Catamaran Snorkeling, De Palm Pier

Aruba: Catamaran Snorkeling Adventure

★ 4.3 33 reviews

from $124 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 4 hours
Meeting point: De Palm Pier
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Meal included
Run by: De Palm Tours

Overview

Four hours on a 70-foot catamaran, three snorkel stops, and an open bar. That is the shape of this half-day trip from De Palm Tours, which leaves from J.E. Irausquin Blvd 1 and heads out across the blue water. The crew handles the sailing while passengers sit on deck, drink, and wait for the anchor to drop.

The first big stop is usually the wreck everyone comes for. The SS Antilla, a World War II ship, sits on the seabed and snorkelers swim directly above it. From there the boat moves on to Boca Catalina and the Arashi reef, both known for their turquoise waters, fish, and coral. One reviewer mentioned spotting turtles, and another described an immersion in the local marine flora and fauna that left them speechless.

Back on board between stops there is a buffet lunch, described by the listing as prepared by top chefs, plus beer and cocktails from the open bar for the whole sailing. It suits travellers with moderate fitness who are comfortable in open water. Transportation to the pier is not part of the package, so plan to make your own way there.

What's Included

Included

Lunch buffet
Open bar with beer
Local taxes
Use of snorkeling equipment

Not Included

Gratuities/tips
Transportation

Itinerary

Meet at the pierCheck in at J.E. Irausquin Blvd 1. Transport to the pier is not included, so arrive under your own arrangements.
Board the catamaranSettle in on the 70-foot catamaran. The crew hands out snorkel gear, which is included.
Sail to the Antilla wreckThe boat crosses to the SS Antilla shipwreck, a World War II vessel resting on the bottom. Snorkelers swim above the structure and see the marine life living on it.
Snorkel Boca CatalinaA second stop in Catalina Bay, in turquoise water over coral and fish.
Snorkel Arashi ReefThe final snorkel stop at the Arashi reef before the boat turns back.
Lunch and returnA buffet lunch is served on board during the trip. The catamaran returns to the pier at the end of the four hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things shape how this day goes, from what you wear to how the group feels on the boat.

What to bring. The listing asks for swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. Pack all four before heading to the pier.
Fitness level. The listing states travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level. You will be climbing on and off a boat and swimming in open water at each stop.
Food and drink. The buffet lunch and the open bar, including beer, are included, along with local taxes and snorkel gear. Reviews repeatedly praise the food and drinks, with one calling the meal top notch.
Crew and mood. Several reviewers singled out the staff as friendly and fun, and one described a cozy atmosphere on board. The music was the one thing a reviewer felt could improve.
Getting there. Transportation is not included. The meeting point is J.E. Irausquin Blvd 1, so arrange your own way to the pier in advance.
Tipping. Gratuities are not included in the price. Budget separately if you plan to tip the crew.

Common issues. The listing flags two exclusions up front: gratuities and transportation. One reviewer reported a serious booking failure, arriving at the pier to find the reservation cancelled with no explanation and no clear refund route, which is worth keeping in mind if plans are tight. The music on board drew a mild complaint from another traveller. The moderate fitness requirement also means this is not a fully relaxed spectator trip, since snorkeling in open water is the main activity.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The buffet lunch, an open bar with beer, local taxes, and use of snorkeling equipment are all included. Gratuities and transportation are not.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No, transportation is not included. The trip departs from the pier at J.E. Irausquin Blvd 1, and travellers make their own way there.

Where Does The Tour Stop For Snorkeling?

There are three sites: the SS Antilla shipwreck from World War II, Boca Catalina, and the Arashi reef. All are visited within the four-hour trip.

Is Food And Drink Extra?

No. The buffet lunch and the open bar, including beer, are part of the package. Gratuities are left to the traveller, and transport to the pier is separate.

What Should I Bring?

Swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen, per the listing.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

The listing states you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.