REVIEW · ARUBA
Premium Catamaran Morning Sail: Snorkeling, Mimosas and Brunch
Book on Viator →Operated by Octopus Snorkeling, Sailing & Sunset Tours - Private Charter - Boat Rental · Bookable on Viator
A shipwreck and mimosas in three hours. On the Octopus catamaran from Palm Beach, you get unlimited open-bar drinks and WWII wreck snorkeling plus brunch-style food, all while you cruise the calm Caribbean. One thing to keep in mind: the Antilla stop can feel a bit rough at the water level, so choose your entry calmly.
I like the small group size (max 34) because it feels easy to hear instructions and get help in the water. You also get cushioned lounge seating with sea views, plus a real onboard restroom, which matters more than you think on a 9:00 am start.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Care About
- Catamaran Morning Sail Value: What $79.99 Really Buys You
- The 9:00 am Start at Palm Beach (and the Quick Trip to the Boat)
- Onboard Comfort: Seats, Restroom, and Safety You Can Feel
- Stop 1: Antilla Shipwreck Snorkeling (WWII Relic, 45 Minutes)
- Stop 2: Malmok Reef and Catalina Bay (45 Minutes of Fish Time)
- Open Bar on a Catamaran: Mimosas, Aruba Arriba, and Real Service
- Food and Brunch Style Snacks: What Included Really Means
- Crew and Vibe: What Makes the Experience Feel Smooth
- Timing, Water Conditions, and Snorkeling Comfort: How to Plan Your Morning
- Who Should Book This and Who Might Want a Different Option
- Book It or Skip It: My Decision Guide
- FAQ
- How long is the Premium Catamaran Morning Sail in Aruba?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- What’s included with the snorkeling?
- Are drinks included?
- How big is the group?
- Is hotel pickup included?
Key Highlights You’ll Care About
- Two major snorkel stops: the Antilla shipwreck and Malmok Reef at Catalina Bay
- Unlimited open-bar drinks served right to your seat, including mimosas and Aruba Arriba
- 45 minutes at each snorkel site so you’re not rushed through either experience
- Intimate group size with a maximum of 34 travelers
- Snorkel gear and instruction included, plus safety life jackets and a certified first responder
- Brunch-style food with snacks throughout and an Octopus souvenir included
Catamaran Morning Sail Value: What $79.99 Really Buys You
For Aruba, this tour is priced like a “real activity,” not just a quick boat ride. At $79.99 per person, you’re paying for three things that add up fast elsewhere: two guided snorkel stops, unlimited drinks, and food that keeps coming.
Most half-day snorkel tours sell the water part. This one adds a full morning social vibe—mimosas, cocktails, and breakfast-brunch items—so you’re not scrambling for lunch afterward. You’re also not stuck with a huge cattle-car group. The max of 34 people gives it a more relaxed rhythm, especially when you’re gearing up and getting in and out of the water.
The deal only works best if you’re happy with a “brunch on the boat” style setup—snacks and appetizers plus breakfast items—rather than a full sit-down meal with every course. If you’re the type who needs a big, heavy brunch to function, I’d still plan to eat something light before you arrive.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Aruba
The 9:00 am Start at Palm Beach (and the Quick Trip to the Boat)
The morning begins at the Octopus Aruba beach hut area on Palm Beach, at J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, suite 227. The stated start time is 9:00 am, and you’re expected to check in ahead of boarding.
One detail I appreciate is how you get to the catamaran: you board via a spacious shuttle boat (up to 15 people) for a short ride—about 30 meters / 98 feet. The sea there is described as calm, “as quiet as a lake” with little to no waves most of the year. That matters for comfort right at the start, especially if you’re traveling with kids or you’re new to boats.
Bring a towel and suncream. Do yourself a favor and show up thinking about sun exposure. Aruba mornings can feel bright and hot, fast. Also, keep any dietary needs in mind when booking, since the tour asks for that information ahead of time.
Onboard Comfort: Seats, Restroom, and Safety You Can Feel
The catamaran setup is aimed at comfort during a 3-hour cruise. You’ll have cushioned lounge seating with unobstructed sea views, so even if you take a break between swims, you’re still in the experience.
You’re not just handed gear and sent off. You get snorkel equipment and instruction, plus safety life jackets. A certified first responder is included as well, which is reassuring when you’re snorkeling near wreck structure and coral edges.
And yes, there’s a restroom onboard. On a morning cruise with two water stops, that alone can save your mood—and your timing.
Stop 1: Antilla Shipwreck Snorkeling (WWII Relic, 45 Minutes)
The first snorkel stop is the Antilla wreck, the headline underwater site. This is a 400-foot German freighter from World War II, sitting underwater for over 60 years. You’ll spend about 45 minutes exploring the wreck area.
Why it’s special: it turns snorkeling into something you can’t get from a normal reef. You’re not just watching fish pass by—you’re swimming around a large, intact structure that’s basically a time capsule. The Antilla often attracts marine life, so even if you’re not hunting for big animals, you usually get a mix of corals, fish, and that wow feeling of being near something huge.
Practical consideration: this is the stop where some people feel the water may be less smooth. One common tip from real-life experience is to treat this like the “tougher entry” stop. If conditions feel choppy, you can still enjoy the boat portion and swim when you feel ready. With fins and flotation support, it’s usually doable for first-timers—but your best approach is calm timing.
If you’re with a family, this stop can be more challenging for the very youngest swimmers. You’ll have crew help, but younger kids may prefer the second, calmer-feeling site.
