Guide and Review: Premium Catamaran Morning Sail: Snorkeling with (Unlimited) Drinks and Bites – Aruba

Updated December 19, 2025

Originally Published December 18, 2025

The sole reason for choosing this itinerary was that I would be able to finally visit Aruba! I knew that I would want to experience Aruba’s calm, crystal-clear Caribbean waters. This is one of the best snorkel destinations in the region and so I opted for a tour that sailed in the morning. I had heard that mornings offer the very best conditions with lighter winds, gentler currents, and fewer boats on the water and a catamaran tour would visit top sites like the Antilla Shipwreck and Malmok Reef.

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Why Consider a Morning Snorkel Tour in Aruba

Aruba’s calm, crystal-clear Caribbean waters make it one of the best snorkel destinations in the region and opting for a morning tours offer the best conditions. With lighter winds, gentler currents, and fewer boats on the water. A morning catamaran cruise lets you experience top sites like the Antilla Shipwreck and Malmok Reef with time left in the day to explore Oranjestad or just hang out at the beach.

Best Time of Year for Snorkeling Tours in Aruba

Aruba: Premium Catamaran Morning Sail: Snorkeling with (Unlimited) Drinks and Bites

Tour Details

• Overview: Set sail on a luxury snorkel tour in Aruba, where you’ll enjoy the best of the Caribbean waters aboard the Octopus. This tour offers two unforgettable snorkel stops: the iconic Antilla shipwreck and the vibrant Malmok Reef. Relax in cushioned lounge seating with unobstructed sea views and a full-service open bar, serving cocktails like the famous Aruba Arriba, mimosas, and more. Enjoy fresh appetizers, personalized service, and a high-quality souvenir to remember this incredible experience.
• Details: Start time at 9:00 am
• Important Notes:
  • Meet on location:
  • Intimate group size (only 34 guests) for a relaxed, personalized experience
    • Minimum numbers apply – there is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. You would be offered an alternative or a full refund
  • Children are welcome and infants under two cruise free
  • You board a shuttle boat for short ride to the catamaran
  • Not wheelchair accessible

What’s Included

My Experience on the Aruba: Premium Catamaran Morning Sail: Snorkeling with (Unlimited) Drinks and Bites

Meetup

This tour does not offer pick up but it was easy to get to from the cruise port. I was able to catch the local bus which dropped me off directly in front of the Holiday Inn Palm Beach. The instructions were very clear on my confirmation about the meeting point and I was easily able to locate the check in hut.

Safety Information

A brief tutorial on safety and what to expect for the morning is conducted by the Octopus team after everyone is checked in. After that is completed, the group is divided up to board.

Shuttle Boat

From Octopus Aruba: Boarding takes place via a spacious shuttle boat (for up to 15 people) that transports guests to the catamaran. This shuttle, like all our vessels, undergoes inspection every six months to ensure safety and quality. From the beach hut (where check-in takes place), it’s a short 30-meter/ 98 foot ride to the catamaran. This area of the sea is as calm as a lake, with little to no waves throughout the year

Catamaran

The catamaran was as advertised. On this tour, there were just under 30 people and the boat never felt crowded and there was plenty of space to lounge. Beautiful tip: if you would like to sit in the netting or under shade, board on the first shuttle boat ride. I was lucky in that those on this tour were really thoughtful in sharing and rotating in and out spaces but that is atypical from what I have experienced on other boat tours.

While we were heading to the first stop, the crew began to distribute gear – snorkels and fins

First Snorkel Stop: The Shipwreck Antilla

This is Aruba’s most famous snorkel site and it’s why I chose this tour as I was still not able to dive. The Antilla Shipwreck is one of the Caribbean’s largest and most accessible wrecks for snorkelers. Even though the ship is partially submerged, much of the wreck is visible from the surface thanks to Aruba’s famously clear water!

How deep is the Antilla Shipwreck? The wreck sits around 55 feet deep, but the highest points come up much closer to the surface, making it excellent for snorkeling. But also that depth is deeper than some may be comfortable so consider using a flotation device.

The Antilla sank more than 60 years ago and remains completely intact. Legend says the ship is a 1939 German freighter likely carried supplies during WW2 and was caught in the Dutch waters following Germany’s invasion of Holland.

We spent about 45 minutes here.

One thing that I should have been more mentally prepared for was how crowded it was at this site. There were five or six other boats here which made the experience less enjoyable for me. In order to keep an eye on everyone and to divide up space, the crews of the boats were restricting where people could swim out to so I was only able to explore the part of the wreckage that was in front of our boats. Understandable why this was implemented but it did impact my experience since I was already bummed out not being able to scuba through the wreck.

Note: there were a number of people that had never snorkeled before and the crew did work with them. I was too focused on maximizing my time that I can’t speak too much about it since I was one of the first in and the last out of the water.

Malmok Reef

The second stop of this charter are the shallow waters of Catalina Bay. Here the water was much shallower with depths between 6 – 12 feet with excellent visibility. The conditions are great for beginners or anyone seeking a relaxed snorkel stop with a decent number of small fish.

Off in the distance, the California lighthouse.

Drinks + Souvenir!

Right as we board, the crew begins with offering mimosas and continually filled drink orders during the sail. For many, the allure of this activity is the unlimited cocktails (or sodas for those that do not drink).

Food (AKA Why I Renamed the Tour From What it is Called on Viator)

While it is disclosed in the small print of the overview for the excursion, I can see how having the tour named “Premium Catamaran Morning Sail: Snorkeling, Mimosas and Brunch” can be referred to as misleading. There were fresh appetizers served throughout the tour BUT there were only 4 items served during the time and it was one each of item/person. Luckily I always read through the details so I was prepared and had a hearty breakfast on the cruise ship.

Final Thoughts – A Nice Way to Spend The Morning in Aruba

I did enjoy this activity overall and would recommend it to those who want a relaxing morning especially if you are new to snorkeling. Where else can you snorkel and see a shipwreck so close?

A morning catamaran snorkel tour in Aruba is one of the island’s signature experiences and combines serene sailing, world-class snorkeling, and scenic coastline views. Whether you’re exploring the legendary Antilla Shipwreck or drifting above the colorful corals of Malmok Reef, this tour offers the perfect blend of adventure and tropical relaxation.

But if I had booked the cruise and excursions earlier, I personally would have opted to try a seabob or even tested out my knee with a dive. Guess I have to come back to Aruba =)

Tips for Aruba: Premium Catamaran Morning Sail: Snorkeling with (Unlimited) Drinks and Bites

• Book your tour early especially during peak seasons as tours fill up quickly.
• Go early for the best conditions: Winds typically increase after noon, making morning tours smoother and clearer.
• Waterproof cameras capture the best shots: The Antilla wreck looks spectacular when sunlight filters down into the water.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen: Aruba requires eco-friendly sun protection (mineral-based ie zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) to preserve coral health.
• Hydrate: The Caribbean sun is very strong and adding in adult beverages can be a recipe for disaster. Take it slow and steady and add into the rotation some glasses of water!
• Expect deeper water at Antilla: The water at this incredibly accessible shipwreck may be deeper than snorkelers are used to! If you’re nervous, ask for a life vest or pool noodle. The crew was friendly, supportive and attentive.

Why I Chose to Book This Activity Via Viator

What I Really Spent

• Tour: $80
• TOTAL SPENT: $80

I booked via Viator as I was able to triple stack on this spend: #1-getting rewards on my credit card, #2-getting Viator rewards (5%/$4.00 on the booking that can be used towards a future booking) and the biggie for me #3-getting miles (using the AA shopping portal at 8 Miles/$1)

If You Want to Book This Tour Via GetYourGuide Instead?

Interestingly this exact same tour from the same tour company just with a different name: Noord: Morning Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling, Food & Drinks on GetYourGuide – book the Noord: Morning Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling, Food & Drinks here!

Why You Should Choose to Book Via GetYourGuide

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