That shipwreck snorkel stop is a real highlight. This Arusun catamaran trip pairs a roomy 65-foot sail with a friendly crew, snacks, and a proper open bar, with captains like Amanda and first mates like Ronnie often setting the tone. You’ll also get two classic snorkeling areas with provided gear, including the Antilla shipwreck and Catalina Bay.

What I like most is the layout and the pace. You can lounge in the shade or in the sun, then hop in for snorkeling when the boat stops—no frantic schedule, no long detours. The other win is value: for around $63, you’re paying for snorkel gear plus unlimited drinks while still spending most of the trip on the water. One thing to consider: the vibe can be more lively on some departures, including louder music complaints, so if you want dead-quiet, go in with eyes open.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• 65-foot Arusun comfort: shaded seating, open deck space, and lounging nets so you can actually relax
• Two snorkeling stops: the SS Antilla shipwreck and Catalina Bay, with gear provided
• Open bar included: rum, whisky, vodka, juices, soda, and water plus snacks
• Small-group feel: the boat runs with a maximum of 35 passengers, and many sailings feel especially uncrowded
• Zodiac transfer: you board via a smaller boat from the pier to the catamaran, which adds a quick step to your day

Arusun at a glance: what your 2.5 hours is really like

This is a straightforward Aruba sea day. You’ll be out for about 2.5 hours, cruising along the coast and then spending your time at two snorkeling areas. The Arusun is a 65-foot (20-meter) catamaran, and it’s built for a laid-back swing between sailing and water time.

The best part is that the schedule doesn’t feel like a checklist. You board, you get snacks and drinks, you pick your spot on the boat, and when it’s time to snorkel, the crew gets everyone set up. Then you rinse and repeat—another stop, another chance to spot fish and marine life, and then back to the pier.

If you’re the kind of person who likes variety—some sailing, some snorkeling, some relaxing—you’ll probably find this hits the sweet spot for a single afternoon or morning without overcommitting.

Getting there and boarding the catamaran from Palm Beach

Your meeting point is the Aruba Watersports Center (J.E. Irausquin Blvd 81-B, Noord, Aruba). From there, check in at the pier at Palm Beach. Then you’ll board a zodiac rubber boat first, and that smaller boat takes you out to the Arusun.

That zodiac step matters for two reasons. First, it means you’ll want sturdy footwear—salt water plus wet decks is a real thing. Second, it’s a quick physical movement you’ll feel in your legs and balance, so the tour is better suited to people with moderate physical fitness (not everyone loves that first transfer).

No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so plan to get yourself to the meeting location. The upside: you don’t lose time waiting on a shuttle loop.

Onboard comfort: where to sit when the boat is doing its thing

The Arusun gives you options, and that’s a big deal on a trip that’s long enough to matter but not long enough to feel like a whole day. You can find:

• Shaded seating for when the sun is strong
• Space in the sun if you want that Aruba warmth
• Lounging nets up front, which can be a great spot to watch the coast slide by

Because there are up to 35 passengers, the boat often feels roomy. Even with a bigger catamaran, that passenger limit helps avoid the cramped-feeling excursions where you’re wedged between strangers and gear bags.

If you’re sensitive to heat, I’d aim for shade first and then switch later when the boat turns. If you’re a sun person, set up early near the areas that stay open to the breeze.

Open bar and snacks: included, and actually part of the value

This is one of those trips where the included food and drink aren’t an afterthought. The open bar includes whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water, and the snacks are provided during the cruise. Multiple people also praised that the drinks weren’t watered down and that the snacks, like wraps, were genuinely decent.

For me, the real value isn’t that there’s alcohol—it’s that you don’t have to think about budgeting for it while you’re trying to have fun. You’re already paying a set price, and you can treat the cruise like a day out rather than a snack-and-sip add-on.

One practical tip: keep drinking steady but don’t turn snorkeling into your second spring break. It’s better to hydrate regularly and save your strongest drink for after the water time.

Snorkel stop 1: Antilla shipwreck and what to expect at the wreck

Your first snorkeling stop is the Antilla shipwreck. This is the moment many people remember most, because shipwreck snorkeling gives you structure underwater—fish have places to hang, and you can see the wreck without needing a fancy dive setup.

The water around Aruba is often clear, and the Antilla’s visibility can be a treat when conditions cooperate. In the stronger currents, you’ll still want to move calmly and not rush. If you’re new to snorkeling, the wreck can feel intimidating at first simply because it’s big and you can’t exactly tell what the water is going to do next. But once you find your rhythm, it turns into one of those see-it-for-yourself moments.

A caution that’s worth your attention: the Antilla can be busier with swimmers and snorkelers. That doesn’t ruin it, but it can change the feel—less quiet, more people in the same general area. If you prefer space, you’ll still likely enjoy the wreck views, just expect a little social energy in the water.

Snorkel stop 2: Catalina Bay for reef time and sea turtle odds

After the shipwreck, you’ll head to Catalina Bay for a different kind of snorkeling experience. People often describe this stop as a great contrast to the wreck because it’s more reef-style exploration—more moving around and scanning for fish patterns and sea life.

This is also where you may get lucky with bigger sightings. Several accounts singled out sea turtles here, with one person spotting a turtle just as the boat was departing. Even if you don’t see a turtle on your day, the reef area can still be excellent for colorful fish and that Aruba feeling where the water looks like glass.

Timing matters here, too. You don’t control the water conditions, and conditions can affect how comfortable it feels to float and look around. Still, the second stop tends to be the one where people relax into snorkeling a bit more, because they’ve already figured out their gear and pace.

The crew setup: friendly hosts, safety first, and the little details that matter

The crew role on this trip is more important than you might think. You’re about to get in the water twice, so the quality of the safety briefing and how the crew helps with equipment can make or break your day.

On the Arusun, the captain and first mate are typically described as both fun and focused. Names that show up in experience notes include Captain Amanda with first mate Ronnie, and also a Captain Gabriel with first mate Ronnie. Another first mate name you may see is Rashim. The throughline is the same: they handle safety clearly, help people get snorkeling gear sorted, and keep the mood lively.

One detail I appreciate on trips like this is when there’s no heavy-pressure selling. You’re there to sail and snorkel, not get cornered into an extra purchase. If you’re hoping for a smooth, low-stress excursion, this tour tends to fit that.

Weather, sea conditions, and why your day might shift

Like many Aruba water tours, the schedule depends on conditions. Snorkeling is weather-dependent, and if conditions are poor, the experience may be adjusted or canceled. That’s not unique. What matters for you is that your comfort depends on sea state and water movement—especially around the shipwreck.

On days when conditions are less ideal, you may still get your two snorkeling stops, but the experience can feel more active. That’s when you should listen carefully to the crew on how to enter, hold position, and move around safely.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, I’d consider bringing something for that ahead of time and choose a calm spot on the boat. The catamaran helps compared with smaller boats, but the ocean is still the ocean.

Who should book this Arusun catamaran and who should think twice

This trip is a strong fit for you if you want:

• A real sailing experience plus snorkeling stops
• A manageable time commitment (about 2.5 hours)
• Included snorkel gear, snacks, and an open bar
• A boat that doesn’t feel packed, especially on smaller groups

It’s also a good option for couples and friend pairs because the limited passenger count can make the boat feel like your own floating hangout.

Who should think twice?

• If you’re looking for total quiet, the music can get loud on some departures.
• If you have limited mobility or don’t like the zodiac transfer and getting yourself on and off the water, this might require more physical effort than a beach swim.
• If you’re bringing very young kids, the water time and movement may feel like too much. Reviews suggest thinking about this carefully.

Price and value: $63 for gear, two stops, and unlimited drinks

At $63 per person, the math is pretty compelling. You’re not just paying for transportation. You’re paying for:

• A 65-foot catamaran cruise
• Provided snorkeling equipment
• Snacks during the cruise
• An unlimited open bar (with specific spirits and mixers)
• Two snorkeling stops at major Aruba areas

If you were to price those pieces separately—boat time, gear rental, and drinks—this starts to look like a deal. Even better, the boat size plus the max passenger count tends to protect your comfort level. You’re not stuck shoulder-to-shoulder for the whole trip.

Is it the cheapest Aruba snorkeling option? Maybe. But it’s not aiming to be. It’s aiming to be a relaxed, well-fed, adult-friendly sea day with a real marine-life payoff.

Practical tips so your snorkeling feels smooth

A few small moves can make a huge difference on this kind of tour:

• Bring sunscreen. You’ll be on deck in strong sun, and shade is limited.
• Use the fins when you’re given them. They help you stay steady and explore longer with less effort.
• Practice your breathing before you go under if it feels new. Snorkeling can feel awkward for the first few minutes.
• If you want the best view, position yourself where the crew says the current and visibility will treat you well.
• Hydrate. Open bar feels tempting, but your best snorkeling will come when you’re feeling clear and steady.

And a small reality check: you may or may not see sea turtles on your day. That’s part of the ocean. But you’ll almost certainly see plenty of fish and wreck or reef detail at both stops when conditions line up.

Should you book the Arusun catamaran with snorkeling?

I’d book this if you want an Aruba outing that mixes sailing, two snorkeling sites, and a simple all-in feel for snacks and an open bar. The overall value is strong, the boat setup is built for comfort (shade, sun, and lounging nets), and the crew’s vibe—sometimes hilarious, always safety-minded—is a big part of why people leave smiling.

I’d hesitate if you hate loud music or you’re looking for a silent, slow nature cruise. And if zodiac transfers and water movement feel like a bad match for your body, look for a different format.

If you’re planning a short Aruba stay and want a single trip that actually delivers variety, the Arusun catamaran is a smart choice.

FAQ

How long is the Arusun catamaran sail with snorkeling?

It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

You meet at Aruba Watersports Center, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 81-B, Noord, Aruba. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for the snorkeling stops.

Where do you snorkel during the tour?

You snorkel at the Antilla Shipwreck and then at Catalina Bay (Boca Catalina).

Is there an open bar?

Yes. The open bar includes whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water, plus snacks.

Do you offer a vegetarian option?

A vegetarian option is available. You should advise the provider at booking.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

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

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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