Premium Catamaran Morning Sail: Snorkeling, Mimosas and Brunch

The Antilla shipwreck is the star of this Aruba morning sail. You spend about 45 minutes in the water near a 400-foot German freighter that sank during World War II, then move to the shallower Catalina Bay area at Malmok Reef for fish, turtles, and easier snorkeling. The wreck stop gives the trip its sense of adventure, while the second stop offers a calmer way to enjoy the sea.

I like the small maximum group of 34 people, which gives the crew room to keep an eye on swimmers and serve drinks without turning the catamaran into a floating crowd. I also like the combination of snorkeling gear, instruction, a restroom, an open cocktail bar, and snacks for $79.99. One thing to keep in mind: this is a light brunch of appetizers, not a full meal, so you may want to eat something before boarding.

Key points to know before booking

• Antilla shipwreck: Spend roughly 45 minutes snorkeling near Aruba’s famous 400-foot World War II freighter.
• Two different swim stops: The wreck can be rough, while Malmok Reef offers shallower water and a gentler second chance.
• Morning drinks and food: Mimosas, cocktails, soft drinks, pastries, fruit, wraps, and small sandwiches are served during the trip.
• Small-group feel: The catamaran accepts no more than 34 people, with cushioned seating and open views.
• Helpful crew: Captain Richard, Jose Luis, Jamil, Roger, and other crew members are often praised for friendly, attentive service.
• Easy beach boarding: Check in at the Octopus beach hut on Palm Beach, then take a short shuttle boat ride of about 30 meters to the catamaran.

The Antilla makes this more than a standard boat ride

Aruba has no shortage of snorkeling cruises, but the Antilla gives this one a clear focal point. The freighter rests underwater after more than 60 years on the sea floor, and its large shape makes the stop feel like a real piece of maritime history rather than a quick look at a patch of coral.

You get about 45 minutes at the wreck. That is enough time to swim, look for fish, and get a feel for the site without spending the whole morning in one place. The crew supplies masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation equipment, then offers instruction and help in the water.

The Antilla stop is also the part of the trip that requires the most judgment. The water can be rough, and some people may prefer to remain on the boat. That is not a failure of the excursion. The catamaran provides a comfortable place to sit, and the second stop is usually the better choice if you want calmer, shallower water.

If you are new to snorkeling, tell the crew before entering the water. One useful approach is to begin at the second stop if you need to get comfortable with the mask and breathing. The crew has helped first-time snorkelers, and a small flotation vest is available for young children.

Malmok Reef offers a gentler second stop

After the shipwreck, the boat heads toward the shallow waters of Catalina Bay near Malmok Reef. This stop lasts about 45 minutes and gives you a different type of underwater view.

Here, you might see angel fish, damselfish, octopuses, stingrays, turtles, and schools of smaller tropical fish. The exact sightings depend on water conditions and luck, but the second stop is designed to make snorkeling accessible for a wide range of abilities.

I like the structure of having two sites. If the wreck feels too choppy, you still have another chance to get in the water. If you are already comfortable snorkeling, the change from a large sunken ship to reef life keeps the morning from feeling repetitive.

The quality of the snorkeling can vary. Some outings produce turtles and plenty of fish, while other conditions may give you only a modest selection of sea life. If your main goal is guaranteed wildlife viewing, no wild-sea excursion can promise that. If your goal is a pleasant morning with two chances to snorkel, the setup is sensible.

What the three-hour morning looks like

The tour begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Octopus Aruba beach hut on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard, near Palm Beach. Plan to arrive early for check-in, the waiver, and boarding instructions. Boarding begins with a spacious shuttle boat that carries up to 15 people at a time.

The ride from the beach hut to the catamaran is short, about 30 meters. The company says this section of water is usually calm, with little to no wave action. You do not need to wade through a long stretch of surf, but you should still wear footwear that you can remove easily.

Once aboard, settle into cushioned lounge seating and enjoy views along Aruba’s coast. The boat has a restroom, which is a small but important comfort on a three-hour outing. You also have access to life jackets and a certified first responder is part of the crew setup.

The morning includes sailing time, the two snorkeling stops, drinks, and food service. You can expect music and an easygoing social mood rather than a quiet sailing lesson. Crew members such as Richard, Jose Luis, Jamil, and Roger have been singled out for keeping the atmosphere friendly while still helping people with equipment and safety.

The tour ends back at the same Octopus beach hut. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Palm Beach.

The open bar is part of the value

The $79.99 price covers more than transportation to a snorkeling site. You receive unlimited drinks from the open cocktail bar, including mimosas, the Aruba Arriba, and other cocktails. Soft drinks and water are also available, and crew members serve drinks during the cruise.

Several people especially enjoy the relaxed service, with drinks brought to their seats instead of requiring a trip to a crowded bar. The crew’s hospitality is one of the strongest reasons to choose this sailing over a basic snorkeling boat.

Drink strength and taste are subjective, and the bar is not the same as a high-end cocktail lounge. A few complaints describe watered-down drinks, while many other comments praise the cocktails and the steady service. The fairest way to view it is as an open-bar boat trip with simple mixed drinks, not a specialist cocktail program.

Since snorkeling and alcohol do not always mix well, pace yourself. Drink water, use the flotation equipment, and wait until you are safely back on board before ordering another cocktail. The crew can help, but you remain responsible for judging your own comfort in the water.

Expect appetizers, not a full brunch buffet

The word brunch may create the wrong expectation if you arrive hungry. The food service is made up of light appetizers served during the cruise, not a large buffet or a sit-down meal.

