Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba

The shipwreck makes this more than a boat ride. The 65-foot Arusun gives you room to stretch out, choose sun or shade, and enjoy two snorkeling stops along Aruba’s coast. I especially like the small maximum of 35 people and the open bar with snacks included, both of which make the $63 price feel fair.

The main thing to consider is the lively mood. Music can be loud, and this is not the right pick if you want a quiet sail with only gentle conversation and the sound of water. You also board the catamaran from a small zodiac boat, so this outing requires some balance and a moderate level of fitness.

The Arusun is a good fit for couples, families with older children, cruise ship visitors, and anyone who wants a short, easy mix of sailing, swimming, and snorkeling without spending a full day at sea.

Key points to know before you book

• Two snorkeling stops: Visit the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay, with equipment supplied.
• 65-foot catamaran: Spread out on the forward nets, shaded rear deck, or sunny open deck.
• Open bar included: Whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water are part of the price.
• Small-group feel: The boat takes no more than 35 people, though some departures may be much smaller.
• Short but useful length: The trip lasts about two and a half hours, leaving room for other Aruba plans.
• Zodiac boarding: You meet at Palm Beach and ride a small rubber boat out to the Arusun.

Setting out from Palm Beach on the Arusun

Your meeting point is the Aruba Watersports Center at J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to arrange your own way to Palm Beach. The area is near public transportation, and cruise ship passengers have used a cab to reach the beach and then returned by taxi from the Hilton next door.

Check-in takes place at the pier. You do not step directly from the dock onto the catamaran. Instead, you board a zodiac rubber boat for the short ride out to the Arusun. That small transfer adds a little adventure, but it also matters for anyone with limited mobility or trouble stepping between boats.

Once aboard, you can settle into the boat’s open layout. The Arusun has a shaded rear section, sunny deck space, and nets at the front. The nets are a fun place to watch the water pass beneath you, though they offer less shade and may feel more exposed when the boat is moving.

The catamaran is built for up to 35 people, but some departures have had only eight or nine people aboard. That can make the outing feel almost private. You should not count on such a small group, but the passenger limit is still modest compared with many large party boats.

Choosing sun, shade, or the forward nets

The boat’s best feature is simple: you are not trapped in one seat. If the sun gets too strong, move to the shaded back. If you want a clear view of Aruba’s coast, find a place on the open deck. If you want the most playful ride, try the nets at the front.

Bring sunscreen and apply it before boarding. The breeze can make the sun feel milder than it is, especially when you are sitting near the water. A swimsuit, towel, and a way to protect your phone are sensible choices, though the supplied details do not specify a baggage storage area.

The crew keeps the mood social. Captain Amanda, Captain Gabriel, and first mate Ronnie have all worked on different departures, and the crew style is a major part of the experience. They help with equipment, explain safety information, check that people are comfortable, and keep the trip moving with humor.

That friendly approach suits people who want more than a silent ride. It may not suit you if you are hoping to read, nap, or enjoy a very peaceful crossing. At least one passenger found the club music too loud for a quiet water outing, so think of this as a cheerful sailing party with snorkeling, not a meditation cruise.

What the open bar and snacks really add

The $63 price includes snacks and an unlimited open bar. Drinks include whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water. Previous departures have served rum punch and a captain’s special, though the exact drink selection can vary.

The alcohol is not just a token pour. Feedback describes the drinks as generous rather than watered down, which makes the included bar a real part of the value. Still, you do not need to drink to enjoy the trip. Water and soft drinks are included, and the boat’s main attractions remain the sailing and snorkeling.

Snacks have included wraps, small sandwiches, and fruit. That is enough to take the edge off hunger during a two-and-a-half-hour outing, but it is not a full lunch. If you are booking around a meal, plan accordingly.

Vegetarian food is available if you request it at booking. Make that request ahead of time rather than waiting until you board.

The Antilla Shipwreck snorkeling stop

When sea conditions allow, the first snorkeling stop is the Antilla Shipwreck. The SS Antilla is one of Aruba’s best-known underwater sights, and seeing the remains from the surface gives this trip a clear sense of place. The wreck is large enough to create a memorable backdrop for the fish and coral around it.

You receive snorkeling equipment on board. Fins are worth using, especially when there is a current. One useful practical tip is to make sure your mask fits before you move away from the boat, since an adjustment is easier beside the crew than several yards out in the water.

The wreck area can attract snorkelers, swimmers, and scuba divers at the same time. That means the stop may feel busy, particularly at popular times. You might not get a silent view of the wreck, but the presence of other people does not change the appeal of swimming above a sunken ship.

Conditions are important here. Wind, current, and visibility can affect how much of the wreck you see. Even on a less-than-perfect day, the crew may still offer two water stops, but you should not expect identical conditions every time.

For a first-time snorkeler, the shipwreck can feel intimidating. The crew provides safety instructions and helps with gear, but you need to be comfortable entering the water and swimming with a mask and fins. If you are nervous, take your time near the boat before venturing farther.

Catalina Bay and the second chance to see marine life

The second stop is Catalina Bay, also called Boca Catalina in some descriptions. It provides a useful contrast to the wreck. Instead of focusing on a large underwater structure, you explore a shallower reef area with fish, coral, and open water.

The bay has produced sightings of colorful fish, schools of fish, parrotfish, and sea turtles. Turtles are possible, not guaranteed. Several people have seen them, including one sighting just as the boat was preparing to leave, but you should not book this trip solely for a turtle encounter.

The second stop also gives you another chance if the first site feels crowded or the current makes snorkeling difficult. The water may be easier to enjoy in the bay, though conditions can still change. Pay attention to the crew’s instructions and stay within the area they indicate.

The two-stop plan is one of the strongest parts of the Arusun trip. You get a famous wreck, a reef setting, and time to swim or relax back on the catamaran. It feels more varied than a cruise that anchors once and calls the outing complete.

A crew that keeps the trip moving

The captain and first mate handle more than navigation. They explain safety, assist with masks and fins, offer drinks and snacks, and keep an eye on people in the water. The best reports describe the crew as funny, attentive, and welcoming without pushing photo packages or paid upgrades.

That last point matters. You can enjoy the trip without having to make extra purchases once aboard. The open bar, food, and equipment are already covered in the ticket price.

Crew names can change by departure, but Amanda, Gabriel, and Ronnie have each been associated with this experience. Amanda has been praised for being informative and funny, while Ronnie has been noted for checking on people and making sure they had what they wanted.

The tone is energetic. You may get jokes, music, and plenty of conversation. Families with children around 10 years old have enjoyed it, and teenagers have handled the boat and current well. Small children may find the zodiac transfer, boat movement, or snorkeling conditions harder.

Is $63 good value for Aruba?

At $63 per person, the Arusun offers more than a simple sightseeing cruise. Your price covers about two and a half hours on a 65-foot catamaran, two snorkeling stops, equipment, snacks, and an open bar. You are also paying for a small passenger limit and crew assistance in the water.

The value is strongest if you plan to use several parts of the package. Someone who wants to sail, snorkel, have a few drinks, and eat a light snack will get a lot from the ticket. If you only want to sit quietly on a boat, you may find cheaper or calmer ways to spend an afternoon.

The short duration also helps the value. You can choose a morning or afternoon departure and still keep much of the day for the beach, dinner, or another activity. It is a good half-day-style addition rather than a commitment that takes over your entire schedule.

The boat’s size helps too. A 65-foot catamaran gives you room to move, while the 35-person limit keeps the outing from feeling like a packed ferry. A very small departure can feel special, but you should treat that as luck rather than a promise.

Who will enjoy this Aruba sailing trip?

I would recommend the Arusun to you if you want a social, easygoing outing with several built-in comforts. It works especially well for:

• Couples who want sailing, snorkeling, and drinks in one short activity
• Families with older children who can manage a boat transfer and swim
• Cruise ship passengers looking for a shore excursion near Palm Beach
• First-time snorkelers who want equipment and crew support
• Experienced snorkelers who want to see the Antilla wreck and Catalina Bay
• Visitors who prefer a smaller boat over a large commercial cruise

You should think twice if you want total quiet, dislike loud music, or have limited mobility. The zodiac boarding process requires care, and the trip requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Snorkeling also depends on your comfort in open water, current, and changing visibility.

The activity is not limited to strong swimmers, but you need to judge your own ability honestly. Tell the crew if you need help with equipment or feel uneasy. The crew’s role is supportive, but it cannot remove the basic demands of getting into the water.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. The total outing lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including the boat transfer, sailing, snorkeling, and return to Palm Beach.

Weather can affect the trip. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The experience also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason brings the same choices.

For your own booking, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. The cutoff follows Aruba local time.

Should you book the Arusun?

Book it if you want a lively, good-value introduction to Aruba from the water. The combination of the Antilla Shipwreck, Catalina Bay, open bar, snacks, and a roomy catamaran gives you plenty to do in a short window.

Skip it if your ideal boat trip is quiet, private, or free of music. Also look elsewhere if you cannot comfortably board a small zodiac or manage moderate physical activity.

For most visitors who want a relaxed but social day at sea, I think the Arusun is a smart choice. Bring sunscreen, use the fins, request vegetarian food in advance if needed, and keep your expectations realistic about crowds and sea conditions. The shipwreck, friendly crew, and chance of turtles make this more than a drink cruise, while the two-and-a-half-hour length keeps it easy to fit into an Aruba holiday.

FAQ

How long does the Arusun catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour begin?

You meet at the Aruba Watersports Center at J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord, Aruba.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What snorkeling sites does the trip visit?

The planned snorkeling stops are the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay.

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.

Are snacks included?

Yes. Snacks are included in the ticket price.

How many people can join the catamaran trip?

The maximum group size is 35 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.