|
Aruba Sightseeing Excursions
|
Seaworld Explorer
Get an up-close look at the Antilla, a historic World War II shipwreck, during an eye-opening semi-submarine tour off the coast of Aruba's crystal-blue waters.
Sit back, relax and gaze out across the sprawling splendor of Aruba as you embark on a 20-minute air-conditioned motor coach drive — past lust tropical terrain and sparkling seaside views — to Pelican Pier a local pier where a transfer boat awaits your arrival. From the pier, embark on a 20-minute trip to the state-of-the-art, sightseeing vessel for the adventure that awaits you and your family: the Seaworld Explorer. Originally developed in Australia for surveying the Great Barrier Reef, the Seaworld Explorer is a cutting-edge semi-submarine that boasts an air-conditioned underwater observatory for viewing the hidden world of life just below the surface of the sea. Upon your arrival, make your way into the vessel, take your seat next to one of the large clear-glass windows, and gaze out into the breathtaking blue as your friendly guide relays stories about the fascinating history of the undersea wonderland before you.
As you embark on your undersea exploration, journey to the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean: the Antilla. Built by the Germans in 1939, the 397-foot, World War II freight ship was sunk in 1940 by the very country that created it in direct response to the inescapable threat of being commandeered by the Dutch. Today it is home to a kaleidoscope of tropical fish including angelfish, snapper, damsels and parrotfish. Discover the history of this partially submerged ship from your friendly guide, and marvel at its condition — split in two halves — as it silently rests on its side in 60 feet of water. Revel in the exquisite craftsmanship of the iron and steel structure and enjoy a close-up view of the age-old coral that covers the ship as your skillful captain maneuvers the semi-sub to what seems like mere feet from the wreckage. After your 40-minute tour, get lost in the spectacular coastal sites once again as you begin your 20-minute return trip back to the ship.
Activity Type: Sightseeing
Activity Level: Mild
Duration: 2.25 hours
Price: Adult: $45 (ages 10 and up);
Child: $36 (ages 3-9), under 3 free
Ages: All Ages
Additional Information
- Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Guests must be able to board and debark the motor coach on their own and will be required to descend/ascend 10 steps on the Seaworld Explorer. During the excursion, wheelchairs will remain on the pier.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- The Seaworld Explorer does not submerge. Guests descend into the hull and sit in air-conditioned comfort five feet below the surface of the sea.
- This tour is not recommended for Guests with limited mobility.
- Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks.
- Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as pictures and souvenirs.
- Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
Submarine Expedition
Explore two sunken wrecks and the breathtaking Bacadera reefs during a submarine expedition at depths of up to 120 feet below the surface of the sea.
Set sail past a panorama of hidden coves, rocky climbs and rolling hills as you embark on a scenic 15-minute ferry ride to the southeast coast of Aruba where the submarine Atlantis — the submersible vessel for the day's adventure — awaits your arrival. Boasting an air-conditioned cabin, large viewing windows and comfortable seating, the Atlantis submarine is a U.S. Coast Guard-approved underwater vessel that has been in operation since 1990. Once there, make your way into the submarine, take a seat next to one of viewing portholes and gaze out into the breathtaking blue as your vessel begins its awe-inspiring dive — at depths of 120 feet — through the Barcadera reefs and two sunken wrecks.
During your journey, lose yourself to a kaleidoscope of colorful fish, sponge gardens and wondrous coral formations. Travel to your first destination — a retired Danish sail boat, the Mi Dush I — and discover the history of this buried treasure from your friendly guide. Snap a picture of the many schools of angelfish, snapper, damsels and parrotfish that dart back and forth, and revel in the exquisite iron and steel structures brimming with barnacles and the weathering of time. Cruise through the breathtaking blue to the second site, the newly sunken ship, the Morgenster, and behold a close-up view of the deck as your skillful captain maneuvers the submarine to what seems like mere feet from the wreckage. Stare in amazement at the silent vessel, resting against a backdrop of serene underwater vistas, and experience a sense of calm and wonder you've never felt before. Following your 45-minute dive, make your way to the ocean surface where your tender boat will be waiting to take you on a 15-minute return trip back to the ship.
Activity Type: Sightseeing
Activity Level: Mild
Duration: 2 hours
Price: Adult: $99 (ages 10 and up);
Child: $57 (ages 4-9)
Ages: 4 And Up
Additional Information
- Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Guests must be able to board and debark the ferry and submarine on their own and will be required to descend/ascend 12 steps into the submarine. During the excursion, wheelchairs will remain on the transfer vessel.
- This excursion is not stroller accessible.
- Guests participating in this excursion must be a minimum of 48 inches tall.
