Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba

The best part of this Aruba outing is the mix: you get a proper sail, two water stops, a shipwreck, open-bar drinks, and room to stretch out on a 65-foot catamaran. I especially like the Antilla Shipwreck stop and the choice of sun, shade, or forward nets. The main thing to know is that this is a social boat trip, not a quiet nature cruise. Music can be loud, and water conditions affect the snorkeling.

I also like the short 2.5-hour format. It gives you a useful taste of Aruba from the sea without taking your whole day. The crew, including captains such as Amanda and Gabriel and first mates such as Ronnie, earns strong praise for being funny, attentive, and careful with safety. Bring sunscreen, use the fins, and expect a transfer from the pier to the catamaran by small rubber boat.

Key points at a glance

• Antilla Shipwreck snorkeling: See one of Aruba’s best-known underwater sights, with fish and coral around the old wreck.
• Two different water stops: The shipwreck is followed by Catalina Bay, a shallower site with reef life and, sometimes, sea turtles.
• 65-foot Arusun catamaran: The boat has room for up to 35 people, with open deck space, shade, and forward lounging nets.
• Open bar and snacks included: Whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, water, and light wraps or sandwiches are part of the price.
• Morning or afternoon departure: The 2.5-hour schedule fits well before or after other Aruba plans.
• Small groups can feel personal: When bookings are light, you may get unusually attentive service and plenty of space.

The Arusun turns a short boat trip into a full outing

At $63 per person, the Arusun is priced as more than a simple boat ride. You are paying for a 2.5-hour sail, snorkeling equipment, two stops, snacks, and an open bar. That combination gives it solid value, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for drinks and a snorkel trip.

The catamaran itself is a major part of the appeal. At 65 feet, it gives you several ways to spend the ride. Sit in the sun, settle under the shaded rear section, or stretch out on the nets at the front. You are not confined to one row of seats while the boat moves along the coast.

The boat is designed for a maximum of 35 people, though several departures have had far fewer. A lightly booked trip can feel almost private, with more room on deck and more time for the crew to help with masks, fins, and drinks. You should not count on a tiny group, but the capacity is modest enough to avoid the feel of a giant excursion boat.

Getting from Palm Beach to the catamaran

You meet at the Aruba Watersports Center at J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Palm Beach. The meeting point is near public transportation, and people staying nearby can arrange a taxi or use local transport.

Check-in takes place at the pier. From there, a zodiac rubber boat carries you out to the Arusun. This short transfer adds a little adventure at the start, but it also matters for mobility. You need to step into a smaller boat and later return to the pier the same way, so this outing suits people with a moderate level of physical fitness.

Once aboard, the crew handles the safety information and gets the drinks and snacks moving. The staff’s tone is part of the experience. Captains Amanda and Gabriel and first mate Ronnie are specifically praised for combining clear instructions with humor and personal attention. Crew assignments can vary, but you can expect a friendly, active team rather than a quiet, formal presentation.

Sailing Aruba’s coast with room to choose your view

The sailing time gives you a chance to see Aruba from a different angle. From the water, the coast becomes the scenery, and the catamaran provides a comfortable base between swims. I like that you can make the ride as active or lazy as you want.

Choose a sunny spot if you want a classic Caribbean boat day. The shaded back area is better if you have had enough heat, while the forward nets offer the most exposed position over the water. The nets are fun, but they are not the best place if you want shade or a dry, steady seat.

The open bar includes whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water. The drinks are served throughout the trip, and some people particularly enjoy the rum punch and the captain’s special. Snacks have included wraps, small sandwiches, and fruit. They are light refreshments rather than a full meal, so eat beforehand if you tend to get hungry after swimming.

One important point: the atmosphere can be lively. Music may be loud, and the boat can feel more like a social party sail than a peaceful glide. If you want quiet water, bird watching, or a low-key sail, this may not be your best choice. If you enjoy music, drinks, and easy conversation, the energy works in its favor.

First water stop: the Antilla Shipwreck

When conditions allow, the first snorkeling stop is the Antilla Shipwreck. The SS Antilla is one of the signature underwater sights near Aruba, and seeing the wreck from the surface gives this trip a stronger sense of place than a standard reef swim.

The wreck is reported to attract colorful fish and coral. You may see the structure clearly in good water, though visibility depends on wind, current, and sea conditions. The site can also draw snorkelers and scuba divers from other boats, so it may feel busy at times.

The crew provides masks, snorkels, and fins. Use the fins. They help you move through current and conserve energy, which is especially useful if you are new to snorkeling or the water is moving more than expected. The crew also helps people with equipment and explains how to stay safe before entering the water.

This stop is not a controlled pool experience. Current can make the water feel challenging at first, and one person described snorkeling as scary until getting used to it. If you are uncertain, listen closely to the safety briefing and stay within your comfort level. You do not need to swim far from the boat to enjoy the wreck.

Conditions may change the plan. Poor weather or rough water can affect visibility, the length of a stop, or whether a site is suitable at all. The operator requires good weather and may offer a new date or a refund if the trip is canceled for that reason.