Stop 2: Malmok Reef and Catalina Bay (45 Minutes of Fish Time)
After the wreck, you head to shallow water at Catalina Bay in Malmok Reef. This is the stop designed for easier, more relaxed snorkeling. You’re given another 45 minutes, and the crew provides guidance for swimmers of different comfort levels.
What to look for here: the reef area is known for colorful fish and chances to spot marine life like turtles. You may also see octopuses and other small reef residents, depending on the day and water visibility. The goal is simple—more time watching marine life close up, less time thinking about currents and entry angles.
If you’re new to snorkeling, I’d put your confidence here. The shallow setting makes it easier to control your breathing and body position. You can also practice getting comfortable with mask and fins without feeling rushed.
A good move: plan your energy. If you know you’ll be excited at the wreck but also a bit nervous, snorkel the first stop at your pace and keep your second stop for relaxed observation.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Aruba
Open Bar on a Catamaran: Mimosas, Aruba Arriba, and Real Service
This is the part many people remember when they talk about the tour later. There’s an open cocktail bar and drinks are described as unlimited and served to your seat. Expect a mix of cocktails and the classic Aruba-style drinks, including mimosas and a cocktail called Aruba Arriba.
The service style is key. You’re not waiting in line for a drink while everyone else is out snorkeling. Having someone bring drinks to you keeps the whole morning flowing.
One thing to watch: taste strength can vary with any open bar setup. Some people report watered-down drinks, while others say the drinks were strong and tasty. The best strategy is to pace yourself from the start and remember you’re on a boat with sun and snorkeling. Hydrate, then enjoy.
Food and Brunch Style Snacks: What Included Really Means
The tour is promoted as a premium brunch cruise, and you do get breakfast-brunch items plus snacks throughout. The description highlights Champagne brunch with fresh food and pastries, plus an open cocktail bar.
In practice, onboard food shows up in cycles rather than as one big plated meal. You can expect fresh appetizers during the sail, and one detail I like is that snacks are described as served in portions during the cruise rather than dumped all at once.
Based on the types of items served on board, you might see:
- muffins at the beginning
- pinwheel-style sandwiches and mini sandwiches
- wraps and fruit
- additional small bites throughout the morning
Two useful takeaways:
- Eat a little before you go. Even with plentiful snacks, a true brunch appetite can still catch up when you’re in and out of the water.
- Think appetizers, not a full restaurant meal. If you’re expecting a huge sit-down buffet, you may end up with a mismatch in expectations.
Crew and Vibe: What Makes the Experience Feel Smooth
When a snorkel tour runs well, you usually don’t notice the logistics. On this one, the best experiences have the same pattern: crew members keep the mood light, help you gear up, and keep an eye on everyone during the swims.
In the same way you’d want a good group guide on a land tour, you want friendly instruction at the water. People often highlight crew members such as Richard (captain) and deckhands like Jose Luis and Jameel for making the experience feel organized and fun.
Music shows up too. If you like a good soundtrack while you’re cruising between stops, you’ll probably be happy here.
Timing, Water Conditions, and Snorkeling Comfort: How to Plan Your Morning
This trip is about 3 hours total. You get two distinct snorkeling sessions, each about 45 minutes, plus cruising time, food time, and drink time.
To make it enjoyable:
- Bring sun protection (you’re specifically asked to bring suncream).
- Have your gear squared away quickly at the start so you don’t spend precious minutes figuring it out.
- Decide in advance what you want from each stop: excitement at the wreck, calmer fish watching at Malmok/Catalina Bay.
If you’re traveling with kids or a toddler, the tour is described as usable for most travelers and there’s evidence it can work for young children when parents are ready with swim aids and supervision. Younger kids may prefer staying near the calmer areas, but the crew can help you manage the experience.
Who Should Book This and Who Might Want a Different Option
This tour fits best if you want:
- guided snorkeling at two Aruba hotspots in one morning
- unlimited drinks as part of the atmosphere
- a small group where you aren’t fighting for attention
- brunch-style food and an onboard hangout vibe
It may be less ideal if you:
- expect a full, heavy brunch meal like a buffet
- get motion-sensitive and want to avoid any choppy-feeling water at the wreck stop
- prefer long, uninterrupted snorkeling sessions instead of two 45-minute windows
If your priority is a quiet snorkeling-only day, you might feel this is more party-brunch than “wander the reef for hours.” But if your ideal morning includes sun, sea, drinks, and a guided plan, this one is built for you.
Book It or Skip It: My Decision Guide
I’d book this if you want a high-value Aruba morning that combines Antilla wreck snorkeling, Malmok reef shallow water, and a drinks-and-brunch atmosphere in a small group. The inclusion of snorkel instruction, safety gear, and restroom access makes it feel more complete than a bare-bones excursion.
I’d think twice if you’re coming in with a very specific expectation of a big sit-down brunch or if you’re sensitive to water movement at the first stop. In that case, you can still enjoy it, but you’ll want to be mentally ready to take the first swim at your pace—or possibly skip it and save your energy for Malmok/Catalina Bay.
FAQ
How long is the Premium Catamaran Morning Sail in Aruba?
It runs for about 3 hours.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at the Octopus Aruba Sailing, Snorkeling, Sunset & Private Tours location at J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, suite 227, Palm Beach, Aruba (Noord). It ends back at the same meeting point.
What’s included with the snorkeling?
You get snorkel equipment and instruction, plus safety life jackets and a certified first responder.
Are drinks included?
Yes. There’s an open cocktail bar with unlimited drinks served during the cruise.
How big is the group?
The maximum group size is 34 travelers.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll meet at the beach hut meeting point.
If you tell me what month you’re going and whether you’re a first-time snorkeler (or traveling with kids), I can help you decide if the Antilla stop timing will feel comfortable for your group.
