Havana-Themed Sunset Cruise

Aruba: Havana-Themed Sunset Cruise

5 reviews

from $84 per person

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

Duration: 2 hours
Meeting point: Pelican Pier
Cancellation: Free cancellation
On board: Snacks included
Run by: Pelican Adventures N.V.

Overview

This two-hour catamaran trip from Pelican Pier dresses up a standard Aruba sunset sail with a Cuban theme: mojitos and an open bar, Cuban-style snacks, and a Latin dance instructor who teaches salsa steps while the boat works its way along the coast near Palm Beach and Noord. The music runs toward salsa, merengue and bachata, and the whole evening is built around the sunset itself, which the boat positions you to watch from the water.

The rhythm of the evening is simple. You board at Pelican Pier on J.E. Irausquin Blvd in Noord, sail along the coastline with drinks and snacks flowing, join in the dance lesson if you feel like it, and return to the same pier. There is no hotel transport, so you make your own way to the pier.

It suits travellers who want a party-leaning cruise rather than a quiet sail: couples, groups of friends, and anyone happy to stand up and try a few dance moves. Non-dancers can still enjoy the drinks, the scenery and the sunset from the deck. Reviews of the crew and the instructor are generally warm, though some recent guests felt the theming and drinks fell short, which is worth weighing before booking.

What's Included

Included

Sightseeing cruise
Salsa lesson
Open bar and Cuban hors d'oeuvres

Not Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Itinerary

Meet at Pelican PierCheck-in takes place at Pelican Pier, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 230, Noord. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own transport.
Sail along Palm BeachThe catamaran cruises the coastline near Palm Beach and Noord for 2 hours, with scenic views along the way, local snacks, drinks and the salsa lesson on board.
Watch the sunsetThe boat times the sail so passengers can watch the Caribbean sunset from the water, with Latin music playing on deck.
Return to Pelican PierThe cruise ends back at the same pier where it started.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you decide whether this cruise fits your evening and your expectations.

Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to Pelican Pier on J.E. Irausquin Blvd in Noord. Plan your transport to the pier and back in advance.
What to wear. The listing suggests sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel and biodegradable sunscreen. Sun protection matters even for a short sail before the sun goes down. Wear shoes you can dance in if you plan to join the lesson.
Drinks and snacks. The open bar and Cuban hors d'oeuvres are included, with mojitos featured in the listing. Reviewers disagree on the drinks: some called the mojitos delicious, while others found them and other cocktails watered down. Come for the atmosphere rather than a serious cocktail experience.
The dancing. A dance instructor leads a lesson during the sail. One reviewer called the salsa instructor funny and enthusiastic, learning merengue and cha cha alongside salsa, while another reported there was no salsa class.
Language and crew. This product is listed in English only. One reviewer who expected Spanish or Portuguese said no translation was provided and the tour ran in English. Several reviewers described the crew as friendly and nice, which came up even in critical reviews.
Photos. Bring a camera or phone you can keep secure on a moving boat.

Common issues. The most consistent complaint in recent reviews is that the Havana theming can feel thin: two travellers said the Cuban theme was largely absent, with one noting there was no Cuban music played. Both also reported watered-down drinks, with one saying nobody in their group finished a second round. One reviewer expecting Spanish or Portuguese translation said the tour ran in English only. On the listing side, hotel transport and gratuities are excluded, electric wheelchairs are not allowed on board, and you can cancel for a full refund only up to 24 hours in advance.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included On The Havana Sunset Cruise?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you make your own way to the meeting point at Pelican Pier, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 230, Noord.

What Is Included In The Price?

The sightseeing cruise, a salsa lesson, an open bar and Cuban hors d'oeuvres are all included. Gratuities are not included, and neither is hotel transport. The cruise lasts 2 hours.

Is This Cruise Good For Non-Dancers?

The dance lesson is part of the experience, but participation is casual. You can sit out the dancing and still get the drinks, snacks, music and sunset views.

What Should I Bring?

The listing recommends sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel and biodegradable sunscreen. Fishing, littering, feeding animals and touching marine life are not allowed on board, and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If your schedule shifts, cancel before that window closes. The live booking page shows the full cancellation terms.

What Languages Is The Tour Offered In?

The listing states the tour runs in English. One reviewer who expected Spanish or Portuguese translation reported that only English was used on their sailing, so plan accordingly if English is not comfortable for you.