VIP Morning Delight Champagne Sailing and Snorkeling with Lunch

The best part of this Aruba morning cruise is its small-group feel. With a maximum of 12 people, you get room to stretch out on a padded lounge chair, hear the crew, and enter the water without the crowded shuffle found on large catamarans. I like the easy snorkeling at Malmok Beach and Catalina Bay, and I like that lunch and an open bar are included instead of added later.

The trade-off is price. At $129.99 per person, this costs more than some larger snorkeling boats, and the food is centered on sandwiches and snacks rather than a full seafood meal. The boat also tends to favor quiet sailing over loud music, so this suits you best if calm sounds better than a party.

Key points at a glance

• Up to 12 people: The smaller boat gives you more personal space and easier access to the crew.
• Two Aruba snorkeling stops: You’ll visit Malmok Beach and Catalina Bay, both described as shallow, manageable places to see fish.
• Comfort comes first: Padded lounge chairs and shaded seating make the sailing portion as important as the snorkeling.
• Lunch and open bar included: Expect sandwiches, snacks, alcoholic drinks, and the grilled cheese that has become a favorite ending.
• Quiet morning atmosphere: This is a relaxed cruise, not a music-heavy party boat.
• Simple meeting plan: Arrive at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier by 9:15 a.m. for the 9:30 departure.

A quiet start at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier

Your morning begins at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier in Noord. The practical detail matters: you need to be at the pier by 9:15 a.m., fifteen minutes before the boat leaves. The cruise itself lasts about three hours and returns to the same meeting point.

You arrange your own way to the pier. Transportation to and from attractions is not included, though the meeting point is near public transportation. If you are staying elsewhere on Aruba, tell the operator where you are staying when you book, and confirm the exact meeting details before heading out.

Once aboard, the tone is more lounge than expedition. The boat has padded chairs, and you can choose a sunny place or sit under cover. That setup is especially useful if you want to enjoy the water without spending the entire morning standing, balancing, or fighting for a seat.

The boat is not private, but the maximum of 12 people keeps it intimate. A small group changes the whole rhythm. You can ask the crew for help with the mask or snorkel, move into the water with less fuss, and return aboard without a long line at the ladder.

Sailing along Aruba’s coast

The first stretch gives you time to settle in. You are not rushed straight from the pier into the water. Instead, the boat glides along Aruba’s coast while drinks are served and the crew gets everyone comfortable.

This sailing time is a major part of the appeal. The cruise is meant for you to slow down, look out at the island from the sea, and enjoy the breeze. The crew has been praised for being friendly, attentive, funny, and professional. Captain John is specifically mentioned as part of the team, and the crew’s service is a big reason this tour feels more personal than a basic boat transfer.

Do not expect a high-energy party atmosphere. The operator’s own response to one complaint makes the style clear: music is generally not the focus, since many people book the boat to get away from noise. You may find the quiet refreshing, especially on a morning when you want to read the water, talk with your companion, or simply sit with a drink.

If you want dancing, booming music, and a crowded social deck, this is probably the wrong boat. If you prefer a calm sail with room to breathe, the lack of a soundtrack is part of the value.

Malmok Beach: an easy first snorkel

The first snorkeling stop is Malmok Beach. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack fins, mask, or snorkel. The crew helps you get set up, then you enter the water for a gentle look at Aruba’s marine life.

The water here is described as shallow and easy for many swimmers. One passenger who was not a strong swimmer found the sites comfortable, and several outings produced plenty of fish. That does not mean the experience is a swimming lesson or that conditions are guaranteed to be calm every day. Weather and sea conditions can change, but the planned stops are chosen with accessibility in mind.

Malmok is a good first stop because you can learn the equipment and get your bearings without committing to a difficult swim. If you have not snorkeled in years, take your time. Adjust the mask before leaving the boat, listen to the crew, and stay within the area they indicate.

You might see colorful fish, and the group has also spotted sea turtles. Turtle sightings are never promised, but they are one of the memorable possibilities here. Keep your expectations sensible: this is a relaxed morning snorkel, not a specialized reef trip with a marine biologist.

Some outings may feel more active underwater than others. One person found the snorkeling areas somewhat uneventful and preferred the sailing, food, and drinks. That is useful advice. You are paying for the whole morning, not just the minutes with your face in the water.

Catalina Bay and the second chance to snorkel

After Malmok Beach, the boat sails to Catalina Bay for another snorkeling stop. Having two locations is helpful. If the first site is not at its best because of visibility, current, or personal comfort, you get another chance in a different setting.

The snorkeling has been described as shallow and friendly, with fish in clear water. You may see more fish, take photographs, or simply float for a while. The crew can help you feel at ease, which matters if you are nervous about snorkeling or have not been in the water recently.

The second stop also gives stronger swimmers a chance to spend more time exploring. Still, this is not presented as a demanding open-water swim. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable entering the water and following the crew’s instructions.

Weather can affect the plan. On one rainy outing, the crew changed locations so the group could still get snorkeling time. That shows some flexibility, but the experience does require good weather overall. If poor conditions force a cancellation, the operator offers another date or a full refund.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Food is included, and you do not need to plan a separate lunch after the cruise. The standard description calls it a sandwich lunch, while the food served has also included snacks and a grilled cheese that repeatedly earns special praise.

