Shipwreck snorkeling beats any beach day. On Aruba’s Octopus catamaran, you get two real snorkel stops plus unlimited mimosas and an open bar, all in a relaxed small-group format (max 34).

I especially like the way the crew keeps things moving—snorkel time is structured, drinks are served right to you, and you’re not stuck wandering for basics.

One consideration: the Antilla stop can feel choppier than the second site, so if you’re sensitive to motion, plan to be smart about where you swim.

Key things I’d clock before you go

• Max 34 passengers makes the morning feel more personal than the usual Aruba cattle-call.
• Two 45-minute snorkel windows gives you time to actually enjoy each spot, not just poke your head in.
• Antilla wreck (WWII) at ~400 feet is the headline, with Malmok Reef as the calmer, fish-filled follow-up.
• Unlimited open-bar service (including mimosas and Aruba Arriba) keeps the cruise part fun, not just “free drinks.”
• Snorkel gear + instruction is included, so first-timers aren’t left to guess.
• Restroom onboard saves you from the usual “wait until we dock” problem.

Sailing from Palm Beach: how the Octopus morning starts

You’ll meet at the Octopus Sailing, Snorkeling, Sunset & Private Tours spot on Palm Beach (Noord area) at J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, suite 227. The tour starts at 9:00 am, and it’s set up so you’re not running late and stressing out the whole time.

Here’s something practical I like: you board the catamaran after a short shuttle ride. You check in at the beach hut, then take a quick 30-meter (about 98 feet) ride over to the boat. It’s described as a calm area of water, “like a lake” with little to no wave action year-round. That means less bouncing before you even get to the fun part.

Also, the tour uses a mobile ticket, so keep your phone charged. Bring a towel and suncream (yes, that sun is strong, and the morning cruise still catches you).

3 hours of brunch cruise: mimosas, food, and the pace on board

This is billed as a premium morning sail, and the vibe matches: you’re not just taking a snorkel bus ride. The morning begins with a brunch-style spread—think fresh items and pastries—paired with an open cocktail bar.

The biggest win for me is how the drinking works. Multiple mentions say the drinks are served directly to your seat, and the list includes mimosas and the Aruba Arriba cocktail. That matters. If you’re on a boat and you have to keep standing up, you lose the relaxed part of the experience. Here, you can keep your spot and just enjoy the cruise.

Food is also baked into the rhythm. You’ll get snacks/appetizers during the outing, not just one quick plate at the start. The tour description emphasizes fresh appetizers throughout the cruise, and the on-board service is described as frequent enough that people feel fed without needing to pack a meal.

Possible food expectation mismatch

The word brunch can mean different things to different people. This isn’t described as a full buffet meal where you pile plates all you want. If you’re an “I need a real breakfast” person, you’ll probably feel better if you eat something light before you arrive, then use the boat snacks as the cruise fuel.

WWII Antilla shipwreck snorkeling: the “wow” first stop

The first snorkel stop is the Antilla, a WWII-era German freighter wreck. It’s often called iconic for a reason: you’re snorkeling around a ~400-foot shipwreck that’s been submerged for over 60 years. The tour schedule sets aside about 45 minutes for this stop.

What makes Antilla special for you is the combination of scale and story. You’re not just seeing a random artificial reef. You’re floating near a relic that stayed intact long enough to become part of the local underwater world.

Water conditions: when you might stay seated

One caution that came through clearly: the Antilla swim can be rougher for some people. That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe—just that the sea can be less friendly than you’d like, especially if you’re older, very prone to motion sickness, or not confident yet in the water.

If that’s you, a smart approach is to treat Antilla like the photo-and-watching stop as much as the swim stop. You still get the boat experience and can snorkel more comfortably at the second site.

What you can realistically expect to see

Even if you’ve snorkeled before, shipwreck sites tend to reward you with steady sightings: fish hanging out around structure, plus the kind of clear Caribbean visibility people rave about. Several mentions include sea life like turtles, though sightings aren’t guaranteed.

If you’re new to snorkeling, you’ll usually benefit from:

• taking a few slow breaths before you commit
• starting in the easiest part of the water
• keeping your mask adjusted before you move deeper

The crew provides snorkel instruction, and that support is a big reason first-timers come away smiling instead of frustrated.

Malmok Reef at Catalina Bay: the calmer second stop

After Antilla, you head to the shallow waters at Catalina Bay in the Malmok Reef area. This second snorkeling stop also runs about 45 minutes.