Food described for the trip includes pastries and muffins early on, followed by items such as pinwheel sandwiches, chicken and tuna wraps, cheese and meat, fruit skewers, and small sandwiches. The company says six appetizers are prepared fresh in batches by a catering partner.

That is enough for a pleasant morning snack for many people, especially when paired with drinks. It may not be enough if you skipped breakfast or prefer a substantial meal. My advice is simple: eat a little before arriving, then treat the onboard food as a series of fresh bites rather than your only meal of the day.

You should provide any dietary requirements when booking. The available information does not promise a specific menu for every diet, so ask ahead if you have allergies or strict food needs.

A small boat makes the service more personal

The maximum capacity is 34 people. That is not a private charter, but it is more manageable than a large excursion vessel carrying a much bigger crowd.

The catamaran has cushioned seating and clear sea views. You can sit in the sun, find some shade, watch the coastline, or talk with the crew between stops. The social atmosphere suits couples, families, and groups of friends who want a lively morning without feeling packed in.

The crew is a major part of the appeal. Richard is named as captain on several outings, while Jose Luis, Jamil, Roger, and other deck staff handle drinks, safety, snorkeling help, and general hosting. Jose has also been known to greet people at the beach hut with jokes and card tricks, which gives the check-in a lighter start.

The service style is attentive rather than formal. If you need help with a mask, fins, flotation vest, or first attempt at snorkeling, speak up. The crew is there to assist, but this remains an active sea trip, not a fully supervised pool activity.

Who will enjoy this Aruba sailing most

This tour suits you if you want several parts of a vacation morning in one package: a boat ride, snorkeling, sea views, drinks, food, and a little history. You do not need to be an experienced snorkeler, since equipment and instruction are included.

Families can bring children, including toddlers, and the crew has provided small swim vests for young children. Still, parents need to stay involved. The first stop can be rough, and the tour does not remove the normal responsibilities of supervising a child around open water.

Couples may like the cushioned seating, mimosas, and relaxed sailing time. Groups of friends will appreciate the music, open bar, and easy social mood. It also works for older adults who prefer to remain aboard at the Antilla and swim at the calmer second stop.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet, serious sailing lesson, a large full meal, or several hours focused only on snorkeling. It is also not ideal if you dislike alcohol-centered activities or feel uncomfortable in open water.

Practical details that can make the morning easier

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and anything you need for strong sun. Aruba’s sun can feel intense even when the breeze keeps the air comfortable, and the open seating means you will spend much of the morning outside.

Wear a swimsuit beneath easy clothing. You will board by shuttle boat, use snorkeling equipment, and climb back aboard after swimming. The information provided does not specify a dress code, but practical beach clothing makes the transfer simpler.

Arrive early at the Palm Beach beach hut. The stated departure is 9:00 a.m., and boarding takes place before then. Do not treat the departure time as the time to begin check-in. Missing the shuttle or catamaran can create a serious problem, so allow enough time for the waiver and boarding process.

Mobile tickets are accepted. Public transportation is nearby, but hotel transfers are not included. The tour ends at the same meeting point, so plan your return trip before you leave.

The activity normally requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum group size is not met. For your own cancellation, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Later cancellations and changes are not accepted.

How the $79.99 price compares with the experience

At $79.99 per person, this is a reasonable midrange price for a three-hour Aruba outing that includes two snorkeling sites, equipment, instruction, an open bar, food, crew service, and a souvenir. You are not paying only for a boat seat. You are paying for a packaged morning with several moving parts.

The strongest value comes if you plan to enjoy the drinks and use both snorkeling stops. Someone who stays aboard for the entire trip and eats very little may find the cost less appealing. The Antilla, Malmok Reef, and the smaller group help justify the price, but the experience is not designed as a luxury dining cruise.

The souvenir is included, while an Octopus T-shirt costs extra. That small keepsake is a nice touch, though it should not be the reason you book. The real value lies in the combination of the wreck, reef, crew, and open bar.

Should you book the Octopus morning sail?

I would book this tour if you want a sociable morning on the water and like the idea of pairing snorkeling with mimosas, cocktails, and light food. The Antilla gives the trip a memorable centerpiece, while Malmok Reef provides a calmer second opportunity. A 34-person limit, onboard restroom, flotation gear, and helpful crew make the outing easier for mixed-ability groups.

I would hesitate only if you expect a large sit-down brunch, guaranteed turtles, calm water at both stops, or a private boat. Eat before you go, arrive early, use sunscreen, and view the first snorkel stop as optional if conditions feel rough.

For couples, families with older children, first-time snorkelers, and friends who want a relaxed party atmosphere with real time in the water, this is a strong Aruba choice. Just book it for the whole package, not for the word brunch alone.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at the Octopus Aruba beach hut at J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 87, suite 227, in Palm Beach, Aruba.

What time does the morning sail depart?

The listed start time is 9:00 a.m. Boarding takes place before departure, so you should arrive early for check-in and the waiver.

How long is the experience?

The sailing and snorkeling trip lasts approximately three hours.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included: the Antilla shipwreck and the shallow waters of Catalina Bay near Malmok Reef.

How long do you spend at each snorkeling stop?

You spend about 45 minutes at the Antilla shipwreck and about 45 minutes at Malmok Reef.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment, fins, instruction, and safety life jackets are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks from the open cocktail bar are included, including mimosas, cocktails such as the Aruba Arriba, and other beverages.

Is a full brunch included?

The tour includes breakfast and fresh brunch appetizers such as pastries, fruit, wraps, and small sandwiches. It is not described as a full buffet meal, so eating something before boarding is sensible.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The activity begins and ends at the Octopus beach hut, and public transportation is nearby.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded or accepted.