Arusun Catamaran Snorkel Sail

Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba

★ 4.8 2,683 reviews

from $63 per person

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Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Aruba Watersports Center
Cancellation: Free cancellation
On board: Snacks included
Run by: Aruba Watersports Center

Overview

This is a two and a half hour sail along Aruba's coast on the Arusun catamaran, run by Aruba Watersports Center from Palm Beach. The trip centers on two snorkeling stops: the Antilla shipwreck and Boca Catalina. Between stops there is an open bar with spirits, juices, soda and water, light snacks and fresh fruit, music, and use of a rope swing off the boat.

The boat has a spacious deck with front trampolines and shaded lounging areas, and snorkeling gear is provided. It is capped at 35 travellers. Reviewers with young children have sailed this trip, and the crew draws praise for being attentive to families with small kids. One reviewer felt the boat carried too many passengers for the space, so comfort depends partly on the crowd that day.

The crew draws a lot of praise in reviews for being attentive and fun. Weather matters, though. Some reviewers found the current at the shipwreck stop too strong to snorkel comfortably, and the operator runs the trip only in good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, guests are offered a different date or a full refund.

What's Included

Included

2½-hour sailing and snorkeling trip aboard Arusun
Snacks (Light snacks and fresh fruit)
Alcoholic beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages
Use of the rope swing
Music onboard
Two snorkeling stops: Antilla Shipwreck and Boca Catalina
Use of snorkelling equipment
Spacious deck, front trampolines and shaded lounging areas

Not Included

Transportation to and from Aruba Watersports Center
Sunscreen
Towels
Gratuities

Itinerary

Check in at Palm BeachArrive at Aruba Watersports Center, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 81-B in Noord, the large brown beachfront building between the Hilton and Barceló. Check in 30 minutes before departure.
Board the ArusunSettle in on the deck, trampolines or shaded lounge areas. Snacks, fruit and the open bar are available during the sail.
Snorkel the Antilla shipwreckFirst snorkeling stop at the wreck. Reviews note the current here can be strong, and time in the water may be limited.
Snorkel Boca CatalinaSecond stop, described by one reviewer as calmer with nice fish to see.
Sail back to Palm BeachThe trip ends back at the meeting point at Aruba Watersports Center, lasting 2.5 hours in total.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the listing and from what travellers report will help set expectations before booking.

Bring your own. Sunscreen and towels are not included, so pack both. There is no shower mentioned in the listing, and one reviewer said the crew had told them there was one when there was not, so plan to rinse off after the trip.
Swimming conditions. The current at the shipwreck stop is frequently mentioned as strong, and one reviewer said they struggled in the chop there. Boca Catalina was described by another reviewer as calmer with nice fish. Weak swimmers should stay close to the boat and let the crew know.
Group size. The listing caps the trip at 35 travellers. Some reviewers found the boat comfortably uncrowded, while others felt there were too many passengers for the space and that gear-up time at the first stop was tight. Crowding varies by sailing.
Food and drinks. The open bar covers whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda and water, and one reviewer singled out the rum punch. Food is light: snacks, fresh fruit, and sandwiches in one reviewer's account. Vegetarian food is available on request at the time of booking.
Kids on board. Children are welcome with a parent or guardian supervising, and reviewers have sailed this trip with children as young as three.
Getting there. Transportation to the meeting point is not included, so plan your own way to Palm Beach and allow time to find the building. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure. If you miss the departure, a late-arrival shuttle costs $10.

Common issues. The trip is not wheelchair accessible, and the listing advises against it for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious heart or medical conditions. Weather can cancel a sailing, and a minimum number of travelers is required; in either case you are offered a different date or a full refund. Reviews are honest that the first snorkel stop can be rough, with strong current and sometimes brief time in the water while other boats are at the wreck. One reviewer felt the boat carried too many passengers for comfort, and one was disappointed the crew did not enter the water to help struggling snorkelers at the choppy first stop. Cancellation less than 24 hours before departure brings no refund.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The two and a half hour sail, snorkeling gear, two snorkel stops, snacks and fresh fruit, and an open bar with whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda and water. Use of the rope swing and music onboard are also included.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Transportation to and from Aruba Watersports Center is not included. You check in at the beachfront building between the Hilton and Barceló on Palm Beach, 30 minutes before departure. If you arrive late and need separate transport to catch the boat, the shuttle costs $10.

Where Does The Boat Stop For Snorkeling?

There are two stops: the Antilla shipwreck and Boca Catalina. Reviewers often describe the wreck site as choppy with strong current, and the Boca Catalina stop as calmer with more fish.

Is This Tour Suitable For Children?

Yes. Children are welcome when accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian, and reviewers have sailed this trip with children as young as three. Vegetarian snacks can be requested when booking.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window there is no refund and changes are not accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum traveler count is not met, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Sunscreen and towels, since neither is included. Gratuities are not included.