Jolly Pirates Aruba: ultimate guide to a floating fiesta

There are plenty of ways to fall in love with Aruba: its sunsets, its food, its beaches that feel like powdered sugar. But if there’s one experience that captures the wild, carefree soul of the island in a single afternoon – it’s sailing on the Jolly Pirates cruise.

This isn’t your average snorkeling tour. It’s a wooden schooner. It’s a floating party. It’s a rope swing, rum punch, and sea turtles kind of day. And it might just become your favorite story to tell once you’re back home.

So if you’re planning to stay in a Casiola Aruba vacation home, carve out one sunny afternoon. Here’s everything you need to know before you hoist the sails.

What it feels like to step aboard

Imagine this.

You’re walking down the dock at Moomba Beach, barefoot and sun-kissed, with salt in the air and steel drums playing faintly in the background. There it is – the Jolly Pirates ship – a 85-foot twin-masted schooner bobbing gently in the turquoise water, looking like something straight out of a Caribbean legend.

You board, greeted by a barefoot crew member in sunglasses and a bandana who immediately hands you a plastic cup of punch. No formalities, no safety briefings blaring over speakers. Just good vibes, reggae music, and the sense that the real adventure in Aruba is about to begin.

Not just a boat ride: it’s a whole mood

There’s something magic about the way it all unfolds. The boat pulls away from the beach, the sails catch the wind, and the shoreline begins to shrink behind you.

Onboard, it’s all barefoot dancing, laughter, kids squealing as they test their sea legs, and couples claiming their little shaded corners of the deck.

Jolly Pirates Aruba isn’t just a cruise. It’s a vibe. One part barefoot luxury, one part pirate-themed playground, and one part snorkeling safari with rum and music.

Whether you’re on a morning sail or a sunset cruise, there’s room for everyone ­– families with kids, honeymooners, college friends, and even solo travelers looking to connect. It’s a rare thing: a tour that feels inclusive without being touristy.

Three snorkeling spots that will change the way you see the ocean

Now, let’s talk about the water.

The boat anchors in Boca Catalina, one of the calmest snorkeling spots in Aruba. The water is so clear it feels like someone removed the glass from your scuba mask. Turtles glide past. Schools of yellowtail zip around the coral. You float and breathe, and it all feels surreal.

Next stop: Malmok Beach, a slightly deeper spot with more dramatic coral and a higher chance of spotting rays. Even first-time snorkelers find their rhythm here—it’s shallow enough to feel safe, deep enough to feel enchanted.

But the crown jewel? The final stop: SS Antilla, a 400-foot German freighter sunk during WWII. Covered in coral and swaying with marine life, it’s one of the Caribbean’s largest and most accessible wreck dives. You don’t need a scuba license to hover over its haunted beauty.

And yes, snorkeling gear is included. The crew hands it out as casually as beer, just another part of the fun.

The crew: equal parts lifeguard, pirate, and comedian

The Jolly Pirates crew deserves its own section.

These guys (and sometimes gals) aren’t your average tour guides. They’re part lifeguard, part stand-up comic, and part DJ. One minute they’re explaining how to secure your snorkel, the next they’re diving off the side of the boat doing backflips while holding rum and grinning like kids.

They’ll teach you how to use the iconic rope swing, coach you on how to land without belly-flopping, and they’ll cheer for your triumph, or your splash – with the same enthusiasm.

They’re also genuinely helpful and attentive. Worried about your kids jumping in? They’ve got eyes like hawks. Not sure you want to snorkel? They’ll give you tips without pressure. They know how to read the room, and that’s part of what makes the energy feel so effortless.

Morning cruise vs. sunset cruise: which one is for you?

Morning Cruise (9am–1pm)

This one’s all about snorkeling and sunshine. The vibe is energetic but not wild. Families, early risers, and underwater explorers will love it. The water is clearest early in the day, and you’ll have more time afterward to explore or return to your Aruba vacation rental for a nap and a fresh dip in your pool.

Afternoon/Sunset Cruise (2pm–5:30pm)

This is the golden-hour experience. The sun starts its descent, the drinks start flowing, the music turns up just a notch, and the ocean goes full shimmer. Fewer snorkel stops, but more romance. Perfect for couples or groups who want chill vibes with a view.

No wrong choice, just different rhythms. And either way, you’ll return to shore salty, satisfied, and maybe a little sun-kissed.

What to bring (and what to leave at home)

You don’t need much. In fact, the lighter you pack, the better.

• Swimsuit (wear it under your clothes)
• Towel
• Reef-safe sunscreen (please, Aruba’s coral needs it)
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Cash for tips and souvenirs
• Your best pirate energy

Leave the shoes behind. You’ll be barefoot the entire time. And definitely don’t bring your worries. There’s no Wi-Fi out at sea, but that’s the point.

Is it safe for kids?

Yes, and it’s one of the most fun experiences you can give them in Aruba.

The crew takes extra care when it comes to little ones. Life jackets are available, and no one gets pressured into jumping off the rope swing. There’s plenty of shaded seating for parents who just want to sip a drink and watch their kids go full pirate mode.

What makes Jolly Pirates different from other tours?

You’ll see a lot of boats leaving Palm Beach. And honestly? Most of them are fun.

But Jolly Pirates is different because of the way it blends fun, intimacy, and absurdity.

It’s a big boat, but not too big. There’s space to dance, nap, swing, or snorkel without feeling crowded. The music is fun, but it’s not overbearing. The drinks flow, but you won’t see it get sloppy. The crew jokes, but never crosses the line.

And there’s something about sailing on a wooden schooner instead of a fiberglass catamaran that just makes everything feel more real. More authentic. More…Aruba.

Booking tips and smart timing

• Book early, especially in peak season (December–April).
• Choose based on your group’s mood: action or romance?
• Get to Moomba Beach Pier at least 30 minutes early.
• Consider pairing this cruise with a quiet day at your Casiola rental. You’ll want time to chill afterwards.

After the cruise: where the memories settle in

You’ll step off the boat sandy, happy, and slightly buzzed – emotionally if not from the drinks.

And that’s when your Casiola vacation rental really shines. You rinse off in your private outdoor shower. Hang your wet towels. Pour something cold. And rewatch the GoPro video of your 12-year-old yelling “FOR NARNIA” as they cannonball off a pirate rope swing.

Because this isn’t just something you did. It’s something you’ll tell everyone about. It’s a moment that became a memory, sealed in saltwater and sunlight.

Should you book Jolly Pirates in Aruba?

Yes. Book it. Don’t overthink it. Don’t compare it to five other tours. If you want one experience in Aruba that’s equal parts exploration, relaxation, and celebration, this is it.

Snorkel the Antilla. Jump off the rope swing. Laugh with strangers. Sip the punch.

Then sail home under the sun, ready for a sunset, a shower, and another perfect Aruba night.