The grilled cheese seems to be the unofficial finale. If you like a hot, simple comfort-food finish after swimming, it may be the best part of the meal. Several people specifically advise leaving room for it, so avoid eating a heavy breakfast before you board.

The food is not a formal restaurant meal. You should think of it as generous boat fare that keeps the morning easy. One person found the food surprisingly good, while another felt the sandwich lunch did not justify the higher price compared with a cheaper local option. Both views are fair.

Alcoholic beverages are included through the open bar. Drinks are described as plentiful, and the Champagne-style morning gives the cruise a celebratory tone. If you do drink, remember that snorkeling and alcohol are a poor mix when taken too far. Enjoy the bar after you are back aboard and keep your time in the water sensible.

The included drinks and lunch help explain the price, but they do not erase the comparison with cheaper excursions. The real premium is the combination of food, drinks, seating, and a very small group.

Why the small boat changes the experience

The strongest reason to book this cruise is the space. Larger Aruba catamarans can carry many more people, which may mean louder decks, crowded ladders, and less direct attention. Here, the maximum of 12 creates a more relaxed morning.

The crew-to-passenger ratio has been described as close to one-to-one on some trips. That does not promise a private server for every moment, but it suggests you will not be left to figure out every detail alone. The crew helps with equipment, drinks, food, and the flow between stops.

The padded lounge chairs are another important detail. They turn the ride itself into part of the experience. You can sit back during the coastal sail, take shade when the sun gets strong, and avoid the stiff benches found on some boats.

This setup works well for couples, older passengers, and anyone who dislikes cramped tours. It also suits a first Aruba visit because you see the island from the water without giving up a comfortable base on deck.

The small size does not mean the boat is private. Other people will be aboard, and the mood depends partly on the group that day. But 12 is still a meaningful limit, particularly compared with large catamarans carrying broad crowds.

The $129.99 question

At $129.99 per person, this is not the cheapest way to snorkel in Aruba. You can find lower-priced options, especially larger boats or shorter outings with a simpler meal. One comparison even pointed to a cheaper walk-up option offering seafood and snorkeling.

So why pay more? You are paying for the smaller capacity, comfortable chairs, crew attention, lunch, alcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a three-hour coastal sail. If you value quiet, shade, personal space, and a relaxed pace, those extras have real worth.

If your main goal is simply to get into the water at the lowest possible price, I would compare other boats first. If you want a polished morning with very little to arrange once you reach the pier, the price is easier to defend.

The food matters here. A sandwich lunch alone would not make this a strong value, but the combination of lunch, snacks, drinks, and the popular grilled cheese gives you more than a basic snorkel ticket. Just remember that the boat’s appeal is comfort and service, not luxury dining.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear casual clothing and a swimsuit. Bring sun protection, a towel, and any personal waterproof camera equipment you want to use. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own gear unless you strongly prefer it.

Arrive at 9:15 a.m. rather than aiming for the 9:30 departure. The boat leaves from Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier, and a late arrival could mean missing the cruise.

You should be ready for both sun and shade. The boat has shaded seating, but Aruba’s morning light can still be strong. If you plan to drink, eat first or pace yourself, especially before entering the water.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. Still, you should be comfortable with a boat outing and basic snorkeling. The crew can assist, but this is not described as a fully supported swimming lesson.

The tour is non-refundable and cannot normally be changed after booking. Bad weather is the exception: if the operator cancels, you can receive another date or a full refund. That makes checking the forecast worthwhile, but do not cancel on your own expecting the same protection.

Who should book the Blue Melody or Black Pearl cruise?

I would choose this for a couple who wants an elegant, unhurried morning on the water. It is also a strong pick for anyone who dislikes loud excursions, crowded decks, or rushing between activities.

Families may like the shallow snorkeling and attentive crew, though every participant should be comfortable following water-safety instructions. If your group includes a reluctant swimmer, the calm pace and manageable sites may help, but no snorkeling outing can guarantee ideal conditions.

This is less suitable for you if you want a big party boat, a full seafood lunch, nonstop entertainment, or a bargain-priced activity. The quiet is intentional, and the meal is casual.

Should you book this Aruba snorkeling cruise?

Book it if you see the cruise as a complete morning rather than a simple snorkeling transfer. The padded seating, small group, two water stops, open bar, and included lunch create a comfortable package, and the crew’s personal service is the main attraction.

Skip it if the $129.99 price feels high for sandwiches and snorkeling, or if you want music and a lively party deck. For the right passenger, this is a calm, well-served way to see Aruba from the sea. For a budget-focused swimmer, a larger boat may offer better value.

FAQ

Where does the Aruba sailing and snorkeling cruise meet?

It meets at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier, Berea di Piscado Hadicurari, in Noord, Aruba. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

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.

How many people can join the boat?

The activity has a maximum of 12 travelers. It is a shared tour, not a private charter.

Are snorkeling supplies included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch and alcoholic beverages are included. The food is described as a sandwich lunch, with snacks and grilled cheese also served on some outings.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The experience is otherwise non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.