You’ll board a real pirate schooner from MooMba Beach for an Aruba sunset sail with open bar drinks served by a lively local crew. Try out the rope swing (if you dare), stretch out on teak decks as island music drifts by, and watch wild colors streak across the sky. Expect laughter and sea spray — maybe even a new story to tell.
I didn’t expect to feel so giddy just stepping onto that old schooner at MooMba Beach, but there’s something about a ship with creaky wood and sails snapping in the wind that gets under your skin. The crew all wore these pirate bandanas — not in a cheesy way, more like they’d done this a thousand times and still found it funny. I grabbed a drink (rum punch, of course) and tried to settle in, but honestly, my feet kept tapping along to whatever reggae was playing by the bar.
We drifted out past Aruba’s western coast while the sky started doing its thing — not just orange or pink but all these weird in-between colors I don’t have names for. Our guide, I think his name was Miguel, pointed out some old shipwrecks off in the distance. He told us stories about pirates that sounded half true, half made up for laughs. At one point he handed me another drink and said, “It helps with courage for the rope swing.” I laughed but later realized he wasn’t totally joking.
The rope swing is… well, let’s just say it looks easier than it is. I watched two kids do it first (they made it look effortless), then finally went for it myself. There’s this split second when you’re hanging over the water and everything goes quiet except for the wind and your own heartbeat — then splash, Caribbean salt on your lips and everyone cheering from above. I still think about that moment sometimes when I’m stuck somewhere gray.
By the time we headed back toward shore, people were sprawled across the deck or curled up under the awning, talking softly or just watching what was left of the sun melt into the sea. The crew kept moving around with drinks and jokes — one of them tried to teach me a bit of Papiamento but gave up after my third attempt (“You sound like a confused parrot,” he said). It felt easy to just be there, no big agenda.
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included with this tour.
Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants may ride in strollers.
Yes, unlimited drinks from an open bar are included during the cruise.
The tour departs from MooMba Beach in Aruba.
Yes, there are two restrooms onboard for guests’ use.
You should be comfortable in water; swimming ability is recommended for using the rope swing.
Yes, public transportation options are available near MooMba Beach.
You might want swimwear if you’ll try the rope swing; sunscreen is also a good idea.
Your evening includes boarding at MooMba Beach onto a classic pirate schooner with unlimited drinks from an open bar served by friendly local guides. You’ll have access to two restrooms onboard and can test your nerve (or just watch) on their famous rope swing before sailing back as night falls over Aruba’s coast.
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