- This tour is not recommended for Guests with limited mobility.
- For safety reasons, expectant mothers after five months cannot participate.
- Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks.
- The tour sites may vary due to weather conditions and/or overcrowding of venues. Guests should be prepared to visit a sunken airplane site instead of the Mi Dush I and Morgenster shipwrecks.
- Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as pictures and souvenirs, if stopping off in town after the excursion.
- Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
Sea & See Island Tour
Immerse yourself in an underwater exploration of the Antilla shipwreck before visiting the California Lighthouse, the Natural Bridge and the Casibari Rock Formations.
Escape to the unspoiled natural beauty of Aruba — where sprawling desert terrain mingles with panoramic coastal views — as you make your way aboard an air-conditioned motor coach to Pelican Pier, where a transfer boat awaits your arrival. Board the boat and embark on a 20-minute trip to the sightseeing vessel for your adventure at sea: the Seaworld Explorer. Originally developed in Australia for surveying the Great Barrier Reef, the Seaworld Explorer is a state-of-the-art semi-submarine that boasts an air-conditioned underwater observatory for viewing the hidden world of life below the ocean surface. Upon your arrival, make your way into the submersible, take your seat next to one of the large clear-glass windows, and gaze out into the breathtaking blue as you behold one of the grandest spectacles in the Caribbean: the Antilla shipwreck. Built in 1939 in Germany, the 397-foot Antilla freighter was sunk in 1940 by the very country that created it as a direct response to the impending threat of being commandeered by the Dutch during World War II. Today it is home to a kaleidoscope of tropical fish including angelfish, snapper, damsels and parrotfish. Discover the history of this fateful ship from your friendly guide, and marvel at the ship — split in two halves — as it sits silently at the bottom of the sea. Revel in the exquisite iron and steel structure and enjoy a close-up view of the marvelous marine life and unique coral formations as your skillful captain maneuvers the semi-sub to what seems like mere feet from the wreckage.
After your approximate 40-minute underwater expedition, take in the sweeping seaside sights on a 20-minute journey back to shore and embark on a scenic drive to one of Aruba's towering symbols: the California Lighthouse. Snap a picture of the majestic stone lighthouse — named after a U.S. ship, the California, sunk in waters off Aruba in the early 20th century — and delight in the panoramic view of the crashing waves on the western shore. Following your 10-minute visit, travel to one of Aruba's most famous tourist attractions: the Natural Bridge. An archway made of coral limestone and formed naturally over thousands of years, the Natural Bridge stood 25 feet high and 100 feet long before it collapsed into the sea in 2005. Today, the remnants are a reminder of the beauty that once existed, and the spot — which is home to yet another natural archway — is still a famous destination for visitors around the world. Upon your arrival, snap a picture of this celebrated treasure and wander the picturesque coastline, where cool island breezes mingle with endless warm sun. From there, journey to the Casibari Rock Formations — a huge garden of naturally formed boulders in amazing shapes — and climb to the top of the highest boulder for a view of the spectacular desert countryside. Take in the tranquility of this remote oasis under the sun and bask in the warm islands breezes that surround you at every turn. After your 15-minute visit, enjoy a 25-minute scenic drive through Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, and make your way back to the ship.
Activity Type: Sightseeing
Activity Level: Mild
Duration: 4-4.5 hours
Price: Adult: $62 (ages 10 and up);
Child: $42 (ages 3-9), under 3 free
Ages: All Ages
Additional Information
- Food is available for purchase at an additional cost.
- Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. During the excursion, wheelchairs will remain on the pier. Guests must be able to board and debark the motor coach and sailing vessels on their own. In addition, Guests will be required to descend/ascend 10 steps on the Seaworld Explorer.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- This excursion is not recommended for Guests with limited mobility.
- The Seaworld Explorer does not submerge. Guests descend into the hull and sit in air-conditioned comfort five feet below the surface of the sea.
- The order of tour sites may vary due to traffic or overcrowding of venues.
- Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks.
- Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as pictures and souvenirs.
- Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
Natural Wonders of Aruba
Withdraw to the wondrous world of butterflies, discover the art of aloe production, and visit the world-famous site of Aruba's unofficial icon, the Natural Bridge.
Behold the panoramic grandeur of Aruba's coastline — boasting hidden coves, rocky climbs and gentle rolling hills — during a 15-minute air-conditioned motor coach drive from the ship to the Butterfly Farm, Aruba's most-visited ecological reserve. Upon your arrival, meet and greet your friendly guide who will take you on a tour through a tropical garden wonderland where hundreds of beautiful butterflies from around the world fly freely all around you. Discover the fascinating life cycle of the butterfly — from meandering caterpillar to fluttering winged insect, and marvel at the curiosity of these gentle creatures as they dart and dash all around you. Revel in the beauty of their colorful winged markings and the uniqueness of their various sizes and shapes and snap a picture of the exotic flowers, placid pools and tropical landscaping that surround you at every turn. Following your hour-long visit, embark on a 10-minute trip to the Aloe Balm Facility and enjoy a 20-minute guided tour of the factory and grounds. During your visit, learn the history of aloe in Aruba and discover the fascinating process of producing some of the world's finest lotions and creams from the desert plant.
