Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba

Set sail, then swim into Aruba’s story. The Arusun catamaran gives you a pleasant mix of open-water sailing, two snorkel stops, food, and drinks for $63 per person. I especially like the roomy 65-foot boat, with sun seats, shade, and front nets, and I like that the price includes snorkel gear, snacks, and an open bar. The main thing to consider is the mood: some departures feel like a lively boat party, with loud music, rather than a quiet sailing trip.

The short 2.5-hour length works well when you want to get off the beach without giving up a whole day. The Antilla Shipwreck is the star stop, while Catalina Bay offers shallower water and a different look at Aruba’s marine life. Snorkeling conditions can change, and the shipwreck may be busy, so keep your expectations flexible.

Quick takeaways for the Arusun sail

• The Antilla Shipwreck is the main attraction: You can snorkel above one of Aruba’s best-known underwater sights, with fish and coral around the wreck.
• The 65-foot catamaran gives you room to spread out: Choose sun, shade, or the trampoline nets at the front.
• Two snorkel stops add variety: Antilla is deeper and more dramatic, while Catalina Bay offers a shallower second stop.
• The $63 price covers plenty: Snorkel equipment, snacks, water, soda, juices, and alcoholic drinks are included.
• Small groups are possible, but not guaranteed: The boat takes a maximum of 35 people, and some departures have had only eight or nine.
• The tone can be social and energetic: Friendly crew, flowing drinks, and music suit people looking for fun more than silence.

Boarding the Arusun from Palm Beach

You meet at the Aruba Watersports Center at J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord, near Palm Beach. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the pier. The activity is near public transportation, and one cruise ship passenger reported that a taxi from the port area to the beach cost $15, with an easy ride back from the taxi stand near the Hilton.

Boarding begins with a short ride in a zodiac rubber boat from the pier to the Arusun. That small transfer adds a little adventure before the main sailing begins, but it also matters if you have limited mobility or dislike stepping between boats. The activity calls for a moderate level of fitness, and one detailed account advised against it for very young children or people with limited mobility.

Once aboard, you can find a place that matches your mood. The rear section offers shade, the open deck catches the sun, and the nets at the front give you a low seat over the water. The catamaran is large enough that a full group should not feel packed in, although comfort depends on how many people are booked for your departure.

A spacious catamaran with two very different moods

The Arusun is a 65-foot, or 20-meter, catamaran. That size gives the boat a stable, open feel compared with a smaller speedboat. You can sit, stand, move around, and watch the coast without being stuck in one narrow row of seats.

I like the way the deck supports both active and lazy parts of the outing. You can spend the ride talking with the crew, watching the coastline, or simply lying back with a drink. The front nets are a fun place to feel the motion of the boat, while the shaded rear section is the better choice if you want a break from the strong Aruba sun.

The atmosphere depends on the sailing. Captain Amanda and first mate Ronnie received repeated praise for their humor, safety reminders, and personal attention. Other crew names mentioned include Gabriel and Rashim. The crew’s style is warm and involved, with drinks offered, equipment help provided, and passengers brought into the fun.

That energy is a plus for many people. It can also be a drawback if you want a calm water outing. One poor experience centered on loud club music and the party feel. The tour includes an open bar, so you should expect a social setting rather than a silent nature cruise.

The open bar and snacks make the price work

At $63 per person, this is not just a boat ride with an extra charge for every small item. The price includes snorkel equipment, snacks, and an unlimited open bar with whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water.

The food is light rather than a full meal. The snacks have included wraps, small sandwiches, fruit, and other simple items. That is enough to take the edge off after swimming, but you should eat beforehand if you need a substantial lunch or breakfast.

The drinks also add real value. Several accounts described the rum punch and the captain’s special favorably, and one person specifically noted that the drinks did not taste watered down. If you do not drink alcohol, water, soda, and juice are available, so the package still has use beyond the bar.

I would compare the price with the cost of booking a separate snorkel trip and buying drinks on a boat. With equipment, two water stops, food, and drinks bundled together, the Arusun makes sense for people who want a complete half-day-style outing without spending a full day at sea. The value is weaker if you care only about quiet snorkeling and plan to skip the food and bar.

First snorkel stop: the Antilla Shipwreck

When conditions allow, the first water stop is the Antilla Shipwreck. The wreck is one of the most memorable sights on the route, and it gives the trip a clear focal point beyond simply swimming from a boat.

From the surface, you can look down toward the old ship and see fish around the structure. Accounts describe colorful fish, coral, and good visibility on favorable days. One outing found the wreck full of fish and coral, while another reported that the wreck was easy to see along with a few fish.

The site is not always peaceful. Antilla can attract swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers at the same time. If you want a private-feeling encounter with the wreck, you may find the area busy. Still, the chance to snorkel above a shipwreck gives this stop more character than a generic reef stop.

The crew provides the equipment and assists with getting set up. Fins are worth using, especially if the current is strong. One account specifically advised using them, and another noted that the water movement felt challenging at first. If snorkeling makes you nervous, listen closely to the safety briefing and stay within the area explained by the crew.

Conditions can change the experience. On one morning, the water was not ideal, but the group still reached both snorkel stops and saw fish and parts of the wreck. That is a useful way to think about this trip: the crew can take you to the sites, but water clarity, current, and marine life are not guaranteed.

Second stop: Catalina Bay and its marine life

After the wreck, the Arusun heads to Catalina Bay, also called Boca Catalina in some descriptions. This stop provides a useful contrast. The water is described as shallower, and the reef area gives you another chance to look for fish without focusing on the shipwreck.

The bay has produced sightings of schools of fish, blue parrotfish, coral, and sea turtles. One group saw several schools pass by, while another spotted a turtle just as the boat was preparing to leave. Turtle sightings are possible, not promised, so you should treat them as a lucky bonus.

The two-stop design is one of the strongest parts of the trip. Antilla gives you a dramatic underwater subject, while Catalina Bay lets you explore a more open reef area. If one stop has poor visibility or a strong current, the second may offer a better swim.

You also get time to relax between and after the water activities. That balance matters. You are not spending the entire trip rushing from one snorkel site to another, and you are not spending the entire outing sitting at the bar. The schedule gives you water time, sailing time, and room to enjoy the boat.

Group size, comfort, and family fit

The maximum group size is 35 people. That is a reasonable capacity for a 65-foot catamaran, with room to find a seat and move around. Still, do not book expecting a private charter. Some departures have had only eight or nine people, making the boat feel almost private, but that depends on the date and demand.

Families can enjoy this outing if children are comfortable around water and boats. A family with children ages 10 and 5 had a good time and saw turtles, fish, the wreck, and the coast. At the same time, the boat-to-boat transfer, current, and snorkeling equipment may be a lot for very small children.

Older children and teens may have an easier time. One account described teens handling the stronger current without trouble. You should judge your family by swimming confidence, not just age.

The tour is also a good match for couples and friend groups. The boat has enough room for socializing, and the bar and music can make the ride feel festive. If your ideal excursion means quiet water, soft conversation, and long stretches without music, this may not be your best choice.

Morning or afternoon: choosing the right departure

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. The best option depends on how you want the outing to fit into your Aruba day.

A morning sailing works well if you want to snorkel before spending the rest of the day on land. It may also suit people who prefer to be active early, then relax at the beach or hotel later. An afternoon sailing can turn into a simple sunset-adjacent beach day, though the exact timing and sunset conditions are not specified.

The afternoon may also feel more social, especially if people settle into the open bar and music. That is not a rule, but it is worth considering if you are choosing between a quiet morning and a livelier later outing.

Bring sunscreen. Aruba’s sun is strong, and the boat offers shade but not full protection everywhere. You should also be ready for wet transfers and swimming, since the trip begins with the zodiac ride and includes two water stops.

Who will enjoy the Arusun most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several things in one booking:

• A comfortable catamaran rather than a small boat
• Two chances to snorkel
• A shipwreck and reef setting
• Drinks and snacks included
• A friendly, playful crew
• A short outing that does not consume a full day
• A social atmosphere with music

It is especially appealing for couples, friend groups, families with capable swimmers, and cruise ship passengers who can arrange transport to Palm Beach. The two-and-a-half-hour schedule fits neatly into a busy Aruba visit.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you want a quiet nature trip, dislike loud music, have limited mobility, or are uncomfortable with a zodiac transfer. You may also be disappointed if seeing a sea turtle is your main goal. Turtles have been spotted, but marine life depends on conditions and chance.

Cancellation and practical details

You receive confirmation when booking, and the tour ends back at the Aruba Watersports Center. Vegetarian food is available if you request it at booking.

Free cancellation applies when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted. The activity needs good weather and a minimum number of people. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

The tour is mobile-ticket friendly, which makes arrival simple. Just remember that hotel transportation is not part of the package, and allow time to reach the Palm Beach meeting point.

Should you book the Arusun?

Book it if you want a good-value mix of sailing, snorkeling, food, and drinks in a compact outing. The Antilla Shipwreck gives the trip a memorable centerpiece, Catalina Bay adds variety, and the large catamaran gives you room to relax between swims.

Skip it if your priority is silence or a low-key snorkel session. The open bar, music, and lively crew can make the boat feel like a party. For most people who want an upbeat Aruba excursion with two water stops, though, the Arusun offers a strong package at $63, especially when the group is small and conditions are clear.

FAQ

How long is the Arusun catamaran tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at the Aruba Watersports Center at J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord, Aruba. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to arrange transportation to and from the Palm Beach meeting point.

What snorkeling locations does the tour visit?

The planned stops are the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay. The route and stops depend on water and weather conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour.

What drinks and food are included?

Snacks are included, along with an unlimited open bar offering whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or an insufficient minimum group causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a full refund or select another option.