Premium Catamaran Afternoon Sail: Snorkeling and Lunch

The Antilla shipwreck is the star of this afternoon sail. This 1939 German freighter rests underwater off Aruba, and you get about 45 minutes to snorkel around its remains before heading to shallow Malmok Reef. Between stops, the 40-foot trimaran gives you wide views of the coast and a steady supply of drinks.

I like the easy all-in format: snorkel gear and instruction are included, and the open cocktail bar means you do not need to keep reaching for your wallet. I also like the calm beach-to-boat transfer, which helps first-time snorkelers feel at ease. The main caution is the food. It is advertised as lunch, but portions may feel more like small sandwiches, pinwheels, fruit, and snacks than a full meal.

Key points at a glance

• A historic shipwreck snorkel: Spend roughly 45 minutes around the Antilla, a German freighter sunk in 1939.
• Two different water settings: Compare the deeper wreck site with shallow Catalina Bay at Malmok Reef.
• A relaxed afternoon format: Sail, snorkel, eat, and order drinks without arranging separate equipment or transport.
• Easy boarding from Palm Beach: A short shuttle boat ride carries you from the Octopus Aruba beach hut to the trimaran.
• A sociable boat atmosphere: Music, sing-alongs, cocktails, and attentive crew service shape the mood.
• A firm departure time: Check in by 12:30 p.m. for the 1 p.m. sailing, since boarding closes before departure.

The Antilla makes this more than a standard beach cruise

Aruba has no shortage of boat trips, but the Antilla gives this one a clear purpose. The freighter sank during World War II and remains a major underwater attraction off the island. You are not simply swimming over a patch of reef. You are looking at the remains of a real vessel, with tropical fish using the wreck as shelter.

The wreck stop lasts about 45 minutes, long enough to get comfortable with your mask and snorkel and make several passes over the site. The exact underwater view depends on sea conditions and your comfort in the water, but the Antilla is the moment that gives this tour its strongest sense of place.

You will want to listen carefully to the crew’s safety instructions before entering the water. Some boats take you to a site, hand out gear, and leave you to figure things out. Here, the captain and crew provide equipment, instruction, life jackets, and first-response support. That matters if you are new to snorkeling or nervous about swimming from a boat.

From the beach hut to a 40-foot trimaran

The meeting point is the Octopus Aruba beach hut on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard in Palm Beach. You do not walk far into the sea or attempt an awkward beach launch. A spacious shuttle boat carries up to 15 people from shore to the trimaran, a short ride of about 30 meters.

The transfer area is described as calm, with little to no wave action through much of the year. That makes the first step easier for people who dislike small-boat boarding. The shuttle and other vessels are inspected every six months, according to the operator’s safety information.

The main boat is a 40-foot, 12-meter trimaran, though the experience is often called a catamaran sail. Space is limited to a maximum of 34 people. That is not a private cruise, but it is small enough for the crew to move around, serve drinks, and help with equipment.

The boat has an onboard restroom, another practical touch that becomes important during a three-hour outing with drinks. Bring a towel and sunscreen. You should also arrive early rather than treating 1 p.m. as your check-in time. Check-in is at 12:30 p.m., boarding begins before departure, and boarding closes five minutes before the scheduled sailing.

Malmok Reef offers the gentler second snorkel

The Malmok Reef stop is in the shallow waters of Catalina Bay. This is a different setting from the Antilla, and that contrast improves the outing. The shallow water can feel less intimidating, especially if you are learning how to use a mask and snorkel for the first time.

The reef area is home to angelfish, damselfish, octopuses, sea fans, and coral. Clear Caribbean water and plenty of tropical fish make this the better stop for simple fish watching and relaxed swimming. Several people have also seen turtles on the trip, though no wildlife sighting can be promised.

The second stop is useful for families and mixed groups. A confident swimmer can look closely at the reef, while a cautious swimmer can stay nearer the boat and take time with the gear. Crew members have been praised for helping beginners, including people who were initially afraid to try snorkeling.

Still, do not book this as a specialist reef expedition. Conditions change, visibility can vary, and the boat may be close to capacity. One practical complaint is that the snorkeling can feel less impressive on a rough or crowded day. If your main goal is serious underwater photography or long, quiet time over coral, a dedicated small-group snorkeling trip may suit you better.

What the open bar and lunch really mean

The open bar is a large part of the value. Drinks are included throughout the outing, and the crew prepares cocktails to order along with water, soda, juice, and other nonalcoholic choices. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Service is one of the most praised parts of the trip. Crew members described in the supplied tour material include Martin, Randy, Richard, Jamel, Jose, Davino, Roger, Shaka, Alexia, and Divichi. The exact team can vary, but the important point is that the crew handles drink service, snorkel support, safety, and the general mood of the boat.

The food needs a more careful explanation. You receive a sandwich lunch, but the actual meal may arrive as small portions spread across the sailing. Pinwheels, fruit skewers, cheese, finger food, and small sandwiches have all been part of the service. Some people find this perfectly adequate for a light afternoon. Others expect a proper lunch and leave disappointed.

I would eat a normal breakfast and bring a small extra snack if you tend to get hungry after swimming. Tell the operator about dietary needs when booking. A group that requested sandwiches without pork received specially prepared food, which shows that advance notice can help.

The drinks are generous, so pace yourself. The sun, salt water, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly. Take water and juice when offered, especially before the snorkel stops.