This is the stop that tends to feel more approachable. Shallow water usually means:

• it’s easier to reset if you feel nervous
• it’s simpler to keep your face calm and your breathing steady
• you spend more time enjoying fish than fighting conditions

The sea life here tends to be the crowd-pleaser

The tour info points to marine life like angel fish and damsel fish, with chances to see octopuses. From the overall experience descriptions, people also call out turtles and other colorful fish. Again, what you see depends on the day and water, but Catalina Bay is exactly the kind of place where snorkeling feels rewarding even if you’re not chasing one specific animal.

If you want the best odds for first-time snorkelers

I’d plan your comfort strategy around this: if the Antilla conditions feel too much, you can still get the satisfying snorkeling payoff at Malmok Reef. That two-stop structure is genuinely useful. It gives you a fallback stop without turning the day into a scramble.

Small-group comfort on the Octopus: crew, seating, and real convenience

This tour caps at 34 travelers, and that’s not a random marketing number. Smaller groups usually mean:

• less waiting around to board or gear up
• more attention from staff
• a calmer feel on the water

And the crew factor is consistently emphasized. Names that show up across the experience include Richard (captain) and deck crew such as Jose Luis, Jameel/Jamil, Jose, and Roger. People describe them as attentive, helpful, and good at making sure you’re set before the water.

You’ll also appreciate the onboard convenience: restroom access is available on board. On a morning tour that lasts around 3 hours, that small detail matters more than it sounds.

Music and tone

One more “quality of life” detail: some folks note music on board and a laid-back atmosphere. That’s not guaranteed every day, but the overall tone is described as upbeat and relaxed, which makes the snorkeling breaks feel like part of a vacation, not just intervals between tasks.

Snorkel setup and safety: what’s included, what you should bring

You don’t need to bring your own snorkel kit. The tour includes snorkel equipment and instruction, plus safety life jackets. It also lists a certified first responder onboard, which adds real peace of mind.

If you’re worried about being unprepared, this is one of the best parts of the offering. You get guided help rather than “good luck, have fun.” That matters a lot on your first snorkel day in Caribbean water.

What you should bring anyway

Even though gear is provided, bring:

• towel
• suncream (and reapply if you’re out in the sun)
• a change of clothes for after

If you burn easily, consider wearing a light rash guard. Even in the morning, sun reflects off the water.

Beginner strategy that works

If you’re trying snorkeling for the first time, here’s what I’d do based on how this tour is set up:

• go to Malmok Reef first if you can (or use it as your confidence stop)
• keep your breathing slow
• don’t chase every fish; pick one area near the structure and watch it long enough to see activity

Value check: is $79.99 worth it for Aruba?

At $79.99 per person, you’re paying for a package: two major snorkel stops, included snorkeling gear, on-board instruction, unlimited open bar, and brunch-style food across the cruise, plus an Octopus souvenir.

That’s the value math:

• If you snorkel, gear + guide support alone can make a boat tour worth it.
• If you drink mimosas or mixed drinks, unlimited open-bar service is a noticeable upgrade versus paying per drink.
• If you care about comfort, the small-group cap (max 34) and restroom onboard reduce the “tour fatigue” that bigger boats create.

So the decision hinges on you. If you want a classic Aruba beach day plus a little snorkeling, you might find cheaper tours. But if you want a morning that feels like a proper experience—snorkel, food, and drinks without constant hassle—this is priced like it knows what it’s offering.

The only real “cost warning” I’d give is expectation management: it’s not an unlimited food buffet. If you’re very hungry, eat a little before you go, then let the boat snacks keep you comfortable.

Should you book this Octopus morning snorkel and mimosas sail?

I’d book this if you want:

• two snorkel stops (Antilla plus Malmok Reef) in one smooth morning
• unlimited mimosas and cocktails without having to chase a bartender every time
• a small-group catamaran feel
• beginner-friendly support with snorkel instruction and gear

I might skip it if:

• rougher water at the first site could ruin your day (you’re very motion-sensitive)
• you need a full sit-down brunch buffet rather than brunch-style appetizers
• you prefer quiet, no-music cruising (the vibe is typically upbeat)

If you’re aiming for an Aruba highlight that mixes WWII shipwreck snorkeling with easy lounging and a steady stream of drinks, this is a strong match.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am, and check-in/boarding timing is set up around that departure.

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The duration is approximately 3 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Aruba?

You meet at the Octopus Aruba Sailing, Snorkeling, Sunset & Private Tours location at J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, suite 227, Palm Beach, Aruba.

What snorkel stops are included?

There are two snorkeling stops: the Antilla shipwreck and Malmok Reef at Catalina Bay.

Are drinks included, and what kind?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited drinks from an open cocktail bar. Mimosas and Aruba Arriba are listed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes snorkel equipment and instruction.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, you’ll have access to a restroom on board.

Is hotel pick-up or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

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