One great way to spend Aruba’s trade-wind hours. You get sea turtles at Tres Trapi and a WWII stop at the Antilla shipwreck, plus a fun onboard setup with snacks, shaded space, and even a rope swing. My only heads-up is that wind and water conditions can affect how easy snorkel time feels and how clear the wreck is.

What I like most is the mix: sailing and relaxing on a stable catamaran, then gearing up for two separate water stops. I also like how the crew keeps things organized, including a safety briefing and help finding marine life, with names you may hear like Benjamin, Sean, Capt Cuba, Mussa, Manuel, JJ, and Joidel. If you’re hoping turtles will swim right up to you, plan for a little search time instead.

Key Points at a Glance

• Two famous sites in one trip: the Antilla shipwreck and the turtle-focused Tres Trapi stop
• Small-boat feel: max 36, and many days run with fewer people
• Onboard play time: rope swing and a diving platform, plus shady seating
• Simple, included fueling: light lunch plus an open bar (no beer included)
• Crew-led snorkeling help: safety briefing, gear provided, and guidance in the water
• Turtles are present but not guaranteed: you’ll swim for them, not just watch them from above

Catamaran Sailing From Hadicurari: Smooth Start, Real Convenience

The trip starts at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier (Berea di Piscado, Noord). If you’re staying nearby, it’s an easy dock day. Pickup may be offered, which matters because the snorkel day is smoother when you’re not racing across the island right before you gear up.

This is a catamaran, not a crowded speedboat. The big win here is comfort: more stable ride, shaded areas on deck, and seating where you’re not constantly getting jostled. That stability helps on rougher days, too. Even the people who said the wind can be strong still tended to agree the boat setup makes the ride bearable.

One practical tip: bring sunscreen and a water bottle. That came up again and again because you’re out in full sun, and you’ll likely be in and out of the water more than once during the 3-hour stretch.

Onboard Time: Rope Swing, Cocktails, and a Snack That Actually Helps

The onboard experience is built around a “do a little, then chill” rhythm. After the safety briefing and gear check, you get downtime to relax while the crew handles the timing.

Two onboard extras stand out. First, there’s access to a rope swing and a diving platform. Even if you’re not planning flips, the rope swing is a low-stress way to add a burst of fun between snorkel sessions. Second, the boat has comfortable seating and shaded areas—so even if the sun is intense, you can cool off and still enjoy the sail.

Food and drinks are also part of the vibe, not just a token snack. You’ll get a light lunch with fresh fruit, sliders, and local pastries. The open bar is included with a range of options: liquors, mixers, soft drinks, juices, and bottled water. Beer is not included, and the rules say beer is only for those 18 and above, so plan your expectations if beer is your thing.

The Antilla Shipwreck Stop: WWII History With a Practical Snorkel Reality

The Antilla is the headline stop for many people, because it’s a famous WWII-era shipwreck that has been underwater for decades and is widely seen as one of the best sunken shipwreck experiences in the Caribbean. It’s often described as intact, and over time it became a home for lots of marine life.

Here’s the practical part you should know before you go: wreck visibility depends heavily on conditions. More wind can mean choppier water, and choppy water can make it harder to stay calm and focused in the snorkel area. Some people found the wreck was neat but not mind-blowing, while others loved the “once-in-a-lifetime” feel of seeing it underwater.

Also, this stop can feel different from a reef snorkel. You might spend time looking, adjusting your position, and trying to spot fish around the structure rather than expecting constant, close-up action. If you go in with the mindset of exploring a wreck zone and enjoying the scenery, you’re likely to feel satisfied.

What’s consistently praised is the crew’s attention and guidance during this portion—people mention the captain and deckhand helping with rules and safety, and making sure everyone stays oriented. If you’ve never snorkeled around a wreck before, that support is genuinely valuable.

Tres Trapi Turtle Swim: You Search, You Swim, You Get the Moment

Tres Trapi is the turtle-focused stop. This is where the day shifts from shipwreck sightseeing to a more active swim. The tour description frames it as an incredible turtle snorkeling opportunity, and the overall feedback supports that—many outings include sea turtles and a lot of fish.

But the most honest turtle advice is simple: turtles don’t always come to you. You may need to search around and be patient. On days when the conditions are favorable, you’ll get that magical first glimpse, and then it becomes a game of slow swimming and watching movement rather than chasing.

I’d also plan for the fact that the number of turtles you see can vary. Some people clearly saw turtles right away; others didn’t spot any on that specific stop even after swimming and searching. If you’re the type who needs certainty, treat the turtle swim as a best-chance experience, not a guarantee.

One more helpful note: plan your energy. You’ll snorkel with gear provided, and you’ll likely get a short lesson and reminders. The best results come when you stay relaxed, keep your breathing steady, and let the turtle spotting come to you.

Snorkel Gear, Safety Briefing, and Crew Support That Matters

Everything you need to snorkel is included: snorkeling equipment and a safety briefing, plus a free lesson. That’s a strong value point if you don’t want to buy gear or figure out fit on vacation.

