Jolly Pirates Aruba: 4-Hour Snorkeling Cruise Guide

If you've spent time around Aruba's beaches, you may have spotted a large wooden pirate-style sailing ship cruising along the coast.

That's the kind of experience offered by Jolly Pirates Aruba, one of the island's recognizable sailing and snorkeling operators.

The Jolly Pirates four-hour snorkeling cruise combines sailing aboard an 85-foot teak schooner with three snorkeling locations, an onboard BBQ lunch, an open bar and a rope swing.

It's a lively alternative to a conventional snorkeling boat trip, especially if you want to combine underwater sightseeing with a fun atmosphere on the water.

Here's what to expect before booking.

The Jolly Pirates snorkeling adventure takes place aboard a traditional-style wooden schooner.

The ship's pirate-inspired appearance is part of the attraction, but the experience is primarily a sailing and snorkeling excursion.

During the four-hour cruise, guests visit three well-known snorkeling locations along Aruba's northwestern coast:

• Malmok Reef
• Boca Catalina
• The Antilla shipwreck

Between snorkeling stops, there's time to enjoy the sailing experience, relax on deck and take in the coastline.

The cruise also includes an open bar, BBQ lunch and a rope swing for guests who want a little extra excitement.

One of the main reasons to choose this Jolly Pirates excursion is the variety of snorkeling locations.

Rather than visiting just one reef, the itinerary combines shallow coastal snorkeling with a famous shipwreck site.

Malmok Reef

Malmok is known for its rocky shoreline and clear coastal waters.

The underwater environment differs from Aruba's sandy swimming beaches, with rocky areas that provide habitat for marine life.

During the snorkeling stop, you may spot tropical fish and explore the underwater scenery.

Visibility and wildlife sightings depend on conditions, so no particular species is guaranteed.

Boca Catalina

Boca Catalina is a popular snorkeling area on Aruba's northwestern coast.

Its relatively sheltered setting and clear water make it a familiar stop on many island snorkeling excursions.

The area offers opportunities to observe fish and enjoy the underwater environment.

For visitors who haven't snorkeled in Aruba before, it's an appealing introduction to the island's coastal marine life.

The Antilla Shipwreck

The most distinctive snorkeling stop is the SS Antilla, a German cargo ship that was scuttled off Aruba during World War II.

Today, the wreck is one of Aruba's best-known underwater attractions.

The ship rests in approximately 60 feet of water, although parts of the wreck extend closer to the surface.

On a snorkeling excursion, you'll view the wreck from the water above rather than explore it as a scuba diver would.

Its enormous structure makes it a memorable contrast to the natural reef stops.

Sea conditions can influence visibility and accessibility, so the exact snorkeling experience may vary.

Snorkeling isn't the only activity onboard.

The schooner features a rope swing that lets guests swing out over the water.

For many visitors, this becomes one of the most entertaining parts of the cruise.

It's a chance to try something different, watch other guests take their turn and enjoy the playful atmosphere.

Participation is optional, so you can simply relax on deck if the rope swing isn't for you.

Always follow the crew's safety instructions before using it.

The four-hour Jolly Pirates cruise includes a BBQ-style lunch served onboard.

The advertised menu includes:

• Chicken
• Coleslaw
• Caribbean rice
• Corn on the cob
• Melon

A vegetarian option is available when requested in advance.

If you have dietary requirements, mention them when booking rather than waiting until you're onboard.

Having lunch included makes this a convenient excursion for travelers who want to spend several hours on the water without arranging a separate meal afterward.

Yes. The tour includes unlimited drinks from an onboard open bar.

That contributes to the lively atmosphere for which pirate-style cruises are known.

The minimum drinking age is 18.

You don't have to drink alcohol to enjoy the experience, and it's important to stay hydrated in Aruba's warm weather.

If you're planning to snorkel or use the rope swing, follow the crew's guidance about safe participation.

The Jolly Pirates schooner is approximately 85 feet long and constructed from teak.

Its traditional wooden appearance makes it noticeably different from modern catamarans and speedboats.

There are areas where guests can enjoy the sun, along with a shaded awning for those who prefer to stay out of direct sunlight.

The vessel also has two onboard restrooms.

That combination makes it possible to alternate between swimming, snorkeling and relaxing throughout the four-hour experience.

The cruise can appeal to families with children who enjoy boats, swimming and snorkeling.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

However, the operator recommends that participants have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

The experience isn't recommended for travelers with certain spinal or cardiovascular conditions.

If you're traveling with young children or anyone who isn't a confident swimmer, check the operator's requirements before booking.

Snorkeling and the rope swing are activities that require particular attention to safety.

The four-hour Jolly Pirates snorkeling cruise advertises prices starting at $100.

The experience includes:

• Four-hour sailing cruise
• Three snorkeling locations
• Snorkeling equipment
• Rope swing
• BBQ lunch
• Unlimited drinks from the open bar
• Professional guide
• Access to two onboard restrooms

Hotel pickup and drop-off aren't included.

Gratuities are also excluded.

The supplied booking information states that cancellations are nonrefundable, so review the terms carefully before confirming your reservation.

Aruba has several snorkeling operators, and the best choice depends on the experience you're looking for.

Jolly Pirates stands out for its pirate-style wooden schooner, rope swing, three snorkeling stops and included BBQ lunch.

A smaller snorkeling boat may be preferable if you want a quieter experience or more personalized attention.

A catamaran cruise may appeal to travelers who prefer a different type of vessel and a more relaxed sailing atmosphere.

Jolly Pirates is particularly suitable if you enjoy a social setting and want a combination of snorkeling, sailing and onboard entertainment.

If you want more than a simple boat ride, this four-hour adventure combines several of Aruba's popular water activities into one excursion.

You'll have opportunities to snorkel at Malmok and Boca Catalina, view the Antilla shipwreck, enjoy a BBQ lunch and experience the atmosphere of a pirate-style sailing ship.

The rope swing and open bar add to the fun, while the traditional schooner makes the journey itself memorable.

The tour has a listed rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 1,099 Viator guest reviews.

For travelers who want an energetic Aruba snorkeling cruise with a mix of sightseeing, swimming, food and entertainment, Jolly Pirates is an option worth considering.

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