Premium Catamaran Morning Sail: Snorkeling, Mimosas and Brunch

The shipwreck is only the beginning. This three-hour morning sail pairs Aruba’s famous Antilla wreck with shallow-water snorkeling at Malmok Reef, all aboard the Octopus catamaran from Palm Beach. I like the small 34-person limit and the steady attention from crew members such as Richard, Jamil, Jose Luis, and Roger. I also like the cushioned seating, onboard restroom, open bar, and easygoing music.

The main caution is the food. You receive fresh brunch-style appetizers, pastries, fruit, wraps, and small sandwiches, not a large sit-down meal. If you expect a full buffet, eat something before boarding. The Antilla stop can also be rough, so less confident swimmers may prefer to stay aboard there and snorkel at the calmer second stop.

What makes this morning sail worth considering

• A 400-foot World War II shipwreck: The Antilla is an intact German freighter that has rested underwater for more than 60 years.
• Two very different snorkel stops: The first is open and sometimes choppy; Catalina Bay at Malmok Reef is shallower and generally easier for beginners.
• A 34-person maximum: You get more room and personal service than on many large party boats.
• Drinks served throughout the sail: Mimosas, cocktails, soft drinks, and the Aruba Arriba are available from the open bar.
• Food arrives in small fresh portions: Expect pastries, fruit, wraps, pinwheel sandwiches, and other appetizers rather than a full brunch plate.
• Simple beach-to-boat transfer: A shuttle boat carries up to 15 people from the Palm Beach hut to the catamaran, only about 30 meters offshore.

A Palm Beach start with very little fuss

The tour begins at the Octopus Aruba beach hut on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard in Palm Beach. The listed departure is 9:00 a.m., with check-in and boarding taking place before that, so I would arrive early rather than treat 9:00 as the time to appear.

You do not walk directly from the sand onto the catamaran. A spacious shuttle boat carries you to the larger vessel. The transfer is short, roughly 98 feet, and takes place in water described as calm throughout the year. That makes boarding less awkward than it may sound, though you should still wear practical sandals and keep your phone protected from spray.

The catamaran has cushioned lounge seating and open sea views. You can sit back with a mimosa, watch the Palm Beach coast slide away, and let the crew handle the equipment and safety briefing. A restroom is available onboard, a small feature that matters during a three-hour trip with drinks.

The group limit is 34 people. That is not a private charter, but it is small enough to avoid the packed feeling common on big excursion boats. The crew can pass drinks to your seat, help with snorkeling gear, and keep an eye on swimmers without the boat feeling like a floating crowd.

What the brunch really includes

The word brunch may set your expectations too high if you picture eggs, bacon, or a full buffet. The food is better understood as a light, freshly prepared spread served in stages.

You might receive muffins or pastries early in the trip, followed by wraps, pinwheel sandwiches, fruit skewers, mini sandwiches, and other appetizers. The operator describes six appetizer items prepared in batches by a catering partner. Portions are designed to support a morning on the water, not replace a large breakfast.

That distinction is important. Some people find the food fresh, tasty, and sufficient, while others find it too light for the price. My practical advice is simple: eat a modest breakfast before you arrive, then treat the onboard food as a pleasant extra.

The drinks are a bigger part of the experience. The open bar serves mimosas, cocktails, soft drinks, and Aruba-style drinks throughout the cruise. The crew can bring drinks to your seat, which means you do not have to keep walking to a bar while everyone else is relaxing.

A few people have found the cocktails weaker than expected. You can ask for your preferred strength, according to the operator, but remember that this is a snorkeling cruise first and a cocktail party second. Pace yourself, especially before entering the water.

Antilla shipwreck: the dramatic first snorkel

The first stop is the Antilla, one of Aruba’s best-known underwater sights. This 400-foot German freighter sank during World War II and has been underwater for more than six decades. The wreck is unusually large and remains a striking sight even if you are not an experienced snorkeler.

You get about 45 minutes here. The shipwreck offers the most memorable setting of the two stops, with its broken structure creating shelter for fish and other sea life. People have reported seeing turtles, stingrays, angel fish, and schools of smaller tropical fish around the two snorkeling areas.

The catch is the water. The Antilla stop can be rough, and the boat may move with the swell. Fins and a flotation device make a real difference. If you are comfortable in open water, this is likely the highlight of the morning. If you are new to snorkeling, stay close to the crew and do not feel pressured to enter.

You can remain onboard while stronger swimmers head toward the wreck. That flexibility is useful for older passengers, anyone with limited swimming confidence, and parents who need to take turns with a child. One family brought a two-year-old and borrowed a small swim vest, but the tour still requires close adult supervision around the water.

Do not expect a guided historical talk about every part of the freighter. The appeal is the sight itself, the clear water, and the chance to look around a major wreck from the surface. The crew provides instruction and safety support, but this is recreational snorkeling rather than a formal wreck tour.

