Aruba Sunset Sail: Lounge Boat, Cocktails & Appetizers

Summary

Sunset sailing along Aruba’s north coast with cocktails and small plates

You’ll watch the Aruba sunset from cushioned lounge seats as attentive crew bring you cocktails and appetizers right to your spot. With only 34 guests onboard, there’s space to relax while sailing along the northern coast. Expect friendly faces, gentle sea air, and a keepsake souvenir—plus those golden moments when time slows down out on the water.

What’s the experience like?

The cushions were softer than I expected — I kind of sank in before I even noticed the boat had started moving. Someone from the Octopus crew handed me an Aruba Ariba (I still can’t say it right) just as we slipped away from shore. The sea was almost too calm, like glass, and there was this salty-sweet smell from the breeze that kept making me hungry. We were only about 30 people, but it felt quieter than that, everyone sort of settling into their own little patch of sky and water.

Every so often — maybe every 15 minutes? — someone would appear with a tray of snacks. I never caught all their names; one guy had this easy laugh and tried to teach us how to say “danki” for thank you. Pretty sure I butchered it. The sun didn’t set all at once; it kind of melted down slowly over the north coast, turning everything gold for a while. There was this moment when nobody talked, just clinking glasses and a couple kids giggling somewhere behind me. That hush sticks with me.

I liked that you didn’t have to get up for anything — drinks just showed up (gin or rum or whatever you wanted), and if you needed something non-alcoholic they’d mix it up without fuss. The whole thing felt more like hanging out on a friend’s giant floating living room than a tour. By the end, we got these little Octopus souvenirs — honestly not something I usually care about, but mine’s still on my shelf back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset sail with drinks and appetizers

• Relax on cushioned lounge seats
• Enjoy uninterrupted sea views
• Sail along northern coast of Aruba
• Receive drinks from open cocktail bar
• Taste appetizers every 15 minutes
• Receive Octopus Aruba souvenir

Top questions

How many people are on the Aruba sunset sail?

The lounge boat hosts up to 34 guests per trip.

Are drinks included on the Octopus Aruba sunset cruise?

Yes, unlimited drinks from an open cocktail bar are included.

Is food served during the Aruba happy hour sail?

Appetizers are served every 15 minutes directly to your seat.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; boarding starts at a beach hut with shuttle boat transfer to the catamaran.

Are children allowed on this Aruba sunset cruise?

Yes, children are welcome and infants under two cruise free.

What is an Aruba Ariba cocktail?

An Aruba Ariba is a local cocktail featuring rum and fruit liqueurs, served onboard during the cruise.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is access to a restroom on board the catamaran.

How do guests board the catamaran?

You take a short shuttle boat ride (about 30 meters) from shore to reach the main vessel.

What’s included

Your experience includes cushioned lounge seating aboard a spacious catamaran, unlimited open-bar cocktails (including local favorites), regular servings of savory appetizers brought right to your seat, guidance from professional crew members (with certified first responder onboard), use of life jackets if needed, access to restroom facilities throughout the sail, plus an Octopus souvenir to take home after returning via shuttle boat transfer from shore.