The crew’s role shows up in the feedback in a few ways:

• They explain the rules and how to handle the water safely.
• They help people get comfortable before entry.
• They guide where to look, especially during the turtle stop.

You might also notice different styles of supervision. Some people felt the crew stayed more on the boat than in the water during certain parts, while others praised how hands-on the crew was. Either way, the goal is safety and keeping the group moving together.

If you’re snorkeling for the first time, aim to listen closely at the briefing and ask questions right away. A quick question at the start can save confusion later when you’re floating, breathing, and trying to spot fish.

Lunch and Open Bar: Included, Not Fancy, and Still Worth It

The included lunch is light and practical: fresh fruit, sliders, and local pastries. It’s not positioned as a full meal replacement, but it’s the right kind of food for a day where you’ve burned energy in the water.

This matters because you’ll be spending hours between salt water and sun. A snack that includes fruit and carbs helps you feel human afterward, especially if you’re planning to keep exploring Aruba later that day.

The open bar is also part of the value math. You’ll get liquors and mixers along with soft drinks, juices, and bottled water. Beer is excluded, with an 18+ requirement if it’s offered separately under the rules. If you want beer as your default drink, that’s the one mismatch to be aware of.

Timing, Weather, and Why the Day Might Feel Different

This tour runs about 3 hours. That’s a good length for people who want two water stops without turning the day into a half-day of logistics.

The experience does require good weather. If conditions are poor, it can be rescheduled or refunded. You should also plan for the fact that wind can be heavy at times. On windy or choppy days, snorkel comfort can change, and the wreck might be harder to see clearly.

One more timing reality: the lunch may land closer to the end of the outing if the schedule shifts. That has happened when other people’s bookings affected the day’s flow. It doesn’t mean the trip is run poorly—it just means you should stay flexible and assume the main focus is water time.

How Much Value Are You Really Getting for Around $65?

At $65 per person, this is priced like a solid “do-it-all” Aruba day: catamaran sailing, two snorkeling stops, equipment included, a safety briefing, a light lunch, and an open bar.

Here’s how I’d judge the value for you:

• If you’d otherwise rent snorkeling gear and pay separately for a guided boat day, the included gear + instruction is a direct savings.
• Two snorkeling sites in one morning or afternoon stop you from doing the same activity twice.
• The food and drinks are not a full restaurant meal, but they reduce your need to plan for lunch in the middle of the day.

The one value watch is perception of the Antilla wreck. Some people say it doesn’t match the hype, especially if conditions limit visibility. If you’re only going because you’re expecting a perfect, close-up reef-like view, your experience could be more mixed. If you’re open to a wreck exploration and enjoy the storytelling and scenery, you’re more likely to feel the value.

Who Should Book This Catamaran Snorkel and Turtle Swim?

This fits best if you want an active-but-relaxed day on the water. It’s especially strong for:

• Families and mixed-age groups: the boat is comfortable, the vibe is friendly, and the snorkeling is structured with help.
• Couples: it’s romantic in a practical way—sailing views, shaded deck time, and a good break from beach-only days.
• First-time snorkelers: gear and instruction remove a lot of stress.
• People who like wildlife moments: the turtle stop is the emotional highlight for many.

If you know you don’t enjoy choppy water, go in understanding you might still get wind. If you need guaranteed turtles on cue, this may not match your expectations.

Should You Book Banana Adventure Catamaran Shipwreck Snorkel and Turtle Swim?

I’d book it if you want a true Aruba “salt water day” that balances sailing, two major snorkeling sites, and onboard comfort. The rope swing, shaded seating, and included light lunch keep it fun even when you’re not in the water. Most importantly, you’re not just snorkeling once—you’re getting a shipwreck story at the Antilla and a turtle-focused swim at Tres Trapi.

Skip it only if your priority is strict certainty (you must see turtles for it to be worth it) or if you’re strongly sensitive to wind and rougher water. On less calm days, the wreck can be harder to see well, and turtle spotting can take time.

If you go with a flexible mindset—listen at the briefing, stay calm in the water, and enjoy the hunt—you’ll likely leave happy that you didn’t spend your Aruba time doing only one thing.

FAQ

How long is the Aruba Banana Adventure catamaran trip?

It runs about 3 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is listed at $65.00 per person.

Is pickup offered?

Pickup is offered, and you can confirm the pickup details when you book.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a safety briefing and a free lesson.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier (Berea di Piscado, Hadicurari, Noord, Aruba). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What snorkeling sites are included?

You’ll sail to the Antilla shipwreck and then snorkel at Tres Trapi for the turtle swim.

Is the food and drink included?

Yes. You get a light lunch (fresh fruit, sliders, and local pastries) and an open bar with liquors, mixers, soft drinks, juices, and water. Beer is not included, and if beer is available it follows an 18+ rule.

Is the rope swing included?

Yes. There is access to a rope swing and also a diving platform.

What group size should I expect?

The tour has a maximum of 36 travelers.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Will I definitely see turtles?

No one can guarantee turtle sightings. The stop is specifically for turtle snorkeling, but turtles may require searching and sightings can vary with conditions.