Aruba Catamaran Sail: Snorkeling, Mimosas & Brunch Cruise

Sail aruba’s coast, snorkel antilla wreck, sip mimosas on deck

You’ll sail from Palm Beach aboard a catamaran with open bar service brought right to your seat, snorkel over the Antilla shipwreck and Catalina Bay with a friendly local crew, enjoy fresh brunch snacks between swims, and relax in cushioned seats with plenty of space: all while soaking up Aruba’s sun-soaked coastline.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morning catamaran sail and snorkeling

• Board catamaran Octopus
• Enjoy appetizers and mimosas
• Sail along Aruba coastline
• Snorkel at Antilla shipwreck
• Snorkel at Catalina Bay
• Relax with cocktails served onboard
• Receive Octopus Aruba souvenir

The experience

“So… is this what luxury feels like?” That’s what I blurted out after the second round of mimosas (they’re bottomless, by the way) as we drifted away from Palm Beach. The crew on Octopus didn’t just hand me a drink. They remembered my name and actually asked if I wanted more pineapple or less orange juice this time. I could smell sunscreen and sea air mixing with the tangy fruit, which sounds weird but somehow works. There was this older couple next to us (Dutch maybe?) laughing because their sunhats kept blowing off. It all felt easy, like nobody had anywhere else to be.

I didn’t expect to love snorkeling at the Antilla shipwreck as much as I did. Our guide (I think his name was Marco?) told us stories about the German freighter before we even got in the water. Something about WW2 and how it ended up here, which made floating above its shadowy hull kind of eerie. Fish darted everywhere. Someone pointed out an octopus but honestly I missed it because I was too busy trying not to swallow seawater. The water was warm, almost silky, and when you surface you get that salty taste on your lips and a rush of sunlight in your eyes. Afterward they handed out these little pastries, still warm somehow, and coffee for anyone who wanted it.

The second stop at Catalina Bay was calmer. Fewer nerves, more time to notice things like how angel fish seem to hover right in front of your mask if you stay still enough. Marco helped a kid put on his snorkel gear and didn’t rush him at all. I liked that. Back on board it got quiet for a bit, just wind and waves and people drying off in the sun. Someone ordered an Aruba Ariba cocktail (I tried one too, dangerously easy to drink). It’s funny how quickly you settle into that rhythm: eat something, jump in the water, laugh about nothing much.

We sailed back along Aruba’s coastline with everyone stretched out on those padded seats: nobody behind you so it actually feels private even though there were thirty-something people onboard. I still think about that view: blue on blue with just a bit of breeze and my hair full of salt. They gave us these little Octopus Aruba souvenirs before we left. Mine sits on my desk now but honestly it’s those small moments (the crew remembering my drink order or the kid grinning after his first snorkel) that stuck with me most.

What’s included

Your morning includes check-in near Palm Beach followed by a short shuttle ride to board the Octopus catamaran, use of all snorkel equipment with guidance from certified crew members at both Antilla shipwreck and Catalina Bay stops, unlimited drinks from an open cocktail bar (including mimosas), freshly prepared breakfast snacks served right to your seat as you sail along Aruba’s coastline, access to restrooms onboard, safety life jackets for everyone, plus a keepsake Octopus Aruba souvenir before heading back ashore.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Your tour departs from the Octopus Aruba beach hut which is located on Palm Beach behind the Holiday Inn. Once you reach the Holiday Inn Hotel, please walk through the lobby until you reach the beach area.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Octopus Snorkeling, Sailing & Sunset Tours - Private Charter - Boat Rental

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

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 24h before the start.

How long does the Aruba catamaran morning sail last?

The tour covers two main snorkel stops plus sailing time along the coast. Plan for several hours including boarding and return.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Aruba cruise?

Yes, all snorkel gear is included along with instruction from the captain or crew if needed.

What are the main snorkeling spots visited?

You’ll visit the Antilla shipwreck and Catalina Bay during this day trip from Palm Beach.

Are drinks included during the catamaran tour?

Yes, unlimited drinks (including cocktails like mimosas and Aruba Ariba) are served directly to your seat from an open bar.

Is food served during the Aruba catamaran cruise?

Freshly prepared appetizers and brunch items are served throughout the morning while sailing.

Is pickup included for this Aruba catamaran tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. Check-in takes place at a beach hut near Palm Beach before boarding a shuttle boat to the catamaran.

Can beginners join this snorkeling trip?

Yes, guides provide patient instruction so both new and experienced snorkelers feel comfortable exploring Antilla and Catalina Bay.