A 70-foot catamaran makes snorkeling feel easy. You get three underwater stops (including the Antilla Shipwreck), plus real beach time, and the trip is paced so you’re not sprinting from one thing to the next. I especially like how the crew keeps the plan organized, and how the lunch and open bar turn the whole sail into more of a morning hangout than a chore. One thing to think about: the tour is weather-dependent, so if conditions aren’t right you may be looking at a change of date or a cancellation.

The boat itself is set up for comfort. There’s space up top for sun, plus a lower area for shade, and even a restroom onboard so you’re not stuck making awkward decisions mid-sail. For the snorkeling, you get guided help, and the Antilla wreck area is a strong target thanks to the coral and tube sponges that have made it home for sea life. Your biggest drawback is the schedule style: each snorkeling stop is short (about 30–45 minutes), so it’s not the kind of slow, long underwater session some people dream about.

Key moments to know before you go

• Antilla Shipwreck stop: coral-and-tube-sponge habitat that attracts fish and often sea turtles
• Arashi Beach time: a break on land so the morning feels balanced
• Lunch + open bar included: buffet lunch with beer and tropical drinks on board
• SNUBA option: no certification for SNUBA, with an instructor and a controlled depth for kids 8+
• Small-ish group size: up to 80 people keeps it from feeling like a floating cattle car

Palm Pleasure’s 70-Foot Layout: Sun Deck, Shade, and Real Comfort

This is a half-day sail on the Palm Pleasure, a large catamaran (70 feet long). The layout matters because Aruba mornings can be bright and warm. You’ve got room up top to hang out on the sun deck, plus a shaded lower section if you want to cool off between snorkeling stops.

On a trip like this, comfort is more than a nice-to-have. When you’re hopping in and out of the water, you need a place to dry off, change your focus, and avoid feeling like you’re trapped in a crowded stairwell. The good news here is that the boat gives you options—sun when you want it, shade when you don’t.

And yes, there’s a restroom onboard. That simple detail saves you from the kind of stress that ruins a good day at sea.

Price and Value: Why $124 Feels More Like an Experience Bundle

At $124 per person, you’re not just paying for a boat ride and a quick swim. Your cost includes the sailing excursion, a lunch buffet, and an open bar with beer plus tropical drinks. You also get snorkeling equipment provided, so you’re not stuck hunting gear or paying inflated prices for basic stuff.

What’s not included is transportation to the pier. If you can use hotel pickup, that can make the day easier. If not, it’s still straightforward to get to De Palm Pier, which sits along J.E. Irausquin Blvd between the RIU and Hilton resort area.

A quick reality check: if you were to price these parts separately—boat, gear, lunch, drinks—you’d usually pay more than the sticker price. This is one of those trips where the “included” pieces actually matter.

De Palm Pier at 9:00 a.m.: The Easy Start That Sets the Pace

The sail starts at 9:00 a.m. at De Palm Pier (J.E. Irausquin Blvd 1, Aruba). The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a complicated transfer at the end of the day.

If you’re driving yourself, plan to check in at least 30 minutes early at Coconuts retail store near the pier. The tour also offers pickup from many major hotels—when you book, you select your hotel. If your hotel isn’t listed, you can choose a nearby pickup point or arrange pickup later by contacting the local operator on your ticket.

One detail that affects planning: this trip isn’t set up for most cruise ship arrival times, and cruise passengers aren’t recommended for this schedule. If you’re on a cruise, you’ll want a different day or a different tour that lines up with your tender or dock timing.

Stop 1: Antilla Shipwreck Snorkeling for Coral and Sea Life

Your first underwater target is the Antilla Shipwreck area. This is one of the tour’s major draws for two reasons.

First, the wreck isn’t just a hunk of metal. Over time, coral and tube sponges have colonized the structure. That makes the water around it a true habitat, which in turn draws fish—and it’s also the kind of place where sea turtles show up.

Second, the stop is guided and timed, so you spend your energy actually looking underwater instead of figuring everything out on the fly. You’ll have about 30–45 minutes in the water here depending on how the schedule flows.

What to expect in the real world: underwater visibility can change with conditions, and the amount of fish you see may vary by stop. Even so, the wreck itself gives you an unmistakable snorkeling landmark, so you’re not just scanning random sand patches.

Stop 2: Arashi Beach Break Time (Not Just a Swim Stop)

After the wreck, you get Arashi Beach time for about 30 minutes. This matters because it turns the day into a rhythm, not a nonstop water session.

This is where you can:

• rinse off and reset
• catch a quick bite if you missed any lunch prep (though lunch is onboard)
• take in the shoreline views before the return sail

Since this is still a morning tour, plan to bring your towel and keep sunscreen handy. Aruba sun is friendly, but it’s also fast. If you’ve ever left a day in the Caribbean with that “why am I so red?” feeling, this is your chance to avoid it.

Stop 3: Back on the Catamaran for Lunch, Drinks, and Caribbean Views

The day isn’t over when you stop snorkeling. You’ll spend time back aboard Palm Pleasure getting lunch and relaxing. You also get chances for scenery while you’re sailing, since the catamaran is built for open-water cruising and easy viewing from the deck.