The mood is relaxed, social, and sometimes lively

This is not a quiet sailing lesson. Music plays while the boat moves along the coast, and the mood can range from calm background music to group sing-alongs. Some sailings have an upbeat island feel. Others may seem subdued if the playlist or crowd is quieter.

That variation is worth knowing before you book. One person wanted more Caribbean music, while another enjoyed the relaxed tone. The crew usually creates a friendly, social setting, but the atmosphere depends partly on the day’s group and the personalities working onboard.

I like this format for couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want several activities bundled together. You can sit, watch Aruba from the water, order a drink, and choose how active to be. The tour does not force you to snorkel every minute.

The boat can be nearly full, and seating may feel close during busy departures. The maximum group size is 34, so this is not the outing for someone seeking a private deck and personal service. It is better for people who enjoy meeting others and do not mind a shared boat setting.

Value at $74.99 depends on how you use the three hours

At $74.99 per person, the price is reasonable if you expect to drink, snorkel, and eat during the same outing. You are paying for the crew, boat ride, two snorkel locations, equipment, instruction, open bar, lunch, life jackets, a restroom, and a certified first responder.

The value is strongest for someone who would otherwise rent snorkel gear, arrange a boat trip, and buy lunch and drinks separately. The Antilla also adds a site you cannot reach from the beach. Add in the coastline views and the simple transfer from Palm Beach, and the package makes practical sense.

The value is weaker if you do not drink or if you want a full meal. In that case, you are paying partly for a feature you may barely use, and the included food may not replace lunch. The tour also does not include a power snorkel, and a souvenir shirt costs extra. You do receive an Octopus souvenir.

I would call the price fair rather than a bargain. The included bar and crew service do real work, but your satisfaction will depend on whether you see the day as a social sail with snorkeling or as a serious marine excursion.

Safety and comfort for first-time snorkelers

The crew supplies masks, snorkels, safety jackets, and basic instruction. A certified first responder is included, and the captain and crew oversee the water entries. This does not remove the normal risks of swimming in open water, but it gives the activity a sensible support system.

The ladders deserve attention. Some people may find them difficult, especially when climbing back onto the boat after snorkeling. If you have trouble with boat ladders, tell the crew before entering the water and take your time on the return.

The Antilla area can have current, and the crew warns participants when conditions require extra care. Follow those instructions rather than drifting far from the boat. If you are a weak swimmer, ask for help with the equipment and stay within the area the crew marks for the group.

Most people can participate, but the activity involves a boat transfer, ladders, swimming, and time in the sun. The supplied information does not promise wheelchair access or specialized mobility assistance, so contact the operator before booking if you have accessibility concerns.

Practical timing from Palm Beach

The sail begins at 1 p.m. and returns to the same Octopus Aruba beach hut after roughly three hours. That afternoon timing works well if you want a slow morning, but it can fill the center of your day. Leave enough time before the tour for lunch, sunscreen, and a calm arrival.

Palm Beach is near public transportation, and the meeting point is on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard. Parking details are not provided, so do not assume you can arrive at the last moment and find a convenient space.

Bring:

• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Any needed dietary information in advance
• A small snack if you prefer a full meal after swimming
• A phone with your mobile ticket ready

The tour runs only when conditions are suitable. If poor weather cancels the sailing, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. Inside 24 hours, changes and refunds are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this Aruba sail most

You should consider this trip if you want a simple half-day package with snorkeling, drinks, food, and coastal views. It suits first-time snorkelers particularly well because equipment and instruction are included, and the shallow Malmok stop gives you an easier place to practice.

It also works for groups with mixed interests. One person can focus on the Antilla, another can swim around Malmok Reef, and someone else can stay onboard with a drink. The crew’s friendly service is a big part of the appeal.

You may want another option if you need a substantial lunch, dislike group boats, or want uninterrupted time in the water. The food is light, the group can approach 34 people, and the music may not match everyone’s taste. Also, do not arrive at 1 p.m. and expect to board. The boat leaves on schedule.

Should you book the Octopus afternoon sail?

I would book it for the combination of the Antilla, Malmok Reef, open bar, and easy Palm Beach departure. The shipwreck gives the outing a memorable centerpiece, while the reef stop and calm shuttle make it approachable for less experienced swimmers.

Book with realistic expectations. Think of this as a relaxed social sail with two worthwhile snorkel stops, not a private expedition or a gourmet lunch cruise. Eat beforehand, arrive by 12:30 p.m., pack sunscreen and a towel, and tell the operator about dietary needs.

At $74.99, the trip earns its price when you use the included drinks, gear, instruction, and crew support. If that sounds like your kind of afternoon, it is a practical way to see Aruba from the water.

FAQ

How much does the Premium Catamaran Afternoon Sail cost?

The listed price is $74.99 per person.

How long does the sailing last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 1 p.m. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure, at 12:30 p.m.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at the Octopus Aruba beach hut at J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 87, suite 227, in Palm Beach, Aruba.

How do I get from the beach to the catamaran?

A spacious shuttle boat carries participants about 30 meters from the beach hut to the catamaran. The shuttle can carry up to 15 people.

Which snorkeling locations are included?

The tour visits the Antilla shipwreck and Malmok Reef in the shallow waters of Catalina Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are provided, along with instruction and safety life jackets. A power snorkel is not included.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. The tour includes a sandwich lunch and unlimited drinks from an open cocktail bar. Tell the operator about dietary requirements when booking.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and no refund is provided.