You’ll feel Aruba’s warm breeze as you sail at sunset with an open bar in hand, music playing and locals guiding you along the coast. Jump in for a swim or try the rope swing if you’re brave (or just watch). Snack on simple bites while orange light fills the sky—there’s something about sharing that moment with strangers that stays with you.
The first thing I noticed was the slap of bare feet on the deck — everyone sort of shuffled around as we boarded the Dolphin catamaran right off Palm Beach in Aruba. There was this salty tang in the air, and someone (maybe Olga?) handed me a plastic cup with something cold and fruity before I’d even found a seat. The music was already going — not too loud, just enough that you could hear it over the water slapping against the hull. I remember thinking, “Alright, this is how you do a sunset cruise.”
We drifted along the coast for a bit, sun still high but mellowing out. Jhon — who runs things with this relaxed confidence — pointed out some hotels and gave us a heads-up about the rope swing. I’ll admit, I hesitated at first (the water looked deeper than it probably was), but after watching a couple of kids just launch themselves off without a care, I had to try. The sea felt warmer than I expected. When you come up for air, there’s this rush of laughter from the boat and you can smell coconut sunscreen everywhere.
Snacks started making their way around — nothing fancy but exactly what you want after saltwater: chips, maybe some cheese cubes? Hard to remember specifics because I was mostly watching the sky start to turn orange behind these little clouds. Someone tried to teach me how to say “cheers” in Papiamento; I definitely butchered it. Li next to me laughed and said nobody gets it right first try anyway.
By the time we headed back toward shore, my hair was stiff with salt and my arms sticky from spilled rum punch (not complaining). The light on everyone’s faces — that’s what sticks with me most. It wasn’t quiet exactly but there was this hush as people watched the sun drop behind the horizon like we were all letting go of something together. Still think about that view sometimes when I hear Caribbean music at home.
The catamaran boards via shuttle boat from Delphi Watersports in front of Hyatt Regency towel hut on Palm Beach.
Yes, there is one stop for swimming where guests can use a rope swing or water slide if they like.
Yes, an open bar with cocktails is included throughout the 2-hour cruise.
Yes, infants and small children are welcome and can ride in a pram or stroller.
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours along Aruba's coastline.
Wear casual clothing over your bathing suit if you want to swim; bring towels as well.
No hotel pickup; guests check in at Delphi Watersports on Palm Beach before boarding.
Jhon and Olga are local staff at Delphi Watersports who help organize boarding and check-in for guests.
Your evening includes two hours sailing along Aruba’s coast aboard a 45-foot catamaran with an open bar serving cocktails, snacks passed around by friendly staff, Caribbean music setting the mood, plus one swim stop where you can try out their rope swing or just float nearby before heading back as dusk falls.
Do you need help planning your next activity?