Aruba: Catamaran Sail, Snorkeling & Lunch with Open Bar

Summary

Catamaran afternoon sail in aruba with snorkeling lunch and drinks

You’ll sail Aruba’s clear coast on a comfy catamaran with open bar service straight to your seat, guided snorkeling at Antilla shipwreck and Catalina Bay (gear included), plus fresh lunch appetizers brought right to you. Expect laughs from local guides, warm waters full of fish, and space to relax without crowds—a real slice of island ease.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when I saw the shuttle boat was just a few steps from the beach hut—my balance isn’t exactly Olympic level. But the sea was so calm, barely a ripple, and the crew just grinned and helped me aboard like it was nothing. There’s something about that first salty breeze and the clink of glasses (Aruba Arriba for me) as we drifted out that made everything feel lighter. The catamaran seats are these wide cushioned things; no one behind you, which is weirdly freeing. You can actually see the water—like really see it, not just someone’s sunhat.

Our guide, Daniel, kept tossing out facts between jokes—he said the Antilla shipwreck we’d snorkel over had been there since World War II. I tried to picture it under all that blue. When I finally slid into the water (mask on crooked, obviously), I could hear my own breath echoing in my ears while schools of fish darted around. Someone pointed at an octopus but honestly I missed it—I was busy trying not to swallow half the Caribbean. Catalina Bay was shallower and warmer; tiny angel fish everywhere. Daniel hung back with anyone who looked nervous and somehow managed to make even beginners laugh about foggy goggles.

The crew never let our drinks run dry—seriously, they just appeared with cocktails or mocktails before you even realized you wanted one. Lunch came in little bursts: grilled chicken skewers, something with pineapple (I still think about that), all brought right to our seats so you didn’t have to move unless you wanted to lean into the sun a bit more. At some point someone started singing along to a song I didn’t know and nobody cared if they were off-key.

By the time we headed back toward Palm Beach, everyone looked a little saltier and softer around the edges. They handed out these Octopus Aruba souvenirs—I tucked mine in my bag but later found sand inside it anyway. Not sure if it was the rum or just Aruba itself but for a few hours everything felt easy—like maybe this is what vacation’s supposed to feel like.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon catamaran sail and snorkeling

• Set sail along Aruba’s coastline
• Snorkel at the Antilla shipwreck
• Snorkel in Catalina Bay shallow waters

Top questions

How long does the Aruba catamaran sail last?

The tour is an afternoon trip with multiple stops for snorkeling and lunch onboard; exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours at sea.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Aruba catamaran tour?

Yes, use of snorkel equipment and instruction is included for all guests.

Are drinks included during the Aruba catamaran sail?

Yes, unlimited drinks from an open cocktail bar are served directly to your seat throughout the cruise.

What are the main snorkeling stops on this Aruba sailing tour?

The tour visits two top spots: Antilla shipwreck and Catalina Bay.

Is lunch included on this Aruba catamaran trip?

Yes, fresh lunch appetizers are served right to your lounge seat during the cruise.

How many people join each sailing trip?

The group size is intimate—just 34 guests per sailing for more space and comfort.

Are children allowed on this Aruba catamaran tour?

Yes, children are welcome; infants under two cruise free with their family.

Is hotel pickup included for this Aruba snorkeling tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; boarding starts at a beach hut check-in before a short shuttle boat ride to the catamaran.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes check-in at a beach hut followed by a calm 30-meter shuttle boat ride out to the premium catamaran. All snorkel gear (with patient instruction), safety life jackets, unlimited open bar drinks delivered right to your seat, fresh lunch appetizers throughout the sail, guidance from certified local crew (including first responder), restroom access onboard—and you’ll leave with an Octopus Aruba souvenir before heading back ashore.