Second stop: Catalina Bay and the chance of turtles

After the wreck, the Arusun heads to Catalina Bay. This stop offers a useful contrast. The water can be shallower, and the setting is more about reef fish and general underwater viewing than the large wreck structure.

The bay has produced sightings of schools of fish, blue parrotfish, and sea turtles. Turtles are not guaranteed, so you should treat them as a welcome possibility rather than the main reason to book. One person saw a turtle just as the boat was preparing to leave, which is a good reminder to keep watching until the final moment.

The second stop also gives you another chance to practice if you are new to snorkeling. You can compare the deeper wreck area with a shallower reef setting and decide how much time you want in the water. Some people spend the full stop snorkeling, while others return to the boat for drinks, shade, or a rest on deck.

The two-stop design is one of the strongest parts of the trip. If the first site feels crowded or the current is tiring, the second gives you a fresh setting. If conditions are less than ideal, you still have two opportunities to get in the water.

What the crew adds to the day

A short excursion depends heavily on the crew. There is not much time to recover from poor service, and the Arusun seems to understand that. The captain and first mate handle safety, equipment, drinks, and the general mood, so you get frequent contact rather than a distant crew.

Amanda has been singled out for being informative and funny, while Ronnie is known for checking in with people and making sure they have what they need. Gabriel has also been praised for attentive service. These names may not reflect the exact crew on your departure, but they show the kind of service the operator aims to provide.

The crew’s humor is a plus for people who want a relaxed social outing. It can be less appealing if you prefer a quiet guide who speaks only when necessary. Still, the safety side gets consistent attention, which matters more than jokes when you are getting into open water.

The staff also avoids a common annoyance on paid excursions: there is no stated pressure to buy photo packages or upgrades. That helps the $63 price feel cleaner. You can focus on sailing, swimming, and the included drinks instead of watching for added sales pitches.

Who will get the most from this catamaran sail

I would choose the Arusun if you want several Aruba experiences in one compact outing. It works particularly well for couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and cruise ship passengers looking for a shore activity that fits into part of the day.

Families should consider the water transfer and current before booking. Children aged 10 and 5 have enjoyed the trip, but that does not mean every young child will find the boarding, small boat transfer, or snorkeling easy. The operator lists a moderate physical fitness level, and the experience is not ideal for people with limited mobility.

First-time snorkelers can join, but you should be comfortable following instructions and entering open water. The crew can help with gear, yet this is not a swimming lesson. If you are nervous, start slowly and stay close to the boat.

The experience also suits people who want a drink included. The open bar is not a minor extra here. It is part of the rhythm of the trip, and people can order rum, whisky, vodka, soft drinks, juice, or water while relaxing between stops.

Practical value at $63 per person

The price makes sense if you value convenience and variety. A separate boat ride, snorkel rental, drinks, snacks, and two water stops could cost more when purchased individually. Here, they are bundled into one outing with a fixed schedule and crew support.

The value is strongest when you use the included features. If you plan to snorkel at both sites, have a few drinks, and spend time on the catamaran, $63 is a fair price. If you do not drink, do not want music, or prefer a quiet private sail, the same price may feel less attractive.

Morning and afternoon departures add flexibility. A morning trip leaves the rest of the day free, while an afternoon trip can fill the hotter middle part of the day with time on the water. The full activity lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the sailing and snorkeling portions.

Vegetarian food is available if requested at booking. The standard snacks are light, so mention your dietary need in advance and do not expect the included food to replace lunch.

What to bring and what to expect

Use plenty of sunscreen. The boat has shade, but you will still spend time in strong Caribbean sun, especially during the transfer and snorkeling stops. Bring a swimsuit and any personal items you need for comfort, but keep valuables limited.

You receive snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to rent a mask or fins separately. If you have a personal mask that fits you well, you may prefer it, but the provided gear is part of the package.

Wear something that makes boarding easy. You need to move between the pier, zodiac, and catamaran, and the trip includes time in the water. The exact water conditions can change, so keep your expectations flexible.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. Since the trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of people, the operator may offer another date or a full refund if it cannot run.

Should you book the Arusun?

Book this trip if you want snorkeling, sailing, drinks, and a friendly social mood in one reasonably priced package. The Antilla wreck gives the outing a memorable focus, while Catalina Bay adds a second chance for fish, reef views, and perhaps a sea turtle.

Skip it if your top priority is silence, a private boat, or guaranteed calm water and wildlife. The music may be loud, the wreck can be busy, and sea conditions are never fully under the operator’s control.

For most people who want an easy half-day break from the beach, I would consider the Arusun a strong choice. Bring sunscreen, use the fins, pay attention to the safety talk, and leave room in your plans for the boat to feel like a party sail as well as a snorkel trip.

FAQ

How long is the Arusun catamaran tour?

The experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the sailing and snorkeling stops.

Where does the tour begin?

You meet at the Aruba Watersports Center, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord, Aruba.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

Which snorkeling sites does the tour visit?

The planned sites are the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay, though the exact stops depend on sea and weather conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, including the gear needed for the activity, is included.

What is included with the open bar?

The unlimited open bar includes whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water.

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks are included, with options such as light wraps, small sandwiches, and fruit. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.