Malmok Reef and Catalina Bay: the easier second stop

After the Antilla, the catamaran heads to the shallow waters of Catalina Bay at Malmok Reef. This stop lasts about 45 minutes and usually feels more approachable than the wreck site.

The reef area is a good place to spot smaller tropical fish, including angel fish and damsel fish. Octopuses and other sea life may also appear. Clear water helps, though marine sightings can never be promised. One person may see turtles and rays while another notices only a few fish, depending on visibility, position, and luck.

This second stop is especially helpful if the first one feels too rough. Several people have chosen to skip the Antilla swim and enter the water at Malmok Reef instead. Beginners can ask the crew for help with masks, fins, and basic technique before getting in.

If you have never snorkeled, practice in shallow water before the trip if possible. One useful approach is to get comfortable breathing through the tube while you can touch the bottom. At Catalina Bay, you can then focus on looking for fish instead of fighting the equipment.

The snorkeling time is generous enough for a first-timer, though some people would prefer more time in the water overall. The morning also includes sailing, food, drinks, and boarding, so you are not spending all three hours with your mask on.

Crew service is a major part of the value

The strongest part of this outing is often the crew. Richard has been praised as a calm and attentive captain, while Jamil, Jose Luis, Roger, and other deck crew members are frequently described as friendly and helpful.

That matters because snorkeling trips depend on small acts of service. Someone needs to explain the gear, point out the safest entry area, keep an eye on swimmers, bring drinks, and help nervous beginners. The crew also keeps the atmosphere light with music, jokes, and a relaxed tone.

Jose has greeted people at the beach hut with card tricks and humor. That kind of welcome may sound minor, but it sets the mood before you even reach the catamaran. The best reports describe a crew that is present without being overbearing.

Safety support is built into the trip. Life jackets, a certified first responder, inspected vessels, and experienced captains are included. The operator says its vessels undergo inspection every six months. Still, you must judge sea conditions honestly. Equipment and supervision do not turn choppy water into a swimming pool.

Is $79.99 a fair price?

At $79.99 per person, the price is reasonable if you value a small boat, two snorkel stops, an open bar, food, equipment, and crew service in one package. You also receive a souvenir, and the catamaran has a restroom, which adds comfort during the morning.

The value is less convincing if your priority is a full meal or a long period in the water. The food is light, and 90 minutes of snorkeling is split between two locations. You are paying for the whole package: the boat ride, staff attention, drinks, safety setup, scenery, and access to the Antilla.

For a couple or small group wanting a polished half-day activity, the price can make sense. It is also useful for families because children can ride along, and the crew can help with gear. People who want the cheapest possible snorkeling outing may find simpler boat trips with fewer extras.

The 4.7 rating from 577 reviews and 92 percent recommendation rate point to consistently strong performance, but the lower scores reveal the pressure points: light food, drinks that may taste weak, rough water at the wreck, and occasional complaints about check-in or customer service. I would not ignore those details, but they do not erase the many reports of excellent crew service and enjoyable snorkeling.

Who should book this catamaran?

I would recommend it to you if you want a comfortable morning on the water with a social but not oversized group. It suits couples, families, first-time snorkelers, and friends who want drinks and scenery along with sea life.

It is particularly good for people who like options. You can swim at both stops, only one, or not at all. You can sit in a padded seat, watch the coastline, and still feel part of the outing. That flexibility makes it less demanding than a trip built entirely around active swimming.

Think twice if you need a substantial breakfast, dislike open-water conditions, or want a quiet sailing trip without music and cocktails. The boat has a relaxed party feel, even in the morning. Also, the catamaran is not private, and the group can reach 34 people.

Bring a towel, strong sun protection, and any dietary information when booking. Aruba’s sun is intense, and the boat offers plenty of exposure. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the Palm Beach meeting point yourself.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. If weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number needed to run the trip is not met.

Should you book the Octopus morning sail?

Book it if you want Aruba’s Antilla wreck, an easier reef option, and a comfortable catamaran with drinks and attentive crew in one morning. The best reason to choose it is the balance: you get a memorable snorkeling site, a calmer backup site, space to relax, and enough support for a first snorkeling attempt.

Just set your expectations correctly. This is a light brunch with appetizers, not a full meal. The Antilla may be choppy, and the open bar should be enjoyed sensibly before swimming. Arrive early, eat a little beforehand, and let the crew guide you toward the stop that fits your comfort level.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

It starts at the Octopus Aruba beach hut at J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 87, suite 227, in Palm Beach, Aruba.

What time does the tour depart?

The listed departure time is 9:00 a.m. Check-in and boarding take place before departure, so arriving early is important.

How long does the experience last?

The sail lasts approximately three hours and ends back at the Palm Beach meeting point.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 34 people.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes breakfast-style appetizers such as pastries, fruit, wraps, and small sandwiches, along with unlimited drinks from the open cocktail bar. Dietary requirements should be provided when booking.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the beach hut.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date.