Aruba: Sailing BBQ Cruise to Boca Catalina & Antilla Shipwreck

Summary

Sailing Aruba’s coast with snorkeling shipwrecks and BBQ on the beach

You’ll sail along Aruba’s coastline with a local crew, snorkel above the Antilla Shipwreck, try paddleboarding at Boca Catalina, and share a relaxed BBQ dinner on Nikki Beach as sunset colors spread across the sky. Expect real conversation, salty air on your skin, and moments you’ll want to replay later.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the wind to feel so different out on the water near Aruba — it’s softer but still pushes at you, if that makes sense. We set off in the afternoon from Palm Beach, and right away there was this easy chatter from the crew (I think one guy was called Miguel?) as they pulled up the sails. The catamaran leaned just enough to make me grip my drink tighter. There were maybe fifteen of us, all strangers at first, but someone started passing around plantain chips and suddenly it felt like a group of friends who just hadn’t met yet.

First stop was the Antilla Shipwreck — I’d read about it before, but seeing those shapes under the water is something else. The guide tossed me a snorkel mask and pointed where to look for turtles (I only spotted one — blink and you’ll miss them). Water tasted a bit salty through the mask, which made me laugh underwater. After that we drifted toward Boca Catalina. The sand there is almost white, and for some reason I kept noticing how quiet it got when everyone slipped into the sea with their fins. Just splashes and muffled voices above.

I tried stand-up paddleboarding for maybe three minutes before wobbling off—Miguel grinned and said “Next time!” in this way that didn’t feel like teasing. By then I was hungry enough to eat anything, so arriving at Nikki Beach for BBQ felt like perfect timing. Ribs and chicken on real plates (not paper ones), fries still hot, coleslaw crunchy — nothing fancy but honestly tasted better than most dinners back home. Someone asked for seconds and nobody minded.

The sail back was quieter; people watched the sun drop behind hotels along the coast, drinks in hand. There’s something about salty skin and warm air that makes you want to just sit quietly for a while. I still think about that last bit of light over Aruba — kind of wish I could bottle it up or something.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon sailing and snorkeling tour

• Start sailing at 14:30 PM
• Snorkel at Antilla Shipwreck
• Swim with turtles at Boca Catalina
• Use Stand-Up Paddle boards
• Sail to Nikki Beach
• Enjoy BBQ ribs, chicken, or vegetarian meal
• Sail back watching the sunset
• End tour at 19:00 PM

Top questions

How long does this Aruba sailing BBQ cruise last?

The tour lasts 4.5 hours in total.

Which snorkeling sites are included on this trip?

You’ll visit Antilla Shipwreck, Boca Catalina, and Nikki Beach.

Is food included during the sailing experience?

Yes, a BBQ dinner with ribs or chicken (plus vegetarian option) is included.

Are drinks provided on board?

Alcoholic beverages are included during the cruise.

Can beginners try stand-up paddleboarding?

Yes, SUP boards are available and crew members help first-timers.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, all snorkel gear is included in your booking.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are nearby.

Is this Aruba sailing trip family friendly?

Yes, it’s described as family friendly and suitable for all fitness levels.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes 4.5 hours of real sailing along Aruba’s coast with stops for snorkeling at Antilla Shipwreck and Boca Catalina; use of all snorkel gear plus SUP boards; unlimited alcoholic beverages; a full BBQ dinner served at Nikki Beach; all with guidance from a local crew before returning at sunset.