Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba

The best part of this Aruba outing is the combination of a proper sailing boat and two very different snorkeling stops. You can float above the Antilla Shipwreck, then look for fish and turtles at Catalina Bay, all from the broad deck of the 65-foot Arusun. I like the generous space, too, with sun seats, shade, and forward nets instead of one cramped row of chairs.

I also like the simple value: the open bar and snacks are included, along with snorkel gear. The main thing to consider is the mood. Music and drinks can make this feel like a lively boat party, not a quiet sail, and the zodiac transfer plus ocean conditions call for moderate fitness.

Key points to know before booking

• Two snorkeling sites: Visit the Antilla Shipwreck when conditions allow, followed by Catalina Bay.
• Room for only 35 people: The large catamaran can feel pleasantly open, especially on lighter departures.
• Short zodiac transfer: You board a small rubber boat at Palm Beach before reaching the Arusun.
• Drinks and snacks included: The open bar serves whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water, with light wraps or similar snacks.
• Crew-led atmosphere: Crew members such as Captain Amanda, Captain Gabriel, and first mate Ronnie are known for safety briefings, help with gear, and a playful approach.
• Two-and-a-half-hour format: You get sailing, two water stops, refreshments, and time to relax without giving up most of your day.

Setting out from Palm Beach on the Arusun

You meet at the Aruba Watersports Center on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord. The meeting point is at Palm Beach and is near public transportation, but hotel pickup and return are not included. If you are staying nearby, you will need to make your own way to the pier.

The first small adventure is getting aboard. Rather than stepping directly from the pier onto the catamaran, you board a zodiac rubber boat that carries you out to the Arusun. This transfer is part of the experience, but it also means you should be comfortable stepping into a smaller boat and managing the movement of the water.

The Arusun is a 65-foot, 20-meter catamaran with room for a maximum of 35 people. That capacity matters. It is not a private charter, but the boat is large enough to keep the group from feeling packed in. Several departures have had very small groups, at times fewer than ten people, which can make the outing feel close to private.

Once aboard, you can choose your own pace. Sit in the sun, settle into the shaded rear area, or stretch out on the nets at the front. The nets give you the most direct sense of the sea beneath you, though they are not the best choice if you want shade or a completely still place to sit.

The sailing time is part of the attraction

This is not simply a ride to two snorkel sites. The coast of Aruba provides a useful change of scene from the hotel strip and beach chairs. You get open water, views back toward the island, and a steady breeze when conditions cooperate.

The crew keeps the mood social. Captain Amanda, Captain Gabriel, and first mate Ronnie are among the crew members named by visitors, and the strongest praise centers on friendly service, clear safety guidance, and attention to passengers. Ronnie has been noted for checking on people around the boat, while Amanda has been described as both informative and funny.

That friendly style will suit you if you enjoy conversation, music, and a bit of group energy. It may not suit you if you want a silent sail. At least one account describes loud club music as a serious drawback, so do not book this expecting a calm, meditative cruise from start to finish.

The drinks begin early and continue through the trip. The open bar includes whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water. You may also find mixed drinks such as rum punch or a captain’s special. The point is not fine cocktail service. It is having refreshments close at hand without paying for every glass.

Snacks add real value. The food is described as light wraps or small sandwiches, with fruit on some departures. This is enough to take the edge off hunger during a short outing, but it is not a replacement for lunch. If you need a full meal, eat before or after the cruise.

Antilla Shipwreck: Aruba’s main underwater stop

The first planned snorkeling site is the Antilla Shipwreck, one of the most memorable underwater sights included in this trip. Conditions determine whether the boat can stop there, so the exact plan depends on wind, waves, and visibility.

The wreck gives the first snorkeling session a clear focus. Instead of simply swimming over open reef, you have a large structure to look at, with fish and coral around it. The site can attract other swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers, so you may not have the water to yourself.

That crowding is worth keeping in perspective. The Antilla is a major attraction, and the number of people in the water can change from one departure to another. If the site is busy, stay aware of other swimmers and follow the crew’s instructions. The payoff is the chance to see the shipwreck clearly, along with fish gathering around it.

The crew provides masks, snorkels, and fins. Several people specifically recommend using the fins, which is practical advice in moving water. Fins make it easier to keep position and return to the boat without tiring as quickly.

You should have a moderate level of fitness for this trip. Snorkeling in current can feel harder than floating in a protected swimming area, and one account specifically notes that even strong current can affect the experience. If you are new to snorkeling, tell the crew. The staff can help with equipment and explain the basics, but you still need to be comfortable entering and leaving the water.

