/5 (Visited on January 2019)
