Every Flagship Aruba cruise stops at the same three locations on Aruba's northwest coast, and every single one of them is worth the trip on its own. The SS Antilla shipwreck, Boca Catalina bay, and Malmok Reef are the reason guests come back year after year, and the reason our crew never gets tired of jumping in the water. Here's what you'll find at each one.
We didn't pick these sites at random. After years of running cruises along Aruba's northwest coast, our captains and crew know every section of reef, every current pattern, and every season. The SS Antilla, Boca Catalina, and Malmok Reef offer a perfect combination: dramatic history, calm water for beginners, and enough marine life to keep experienced snorkelers busy for hours.
Stop 1: The SS Antilla Shipwreck
The SS Antilla is the centrepiece of every Flagship Aruba cruise and it earns that status every single time. This German cargo vessel was scuttled by her own crew at the outbreak of World War II rather than let her be seized. She now lies on her side off Aruba's northwest tip near Malmok, and she is one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean.
The SS Antilla is one of the most photographed snorkel sites in the Caribbean, and photos through the clear water, with the coral-covered hull in the background, come out stunning even on a phone in a waterproof case.
Stop 2: Boca Catalina
After the drama of the Antilla, Boca Catalina gives you something different: calm, shallow, gin-clear water in a protected bay where you can slow down and really look at things. The water here rarely runs deep, which makes it perfect for beginners, but it's also where we consistently see the most sea turtles, so experienced snorkelers love it too.
Green and hawksbill turtles feed in the sea grass beds at Boca Catalina, often completely unbothered by snorkelers who approach slowly and keep a respectful distance. Our crew know where they tend to be and will point you in the right direction, but there's never a guarantee with wildlife, which makes it all the more exciting when you find one.
Stop 3: Malmok Reef
Malmok Reef runs along the northwest coastline between the Antilla and Boca Catalina, a stretch of coral formations and rocky outcrops that supports an incredibly varied mix of marine life. It sees fewer visiting boats than the famous wreck, which means the fish here are less accustomed to snorkelers and behave more naturally.
The reef drops away more steeply than Boca Catalina, and snorkelers who are comfortable in deeper water can peer down and watch larger species resting on the sandy bottom beneath a coral overhang. The coral formations here are some of the healthiest in Aruba.
Malmok is a regular stop on our private charter routes. If you're booking a private cruise and want to see the reef at its best, ask us to build your day around the morning slack tide, that's when visibility is at its clearest.
See Them All in One Trip
Our Morning Snorkel Tour visits all three sites, while the Afternoon Snorkel Tour visits the SS Antilla and Boca Catalina, the two most popular stops, as part of a cruise that also includes an open bar, live music, and the famous rope swing. It's the best way to experience these sites for yourself, with a party atmosphere that keeps the energy high between snorkel stops.
Ready to explore these sites for yourself?
Book a cruise and see the SS Antilla, Boca Catalina and Malmok Reef with a crew that knows every section of reef.