Wondering What to Do in Aruba?

TikTok put Tres Trapi on the map. The turtles never needed an address. Tres Trapi, named for the three little steps carved into the rock leading down to the water, has become one of Aruba’s most talked-about snorkeling spots on social media. But the turtles are swimming all along this stretch of the Malmok coastline….

This little pocket of white sand is tucked into the rugged Malmok coastline. Over time, this little inlet has become one of Aruba’s most popular snorkeling spots. Long before our sailing days, Boca Catalina was a favorite place to escape. A book, a towel, a few letters to write home and nowhere to be. Shade…

There is something beautiful about watching something grow in a place you love. Flowers are beautiful. A tree is more permanent. A tree keeps giving back: shade, shelter, a place for wildlife to flourish. For Cousin Rachael, I chose the Dabaruida, whose delicate white flowers attract butterflies with their sweet nectar. There is something tender…

Growing up on an island means the ocean is never very far away. Thanks to Nichole Danser, for some of Aruba’s children, it’s becoming their classroom too. I met my first Coral Academy expert before I even got on the ferry. His name was Rygel. He was 13 and charming. Standing on the pier, he…

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….

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…

“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 one…

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. On September 17, 2026,…

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…

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,…

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,…

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…

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’…

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…

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…

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…

Cruise time: 5:30–8:30 PM Duration: 3 hours Looking for something different after a long day in the sun? Hop aboard the Grub & Grog Cruise for an evening of island BBQ, bottomless cocktails, a DJ, dancing and incredible coastal views. It’s dinner, drinks and a night out rolled into one aboard a Jolly Pirates teak…

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 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!…

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…