Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba

The Antilla Shipwreck is the star of this Aruba outing. You sail out on the 65-foot Arusun, then swim above a famous wreck and around Catalina Bay, with snorkel gear, snacks, and an open bar included. I like the roomy catamaran and the choice of sun, shade, or front nets. I also like the small maximum group size, though the music and party mood may not suit anyone seeking a quiet sail.

The crew, including captains and first mates such as Amanda, Ronnie, and Gabriel, are praised for warm service and careful safety instructions. The main thing to consider is the transfer from shore to the catamaran by zodiac boat, which can be awkward for anyone with limited mobility or very young children.

Key points at a glance

• Two worthwhile water stops: Snorkel at the Antilla Shipwreck, then explore the shallower waters of Catalina Bay.
• A spacious 65-foot catamaran: Find sun, shade, or a relaxing spot in the forward nets.
• Open bar included: Whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water are available during the cruise.
• Food is more than an afterthought: Light wraps, fruit, and other snacks help make the $63 fare feel strong.
• A social, upbeat atmosphere: Music and friendly crew interaction are part of the experience, not background details.
• Only about two and a half hours: The trip fits neatly into a beach day, cruise-ship stop, or short Aruba stay.

What the Arusun experience is really about

This is not simply a boat ride with a quick swim attached. The Arusun combines a short coastal sail, two snorkeling stops, casual drinks, and a friendly party atmosphere. You get a little of several classic Aruba pleasures without spending a full day at sea.

The catamaran is 65 feet long and carries no more than 35 people. That capacity matters. Even when the boat is full, the layout gives you room to move around, rather than forcing everyone into one crowded seating area. You can sit in the sun, use the shaded rear section, or stretch out on the nets at the front.

I especially like that the boat gives you choices. Some people want a quiet corner and a view of the coast. Others want music, a drink, and conversation. The Arusun tries to serve both groups, although the sound level can lean toward a lively party cruise.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Names that appear with this operation include Captain Amanda, first mate Ronnie, and Captain Gabriel. The strongest service reports describe crew members who help with masks and fins, explain safety rules, check on people in the water, and keep the mood light without pushing photo packages or paid upgrades.

That last point is useful. Your fare covers the main experience. You are not signing up for a basic sail and then being pressed to buy extras once you are aboard.

Boarding from Palm Beach by zodiac

The meeting point is the Aruba Watersports Center at J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord. You check in at the Palm Beach pier, then board a small zodiac rubber boat for the short ride out to the Arusun.

This transfer is part of the adventure, but it is also the least accessible part of the outing. You need to step into a smaller boat, manage the movement of the water, and then board the catamaran. If you have limited mobility, ask about the transfer before booking. The same advice applies if you are bringing very small children.

Once on the Arusun, you can settle into a seat before the boat begins its coastal run. The catamaran has shaded seating, open areas, and forward nets. Bring sunscreen even if you prefer the shade, since you will spend time moving between sunny and covered areas.

The tour offers morning and afternoon departures. That gives you some flexibility. A morning trip can leave the rest of the day open for the beach, while an afternoon departure can work well after a slow start or a hotel breakfast.

The cruise lasts about two hours and 30 minutes. That is long enough for sailing, two water stops, food, and drinks, but short enough that you will not feel committed to a full-day excursion.

Sailing Aruba’s coast on a roomy catamaran

The sailing portion gives you a good break from the resort strip. From the water, Aruba feels less built up. You see the coast from a moving deck, with plenty of time to sit back and enjoy the breeze.

The Arusun is large enough to spread out. The front nets are the most distinctive place to relax, though they are exposed to sun and spray. The back of the boat provides shade, which becomes valuable during a bright Aruba afternoon.

You can also use the sail as a reset between snorkeling stops. The trip is not nonstop activity. There is time to eat a wrap, refill a drink, watch the shoreline, and talk with the people in your group.

The open bar includes whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water. Drinks begin once you are aboard and continue through the trip. The alcohol is part of the value, but pace yourself. You still need to swim, manage a mask and fins, and climb back aboard after each stop.

Music is part of the mood. Many people enjoy the lively setting, and the crew is comfortable keeping the energy up. If your ideal boat outing means calm water, soft conversation, and little sound, this may not be your best choice. The Arusun is better for a social afternoon than a silent nature cruise.

First stop: the Antilla Shipwreck

When conditions allow, the first snorkeling stop is the Antilla Shipwreck. The SS Antilla is one of Aruba’s best-known underwater sights, and it gives this tour a clear focal point beyond the usual open-water swim.

The wreck offers structure for marine life and creates something specific to look at beneath the surface. You may see fish around the ship and coral growth on parts of the wreck. Several reports describe colorful fish, schools of fish, and clear views of the remains.

The site can also be busy. Other swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers may be in the same area, so do not expect a private underwater visit. Conditions can change as well. Wind, current, and visibility affect how comfortable the stop feels and how much of the wreck you can see.

The crew provides snorkeling equipment. One useful tip is to use the fins. They make it easier to move through current and help you conserve energy, especially if you are not used to snorkeling in open water.

Pay attention to the safety briefing. The crew has been praised for explaining how to use the gear and how to enjoy the stop safely. If you are new to snorkeling, tell a crew member before entering the water. The first few minutes can feel strange, but the mask and breathing tube become easier once you settle into a steady rhythm.

