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SS Oranjestad: Arguably the Most Tragic of Aruba’s Shipwrecks

Beneath Aruba’s waters rest the remains of ships claimed by World War II, each with a story of its own. Aruba had become a lifeline to the Allied war effort, with Lago, the world’s largest oil refinery, turning crude from Venezuela into the fuel that kept Allied ships at sea and aircraft in the air….

Pedernales: One Ship, Two Legacies

Jolly Pirates Captain’s Log | Wrecks, War & Sea Stories The SS Pedernales lies only about three miles from the German shipwreck Antilla. Both are lasting reminders of World War II in Aruba, but their stories of how they ended up beneath our waters couldn’t be more different. In a previous Captain’s Log, we told…

Best Time to Snorkel in Aruba: Our Crew’s 30 Years of Experience

“Written by a team with more than 30 years of experience introducing hundreds of thousands of guests to Aruba’s underwater world.” When Is the Best Time to Snorkel in Aruba? If you’re planning a snorkeling vacation in Aruba, you’ve probably asked yourself one question: When is the best time to snorkel in Aruba? It’s…

Part of the Palm Beach Landscape Since 1997

Some things become part of a place so gradually that you hardly notice. The powder-white sand. The turquoise Caribbean Sea. The rows of palapas. The Marriott resorts stretching along Palm Beach. And just offshore, the billowing white sails of Jolly Pirates. For nearly three decades, they’ve all shared the same horizon. Whether relaxing by the…

One Decision Changed the Antilla’s Destiny Forever

We’ve all heard how the Antilla sank. It’s one of Aruba’s most frequently told stories, shared with countless visitors every day. But what was a German freighter doing off the coast of Aruba?  I was surprised to discover the answer begins thousands of miles away in Galveston, Texas. After loading a cargo of sulfur in…

Aruba Experiences for Repeat Visitors: More Than Just Beach Days

If you’ve been to Aruba before, you already know the routine—beach days, sunset dinners, and easy island living. But on a return visit, most travelers start looking for something more local, more social, and a little more memorable. Here’s how to experience a different side of Aruba. Discover San Nicolas For a change of pace,…

When Reality TV Enters the Chat 🏴‍☠️🌴

Picture it: twin-teak Jolly Pirates ships, 85 feet of polished Brazilian hardwood, white sails billowing as they trace Aruba’s famous coastline from Palm Beach to Malmok — prettier than a postcard and without a doubt one of Aruba’s most talked-about adventures. Enter: reality-TV plot twist. Jolly Pirates Snorkel and Sunset Cruises — full of sunshine,…

Aruba Sunset Cruises from Palm Beach: What to Expect on a Jolly Pirate Ship Adventure

Which Aruba Sunset Cruise Should You Choose? Classic Aruba Sunset Sail (5:30–7:30 PM, 2 hrs) – Fun, social, and family-friendly. Includes cocktails, island music, and the famous rope swing Aruba. Often named one of the best excursions by the high-rise hotels. Grub & Grog Adults-Only BBQ Dinner Cruise (5:30–8:30 PM, 3 hrs) – An all-inclusive…

Best Snorkeling in Aruba: Antilla Shipwreck, Sea Turtles & Malmok Reef

Aruba is one of the top snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean, famous for its clear turquoise water, shipwrecks, and colorful sea life. Whether you’re on a family vacation, honeymoon, or arriving on a cruise, snorkeling in Aruba is a must-do activity. Here’s everything you need to know about the island’s best snorkeling spots — and why Jolly Pirates’…

Flip, Sail, and Celebrate 28 Years of Jolly Pirates Aruba!

September is our birthday month, and we’re Sail-abrating 28 years with flips, fun, and Aruba tour discounts! Since 1997, Jolly Pirates Aruba has been the island’s top-rated Aruba snorkeling tour. With hundreds of thousands of happy guests and glowing Jolly Pirates reviews, we’re a favorite on every list of the best things to do in…

Top 5 Reasons to Book a Jolly Pirates Cruise in Aruba

Planning your Aruba vacation and searching for the best things to do near Palm Beach? Look no further than Jolly Pirates, a top-rated, all-inclusive snorkeling cruise that delivers tropical fun, unforgettable snorkeling, and a real pirate ship experience. 1. Set Sail on Twin Pirate Schooners (With a Famous Rope Swing!) Ditch the standard catamaran tour…

Grub, Grog & a Whole Lotta Adult Fun

Looking for something different after a long beach day? The Grub & Grog Pirate Cruise is an adults-only evening at sea with BBQ dinner, tropical drinks, a DJ, dancing on deck and our famous rope swing. Whether you’re traveling with friends, celebrating a birthday or just want a fun night on the water, here’s what…