Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba

The best part of this Aruba outing is the mix: you get a proper sail, two chances to snorkel, and a generous open bar without spending a full day at sea. The Antilla Shipwreck gives you a striking first stop, while Catalina Bay offers a shallower change of pace where fish and sea turtles may appear.

I like the spacious 65-foot catamaran, which has room to sit in the sun, stay under cover, or stretch out on the forward nets. I also like the small maximum of 35 people, though the actual feel depends on the day. The main drawback is the party mood: loud music and a lively bar can make this less appealing if you want a quiet sail.

Key points to know before you book

• Two very different snorkel stops: Visit the Antilla Shipwreck first when conditions allow, then explore Catalina Bay.
• A roomy catamaran: The Arusun offers sun, shade, lounging nets, and space for up to 35 people.
• Open bar included: Whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water are part of the price, along with snacks.
• Short but useful duration: The cruise lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, long enough for sailing and two water stops without taking over your day.
• Small boat transfer: You check in at Palm Beach, then ride a zodiac rubber boat out to the catamaran.
• Crew makes the difference: Captain Amanda, first mate Ronnie, and Captain Gabriel have all led trips, with safety help and a playful approach.

A 2.5-hour sail from Palm Beach

The Arusun leaves from the Aruba Watersports Center at J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord. You check in at the pier, then board a small zodiac rubber boat that carries you out to the 65-foot catamaran.

That short transfer is part of the experience, but it matters if you have limited mobility. You need to step into the zodiac and later move onto the Arusun, and the activity calls for a moderate level of fitness. I would not choose this outing for someone who cannot manage that transfer safely.

Once aboard, you can settle into the boat before the snorkeling begins. The layout gives you several choices. Sit in the sun, find shade toward the back, or stretch out in the nets near the bow. The boat is large enough that you do not need to remain in one fixed seat.

The trip runs in the morning or afternoon. The 2.5-hour length works well if you want time on the water but still plan to spend part of the day at the beach, visit another attraction, or return to a cruise ship. You will not get a full sailing day, but you also will not lose an entire afternoon to one excursion.

What the open bar and snacks add

The price is $63 per person. That is a strong value if you plan to use the drinks and want snorkeling equipment included. A catamaran cruise, two water stops, snacks, and alcoholic drinks would quickly cost more if purchased separately.

The open bar includes whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water. The drinks are served during the cruise, and the snack offering has included wraps, small sandwiches, and fruit. This is not a meal, so plan to eat before boarding if you need something substantial.

I like that the food is practical rather than overdone. A light wrap and fruit fit the middle of a snorkeling trip better than a heavy lunch. The drinks also make the ride feel social, but they change the tone of the boat.

Some departures are calm and easygoing. Others can feel like a floating party, especially when the music is loud. If you want a peaceful look at Aruba’s coast, ask yourself how much you value the bar and lively atmosphere. If you enjoy music, conversation, and a drink after snorkeling, this setup may suit you very well.

The crew has also been praised for serving drinks without pushing photo packages or paid upgrades. That keeps the outing simple. You pay one price, get the listed inclusions, and spend your time on the boat rather than listening to sales pitches.

The Antilla Shipwreck stop

The first snorkeling stop is normally the Antilla Shipwreck, conditions permitting. The SS Antilla is one of Aruba’s best-known underwater sights, and the wreck gives this outing more character than a standard reef swim.

You can see the structure below the surface along with fish and coral. The wreck may be busy, since swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers can gather in the same area. That is the tradeoff for visiting a famous site: the subject is impressive, but you may not have the water to yourself.

Water conditions also affect how much you see. On a good day, the wreck is clear and dramatic. On a rougher day, visibility can be less favorable, though the crew may still make both water stops when it is safe to do so.

Use the provided fins. One person specifically noted that fins made a real difference, and that is practical advice. Currents can be strong, especially around the wreck, so fins help you move with less effort. Listen closely to the captain and first mate before entering the water.

The crew helps with equipment and safety information. Captain Amanda and first mate Ronnie have been singled out for making instructions clear while keeping the mood light. Other trips have been led by Captain Gabriel. The exact crew can vary, but the service style is built around active help rather than simply pointing you toward a pile of gear.

Catalina Bay brings a different view

After the wreck, the Arusun heads to Catalina Bay, also called Boca Catalina in the trip descriptions. This stop is generally shallower and gives you a useful contrast to the Antilla.

Here, you may see schools of fish, colorful parrotfish, coral, and sometimes sea turtles. The turtles are not guaranteed, and you should not book this trip expecting a wildlife checklist. Still, the bay offers the kind of easy marine viewing that can reward beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.

The second site can feel less intense than the wreck. You are no longer focused on a large underwater structure, so there is more time to look around the reef and watch the fish. Some people find this the better snorkeling stop because it feels more open and relaxed.

