Silversea Luxury Cruises To ORANJESTAD (Aruba)

This accessible Aruba shore excursion lets you experience the best highlights of Aruba, combining city with the beautiful countryside. Visit the charming California Lighthouse, see the Bushiribana Gold Mill ruins, experience the famous Ayo rock formations, capture photos of the spectacular National Bridge and enjoy some shopping in Oranjestad.

Start your tour by meeting your tour guide and accessible van at the Aruba cruise dock. From here, you will head out on a short scenic drive along Druif Beach, Eagle Beac and Arashi, to your first stop of the day, the California Lighthouse. The light house is closed to the public but the area around it is fully accessible to explore and you'll be able to admire a great panoramic view of the island.

After your visit here, you will continue your tour with a drive through the scenic countryside to the east side of the Island. Along the way you will see the many beautiful highlights of the Island. You will see the fascinating Bushiribana Gold Mill ruins from 1874, which was the site of two former gold smelters, and see the famous Ayo rock formations, described as Bedrock City in the animated show, the Flintstones. You will also make a stop at the breathtaking Natural Bridge, one of the most beautiful places on the island to see. The bridge is carved by the brute forces of the waves into the limestone rock. Your tour guide will share the fascinating history of how the bridge was formed with you.

The final part of your day will be spent exploring the lively capital city of Aruba, Oranjestad. The area is peppered with little shops, vendors and beautiful architecture.

Please Note: This tour is designed to be accessible for all guests. It is suitable for guests on a wheelchair who can transfer to a seat. Full time wheelchair users, are kindly requested to contact shoreconcierge@silversea.com in order to provide further details and determine if the tour is suitable for them. The tour route avoids steps and stairs. Accessible bathrooms with wide doors for wheelchairs are present along the tour route. An accessible vehicle with a wheelchair lift or ramp will be used for transportation. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs. The number of accessible vehicles is extremely limited and guests are encouraged to make their accessible shore excursion reservations in advance. A minimum participation of 6 guests is required to operate the excursion at the advertised rate.

Embrace the undersea beauty of Aruba from a unique perspective during this scenic and memorable submarine excursion.

Depart the pier aboard the shuttle vessel, the SubSeeker, for the brief transfer to the submarine, which is located just off the southeast coast of Aruba. After boarding the U.S. Coast Guard-approved submarine, relax in air-conditioned comfort and commence this unforgettable undersea experience.

Pass by a mysterious sunken airplane or the retired Danish sailboat, the Mi Dushi, and a sunken coaster, the Morgenster. While diving to depths of up to 130 feet (about 40 metres), take in close-up views of exotic marine life. Marvel at colourful schools of tropical fish, huge sponge gardens and the mystical beauty of the coral fields.

Your knowledgeable crew narrates this unique and entertaining experience. At the conclusion of your approximately 50-minute dive, re-board the SubSeeker ferry for the brief ride back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 300 yards (274 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and a ten-step ladder to get in/out of the submarine. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. This experience may not be exclusive to Silversea guests.

Enjoy the best sights of Aruba during this half-day tour by coach.

Depart the pier by coach with your licensed guide. En route, take in the sights of Aruba's colourful capital Oranjestad as it gives way to the scenic southern coastline. As you drive from Frenchman's Pass through the districts of Aruba learn about the island's first inhabitants.

See the collapsed Natural Bridge and the Baby Natural Bridge before passing through a landscape shaped by the Casibari Rock formations - boulders the size of small houses, and punctuated with unique divi-divi trees. End your tour on one of Aruba's famous beaches where you will have about 1 hour of free time to take a swim, stroll along the beach or purchase a drink at the beach bar.

Upon the return to Oranjestad you have the option to remain in town for shopping, making your own way back to the ship.

Please note: This tour involves minimal to moderate walking over uneven surfaces with some stairs to negotiate. The walking and climbing at the Natural Bridge and the Casibari Rock Formations are optional. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available at guests` own expenses. Comfort stops are available at Natural Bridge (charge of 1USD) and at the beach. Be sure to bring change with you. This tour is not recommended for guests who utilise a wheelchair. There is an option of being dropped off in town at the end of the tour; guests will be responsible for making their own way back to the pier.

