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, snacks, and an open bar without spending the whole day on a boat. The Antilla Shipwreck gives you a memorable first snorkel, while Catalina Bay offers a shallower second stop where fish and, sometimes, sea turtles appear.

I like the small maximum of 35 passengers and the wide 65-foot deck. You can sit in the sun, find shade at the back, or stretch out on the forward nets. I also like the crew’s friendly, hands-on approach, with captains and first mates such as Amanda, Ronnie, Gabriel, and Rashim helping with equipment and keeping the mood light. The main caution is the party atmosphere: music can be loud, so this is not the best pick if you want a quiet sailing trip.

Key points to know before you book

• The Antilla Shipwreck is the headline stop: Expect a view of Aruba’s famous sunken ship, along with fish and coral around the wreck.
• Catalina Bay adds a second kind of snorkeling: The water is shallower, and you may see schools of fish, parrotfish, and sea turtles.
• The Arusun has room to spread out: With a maximum of 35 passengers, the large catamaran does not feel like a cramped motorboat.
• The open bar is part of the value: Whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water are included, along with snacks.
• You board by zodiac: The short rubber-boat ride from the Palm Beach pier is part of the outing, but it requires some mobility.
• Plan for a social mood: The crew is playful and engaging, and music may be loud during the cruise.

Sailing the Aruba coast aboard the Arusun

The Arusun is a 65-foot, or 20-meter, catamaran built for comfort rather than speed. That matters because a catamaran gives you several ways to spend the two and a half hours. Sit under cover at the rear, claim a sunny place on deck, or stretch out on the nets near the front.

The boat carries up to 35 passengers. That is not a private charter, but the size of the catamaran gives the group room to spread out. Some departures may feel especially open when fewer people book, and the wide deck helps keep the outing from feeling packed.

You meet at the Aruba Watersports Center on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord, near Palm Beach. Check-in takes place at the pier, then you board a small zodiac that carries you out to the Arusun. This transfer makes the start feel more like a real water excursion, but it is also the part that requires the most care if you have limited mobility.

Once aboard, the captain and first mate explain the basic safety information and help passengers with snorkel equipment. The crew has included Amanda, Ronnie, Gabriel, and Rashim on different departures. Their role is not just to steer the boat. They pour drinks, offer help in the water, keep an eye on the group, and add the easy humor that helps first-time snorkelers relax.

The Antilla Shipwreck is the main attraction

Conditions permitting, the first water stop is the Antilla Shipwreck. The SS Antilla is one of Aruba’s best-known underwater sights, and seeing the outline of a large wreck below you gives this stop more character than a standard reef snorkel.

You can expect fish and coral around the wreck. Clear water can make the structure easy to see from above, though visibility depends on conditions and the number of boats using the site. This is a popular location, so you may share the water with other snorkelers, swimmers, and scuba divers.

The wreck area can also have current. One useful tip is to use the fins provided with your equipment. They make it easier to move and conserve energy, especially if the water is moving or you are trying to keep pace with the group.

If snorkeling is new to you, the shipwreck may feel like a lot at first. The water, equipment, current, and open view can be daunting. Take the crew’s instructions seriously, start at your own pace, and remember that you do not need to swim far from the boat to enjoy the view.

The Antilla is also the least predictable part of the day. Weather and sea conditions can change the plan, and the wreck can feel crowded at times. Still, this is the stop that gives the cruise its strongest sense of place. You are not just looking at fish over a generic reef. You are seeing a large piece of maritime history resting in Aruba’s water.

Catalina Bay brings fish, reef, and a calmer contrast

The second snorkel stop is Catalina Bay, also called Boca Catalina in some descriptions. It offers a useful contrast to the wreck. The water is shallower, and the setting is better suited to exploring a reef area at a relaxed pace.

You may see schools of fish, colorful parrotfish, coral, and other marine life. Sea turtles have also been seen here, but they are not guaranteed. If turtles are high on your wish list, keep expectations sensible. The best approach is to enjoy the fish and reef first, then treat a turtle sighting as a bonus.

The two-stop plan works well because it gives you variety. The Antilla feels like an underwater site with a story. Catalina Bay feels more open and natural, with fish moving over a shallower area. Together, they make better use of the short cruise than repeating the same type of snorkel twice.

You should still expect conditions to vary. Some departures have had less-than-perfect visibility but still made both water stops. If wind or water movement affects the day, the crew may adjust the plan for safety. This is a snorkeling cruise, not a guarantee of perfect underwater visibility.

Snacks and the open bar add real value

The $63 price is strong for what is included. You get roughly two and a half hours on a large catamaran, two snorkel stops, equipment, snacks, and an unlimited open bar. That makes the price easier to justify than a bare-bones boat ride where drinks and gear cost extra.

