Palm Pleasure Afternoon Snorkel Sail in Aruba

Sail along Aruba's coastline, snorkel above a historic shipwreck and enjoy an open bar aboard De Palm Tours' Palm Pleasure catamaran.

Want to experience Aruba's underwater world without spending your entire day on a boat?

The Aruba Afternoon Snorkel Sail aboard Palm Pleasure Catamaran combines three hours of Caribbean sailing with two snorkeling stops, refreshments and time to relax on deck.

Operated by De Palm Tours, the excursion departs from Palm Beach in the afternoon and includes a visit to the famous SS Antilla shipwreck, one of Aruba's best-known snorkeling attractions.

You'll travel aboard the spacious Palm Pleasure catamaran, with snorkeling equipment and instruction provided by the crew.

The afternoon excursion is particularly appealing to visitors who want a combination of snorkeling, sailing and relaxation rather than a full-day water adventure.

Duration: 3 hours

Departure: 2:00 PM, returning around 5:00 PM

Starting price on this listing: $85

Operator: De Palm Tours

Snorkeling: Two stops, including the Antilla shipwreck

Included: Snorkeling equipment, instruction, snacks and open bar

Palm Pleasure is a large catamaran measuring approximately 70 feet long and 40 feet wide.

That gives the boat a different atmosphere from a small-group speedboat or private snorkeling charter.

There is space to enjoy the ocean views, relax between swimming stops and spend time with friends or family.

The afternoon excursion is marketed as a relaxed sail, combining sightseeing with snorkeling and refreshments.

While snorkeling is an important part of the trip, you don't have to spend every available minute in the water to enjoy the experience.

For some travelers, the sailing itself is just as appealing as the underwater attractions.

The highlight of the afternoon sail is the opportunity to snorkel at the SS Antilla shipwreck.

The Antilla was a German merchant vessel that was scuttled off Aruba during World War II in 1940.

Today, the wreck is one of the island's most recognizable underwater attractions.

Unlike snorkeling over a shallow sandy bottom, visiting the Antilla offers the chance to look down at the remains of a large ship resting beneath the water.

Over time, parts of the structure have become habitat for marine organisms, including fish and other reef life.

Can You See the Antilla Without Scuba Diving?

Yes. Snorkeling tours visit the wreck so guests can observe it from the surface when visibility and conditions permit.

You don't need a scuba certification for this experience.

However, the Antilla is not a shallow beach snorkeling site. The wreck lies in deeper water, and you should not expect to touch it or swim through it.

The amount of detail visible depends on water clarity, sunlight and sea conditions.

For confident swimmers, snorkeling above a historic shipwreck can be one of Aruba's most distinctive underwater experiences.

If you're uncomfortable in open water, speak to the crew before entering.

The afternoon excursion includes two snorkeling locations.

While the Antilla is the historical highlight, the second stop provides another opportunity to observe Aruba's underwater scenery and marine life.

Some Aruba snorkeling itineraries visit reef areas near Boca Catalina or Malmok, but you should confirm the specific location for your departure rather than assume it is included.

The contrast between snorkeling over a shipwreck and exploring a reef environment is part of what makes a two-stop excursion appealing.

The advertised afternoon departure is from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

You'll check in at De Palm Pier on Palm Beach before boarding the catamaran.

Once aboard, the crew welcomes guests and provides instructions for the snorkeling portions of the trip.

The afternoon includes sailing along Aruba's coastline, two snorkeling stops and time to enjoy the boat.

Snacks and drinks from the open bar are included.

The actual time spent at each snorkeling location can vary with conditions and the day's arrangements.

The excursion returns to De Palm Pier around 5:00 PM.

This makes it a convenient option for travelers who want to enjoy the beach or other activities earlier in the day.

Palm Pleasure departs from De Palm Pier on Palm Beach, between the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and the RIU Palace.

Guests check in at the Coconuts retail store on the pier.

Plan to arrive approximately 30 minutes before departure.

Transportation is not included in the afternoon snorkel sail, so you'll need to arrange your own way to the pier.

If you're staying in the Palm Beach hotel area, you may be within walking distance.

If you're staying near Eagle Beach, Oranjestad or elsewhere on the island, allow time for transportation and check-in.

The excursion includes snorkeling equipment and instruction, so you don't need to bring your own mask, snorkel or fins.

Snacks and drinks from the open bar are also included.

The afternoon sailing package includes local taxes.

Gratuities and transportation are not included.

What Should You Bring?

Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel, sunscreen and any personal items you need for an afternoon on the water.

A waterproof pouch can be useful for protecting small belongings.

If you're prone to seasickness, consider preparing before departure, as conditions around the Antilla can differ from those along sheltered beaches.

Alcoholic beverages are available to eligible guests, but avoid alcohol before entering the water.

The excursion includes snorkeling equipment and instruction, making it accessible to travelers who don't own their own snorkeling gear.

However, being new to snorkeling and being uncomfortable in open water are two different things.

The Antilla is an offshore site, not a shallow beach where you can simply stand up.

If you are a nervous swimmer or have never snorkeled from a boat, discuss your concerns with the crew.

You can also enjoy the sailing portion without necessarily participating in every snorkeling stop.

The minimum age is three years, but young children still require appropriate supervision and may not be suitable for every water activity.

The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

De Palm Tours offers two main snorkeling excursions aboard Palm Pleasure.

The morning Snorkel Adventure is a longer four-hour trip with three snorkeling stops and lunch.

The Afternoon Delight is a shorter three-hour trip with two snorkeling stops and snacks.

Both include the Antilla shipwreck.

The afternoon tour makes sense if you want to combine snorkeling with a relaxed catamaran outing without committing four hours to the experience.

The morning trip is better suited to travelers who want more snorkeling stops and a longer excursion.

For a more detailed comparison, read our De Palm Tours Morning vs. Afternoon vs. Sunset Sail guide.

De Palm Tours also offers a SNUBA upgrade on selected Palm Pleasure snorkeling trips.

SNUBA combines elements of snorkeling and scuba diving, allowing participants to breathe underwater using equipment connected to an air supply at the surface.

However, it is a separate activity with additional safety requirements and an extra charge.

Availability is limited, and advance arrangements may be necessary.

If you're interested, confirm whether the SNUBA upgrade can be added to your afternoon booking.

Check the checkout total for your group. The figure on this page is the starting price.

Prices can vary by booking platform, date and passenger age.

The excursion includes the three-hour sail, two snorkeling stops, equipment, instruction, snacks, open bar and local taxes.

Transportation and gratuities are excluded.

Check the current total when selecting your travel date.

It has 4.6/5 rating from 296 Viator reviews.

Of the displayed ratings, 221 are five-star and 44 are four-star, indicating that most of the counted reviews are positive.

When reading recent reviews, pay particular attention to comments about the crew, snorkeling conditions, the number of guests aboard and the overall atmosphere.

Palm Pleasure is a large catamaran, so this is not the same experience as a private boat charter.

Popular snorkeling sites can also attract multiple boats.

If you're looking for a quiet, highly personalized excursion, a smaller-group tour may be more appropriate.

For travelers who want to combine snorkeling with a relaxing afternoon on the Caribbean Sea, Palm Pleasure offers a convenient package.

The Antilla shipwreck is the main underwater attraction, while the second snorkeling stop provides additional variety.

The included equipment, instruction, snacks and open bar make the trip straightforward to organize.

At three hours, it also leaves much of the day available for other activities.

Best for: Couples, families and groups who want an afternoon catamaran cruise with two snorkeling stops and refreshments.

Consider another tour if: you prefer a small private boat, want more snorkeling stops or need transportation included.

If you want to see Aruba from the water and experience one of its most famous shipwrecks without scuba diving, the Palm Pleasure afternoon snorkel sail is an appealing option.