Carla Cavallaro
Carla Cavallaro
Brand Manager, Kukoo Kunuku & Jolly Pirates
Carla Cavallaro has called Aruba home since 1989 and helped launch Jolly Pirates in 1997. With nearly four decades on the island, she writes about Aruba's history, people, sea life and the stories behind the places visitors experience today.
Connect on LinkedInRECENT BLOG POSTS
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 the best party cruise in Aruba — an adults-only pirate ship tour with BBQ dinner, tropical drinks, a live DJ, dancing on deck, and the most epic rope swing in the Caribbean. Whether you’re traveling with friends, celebrating a…
📝 Grub, Grog & a Whole Lotta Fun: What to Expect from Aruba’s Adults-Only Happy Hour at Sea
Looking for something different after a long beach day? The Grub & Grog Pirate Cruise is not your average dinner cruise. It’s Aruba’s pirate ship turned party — the ultimate adults-only happy hour at sea, complete with island BBQ, tropical cocktails, a live DJ, dancing, and a legendary rope swing moment. Whether you’re here with…
BBQ, Beats & Booze: Aruba’s Adults-Only Dinner Cruise on the Caribbean Sea
Looking for something different after a long day in the sun? Hop aboard the Grub & Grog Cruise — Aruba’s favorite floating happy hour at sea. With delicious island BBQ, bottomless cocktails, a live DJ, dancing, and incredible coastal views, this is the perfect way to enjoy Aruba nightlife — offshore. It’s one of the…
Why Is This Parrotfish Smiling? The Funny Truth About Aruba’s Beach-Making Fish! 😆🐠🏝️
Ever seen a parrotfish up close? If you have, you probably noticed its hilarious toothy grin. 😁 But trust us—this fish isn’t just smiling because it lives in Aruba, One Happy Island. The real reason? It spends its days nibbling coral and pooping out the stunning white sand that makes Aruba’s beaches so famous! 🏝️💩 Yes, you read that right! Parrotfish are nature’s beach builders. Their coral-munching…
Snorkeling with Jolly Pirates Aruba: Shipwrecks, Reefs & Turtles
🏴☠️ Snorkeling Made Easy – Stress-Free & Safe for Everyone No experience? No problem. Our crew will guide you, ensuring safety and comfort for everyone on board. We provide: ✔ Inflatable life vests for extra flotation support ✔ High-quality snorkel gear (snorkel, mask, and fins) ✔ A sturdy ladder for easy water entry and exit We make sure your snorkeling adventure is hassle-free, fun, and unforgettable!…
Happy Holidays: A 2024 Wrap Up!
Ahoy, Pirate Fam! Thanks for the Best Year Ever! As we wrap up 2024, we’re shouting out the real MVPs: YOU! Whether you were celebrating, vibing, or just living your best life on our teak decks, it’s YOU—our guests—who made this year pure magic. To the thousands of honeymooners and many-mooners, the bold legends who…
Unleash the Ultimate Celebration: Private Cruises with Jolly Pirates Aruba! 🌴
Ever dreamt of hosting an unforgettable party surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, tropical vibes, and endless fun? Here’s your sign to make it happen! Starting at just $2,500, you can charter your very own 85-foot teak Jolly Pirate Schooner and turn your special occasion into a legendary celebration at sea. Why Book a Private Cruise…
Making a Splash: Summer Highlights with Jolly Pirates!
This summer was unforgettable aboard Jolly Pirates’ twin teak schooners! Families of all ages flocked to Aruba as schools let out, diving into hugely popular activities like Aruba’s #1 tour—Jolly Pirates. We enjoyed thrilling rope swings into the sparkling ocean and exciting snorkeling adventures among vibrant marine life. We saw turtles that left kids flipping…
Top Photographers Bring Jolly Pirates’ Adults Only Grub and Cruise to YouTube!
The island’s hottest photographers—Tyler Cavallaro, Carlos Delgado, and Rik Bower—shot a Grub and Grog Cruise with FPV drones, bringing their high energy and creativity! Watch Now Can’t wait to join us? Get a front-row seat to all the excitement. Nailed it! View high-energy deck scenes, rope-swinging fun, thirty models, flowing drinks, and dinner…