Indulge your senses with the spectacular beauty of Aruba during this memorable swimming and snorkelling excursion to the west coast of the island.

Boca Cathalina

Depart the pier aboard a catamaran, and set sail for a two-snorkelling-stop cruise to the west coast of the island. Your first stop is at Boca Cathalina. Upon arrival, receive your snorkelling instructions and equipment then begin your guided snorkelling session at depths of approximately fifteen feet (about 4.5 metres). Along the way, marvel at the undersea treasures of the Aruban coastline.

The Antilla Shipwreck

Next, ride to the famous shipwreck, the Antilla, destroyed by an explosion that tore it in half during World War II, this 440-foot German freighter lays on its side in 60 feet (about 18 metres) of water with a small part of it sticking out of the water. Voted one of the world's Top 10 dive and snorkel sites, the Antilla is also the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean and offers a memorable diving experience.

After a guided swimming and snorkelling session at the wreck of the Antilla, commence the scenic ride back to the pier. En route, relax and unwind with unlimited rum punch, juice and soda, and the sounds of recorded music playing in the background.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 500 feet (about 152 metres), with few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the catamaran and 8 steps from the front ladder to enter and exit the water. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with beach shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel from the ship. Selection of actual swimming and snorkelling sites visited is dependent upon the weather. Snorkelling equipment is provided. Alcoholic beverages are only served after the swimming and snorkelling activities have concluded. Guests must be at least 21 years of age to be served alcoholic beverages. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. This vessel may not be exclusive to Silversea guests.

Learn how to scuba dive in one day and discover Aruba's undersea treasures during this half-day guided scuba-diving excursion.

Discover Scuba Course

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the dive shop. Upon arrival, commence your scuba diving academic course. Conducted under the guidance of professional instructors, this scuba course includes a one-hour academic and pool session, and a one-tank boat dive. All scuba equipment and instruction is included. The pool session teaches the student the basic principles of scuba diving, such as dealing with pressure, breathing through a regulator and how to use the equipment.

Scuba Diving at the Perdernalis Wreck

Afterward, board a dive boat for the brief ride to a shallow wreck, the Pedernalis, an oil tanker torpedoed by a German submarine during World War II. The wreck's several large pieces are spread out between coral formations. Its cabins, wash basins, lavatories, etc., along with the tanker's pipeline system, are visible. The area around the Pedernalis wreck is renowned for its diverse grouper species and an abundance of angelfish.

The guided, one-tank dive at the wreck of the Pedernalis takes place in depths of up to approximately 25 feet (about 7.6 metres), and is approximately 35-40 minutes in length. An instructor accompanies the students at all times throughout the diving session. Following your dive, commence the brief return ride to the dive shop, then transfer back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity, and is recommended for guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, guests with heart or respiratory problems, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with beach shoes, sun protection and bring a towel from the ship. Selection of actual dive sites visited is dependent upon the weather. All scuba equipment and instruction is provided. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour. A signed waiver and completed, approved medical questionnaire is required to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. This experience may not be exclusive to Silversea guests.

Discover the pristine natural beauty of Aruba during this picturesque tour of the island's natural wonders.

Butterfly Farm

Depart the pier for the scenic drive to the Butterfly Farm, the number-one ecological attraction in Aruba, for an unforgettable encounter with nature in all of its diversity. Upon arrival, step into a tropical garden teeming with butterflies, and encounter some of the most colourful and unusual creatures in the world.

Aloe Factory and Natural Bridge

Next, your drive continues on to the Aloe Factory for a guided tour in the cultivation and process of the Aloe plant. From here, drive past numerous divi divi trees and cacti before arriving at the Natural Bridge. This natural wonder was carved out of solid coral by the relentless pounding of the surf. During your visit, see the ruins of the original bridge, which unfortunately collapsed in September 2005.

Your tour concludes with a drive through Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, before transferring back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for up to 400 yards (about 366 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and approximately 30 steps to negotiate during the tour. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. Comfort stops incur a use charge of 1USD; be sure to bring change with you.

Experience the splendid beauty of Aruba from above and below sea level during this half-day sightseeing excursion via semi-submarine and coach.

Seaworld Explorer

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to Palm Pier. Upon arrival board a ferry for the transfer to the Seaworld Explorer. This state-of-the-art, semi-submarine was developed in Australia for use on the Great Barrier Reef. The vessel does not submerge; rather, guests descend into the hull of the vessel and sit in air-conditioned comfort approximately five feet (about 1.5 metres) below the surface of the water.

Semi-submarine Ride

During your ride in this moving underwater observatory, view amazing sea life through large, clear glass windows. The Seaworld Explorer takes you to the wreck of the Antilla, a 440-foot (122 metre) German freighter destroyed by an explosion that tore the freighter in half during World War II. Delight in your incredible surroundings as your captain manoeuvres the semi-submarine through the heart of the Caribbean's largest shipwreck.

California Lighthouse and Natural Landmarks

After returning to shore, your tour continues with a drive to the California Lighthouse. Here, take in magnificent views of the crashing waves along the windward coast and the tranquil waters of the Leeward shore. Next, drive to the awesome Casibari Rock Formations, where you can climb the rock gardens to the top of the highest boulder. Your tour concludes with a photo stop at Aruba's second-largest natural bridge before commencing the approximate 30-minute drive back to the pier. En route, pass by the Gold Mill ruins at Boca Mahos.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 600 yards (548 metres), including negotiating a ramp to transfer between the two vessels, walking on the beach at Palm Pier, a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 20 steps to negotiate during the tour. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship.

Explore Aruba's spectacular marine life and a pair of famous shipwrecks during this half-day, two-tank scuba diving excursion for certified divers.

Scuba Diving at the Antilla Wreck

Depart the pier aboard a dive boat for the approximately 45-minute ride to your first dive site. The wreck of the Antilla, destroyed by an explosion that tore it in half during World War II, this 440-foot (122 metre) German freighter lays on its side in 60 feet (about 18 metres) of water, with a small part of it sticking out of the water. Voted one of the world's Top 10 dive and snorkel sites, the Antilla is also the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean and offers a memorable diving experience.

Upon arrival at the Antilla, receive your safety instructions and diving instructions, don your scuba gear and begin your first guided diving session. Covered by giant tube sponges and coral formations, the Antilla is surrounded by lobsters and many kinds of tropical fish. The Antilla dive has a maximum depth of 60 feet (18 metres), and approximately 40 minutes bottom time. On this dive, the group is split up into smaller groups, and guided by a dive master or dive instructor.

Scuba Diving at the Pedernalis Wreck

Afterward, proceed to the site of the wreck of the Pedernalis, an oil tanker torpedoed by a German submarine during World War II. The wreck's several large pieces are spread out between coral formations. Its cabins, wash basins, lavatories, etc., along with the tanker's pipeline system, are visible. The area around the Pedernalis wreck is renowned for its diverse grouper species and an abundance of angelfish.

The guided, one-tank dive at the wreck of the Pedernalis takes place in depths of up to approximately 25 feet (about 7.6 metres), and is approximately 35-40 minutes in length. Again, guests are divided into smaller groups, and guided by a dive master or dive instructor. Following your dive, commence the approximately 30-minute ride back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity, and is recommended for guests that are certified divers and in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, guests with heart or respiratory problems, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with beach shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and bring a towel from the ship. Selection of actual dive sites visited is dependent upon the weather. All scuba equipment and instruction is provided. In order to facilitate the organization, kindly advise the Shore Concierge desk, at least 24 hrs in advance, what equippment and sizes you will be needing. The participation to this excursion is limited to guests below 300lb (136kg) of weight. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment. This experience may not be exclusive to Silversea guests. If guests have not completed a certified and logged dive within 2 years, a refresher dive is required before being able to participate in this programme.