A perfect opportunity awaits you to experience not only Aruba's undersea world, but also view some of its most notable onshore landmarks.
It's a short transfer from the cruise ship pier to Pelican Pier, where you will board the ferry that will bring you to the Seaworld Explorer semi-sub. This unique surface vessel's viewing hull sits five feet below the waterline and large windows provide an incredible opportunity to see under the water without getting wet! The breathtaking views of the colorful marine life and the many different varieties of coral will no doubt leave you in awe. You will also get a look at the "Antilla", a German freighter sunk during World War II and one of the largest shipwrecks in the Caribbean.
Resurfacing after approximately forty minutes, you'll take the ferry back to dry land and transfer by coach to the California Lighthouse. From this vantage point, you will be afforded some excellent views of Aruba's windward coast. Next, you will travel along Aruba's rugged north coast to the Baby Natural Bridge, which has been carved by the surf into the solid coral and limestone. You can also view the remains of the original Natural Bridge which collapsed in 2005.
Continuing on, your final stop will be at Casibari, where the landscape is formed by diorite boulders the size of small houses. The adventurous may want to climb the eighty rustic steps to the formation's summit in order to take in some stunning views.
Heading back to the cruise ship pier, your route will take you past the ruins of a 19th century gold mill at Boca Mahos. Time permitting, a stop will be made in Oranjestad for those who wish to exit the tour and do some exploring on their own. Guests who elect to leave the tour in Oranjestad will be responsible for making their own way back to the ship, at their own expense.
Please note: This tour includes limited walking, mainly at the guests' discretion during the stops and afterwards in town The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and those with mobility concerns are cautioned to carefully evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability as participants must be able to make their own way into and out of the ferry vessel and there is an 11-step steep ladder to negotiate in order to enter and leave the submarine. Light-weight, casual clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; sunscreen; and flat, comfortable walking shoes with a rubber sole are recommended. To experience color changes at various depths, guests may choose to wear clothes with red or florescent colors. The minimum height requirement to participate in the tour is 36 inches and children must be at least 4 years of age and accompanied by an adult parent or guardian. The ferry vessel and submarine may not be exclusive to our guests. The order of the sites viewed or visited may vary.