Catalina Bay brings a shallower second stop

After the wreck, the boat continues to Catalina Bay, also referred to as Boca Catalina in some descriptions. This stop provides a useful contrast to the Antilla. The water is shallower, and the focus shifts from a single wreck to reef life, open swimming, and a better chance to look around at your own speed.

Fish commonly seen on this type of stop include schools of small fish and colorful parrotfish, based on the experiences described for this outing. Sea turtles have also been spotted here, though no wildlife sighting is guaranteed. You might see a turtle during the snorkel, or you might catch one near the boat as it prepares to leave.

The second stop is especially useful for less experienced snorkelers because the setting can feel less intimidating than the wreck. Still, you should not assume the water will always be calm. Aruba’s weather and sea conditions affect both stops, and the crew may adjust the plan when needed.

The two-site format is one of the tour’s strongest features. If the wreck feels busy or the first stop is not your favorite, Catalina Bay gives you another chance. If you love the wreck, the bay adds variety rather than repeating the same kind of swim.

What the open bar really adds to the price

At $63 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to use the boat time, snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks. You are paying for a 2-hour-30-minute outing rather than a short transfer to a beach. The open bar alone does not make a good tour, but here it complements the sailing and water stops.

The value is best for adults and couples who want a social afternoon or morning on the water. You can snorkel, dry off in the sun, grab a drink, and enjoy the ride without adding several small charges along the way.

Families should think about the atmosphere and the length. Children as young as five and ten have enjoyed the experience, and older children and teens may have no trouble with the water stops. Still, the boat includes alcohol service and can have loud music, so it may not be the best pick for a family seeking a quiet outing.

The price also looks better when the group is small. With eight or nine people aboard, you can expect more personal attention and plenty of space. With a full group of 35, the boat should still offer room to spread out, but the water stops may feel busier when everyone enters the sea at once.

Practical details that affect your day

The tour offers morning and afternoon departures. Choose the time that fits your plans, but remember that the experience depends on weather and sea conditions. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

You receive confirmation when booking, and the ticket is mobile. Keep your phone ready at check-in, but protect it from spray during the zodiac transfer and boat ride. Hotel transportation is not included, so allow time to reach Palm Beach and return afterward.

Vegetarian food is available if you request it at booking. The standard snacks are light, so mention dietary needs ahead of time rather than waiting until you board.

Wear a swimsuit and bring sunscreen. The boat has shade, but you will still spend time in direct sun, and the water reflects light back onto the deck. A towel is also sensible, though the supplied information does not specify whether towels are provided.

The trip ends back at the same meeting point. For cruise ship passengers, Palm Beach can be reached by taxi. One practical route described for the return is using the taxi stand at the nearby Hilton, though you remain responsible for arranging your own transport and timing.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, changes and refunds are not accepted unless the operator cancels because of weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose the Arusun if you want several Aruba activities in one compact outing. You get a catamaran sail, two snorkeling sites, snacks, an open bar, and a crew that takes an active role in keeping the group involved.

It suits you especially well if:

• You want to see the Antilla Shipwreck without booking a longer full-day trip.
• You like a social boat with music and drinks.
• You want shade and room to move around.
• You are new to snorkeling and appreciate help with equipment.
• You are comfortable with a zodiac transfer and moving water.
• You prefer a two-and-a-half-hour activity that leaves room for the rest of your day.

I would choose another option if your priority is silence, a small private charter, or a strictly family-focused setting. The catamaran can be relaxed, but the open bar and party-style music are part of its identity. People with limited mobility should also ask specific questions before booking, since the zodiac transfer and water entry require physical effort.

Should you book the Arusun?

Book it if you want an easygoing Aruba outing with real snorkeling, not just a boat ride with a quick swim. The Antilla Shipwreck gives the trip a memorable centerpiece, Catalina Bay adds a different kind of water stop, and the included snacks and drinks keep the $63 price sensible.

Skip it if loud music, alcohol service, or ocean transfers would spoil your day. For everyone else, the Arusun offers a well-balanced half-day break from the beach, with enough sailing and underwater variety to feel like a proper Aruba experience.

FAQ

How long is the Arusun catamaran trip?

The experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour meet?

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

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and hotel drop-off are not included.

How do I get from the pier to the Arusun?

You first board a zodiac rubber boat at Palm Beach, which takes you out to the catamaran.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 35 people.

Which snorkeling sites does the tour visit?

The planned stops are the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay. The Antilla stop depends on conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

What does the open bar include?

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

Are snacks included?

Yes. Snacks are included, and a vegetarian option is available if requested at booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.