Food is served as a lunch buffet onboard, and the included open bar includes beer along with tropical drinks. This is a nice shift from snorkeling mode: you get to cool down, eat at a normal pace, and enjoy the sea without feeling like you need to be “on” every minute.

You’ll also find a typical onboard vibe—music and a lively crew style show up in how the trip runs. It’s not a silent, hushed nature walk. It’s an active morning with a social feel, which many people love.

Snorkel or SNUBA: Pick the Water Comfort Level

You can do this trip with basic snorkeling equipment, or you can upgrade to SNUBA. SNUBA is a hybrid between snorkeling and scuba. The big idea is that you can breathe underwater without wearing heavy gear or dealing with the same certification hurdles as traditional scuba.

Here’s what SNUBA changes for you:

• You don’t need prior certification
• You’ll be guided by a SNUBA instructor
• There’s a controlled depth experience, up to 20 feet
• A private guided setup allows kids as young as 8 to participate (with the instructor support)

If you’ve never snorkeled before, standard snorkeling is usually the simplest first choice. If you want more underwater time and a more structured underwater experience, SNUBA can be a great step up.

A note on limits: the tour’s general minimum age is 3, but SNUBA’s age and depth setup is specifically described for 8+ with instructor support.

Crew and Safety: Clear Instructions, Good Energy, and a Helpful Flow

The crew is central to why this trip works well. Snorkeling isn’t hard, but it can be awkward at first—mask fit, getting comfortable in the water, and knowing what to watch for. A strong crew turns that into a smooth routine.

You’ll get professional help with snorkeling equipment use, plus safety guidance before you head out for each stop. You also get onboard commentary and explanations during the day, which adds meaning to what you’re seeing—especially at the wreck site where the structure attracts sea life.

One name pops up a lot in the positive energy around the boat: Cesar. He’s described as funny, upbeat, and helpful, and his style seems to match the overall atmosphere of the Palm Pleasure experience.

What to Bring: Reef-Friendly Sunblock and a Towel You Actually Like

If you want the day to feel easy, pack like this:

• a beach towel
• sunscreen, ideally reef-friendly
• swimsuit under your clothes
• comfortable walking shoes (for moving around the pier and boat)

You don’t have to bring snorkeling gear. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, which is a huge time-saver. Still, having the right clothing and sun protection makes a difference because you’ll be out in the sun between stops and while you’re sailing.

Best for Families, First-Time Snorkelers, and People Who Want a “No Stress” Morning

This is a smart fit if you:

• want a structured snorkeling day with onboard lunch and drinks
• like the idea of multiple snorkeling spots instead of one long stop
• have kids or teens who might do better with a schedule and activities built in
• want a group-size that feels active but not chaotic (the max is 80)

It’s also a good choice if you’re a first-time snorkeler and want guided help for the basics. You’ll spend time at the wreck and beach, so even if underwater isn’t your favorite moment, the day still gives you land time and a relaxing sail.

Where you might want to skip it: if you’re locked to a cruise ship docking window, this schedule likely won’t line up. And if your dream is long, slow underwater hanging, the short stop durations won’t match that style.

Should You Book the Palm Pleasure Aruba Morning Snorkel?

If you want a half-day Aruba experience that mixes real snorkeling, a shipwreck landmark, and a proper onboard lunch with an open bar, this is a strong pick. The value is solid because the “extras” (food, drinks, gear) aren’t tacked on—they’re part of the package.

Book it if you’re flexible about the pace, happy with about a half hour to snorkel at each stop, and you want a comfortable catamaran morning with organized help and good energy. Skip it if your trip timing is based on cruise arrivals, or if you’re hoping for a long, slow underwater session with lots of time staying in one place.

FAQ

How long is the Aruba Morning Snorkel Sail on the Palm Pleasure?

It runs about 4 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start and where do we meet?

It starts at 9:00 a.m. at De Palm Pier (J.E. Irausquin Blvd 1, Aruba).

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes sailing, a lunch buffet, an open bar with beer, local taxes, and use of snorkeling equipment.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is included at most major hotels. You choose your hotel when confirming your reservation.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

No prior experience is required for standard participation. If you choose SNUBA, you also do not need certification.

Where will we snorkel?

You’ll snorkel at the Antilla Shipwreck, Boca Catalina, and the Arashi reef.

Can I upgrade to SNUBA, and how does it work?

Yes. SNUBA is offered as an upgrade. It’s a hybrid of snorkeling and scuba where you can breathe easily underwater without heavy gear, with an instructor. The described experience goes to a depth of 20 feet, and it’s available for kids as young as 8 with instructor help.

What’s the minimum age for the tour?

The minimum age is 3 years.

Are restrooms available onboard?

Yes. Restroom facilities are available on the catamaran.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Funchal Bay: Dolphin & Whale Watch Luxury Catamaran CruiseBarcelona: Catamaran Cruise with optional Live Jazz MusicSailing boat from Santa Teresa di Gallura to the Maddalena ArchipelagoSunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove