Banana Adventure Catamaran Shipwreck Snorkel and Turtle Swim

The best part of this Aruba outing is the combination of the Antilla shipwreck and turtle snorkeling in one sail. You get time on the water, a World War II wreck, fish-filled reefs, and a chance to search for turtles at Tres Trapi rather than spending the whole trip on a crowded party boat.

I like the small maximum group of 36 and the steady catamaran ride. I also like that the $65 price includes equipment, lunch, an open bar for adults, and transportation. The main caution is simple: turtles are wild animals, and rough water can make the wreck harder to see.

Key points to know before booking

• Two main snorkel stops: Visit the Antilla wreck and Tres Trapi, where turtles may be found.
• Three-hour sailing trip: The schedule includes time to cruise, snorkel, eat, and enjoy the boat.
• Light lunch included: Expect fresh fruit, sliders, and local pastries.
• Beer is not included: Liquor, mixers, soft drinks, juice, and bottled water are provided.
• Family-friendly boat size: The catamaran holds no more than 36 people, though some departures may be much quieter.
• Weather affects the experience: Strong wind and rough water can reduce visibility at the wreck.

Why the Antilla wreck makes this trip different

Many Aruba boat trips promise a pleasant sail and a swim. This one adds a real underwater landmark. The Antilla was a German freighter that sank during World War II more than 80 years ago, and the wreck remains largely intact beneath the sea.

That makes the snorkel stop more than a quick look at coral and fish. You are viewing a piece of wartime history that has spent decades becoming part of the sea. Tropical creatures now live around the wreck, so you may see fish moving across the metal structure as you float above it.

The wreck is also the part of the trip most affected by conditions. When the wind is strong, the water can become choppy, and the ship can be harder to see clearly. Some people find the wreck unforgettable, while others feel it is less impressive than expected because it sits fairly far below the surface.

I would treat the Antilla as an atmospheric stop rather than a guaranteed close-up inspection. If the water is calm, the shape of the ship and the fish around it can make a memorable sight. If the sea is rough, the ride and the second snorkel location may carry more of the day.

Tres Trapi and the search for sea turtles

The second featured stop is Tres Trapi, a coastal snorkel area known for sea turtles. This is the part of the outing that creates the biggest emotional payoff when conditions and luck line up. You may spot turtles gliding through the water, along with colorful fish in the area.

The key word is search. The turtles are not trained performers, and they will not necessarily swim right up to you. Some people see several. Others see only a quick glimpse, or none at all. A few reported seeing plenty of fish but no turtles, even after finding turtles earlier in the week from shore.

That does not make the stop a poor choice. It simply means you should book this for a good chance to see turtles, not a promise. Crew members such as Captain Sean, Benjamin, Joidel, Captain Cuba, and Mussa have been praised for helping people locate turtles and keeping an eye on swimmers. Crew names can vary by departure.

You should stay close to the group and follow the safety instructions. One useful advantage of a guided stop is that the crew can point you toward the areas where turtles have recently been seen, though nature still sets the terms.

Sailing the Aruba coast on a stable catamaran

The catamaran design gives you a broad, stable platform and plenty of places to sit. You can choose a shaded area, stretch out on the deck, or watch Aruba’s coast while the trade winds push the boat along.

This is not only a snorkel transfer. The sailing portion gives you a break between water stops. You can enjoy the breeze, talk with your group, or simply sit with a drink. The trade winds are part of Aruba’s character, but they can also make the ride and snorkel water rougher than expected.

The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and spacious, with shaded seating. The maximum capacity is 36 people, which is smaller than some large catamarans that carry far more. That difference matters. A boat with fewer people means less waiting for equipment, more room around the rail, and a calmer feel when you return aboard.

Do not assume every departure will be lightly booked. Some outings have had only a handful of people, creating an almost private feel. Other departures can be busier, particularly when cruise passengers are aboard. Even then, the stated maximum keeps the group from becoming enormous.

Rope swing, platform, and time in the water

The boat includes a rope swing and a platform for jumping into Aruba’s clear water. These features give the trip a playful side, especially for older children and adults who want more than a quiet snorkel.

You can use the swing, watch others take their turn, or stay on the deck. You do not need to participate in every activity. The trip works well for mixed groups because one person can relax in the shade while another enjoys the water.

The amount of time in the water is one of the stronger points of this outing. Several departures have allowed plenty of time at the snorkel sites, and some have included three water stops instead of two. The exact order and number of stops can vary with conditions and timing, so I would ask the crew about the plan at the start.

If your group includes children, the crew’s attention to safety is important. Parents have specifically praised Sean and Mussa for being careful with children ages 8, 11, and 12. Still, every swimmer needs to follow instructions, remain nearby, and be comfortable in open water.

Lunch, drinks, and what $65 really covers

At $65 per person, this is priced as an accessible half-day outing rather than a luxury charter. The value is strongest because several extras are already included:

• Snorkeling equipment
• A short equipment and safety lesson
• Light lunch
• Liquor, mixers, soft drinks, juice, and bottled water
• Transportation
• Use of the rope swing and platform
• About three hours on the water

The lunch is light, not a full restaurant meal. You can expect fresh fruit, sliders, and local pastries. Several people liked the sandwiches and found that the food arrived at the right time after swimming. One person found the food only average, so I would set your expectations at a useful snack rather than a culinary highlight.