Conditions remain important. Snorkeling is weather dependent, and the crew may adjust the plan for safety. Even when visibility is not perfect, the two-stop format gives you another chance to get in the water and see something different.

If you are new to snorkeling, the first few minutes can feel awkward. The mask, fins, breathing tube, and open water take some getting used to. Take your time, stay near the boat or the area directed by the crew, and do not let the first nervous moment decide the whole activity.

Sailing, shade, and room to spread out

The Arusun is a 65-foot catamaran, not a small open boat. That size makes a real difference during the ride between stops. You have room to move around, and the front nets give you a classic catamaran perch when conditions are suitable.

You can also avoid direct sun by sitting in the shaded rear section. Bring sunscreen anyway, since much of the boat is exposed and reflected light from the water can catch you quickly. A hat and a cover-up are sensible additions.

The ride itself is part of the value. You see Aruba from the water, watch the coast pass by, and get a break from the hotel pool or beach chair. The crew keeps the boat moving while also checking that people have drinks, snacks, and the equipment they need.

The maximum is 35 people. That is not a private charter, but it is a reasonable cap for a boat of this size. Some departures have had only eight or nine people, creating an almost private feel. You should not count on that, but the possibility explains why this trip can feel personal on a quieter day.

The crew’s humor is a repeated strength. They handle safety instructions, equipment questions, and drink service while keeping the mood friendly. That matters most if your group includes first-time snorkelers or teenagers who need a little encouragement before entering the water.

Who will enjoy this Aruba outing

I would recommend the Arusun to you if you want several things in one short trip:

• A comfortable catamaran ride rather than a basic transport boat
• Two snorkeling sites with different features
• Drinks and light food included
• A social atmosphere with music and conversation
• Enough time left in the day for other plans

Families can enjoy it, and children as young as five and ten have taken part. Still, small children need close supervision around the zodiac transfer, the catamaran edge, and the open water. The activity is not the best match for very young children or anyone with limited mobility.

Teenagers may find the mix especially appealing. There is a real shipwreck, a chance to see fish and turtles, room to move around, and a livelier atmosphere than a quiet glass-bottom boat. Older adults who are comfortable with the water transfer can enjoy the spacious seating and shade.

This is also useful for cruise ship passengers. The meeting point is near Palm Beach, and the beach can be reached by taxi. A taxi ride from the cruise ship area has been reported at about $15, though your fare can vary. Return taxis are available from the taxi stand near the Hilton next door.

Value at $63 per person

At $63, the Arusun is priced as a midrange water excursion, but the inclusions make it attractive. You receive snorkeling equipment, snacks, an unlimited open bar, and about 2.5 hours aboard a large catamaran.

The biggest value comes from combining the sailing and snorkeling. If you only want to get into the water, a dedicated snorkeling trip may give you more time at the sites. If you mainly want a quiet sail, another boat may be a better match because this one can have loud music and a party feel.

For most people, the price is easiest to justify when you plan to have at least a few drinks and want an organized outing with equipment supplied. You do not need to rent a mask and fins separately, and you do not need to plan your own route to the wreck or bay.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the Aruba Watersports Center on your own. Public transportation is nearby, and taxis are a practical choice from hotels or the cruise port.

Practical details that can shape your day

Confirmation arrives when you book, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Canceling inside that window does not qualify for a refund, so keep your plans firm once the deadline passes.

The trip requires good weather. If poor weather cancels it, you can receive a refund or choose another date. The activity also requires a minimum number of people. If that minimum is not met, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking. Mention it early rather than waiting until you arrive.

Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a towel. The supplied snorkel equipment covers the main need, but personal gear may fit you better if you already own it. Wear something that stays secure during the zodiac transfer and while moving around the catamaran.

Most important, do not treat the open bar as a reason to skip water and sun protection. Drink water, pace yourself, and remember that snorkeling requires attention and steady movement.

Should you book the Arusun?

Book this trip if you want a sociable half-day on the water with a strong mix of sailing, snorkeling, snacks, and drinks. The Antilla Shipwreck gives you a memorable first stop, Catalina Bay adds a calmer second look at Aruba’s marine life, and the spacious boat makes the time between them comfortable.

Skip it if your main goal is silence, a private charter, or long hours focused only on snorkeling. The music may be loud, the wreck can be crowded, and wildlife sightings are never certain.

For most visitors, the Arusun is a good-value choice when you want an easy, lively introduction to Aruba’s coast without giving up your whole day.

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.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

How do I get from the pier to the catamaran?

After checking in at the pier, you board a zodiac rubber boat that takes you out to the Arusun.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 35 people.

What snorkeling locations are included?

The planned stops are the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay, with the first stop subject to conditions.

Is snorkeling 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 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 for a refund.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.