After your stop at the Aloe Balm Facility, travel past Divi Divi trees and unique-shaped cacti and travel west to one of Aruba's most famous tourist attractions: the Natural Bridge. An archway made of coral limestone that formed naturally over thousands of years, the Natural Bridge stood 25 feet high and 100 feet long before it collapsed into the sea in 2005. Today, the remnants are a reminder of the beauty that once existed, and the spot — which is home to yet another natural archway — is still a famous destination for visitors around the world. Upon your arrival, snap a picture of this celebrated treasure and wander the picturesque coastline, where cool island breezes mingle with endless warm sun. After your 20-minute visit amidst paradise, embark on a 25-minute scenic drive through Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, and make your way back to the ship.
Activity Type: Sightseeing
Activity Level: Mild
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Price: Adult: $45 (ages 10 and up);
Child: $35 (ages 3-9), under 3 free
Ages: All Ages
Additional Information
- A beverage (fruit punch) is included at the Butterfly Farm. In addition, food is available for purchase at the Natural Bridge site.
- Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Guests must be able to board and debark the motor coach on their own.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- The order of tour sites may vary due to traffic or overcrowding of venues.
- Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, cameras and/or backpacks.
- Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as souvenirs.
- Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
The Best of Aruba Island Tour
Dive into Aruba's best during an island tour that includes stops at the Casibari Rock formations, the Natural Bridge and Baby Bridge, the Aruba Aloe Factory and a local beach.
Marvel at the charming grandeur of Aruba's capital city, Oranjestad, as you travel via air-conditioned motor coach past a plethora of magnificent Dutch Colonial buildings and bustling outdoor markets that the city is known for. Journey above the Spanish Lagoon via the narrow road known as Frenchman's Pass, and make your way to the famous Casibari Rock formations, amidst a serene panorama of windswept cacti and Divi-divi trees. Featuring huge boulders rising from the ground in fantastic shapes and sizes, the Casibari Rock formations are a spectacular site to behold. Upon your arrival, stroll through this fascinating landscape and lose yourself to the towering stone structures that seemingly surround you at every turn.
After your 20-minute visit, travel north to another one of Aruba's famous tourist attractions: the Natural Bridge site. An archway made of coral limestone and formed naturally over thousands of years, the Natural Bridge stood 25 feet high and 100 feet long before it collapsed into the sea in 2005. Today, the remnants are a reminder of the beauty that once existed, and the spot — which is home to yet another natural archway, the Baby Bridge — is still a famous destination for visitors around the world. Snap a picture of these celebrated treasures upon your arrival and wander the picturesque coastline, where cool island breezes mingle with endless warm sun. Following your 15-minute stop, continue on past Divi-divi trees and unique-shaped cacti to the Aruba Aloe Factory where you will enjoy a 30-minute guided tour of the factory and grounds. During your visit, learn the history of aloe in Aruba and discover the fascinating process of producing some of the world's finest lotions and creams from the desert plant. Explore the onsite museum and enjoy a glimpse of the real-working factory from a special observation deck.
Following your factory visit, sit back and relax as you make your way to a local beach and enjoy the rest of the excursion as you so desire. Soak up some rays and drift off to the gentle lapping sounds of the breaking waves from comfort of a cozy beach chair. Swim in the turquoise-blue water and discover a colorful array of tropical fish and coral vistas below the surface of the sea. Shop for souvenirs, sightsee along the captivating coastline, or simply bask in the warm ocean breezes that seemingly surround you at every turn. Finally, after approximately one unforgettable hour of beachside bliss, embark on a 30-minute return trip back to the ship.
Activity Type: Sightseeing
Activity Level: Mild
Duration: 4-4.5 hours
Price: Adult: $42 (ages 10 and up);
Child: $25 (ages 3-9), under 3 free
Ages: All Ages
Additional Information
- A snack (meat or cheese pastry and a croquette) and a beverage (bottled water) are included.
- Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Guests must be able to board and debark the motor coach on their own.
- This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
- Guests are encouraged to wear swimming attire under clothing if wishing to swim.
- Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, hats, cameras and/or backpacks. Guests should bring towels from the ship.
- Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as souvenirs.
- Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
|
|