The bar includes whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water. Drinks begin once you are aboard, and the crew keeps service moving during the sail. Snacks have included light wraps, small sandwiches, and fruit. They are not a full meal, so eat beforehand if you need lunch, but they are enough to take the edge off during the outing.

The open bar changes the tone of the trip. Many people will find it pleasant to sip a rum punch or another mixed drink while looking along the Aruba coast. It also means this is not a silent nature cruise. Music may be loud, and the overall mood can lean toward a friendly boat party.

That point deserves attention. If you want a quiet ride with long stretches of natural sound, this may not suit you. If you like music, conversation, drinks, and a crew that interacts with the group, the atmosphere is likely to be a plus.

The crew does not appear to push photo packages or paid upgrades, which keeps the experience simple. You pay for the cruise, use the included equipment, eat the provided snacks, and drink from the included bar.

What the two and a half hours feel like

The short duration is one of the tour’s strengths. You get enough time to sail, snorkel twice, and relax without losing an entire day of your Aruba holiday. A morning departure can fit neatly before an afternoon at the beach. An afternoon departure gives you a break from the heat and a chance to see the coast from the water.

The schedule is approximate. Time at each stop depends on sea conditions, safety, and the needs of the group. Some people will spend most of the water time snorkeling. Others may swim briefly, return to the boat, and relax with a drink.

You also get time to watch the crew work and enjoy the view between stops. The catamaran gives you room to move, which is important after snorkeling. You can dry off in the sun or retreat to the shaded rear area.

The experience is best understood as a social sail with snorkeling, not as a specialist marine-life expedition. The underwater stops are the main activity, but the boat ride, crew, drinks, and music are just as important to the character of the outing.

Who will enjoy the Arusun most

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and cruise ship passengers looking for a half-day activity near Palm Beach. Children as young as five and ten have enjoyed the outing, but age alone is not the key issue. Comfort in the water and the ability to manage the boat transfer matter more.

The tour suits you if you want:

• Two snorkeling stops rather than one quick swim
• A large boat with sun and shade
• Included drinks and light food
• A crew that keeps the mood social
• A short activity that leaves time for other Aruba plans
• The chance to see the Antilla Shipwreck and marine life at Catalina Bay

I would think twice if you have limited mobility, dislike boarding small boats, or feel unsteady in open water. The zodiac transfer is not the same as walking straight from a dock onto a large vessel. You also need a moderate level of physical fitness.

You should also skip this option if your ideal sail is quiet and low-key. The crew is friendly and funny, but the music and open bar can make the boat feel lively. This is a good fit for an easygoing social outing, not a silent sunset-style cruise.

Getting there and planning the day

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the Aruba Watersports Center at J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord on your own.

The meeting point is near public transportation, and Palm Beach is easy to reach by taxi. Cruise ship passengers have used a taxi to get to the beach, then returned to the ship area from the taxi stand near the Hilton. Leave enough time for traffic, check-in, and the zodiac ride to the catamaran.

Bring sunscreen and wear something suitable for sun and water. The boat has shade, but you will still spend time outdoors. A swimsuit, towel, and a way to protect your skin are sensible choices. The company provides snorkel equipment, but you can bring your own mask if you prefer a familiar fit.

Vegetarian snacks can be arranged if you request that when booking. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded, and poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Is $63 a fair price?

Yes, provided you want the full package. Two and a half hours on a large catamaran, two snorkel sites, equipment, snacks, and an open bar add up quickly if purchased separately. The price is especially appealing for people who plan to have a few drinks and make full use of the water stops.

The value is less obvious if you do not drink and mainly want serious snorkeling time. In that case, a dedicated snorkel trip might offer a better focus, though you would need to compare its price and included equipment.

The large boat also matters. You are not paying only for access to the water. You are paying for space, seating choices, shade, a crew, and a smoother place to relax between swims.

Should you book the Arusun?

Book it if you want a friendly, good-value boat outing with two distinct snorkel stops, a famous wreck, included drinks, and enough deck space to avoid feeling boxed in. The combination of the Antilla, Catalina Bay, snacks, and open bar gives you a full Aruba experience in a manageable two and a half hours.

Skip it if you want silence, a small specialist snorkel group, or a guaranteed turtle sighting. The music can be loud, the wreck may be busy, and water conditions can change the quality of the snorkel.

For most people who enjoy a social boat ride, the Arusun is an easy choice. Use the fins, bring sunscreen, respect your limits in the water, and allow time for the zodiac transfer. You will get the best value by treating it as both a sail and a snorkeling trip.

FAQ

How long is the Arusun catamaran tour?

The activity lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

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

How do I board the catamaran?

After check-in at the Palm Beach pier, you board a small zodiac rubber boat that takes you out to the Arusun.

What snorkeling locations are included?

The planned stops are the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay, with the schedule subject to sea and weather conditions.

Is snorkel equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What drinks are included?

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

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks are included, and a vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.

Is hotel transportation included?

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

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.