The shipwreck stop is the deeper and more dramatic of the two locations. It is the part that makes this excursion feel distinct from a standard beach swim. Still, do not book it expecting guaranteed perfect visibility or a private encounter with the wreck. The tour depends on sea conditions.

Second stop: Catalina Bay and its marine life

After the wreck, the Arusun heads to Catalina Bay. This stop often provides a different kind of snorkeling. The water is described as shallower, with reef areas, schools of fish, and a calmer feel than the wreck site.

That contrast improves the itinerary. The Antilla offers a large underwater object and deeper-water scenery. Catalina Bay gives you more time to look closely at fish and coral in a less intimidating setting.

Possible sightings include colorful parrotfish, schools of smaller fish, and sea turtles. Turtles are never guaranteed, but several outings have encountered them near Catalina Bay. One particularly fortunate sighting happened just as the boat was preparing to leave, which is a good reminder to keep looking until the last minute.

Conditions are not always perfect. Even when wind or current reduces visibility, the crew may still make two water stops if it is safe to do so. You should approach this as a nature experience, not an aquarium visit. The water decides what you see.

There is usually time to swim, snorkel, and relax on the boat between activities. That balance suits mixed groups. Strong swimmers can explore more, while less confident swimmers can stay near the boat and take their time.

Food, drinks, and the value of $63

At $63 per person, this excursion offers a solid package for a short water outing. You receive the boat ride, crew, snorkel equipment, two stops, snacks, and an unlimited open bar. You do not need to add separate charges for basic snorkeling gear or drinks.

The food is light rather than a full meal. Wraps, small sandwiches, fruit, and similar snacks have been served. That is enough to take the edge off hunger, but I would not replace lunch with this trip if you need a substantial meal.

The drinks add real value. Whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water are included. The open bar also helps explain the social tone. You are paying for a relaxed sail with refreshments, not just transportation to a snorkeling site.

Compare the price with what you actually want. If your priority is a private guide who identifies every fish and spends most of the time teaching marine biology, another type of excursion may suit you better. If you want a large boat, two snorkel sites, snacks, drinks, and a pleasant half-day break from the beach, the fare is attractive.

Small groups can make the value even better. Although the maximum is 35 people, some departures have had far fewer participants. When that happens, the large catamaran feels almost private, and the crew can give more attention to each person.

The crew and the tone aboard

The crew receives some of the strongest praise associated with this outing. Amanda, Ronnie, and Gabriel are names connected with especially warm service. The crew’s role is not just to steer and pour drinks. They explain safety, assist with equipment, encourage participation, and keep an eye on people during the water stops.

The tone is friendly and playful. You can expect jokes, conversation, and a crew that interacts with the group. That helps first-time snorkelers feel less self-conscious, especially when getting into the water feels intimidating at first.

The atmosphere is not formal. You will not get a long lecture about Aruba’s marine ecology. You will get practical instructions and a relaxed introduction to the sites.

The only caution is volume. One account found the club-style music too loud and felt the trip leaned more toward a party than a peaceful snorkeling outing. That criticism is worth taking seriously. Music, drinks, and a social crew are central features here, not minor extras.

Who should book the Arusun?

I would recommend this tour to couples, friends, families with older children, and cruise-ship passengers who want a compact Aruba activity. Teens generally have enough independence for the boarding and snorkeling, and the open deck gives different members of a group room to choose their own pace.

Families with very young children should think carefully. The zodiac transfer, water entry, current, and open-deck setting can be demanding. The excursion information calls for moderate physical fitness, and that is a fair description.

The tour also suits people who are new to snorkeling. Equipment is included, and the crew can help with masks and fins. You should still be comfortable entering the sea and swimming in open water.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to someone who wants a quiet nature outing. The boat can be lively, and the music may be prominent. If you dislike open bars or party-style cruises, the atmosphere could overshadow the snorkeling.

Cruise-ship passengers can reach Palm Beach by taxi and return using the taxi stand near the Hilton next door. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you arrange your own transport.

Practical details before you reserve

Your confirmation arrives when you book. A vegetarian option is available, but you need to request it at booking time.

Bring sunscreen and use it often. You can sit in shade, but you will still move through sunny areas on the catamaran and during boarding. Water is included, so you can stay hydrated while enjoying alcoholic drinks.

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The operator also requires a minimum number of participants. If that minimum is not reached, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

For your own cancellation, you receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

The activity ends back at the Palm Beach meeting point. There is no hotel pickup or return service included.

Should you book this Aruba sail and snorkel?

Book the Arusun if you want two solid snorkeling stops wrapped in a social catamaran cruise. The Antilla Shipwreck gives you a memorable main attraction, Catalina Bay offers a shallower second setting, and the included drinks and snacks make the $63 price easy to justify.

Skip it if your top priority is silence, private guiding, or a full meal. Also think twice if you have limited mobility or are traveling with very young children because of the zodiac transfer and open-water swimming.

For most active visitors, this is a well-balanced way to spend two and a half hours. You get a proper boat, room to spread out, friendly service, and enough time in the water to make the trip more than a simple sightseeing sail.

FAQ

How long does the Arusun catamaran tour last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour begin?

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

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point.

Which snorkeling sites does the tour visit?

The planned snorkeling stops are the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay. The Antilla stop depends on suitable conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

What drinks are included?

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

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted and are not refunded. If poor weather or an insufficient minimum number of participants causes cancellation, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.