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What to bring on an Aruba snorkel cruise

Snorkel gear is provided on every sail on this site, so packing is simple. Here is what to wear, what to bring, and the one rule about sunscreen that catches visitors out.

Snorkel masks, fins, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat and a phone pouch on a teak deck
Illustration: everything you need for a morning on the water.

Booking choice: The morning pirate sail, from $108 per person. Check dates Compare the options below

A morning snorkel sail in Aruba means four hours of strong sun, three swims and a wet ride back to the beach. You do not need much, but the few things you bring make a big difference.

The quick answer

Wear your swimsuit under light clothes. Bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen (oxybenzone sunscreens are banned in Aruba), a rash guard or T-shirt, sunglasses, a hat, a waterproof phone pouch and cash for tips. Snorkel gear, lunch and drinks are provided on the morning pirate sail.

Mask, sunscreen, towel, rash guard, sunglasses, phone pouch and flip-flops
Illustration: the essentials, laid out.

What should you wear on the pirate sail?

Your swimsuit under light, quick-dry clothes, and sandals or flip-flops you can kick off: you board from the beach and will get wet.

Leave good shoes and anything that takes hours to dry at the hotel. A light cover-up is handy for lunch and the sail home.

Packed? Check dates for the morning pirate sail from MooMba Beach.

Check dates for the morning pirate sail

What sunscreen is allowed in Aruba?

Reef-safe sunscreen without oxybenzone: Aruba banned the import and sale of oxybenzone sunscreens from July 2020.

Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the usual choice. Put it on before you leave the hotel so it has time to set, and reapply after the snorkel stops.

A snorkeler floating above brain coral with a parrotfish and yellow grunts
Illustration: reef-safe sunscreen protects the coral you came to see.

Do you need to bring snorkel gear?

No. Mask, snorkel and fins are included on every sail on this site.

If you have your own well-fitting mask, bring it: a good seal makes a big difference. Prescription masks are not on the included list.

Should you wear a rash guard?

Yes, it is the easiest way to avoid a sunburned back after snorkeling face-down in the Caribbean sun.

A long-sleeve rash guard or an old T-shirt works. Guests' most repeated advice in reviews is simply to bring a lot of sunscreen.

Two snorkelers diving down through the surface
You will spend a lot of time face-down in the sun.

Do you need cash?

Bring some for tips, which are not included, and for the pirate shop if you want a souvenir.

Lunch and drinks are included on the morning sail, so you will not need to buy food on board.

Morning Pirate Sail & Snorkel Cruise

Lunch and drinks covered: the morning sail includes a barbecue and the open bar.

★ 4.9 1,163 reviews · 4 hours · from $108

Explore the morning pirate sail

Can you bring your phone or camera?

Yes, in a waterproof pouch or case, or bring an action camera for the snorkel stops.

Keep valuables to a minimum: there are no lockers on a schooner, and your bag will sit on a wet deck.

What if you get seasick?

Take your usual remedy before you board: the west coast is sheltered, but the wreck stop can roll.

Sit near the middle of the ship, look at the horizon and skip the rum until after the snorkel stops.

What should you leave at the hotel?

Valuables, anything that must stay dry, and oxybenzone sunscreen.

Bring your booking confirmation on your phone. For the full day plan, see prices and refunds.

Ready to go? The morning sail includes gear, lunch and an open bar.

Check dates for the morning pirate sail

Frequently asked questions

Do they provide towels on the Jolly Pirates?

Towels are not on the included list, so bring your own.

Can I wear regular sunscreen in Aruba?

Only if it is free of oxybenzone, which Aruba banned in 2020. Mineral, reef-safe sunscreen is the safe choice.

Should I bring my own snorkel?

No need: gear is provided. Bring your own mask only if you have one that fits you well.

Ready to book

Choose your sail

Check the cancellation line: the pirate sails are non-refundable, the catamarans cancel free up to 24 hours before. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.

Morning Pirate Sail & Snorkel Cruise

Morning Pirate Sail & Snorkel Cruise

★ 4.9 1,163 reviews · 4 hours · non-refundable

  • Four-hour sail from 9 AM, back around 1 PM
  • Snorkel gear for Malmok reef, Boca Catalina and the Antilla wreck
  • BBQ lunch (ribs, chicken, rice, salads, fruit) and an open bar
From$108per personCheck dates
Red Sail Half-Day Snorkel Sail with Lunch

Red Sail Half-Day Snorkel Sail with Lunch

★ 4.8 846 reviews · 4 hours · free cancellation

  • Half-day catamaran sail from 9:15 AM
  • Three snorkel stops, gear and instruction on request
  • Morning snack, Caribbean lunch buffet and open bar
From$107per personCheck dates

Plan your date before you go

Three snorkel stops, a barbecue lunch, the rope swing and an open bar on a teak pirate schooner, 9 AM to 1 PM.

Check dates for the morning pirate sail