Set Sail in Aruba: Jolly Pirate Cruise with Snorkel Adventure

The Jolly Pirate cruise turns a half-day on Aruba’s water into a floating party with real snorkeling stops. You sail aboard an 85-foot teak schooner, swim at three sites, inspect a World War II shipwreck, then eat barbecue and swing from the boat into the sea. The SS Antilla gives the trip its historical edge, while the rope swing supplies the goofy fun.

I like the easy all-in setup: snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks are included, so you do not have to keep reaching for your wallet. I also like the variety. You get shallow reef water at Malmok and Boca Catalina, then a larger wreck site offshore. The main drawback is that this is a lively group outing, not a quiet sailing trip. Music can be loud, and the boat may carry up to 65 people.

Key points

• Three water stops: Malmok, Boca Catalina, and the SS Antilla shipwreck each offer a different snorkeling setting.
• A true pirate-ship setting: The 85-foot teak schooner gives the outing more character than a standard motorboat.
• A filling BBQ lunch: Ribs, chicken, Caribbean rice, potato salad, fruit, and bread are served onboard.
• The rope swing is a major highlight: You can jump from the schooner into the sea with crew support.
• Strong value at $108: The price covers the guide, equipment, food, open bar, and roughly four hours on the water.

Sailing from MooMba Beach on Aruba’s pirate schooner

Your morning begins at 9:00 a.m. at MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard in Noord. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. The activity returns to the same spot after the cruise.

The boat is not a bare-bones snorkeling platform. It is an 85-foot, 26-meter teak schooner styled as a pirate ship, with room to sit in the sun or find shade. That matters because four hours on the water feels much better when you can change position, watch the coast, and take a break from swimming.

The crew runs the outing in a playful, social way. You can expect music, jokes, dancing, and plenty of encouragement for the rope swing. At the same time, the crew keeps an eye on swimmers and helps people with the equipment. Guides speak multiple languages, which is useful for a mixed international group.

The boat has two restrooms. That is a small detail, but a valuable one on a half-day cruise, especially when you are eating, drinking, and spending much of the morning away from shore.

Malmok offers an easy first snorkel

Malmok is the first water stop. It is a shallow area close to shore, with clear turquoise water and tropical sea life. Starting here makes sense because you can get comfortable with the mask, fins, and snorkel before heading to the larger wreck site.

You may see schools of tropical fish in the shallow water. The setting is also less intimidating for anyone who has not snorkeled recently or feels unsure in open water. Use this stop to adjust your mask and test your breathing. If you are bringing your own equipment, you can use it, but the boat supplies snorkeling gear and life jackets.

The snorkeling stops are roughly 20 minutes each, based on the timing reported for the outing. That gives you enough time to swim and look around, but not enough for a slow, private exploration. If you want to see the most, listen closely to the crew’s instructions and get into the water promptly.

Boca Catalina brings calmer water and reef life

Next comes Boca Catalina, a shallow, protected cove. The calmer water and good visibility make it one of the more approachable places to snorkel on the route.

This is where you can look for yellow-striped grunts, angelfish, green parrotfish, grouper, elk coral, brain coral, and barrel sponges. Marine life can never be guaranteed, but the range of fish and coral gives you plenty to watch in a short stop.

I would treat Boca Catalina as a good place to slow down and look closely. Instead of swimming far, scan the reef and sandy patches around you. Parrotfish and grunts can move in groups, while coral and sponges reward a more careful look.

The water is still a natural environment, not an aquarium. Conditions can affect visibility, and the amount of fish you see can vary. The protected cove helps, but this is not a private snorkeling session. You will be sharing the water with the other people on the boat.

The SS Antilla is the cruise’s main attraction

The final snorkeling stop is the SS Antilla, a German ship sunk near the beginning of World War II. The wreck rests in about 60 feet, or 18 meters, of water, with its hull and masts rising toward the surface.

You do not need to descend to the wreck to appreciate it. From above, you can see the ship’s structure below you and watch fish move around it. Marine life has made the wreck its home, giving this stop more visual interest than a simple reef swim.

The Antilla also gives the cruise a sense of place. You are not just stopping at another patch of sea. You are looking at a piece of Aruba’s wartime maritime story, now covered in coral growth and surrounded by fish.

Several people have reported seeing sea turtles during the snorkeling stops, especially around the wreck and reef areas. Turtles are wild animals, so there is no promise you will encounter one, but keep your eyes open and give them plenty of space if you do.

The wreck stop can be the most memorable part of the morning, but it may not suit everyone equally. The water is deeper here, and you should be comfortable in the sea before choosing to swim away from the boat. Life jackets and equipment are available, and the crew provides assistance, but you should still have a moderate level of physical fitness.

