Aruba: Catalina Bay Snorkel & Sunset Sail Adults Only

Small group snorkeling in Catalina Bay, then sail back as the sun drops

You board a small adults-only catamaran on Monday afternoon, sail to Aruba's clearest lagoon, snorkel in transparent water with provided gear, eat Dutch sandwiches and drink from an open bar while floating in the bay, then sail back at sunset. You're back at the Marriott dock by evening, having arranged nothing except showing up at 3:15pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Afternoon snorkel and sunset sail

• Board small group sailboat
• Sail along Aruba coastline
• Arrive at Catalina Bay lagoon
• Snorkel in clear water
• Return to boat for snacks and drinks
• Relax in lagoon during sunset
• Enjoy romantic sunset sail back
• Return to dock by Marriott

The experience

The boat is already moving when you settle into your assigned seat on the Black Pearl or Blue Melody: no crowding, no scramble for space. You're one of maybe a dozen adults, all here for the same reason: to spend a Monday afternoon in water so clear you can see the fish before you even get in. The sail to Catalina Bay takes you along Aruba's coastline with a cold drink in hand, and the crew keeps the pace easy. No rushing, no noise. Just the sound of the breeze and the water.

Catalina Bay is where the crowds thin out by afternoon, and that's the whole point. The snorkel gear is new and clean. They hand it to you, and you slip in whenever you're ready. The water is so transparent that fish move past you like they're in a tank, and you can see the bottom without any effort. There's no time pressure. You stay in as long as you want. When everyone climbs back on board, watermelon and an open bar appear, along with the award-winning Dutch sandwiches (grilled cheese and vegetarian options), that people actually talk about afterward. It's not a dinner sail, so don't come hungry for a full meal, but the food hits different when you're floating in a lagoon.

Then you stay there. The sun starts turning the water orange and pink, and the boat doesn't move. You're lounging in the lagoon while the light changes, which is the part most sunset sails skip. After it's gone, you sail back to the Marriott dock as the sky darkens, and you're back on land by early evening, salt-dried and loose in a way that only happens after water and sun and no agenda.

What’s included

Open bar with drinks, award-winning Dutch grilled-cheese sandwiches, vegetarian Dutch sandwiches, watermelon, snorkel gear (all new and clean), assigned seating on a small catamaran, and the sunset sail back to the Marriott dock.

Before you book

Days and timesMondayDeparts at 15:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (4 to 17 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Black Pearl and Blue Melody

Is this one for you?Right for adults who want to snorkel without the afternoon crowds and prefer a small boat where you actually get a seat: the Monday timing and small group size are what make Catalina Bay feel empty when everywhere else is packed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 17 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the boat leave?

You need to arrive at 3:15pm. The boat departs at 3:30pm on Monday afternoons.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. All snorkel equipment is provided and new.

What's the group size?

Small groups only: roughly a dozen adults per boat, with assigned seating.

Is this a dinner cruise?

No. It includes watermelon, Dutch sandwiches, and an open bar, but it's not a full dinner sail.

Where do we return?

Back at the dock by the Marriott, after sunset.

What if I don't want to snorkel?

Snorkeling is offered, but you're not required to go in the water. You can stay on board.

Is the water calm?

Yes. The boat operates in very calm, clear waters, and Catalina Bay is sheltered.