The open bar includes liquor and mixed drinks, but beer is not included. Alcohol is available only to those 18 and older. Bottled water and other nonalcoholic choices are included, which matters after time in the sun.

I would bring sunscreen and a refillable water bottle if you have one. You can use the shaded seating, but you will still be exposed to sun on the deck and in the water. A small dry bag may also be useful for personal items, though the provided information does not specify onboard storage.

Crew service and the feel onboard

The crew is one of the most praised parts of this experience. Names that come up include Benjamin, Sean, Mussa, Joidel, Manuel, Jeremy, JJ, and Captain Cuba. The exact team changes, but the strongest service reports describe crew members who explain the stops, give safety directions, prepare drinks, and keep watch over swimmers.

The tone is usually more family-friendly than rowdy. Music may play, but the trip is not built around a loud party atmosphere. That makes it a good fit if you want a social sail without committing to an all-day drinking cruise.

Service can feel less personal on some departures. One person found the staff mostly gave directions and did not enter the water with the group. You should not book this expecting a crew member to snorkel beside you for the full stop. Their job is to supervise from the boat and help direct the activity.

The balance is practical: you get crew support and safety oversight, but the actual swimming is yours to manage. If you want an instructor-led underwater tour, ask about the level of guidance at the beginning.

Pickup, meeting point, and timing

The standard meeting point is Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier, also called Berea di Piscado Hadicurari, in Noord. The activity returns to the same meeting point. Pickup is offered, and private transportation is included, but you should confirm the exact pickup details when booking.

The trip lasts about three hours. That is enough time to sail, make the snorkel stops, enjoy the rope swing, and eat without taking up your entire day. It also leaves room for another afternoon plan.

Timing can matter if you are connecting the excursion with a cruise schedule or a fixed meal. One departure ran about 30 minutes short because many people aboard had cruise-ship schedules. Another had lunch served later than expected, around 3:10 in the afternoon. I would ask about the expected return time and meal timing before leaving the pier.

A practical note: one person reported waiting longer than expected for transportation back to the pickup area. Allow some breathing room after the tour instead of booking an immediate appointment.

Who will enjoy this Aruba excursion most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several kinds of activity in one outing. You can sail, snorkel, look for turtles, see a wreck, eat, and use the swing without paying for separate experiences.

It suits families particularly well. The boat is not limited to serious snorkelers, and the crew has been praised for helping children. Couples and small groups can also enjoy it, especially on a lightly booked departure when the boat feels quiet and relaxed.

It may be less satisfying if you want a guaranteed turtle encounter or a slow, detailed tour of the Antilla. It may also disappoint you if you dislike choppy water. Aruba’s wind is part of the appeal, but it is not always gentle at the snorkel sites.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation, which helps if you are not using the included pickup. You should still be comfortable entering open water and following crew instructions.

How it compares with snorkeling from shore

One fair criticism is that some of the Tres Trapi snorkeling can be done from shore if you have a car. If your only goal is to find a shallow snorkel area, a self-guided outing may cost less.

The boat adds value in three ways. First, you reach the Antilla wreck without arranging your own boat. Second, you get transport, equipment, food, and drinks in one price. Third, you get the sailing experience and the rope swing.

So the choice depends on what you want. If you already have a rental car and prefer to set your own schedule, shore snorkeling may suit you. If you want the wreck, a boat ride, turtle-searching, and a ready-made half-day plan, $65 is a sensible price.

Cancellation and weather details

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

The trip requires suitable weather. If poor conditions cause the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. This matters for a water activity where wind and visibility can change the quality of the Antilla stop.

Should you book the Banana Adventure?

I would book it if you want a moderately priced, family-friendly catamaran trip with two distinct snorkel stops and plenty of time on the water. The wreck gives the outing a historical focus, while Tres Trapi offers the chance to look for turtles. Add lunch, drinks, equipment, and a three-hour schedule, and the package is good value.

Book with realistic expectations. You may see turtles, but you may not. The Antilla can be hard to view when the sea is rough, and the lunch is simple. Ask about pickup, the expected return time, and the day’s water conditions before boarding.

For most people, the strongest reason to choose this trip is its balance. You get adventure without giving up shade, seating, food, and a steady catamaran ride. That makes it a solid choice for families, couples, and small groups who want Aruba’s water in several different forms.

FAQ

How long is the Banana Adventure Catamaran trip?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier, also called Berea di Piscado Hadicurari, in Noord, Aruba.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and private transportation is included.

What snorkeling locations are included?

The itinerary includes the Antilla shipwreck and Tres Trapi, a location known for sea turtles.

Are snorkeling supplies provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a short lesson are included.

What food is included?

The light lunch consists of items such as fresh fruit, sliders, and local pastries.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes, liquor, mixers, soft drinks, juice, and bottled water are included. Beer is not included, and alcoholic drinks are for people 18 and older.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.