VIP Morning Delight Champagne Sailing and Snorkeling with Lunch

Aruba’s small-group sailing cruise is built around comfort, easy snorkeling, and time on the water without a packed catamaran. You sail from Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier to Malmok Beach and Catalina Bay, with gear, lunch, and an open bar included.

I like the padded lounge chairs and the calm pace. I also like that the crew keeps the group small enough for personal service, with several people praising the food, flowing drinks, and friendly help from Captain John and the crew.

The main drawback is price. At $129.99 per person, you are paying for space, service, and a quieter boat, not simply for a snorkeling stop. If you want loud music, a large social crowd, or the cheapest reef trip, this may not be your best fit.

Key points before you book

• Up to 12 people: The advertised maximum keeps the boat from feeling like a floating bus.
• Two snorkeling stops: You visit Malmok Beach first, then Catalina Bay, with equipment supplied.
• Comfortable seating: Padded lounge chairs and shaded areas make the sailing portion a real part of the experience.
• Food and drinks included: A sandwich lunch, snacks, and alcoholic beverages are covered in the price.
• A quiet mood: This is aimed at relaxed sailing, not a music-heavy party cruise.
• Morning timing: Arrive at 9:15 a.m. for the 9:30 departure, and plan on about three hours.

A quiet start at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier

Your morning begins at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier, also called Berea di Piscado Hadicurari, in Noord. The meeting point is near public transportation, but transportation to the pier is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there.

The operator asks you to arrive by 9:15 a.m. The boat leaves at 9:30, and this is not the time to cut things close. Bring your booking confirmation on your phone, since the ticket is mobile.

The boat used may be the Blue Melody or the Black Pearl, both associated with the local operator. The advertised maximum is 12 people, which is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. A small group gives you more room to settle into a lounge chair and makes it easier to get help with equipment, drinks, or questions.

The mood is intentionally low-key. This cruise does not promise a loud soundtrack, and one price-conscious customer specifically noted the lack of music. The crew’s response made the point clearly: the boat is meant for people who want to get away from the noise. If you want a floating party, choose another excursion. If you want the sound of water, conversation, and a relaxed crew, the quiet works in its favor.

Sailing Aruba’s coast from a padded lounge chair

The sailing time is not filler between activities. It is a major part of the appeal.

You can sit back in one of the padded lounge chairs, take in the coast, and let the crew handle the practical details. Several people singled out the seating as unusually comfortable, with shaded spots available if you want a break from the strong Aruba sun.

That comfort matters on a three-hour outing. Many snorkeling boats treat the ride as transport and give you little reason to stay aboard once you return from the water. Here, the boat is set up for lingering. You can enjoy a drink, watch the coast pass by, and talk with the crew or the other people in your group.

Captain John was specifically praised for his professional manner and for sharing information about the island and sea. Other crew members have also been described as friendly, attentive, and quick to help. The service style is hands-on without needing to feel formal.

You should still pack the basics: swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and any personal medication. The dress code is casual. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring fins or a mask unless you prefer using your own.

Malmok Beach: the first snorkeling stop

The first water stop is Malmok Beach, a familiar snorkeling area on Aruba’s northwest coast. The trip description presents it as the first place to get in the water after the initial sail.

The snorkeling here is described as calm and suitable for easy exploration. One person who was not a strong swimmer found the sites manageable, while another described the water as shallow and easy. That does not mean every condition will feel identical. Wind, waves, and visibility can change, and the operator reserves the right to adjust the plan if weather affects the route.

You will receive snorkeling equipment, and the crew can assist with the basic setup. The small group should help here, since the crew has fewer people to watch and serve than on a large boat.

Malmok is a good first stop because it lets you get comfortable before the second site. You can test the mask, get used to the water, and spend time looking for fish without feeling rushed. Reports from this trip include plenty of fish, along with occasional sea turtle sightings.

That said, snorkeling is not guaranteed to be dramatic. One person found the underwater sites fairly uneventful and felt the best part was the peaceful glide across the water, food, and drinks. That is useful advice. Book this for a pleasant mix of sailing and snorkeling, not as a dedicated wildlife expedition.

Catalina Bay and the second chance to see fish

After Malmok Beach, the boat sails to Catalina Bay. The second stop gives you another chance to get in the water and see colorful fish.

Two snorkeling locations make the morning more forgiving. If visibility is not ideal at the first site, the second may offer a better look. If you are a cautious swimmer, you can also use the first stop to decide how much time you want to spend in the water later.

Sea turtle sightings have occurred on this outing, and fish are a common part of the experience described by the operator’s customers. One person saw a turtle resting in the water, while another described seeing several turtles and many fish. These are possible highlights, not promises, so keep your expectations sensible.

The sites are presented as easy rather than intense. You should not expect a long swim, strong current challenge, or technical reef session. That makes the cruise a good match for beginners, couples, and anyone who wants snorkeling to be part of a restful morning rather than the entire purpose of the trip.

The water time also has a social rhythm. You can snorkel, return to the boat, dry off, and enjoy a drink or food while the crew prepares the next part of the outing. People who like constant activity may find the pace too gentle. I see that as the point for anyone trying to slow down.

Lunch, grilled cheese, and the open bar

Lunch is included, along with alcoholic beverages. The advertised meal is a sandwich lunch, and the food has received unusually strong praise for a boat excursion.

The grilled cheese is the dish that comes up most often in the available comments. Some people described it as the best part of the meal, while others said the food was surprisingly good or especially generous. Snacks are also served during the trip.

The practical tip is simple: do not eat a large breakfast before boarding. The morning cruise includes enough food that you can arrive with a light meal or just a small breakfast. One note of caution: soda quality may vary, since flat soda was mentioned as a minor complaint.

The open bar adds value if you plan to drink, especially because the cruise is designed around time on deck. You can enjoy alcoholic beverages while sailing, after snorkeling, and during lunch. If you do not drink, the price still includes the food and the boat experience, but you will not receive the same value from the beverage portion.

This is also where the price comparison becomes more complicated. Cheaper snorkeling boats may offer a meal and drinks at a lower fare. The difference here is the small capacity, comfortable seating, and attentive service. If those details are unimportant to you, $129.99 may feel high. If crowded boats make you miserable, the extra cost can make sense.

What the three-hour schedule feels like

The tour starts at 9:30 a.m. and lasts about three hours, returning to the same meeting point. The schedule gives you a full morning without taking over your day.

A typical flow is:

• Arrive at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier by 9:15 a.m.
• Sail along Aruba’s coast.
• Stop at Malmok Beach for snorkeling.
• Continue to Catalina Bay for a second snorkeling session.
• Enjoy lunch, drinks, and time aboard.
• Return to Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier around midday.

Exact timing can shift with weather and conditions. During one rainy outing, the crew changed locations so the group could still have snorkeling time. That flexibility is encouraging, but it also means the advertised stops should be treated as the planned route rather than an absolute promise.

The tour ends back at the meeting point. You will need to arrange your own transportation both ways, and the booking information asks you to tell the operator where you are staying in Aruba. That may help with local coordination, but it does not mean hotel transportation is included.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this outing if you want a comfortable, quiet boat day with snorkeling included. It suits couples, small groups, older participants, and people who dislike packed excursions.

It also works well for less confident swimmers. The snorkeling areas are described as shallow and easy, and the crew is available to help. Still, you should be comfortable entering the water, and conditions can change. The information says most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.

This is a good first activity for an Aruba visit. One person scheduled it soon after arriving and found it a pleasant introduction to the island. The mix of coastline, easy water time, food, and service lets you see several sides of Aruba without committing to a full-day excursion.

Families may enjoy it, but check the price carefully before booking. The supplied information gives one adult price of $129.99 per person and does not provide a separate child rate. The boat is not private, even though the group is small.

You should look elsewhere if you want a big party atmosphere, loud music, or an extended snorkeling session. You should also think twice if the open bar and premium seating do not matter to you. A simpler snorkeling tour could cost less.

Price, value, and the small-group tradeoff

At $129.99 per person, this is not a budget water activity. The fare includes the three-hour cruise, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and alcoholic beverages, so you are not paying separate fees once aboard.

The strongest value comes from the size of the group. The maximum of 12 people means more space, less waiting, and a better chance of getting direct help from the crew. Several people valued the boat’s comfortable chairs and the personal service more than they would have valued a large selection of activities.

The meal also helps. A sandwich lunch may sound basic, but the grilled cheese and snacks have been praised enough to count as a real feature rather than an afterthought.

My advice is to compare this trip by atmosphere, not only by the number of snorkeling stops. You can find cheaper ways to get into Aruba’s water. You are paying extra here for a calmer setting, food, an open bar, padded seating, and a small crew-to-group ratio.

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed after booking. If poor weather forces cancellation, the operator offers another date or a full refund. Since weather affects both sailing comfort and snorkeling conditions, consider this before making a tight schedule around the cruise.

Should you book the Blue Melody or Black Pearl cruise?

Book it if you want a relaxed morning on the water, value personal service, and like the idea of snorkeling without a crowd. The padded chairs, easy water stops, generous food, open bar, and small group give the outing a clear identity.

Skip it if your main goal is the lowest possible price or a lively party boat. The snorkeling can be pleasant rather than spectacular, and the quiet approach is not for everyone.

For the right person, this is less about checking off two snorkeling sites and more about enjoying Aruba at an unhurried pace. Arrive early, bring sunscreen and swimwear, save room for the grilled cheese, and choose it for comfort as much as for the fish.

FAQ

Where does the Aruba sailing and snorkeling tour start?

The tour starts at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier, also known as Berea di Piscado Hadicurari, in Noord, Aruba.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive by 9:15 a.m. The boat departs at 9:30 a.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Are snorkeling masks and other equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own gear.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. The price includes lunch and alcoholic beverages. The meal is described as a sandwich lunch, and food served on the boat has included grilled cheese and snacks.

Is transportation to the pier included?

No. Transportation to and from the attractions or meeting point is not included.