The rope swing adds a burst of harmless silliness

After the snorkeling, the rope swing becomes the boat’s main stage. You climb up, hold the rope, and swing out over the water before letting go.

This is not a required part of the trip. You can watch from the deck, sit in the shade, or work on your tan instead. But if you like active outings, the swing is one of the clearest reasons to choose this cruise over a quiet catamaran ride.

The crew helps keep the activity organized and safe. You still need to judge your own comfort level, especially if you have concerns about climbing, jumping, or landing in the water. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The swing also helps explain the social nature of the cruise. People cheer each other on, and the boat’s mood becomes more festive as the morning goes on. If you prefer peaceful sailing with little noise, this may be the part you enjoy least.

BBQ lunch is more than a snack between swims

Lunch is served onboard and includes ribs, chicken, Caribbean rice, potato salad, fruit, and bread. After swimming and being in the sun, a proper meal matters. You are not left with a small bag of chips and a drink.

The meal is practical cruise food: filling, familiar, and easy to serve to a large group. Portions are described as generous, which is useful after three water stops and time on the rope swing. A vegetarian option is available, but you need to request it when booking.

You can eat in the shaded section or remain in the sun. Bring sunscreen and apply it often, even if you plan to spend most of the time in the water. One review specifically offered the plain but important reminder to remember your sunscreen, and it is good advice for Aruba’s strong sun.

Open bar, music, and the right kind of party atmosphere

Unlimited drinks are included, with an open bar available onboard. The cruise is known for rum-based drinks, including the popular rum punch and a drink called Pirates Poison. Beer and other drink choices may be available through the bar, though the supplied details do not list a full menu.

The minimum drinking age is 18. Keep in mind that alcohol and snorkeling do not mix well. If you plan to snorkel at every stop, enjoy the water first and save most of your drinks for after you are back onboard.

Music is part of the experience. It helps create the party mood and keeps the boat lively, but the sound can be loud. Families and groups of friends often fit the atmosphere well. Couples looking for a quiet romantic sail should know that this is not that kind of cruise.

The crew’s energy is one of the main strengths. They are described as funny, attentive, and helpful, while still taking safety seriously. The outing works best when you are willing to join the mood instead of sitting apart from it.

What the $108 price really covers

At $108 per person, the cruise is not the cheapest way to reach the water in Aruba. It can still be good value because the price bundles several costs that add up elsewhere:

• About four hours aboard the schooner
• A professional, multilingual crew
• Three snorkeling locations
• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets
• BBQ lunch
• Unlimited drinks
• Rope swing access
• Two onboard restrooms

The strongest value comes from the combination of food, drinks, and activities. You are paying for a full half-day outing, not just transport to a snorkeling site. If you would otherwise book a boat, rent equipment, buy lunch, and purchase drinks separately, the package makes more sense.

The value is weaker if you want long snorkeling sessions or a small private group. Each stop lasts around 20 minutes, and the maximum group size is 65 people. That is not necessarily crowded on an 85-foot schooner, but it is still a group excursion with shared deck space and shared water time.

Who should book this Aruba cruise?

I would recommend it to families with older children, groups of friends, and couples who like a social day outdoors. It also suits anyone who wants a simple package with food, drinks, equipment, and entertainment already arranged.

The cruise is a good choice if you want to try snorkeling without planning every detail. You can arrive at MooMba Beach, board the schooner, follow the crew’s schedule, and spend the morning moving between water stops and onboard activities.

It is less suitable if you want silence, serious sailing, or an uncrowded reef experience. You should also think carefully if you are not comfortable in the water or have a low level of physical fitness. You can skip the swing and spend some time onboard, but snorkeling still requires getting into the sea.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and any personal snorkeling equipment you prefer. Tell the operator about dietary needs when booking. Since hotel transport is not included, leave enough time to reach MooMba Beach before the 9:00 a.m. start.

The cancellation rule is strict: the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If poor weather forces the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That makes checking the forecast before booking especially sensible.

Should you book the Jolly Pirate cruise?

Book it if you want Aruba’s water served with a side of music, rum punch, barbecue, and pirate theatrics. The SS Antilla, three snorkel stops, and the rope swing give the morning plenty of variety, while the included lunch and drinks keep the $108 price reasonable.

Skip it if your ideal boat day means quiet decks, long unhurried snorkeling, or a small private group. For most people who enjoy an active, social outing, this is a well-rounded way to spend four hours on Aruba’s coast.

FAQ

Where does the Jolly Pirate cruise begin?

The cruise begins at MooMba Beach Bar & Restaurant, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 230, 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 original meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to MooMba Beach.

Which snorkeling locations are included?

The route includes Malmok, Boca Catalina, and the SS Antilla shipwreck.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. The included BBQ lunch features items such as ribs, chicken, Caribbean rice, potato salad, fruit, and bread.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks and an open bar are included. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes, children can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult.