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Some of Aruba’s locals have stripes. Others have shells. And the parrotfish have a smile you’ll recognize anywhere.

Who might you meet while snorkeling with Jolly Pirates? Here’s what to look for beneath the surface, along with answers to the questions guests ask before getting in.

What fish might I see?

At Malmok and Boca Catalina, watch for parrotfish, sergeant majors, angelfish, and grunts. Learning a few names makes the experience more interesting. Suddenly, you’re recognizing who’s swimming past.

Start with a few clues: sergeant majors have five dark vertical bars, parrotfish have distinctive beaklike mouths, and yellow-striped grunts have stripes running along their bodies.

Try watching one small area for a moment instead of swimming straight past it. You may notice fish moving between rocks or gathering around the reef that you missed at first.

Want a closer look at the parrotfish? Read its story here: https://www.jolly-pirates.com/blog/parrotfish-smiling/

Will I see a sea turtle?

You might, but turtles are wild animals, and a sighting is never guaranteed.

Green and hawksbill turtles are found in Aruba’s waters. Learning about them before your visit gives you something else to look for beneath the surface.

If you spot a turtle, give it plenty of space. Watch quietly without chasing, touching, feeding, or blocking its path. Let it choose where to swim, including when it comes to the surface to breathe.

The best encounter is one where the turtle can carry on undisturbed.

Do I have to be a good swimmer?

You don’t have to be an experienced snorkeler. Your swimming ability and comfort in open water still matter.

Tell the crew if it’s your first time, if you’re nervous, or if you’re not a confident swimmer. Jolly Pirates provides masks, snorkels, fins, flotation vests, and crew guidance.

A flotation vest provides support; it doesn’t replace swimming ability. Before entering, listen to the crew’s instructions and discuss any concerns.

If you cannot swim, contact us before booking so we can explain the experience and help you decide how to enjoy the trip.

How do I get in and out of the water?

Most guests use the ladder. It’s a sturdy, heavy steel ladder that extends deep into the water, with steps wide enough to place your whole foot on. There’s always a Jolly Pirates crew member at the ladder to give you a hand getting in and climbing back aboard.

Some guests jump in. Others sit on the railing and do what we call a “boompsy jump.” You don’t have to jump; you can use the ladder both ways.

A Jolly Pirates crew member is also in the water with you, with a safety ring.

What if I don’t want to snorkel?

You can stay aboard.

Perhaps someone in your group wants to explore underwater while you prefer the view from the deck. You can still enjoy the coastal sail and time together without getting in at every stop.

There are shaded areas and seating aboard our schooners. Snorkeling is part of the day, but you can choose to enjoy the boat too.

What’s different about snorkeling over the Antilla?

The Antilla offers a different view from the shallow reef areas: a WWII shipwreck beneath you, with marine life around its structure.

It’s also an open-water stop. Conditions and your comfort level should guide your decision to enter. Ask the crew what to expect that day, and remember that you can stay aboard if the stop doesn’t suit you.

Take a closer look at the Antilla, Malmok, and Boca Catalina on our snorkel sites page: https://www.jolly-pirates.com/snorkel-sites/

A few tips before you get in

• Check your mask fit. Ask the crew for help before entering if it feels uncomfortable or doesn’t seal properly.
• Take your time. Get comfortable breathing through the snorkel before setting off.
• Follow the briefing. Stay within the area the crew identifies and follow their instructions about returning to the boat.
• Keep your distance from the reef. Avoid standing on coral or brushing it with your fins.
• Let wildlife come and go. Watch without touching, feeding, or chasing.
• Bring a towel and sun protection. A protective shirt is useful both aboard and in the water.

You don’t need to identify every fish to enjoy snorkeling. Recognizing your first sergeant major or spotting a parrotfish’s beak is a good place to start.

Come swim with the locals

Join our four-hour Morning Sail, Snorkel, Swim & Swing for snorkeling, a BBQ meal, and time along Aruba’s coast.

Save us a seat:

Prefer a shorter outing? Explore our three-hour Afternoon Snorkeling Tour:

Choose your trip, bring your curiosity, and we’ll see you aboard.