Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba

The best part of the Arusun catamaran sail is the mix of easygoing boat time and real water activity. You can stretch out in the front nets, sit in the shade, or claim a sunny spot before swimming above the Antilla Shipwreck and exploring Catalina Bay.

I like the small-boat feel despite the roomy 65-foot deck, and I like that snacks and drinks are included rather than sold one by one. Captain Amanda and first mates such as Ronnie or Rashim are often singled out for warm, funny service. The main thing to consider is the party atmosphere: music can be loud, so this is not the best pick if you want a quiet sail.

Key points to know

• Two contrasting snorkel stops: The Antilla Shipwreck offers a memorable wreck site, while Catalina Bay is shallower and better for spotting reef fish and, sometimes, sea turtles.
• A roomy catamaran: The Arusun has sun, shade, front nets, and space for up to 35 people.
• Open bar and light food: Whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, water, and snacks are included in the price.
• Small groups are possible: Some departures have had only 8 or 9 people, though the stated maximum is 35.
• You board by a small zodiac: Check in at Palm Beach, then ride a rubber boat out to the catamaran.
• Weather and water conditions matter: Snorkeling can be affected by wind, current, crowds, and sea conditions.

Sailing out from Palm Beach on the Arusun

The Arusun is a 65-foot, 20-meter catamaran designed to give you room to move. That matters in Aruba, where a boat trip can quickly become uncomfortable if everyone is packed into one narrow deck.

You begin at the Aruba Watersports Center on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord. After check-in, you board a zodiac rubber boat that carries you from the pier to the catamaran. That short transfer adds a little adventure, but it also means you need to manage a boat-to-boat boarding step.

Once aboard, you can choose your style of sailing. The front nets are the place to feel the motion of the water, while the back of the boat offers shade. The main deck gives you a mix of seating, open views, and easy access to the bar and snorkeling gear.

The boat holds a maximum of 35 people. That is not a private charter, but the broad deck helps keep the experience from feeling cramped. Some departures have been especially small, with only 8 or 9 people aboard. If you happen to get one of those sailings, the crew can give you more personal attention and the boat feels almost private.

What the 2.5-hour schedule feels like

The full outing lasts about two hours and 30 minutes, with morning and afternoon departure choices. The timing is long enough for a proper sail and two water stops, but short enough to fit neatly into a beach day.

The order of the stops can depend on conditions. The planned route includes the Antilla Shipwreck first, followed by Catalina Bay. Wind, current, and sea conditions can affect where and when you snorkel, so treat the schedule as a sensible plan rather than a guarantee.

Between stops, the boat becomes the activity. You can sit with a drink, watch Aruba’s coast, talk with the crew, or simply rest in the shade. The outing works well for people who want more than a rigid swim-stop schedule. You get time to enjoy the vessel itself, not just rush from one location to the next.

The crew keeps the tone social and upbeat. Captains and first mates named in onboard feedback include Amanda, Ronnie, Gabriel, and Rashim. Amanda and Ronnie are especially praised for combining safety instructions with humor and personal attention. That friendly approach helps first-time snorkelers settle in, though the sound system and party mood may not suit everyone.

The Antilla Shipwreck stop

The Antilla Shipwreck is the main attraction for many people booking this trip. The wreck lies underwater off Aruba and gives the first snorkeling stop a stronger sense of place than a simple swim over open sand.

You can expect to see the shipwreck below the surface along with fish and coral. Clear water has allowed some people to see the wreck well, and the site can feel dramatic even if you are not an experienced snorkeler. The wreck is also a good reason to use the fins provided with the equipment. Fins make it easier to move through the water and handle current.

The site has a few practical limits. It can be shared by swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers, so it may not feel secluded. Conditions are not always perfect, either. Wind and current can make the water harder to manage, especially if you are new to snorkeling.

Listen closely to the crew’s safety briefing before entering the water. You need a moderate level of physical fitness, and you should be comfortable getting into the sea from the boat. If you are nervous at first, take your time with the mask and breathing. One useful tip from the experience is simple: use the fins. They provide better control than trying to paddle with your hands.

Catalina Bay and the chance of sea turtles

The second stop at Catalina Bay provides a useful contrast to the wreck. It is described as a shallower snorkeling area, with reef fish, colorful parrotfish, and schools of fish moving through the water.

This stop can feel more relaxed than the Antilla. You have less of the large wreck structure to study, but more room to look at the reef and marine life. Some people have seen sea turtles near Catalina Bay, including a turtle spotted just as the boat was leaving. That is a welcome bonus, not something the crew can promise.

The bay also works well for mixed groups. A confident snorkeler can look for fish and coral, while someone who prefers a slower swim can enjoy the shallower water. You should still expect normal sea conditions, and the crew may adjust the exact plan if the water is rough or visibility is poor.

The two-stop format is one of the strongest parts of this excursion. The wreck gives you a memorable feature to look at, while Catalina Bay gives you a more open reef setting. If one location has poor visibility, the second stop gives you another chance to see marine life.

Snacks, drinks, and the social mood

The price includes snacks and an open bar. Drinks include whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water. Light wraps, small sandwiches, and fruit have been served on different outings, giving you something more useful than a bowl of chips between swims.

Some onboard drinks mentioned include rum punch and a captain’s special. The official inclusions also make clear that alcoholic drinks are unlimited, so the package has real value for adults who plan to enjoy the bar.

The bar changes the mood of the trip. This is not a silent nature cruise. Music can be loud, and the atmosphere may lean toward a floating party, especially on a full afternoon departure. Many people will find that fun. If you want peaceful sailing, bird watching, or a quiet family outing, you may prefer another type of boat tour.

You can choose how much of that mood you take part in. Sit at the shaded back of the boat, enjoy the coast, and skip the alcohol if you want a calmer outing. Water and soft drinks are included too. Still, you should book this knowing that music and social energy are part of the experience, not an occasional surprise.

Why the boat size and group limit matter

A 65-foot catamaran offers more than a smaller powerboat. The deck has room for sunbathing, shaded seating, and front nets. That gives you several ways to spend the time when you are not snorkeling.

The maximum group size is 35 people, which is large enough to create a lively mood but modest compared with many high-capacity boat excursions. The actual number on your departure may be far lower. Small groups of 8 or 9 have enjoyed a more personal outing, with the crew able to check on individual needs.

A smaller group also helps at the water stops. You may spend less time waiting for equipment or finding space on the deck. But do not pay a premium expecting a private charter. The advertised capacity is 35, and the experience can feel different when the boat is fuller.

The wide layout is particularly useful after snorkeling. You can dry off, find shade, and keep your distance from the loudest part of the group. Families with older children and teenagers can have a good time here. Small children and anyone with limited mobility should think carefully about the zodiac transfer, boarding process, boat movement, and water entry.

Value at $63 per person

At $63 per person, the Arusun combines several paid elements into one short outing: the catamaran ride, two snorkeling locations, equipment, snacks, and an open bar.

That is strong value if you want to drink, eat, and snorkel on the same trip. A separate boat ride plus equipment rental could quickly approach the same cost, without giving you the same two-stop plan or onboard space.

The value is less clear if you do not drink alcohol or care much about the party side. You are still paying for the catamaran, crew, snacks, and equipment, but the open bar is one of the main reasons the price works well for many adults.

You also need to arrange your own transport. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The departure point is near public transportation, and people arriving from cruise ships have used a taxi to reach Palm Beach. Allow enough time for traffic, check-in, and the zodiac transfer instead of arriving at the last moment.

What to pack and how to prepare

Bring sunscreen, since the open deck gives you plenty of sun exposure. A hat can help, though you will want to hold onto it carefully in the wind. Wear a swimsuit and bring a dry change of clothes if you do not want to remain damp afterward.

The snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to rent a mask and fins separately. If you already own a well-fitting mask, you may prefer to bring it, but the supplied gear has been described as adequate. Use the fins, especially if the water has a current.

You should be comfortable with a moderate level of physical activity. The outing includes the zodiac ride, boarding, moving around the catamaran, entering the water, and swimming at two sites. You do not need to be an expert snorkeler, but you should take the crew’s instructions seriously and tell them if you need help with equipment.

A vegetarian snack option is available if you request it when booking. The tour ends back at the original meeting point, so you can plan the rest of your day from Palm Beach.

Who will enjoy this Aruba sail most

I would choose this outing for adults, couples, friends, and families with older children who want a lively half-day activity without spending a full day at sea.

It is especially well suited to you if you want:

• A spacious catamaran rather than a cramped boat
• Two chances to snorkel in different settings
• A wreck site plus reef fish
• Drinks and snacks included in one price
• A social crew and upbeat music
• The option to sunbathe or sit in shade between swims

I would think twice if you want silence, a nature-focused guide, or a guaranteed turtle sighting. I would also be cautious for very young children or anyone with limited mobility because of the zodiac transfer and water access.

The crew’s friendliness is a major part of the experience. Captains and first mates have been praised for being funny, helpful, and attentive, while still giving clear safety information. That combination makes a difference when a first-time snorkeler feels uncertain about getting into the water.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. The experience also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason offers the same choice of another date or a refund.

These rules are worth checking before you book a tight cruise-ship schedule or a same-day connection. The outing ends where it begins, but hotel transportation is not part of the package.

Should you book the Arusun?

Book it if you want a social sail with solid snorkeling, a roomy deck, and an open bar. The Antilla Shipwreck gives the trip its main visual draw, Catalina Bay adds a second chance for fish and turtles, and the included food and drinks make $63 a fair price.

Skip it if your ideal boat day means quiet water, low music, or a small private group. Also look elsewhere if you cannot manage the zodiac transfer or swimming from the catamaran.

For most able-bodied adults and older children, this is a well-balanced Aruba outing. I would choose a morning departure if you prefer a calmer start, or an afternoon departure if you want to lean into the music, drinks, and social side of the Arusun.

FAQ

How long does the Arusun catamaran tour last?

The experience lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes. It includes the sail, two snorkeling stops, time on the boat, snacks, and drinks.

Where does the tour begin?

You meet at the Aruba Watersports Center, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord, Aruba. After check-in, a zodiac rubber boat takes you to the Arusun catamaran.

What snorkeling locations are included?

The planned stops are the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay. The exact timing or location may change if weather or water conditions require an adjustment.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. You should have a moderate level of physical fitness and be comfortable entering the water from the boat.

What does the open bar include?

The unlimited open bar includes whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water. Snacks are also included, and a vegetarian option is available if requested at booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.