Premium Catamaran Morning Sail: Snorkeling, Mimosas and Brunch

The main draw is the Antilla shipwreck, a 400-foot German freighter resting underwater off Aruba for more than 60 years. You also get a second snorkel stop at shallow Catalina Bay, where fish, turtles, rays, and octopuses may appear.

I like the small maximum group of 34, which gives the catamaran a calmer feel than a packed party boat. I also like the open bar, seat service, restroom, and attentive crew members such as Richard, Jose Luis, Jamil, and Jose. The main caution is the food: it is a series of light appetizers, not a full sit-down brunch, so eat something beforehand if you have a large appetite.

Key points

• Antilla wreck: Spend about 45 minutes snorkeling around a large World War II freighter.
• Two different snorkel stops: The shipwreck can be rough, while Catalina Bay is shallower and often easier for beginners.
• Small-group sailing: The catamaran accepts up to 34 people, with cushioned seating and open sea views.
• Drinks served throughout: Mimosas, cocktails, the Aruba Arriba, and other drinks come from an open bar.
• Light food, not a full meal: Expect pastries, wraps, fruit, and small sandwiches served in batches.
• Easy Palm Beach departure: Check in at the Octopus beach hut, then take a short shuttle boat to the catamaran.

Starting at Palm Beach with a Short Boat Transfer

Your morning begins at the Octopus Aruba beach hut on Palm Beach. The listed departure is 9:00 a.m., with check-in and boarding taking place before then, so I would arrive early rather than treat 9:00 as your arrival time.

The catamaran does not pull directly onto the beach. Instead, a spacious shuttle boat carries up to 15 people at a time from the hut to the larger vessel. The ride is only about 30 meters, or 98 feet, and takes place in water described as calm throughout the year.

That small transfer is worth knowing about if you have limited mobility or are carrying bags. You are not stepping straight from a dock onto the catamaran. The crew handles the transfer, but you should wear practical sandals or shoes that can get wet, and bring only what you need for the morning.

Once aboard, you can settle into cushioned lounge seating with clear views over the Caribbean. There is an onboard restroom, a useful feature on a three-hour sailing, especially if you are bringing children or plan to enjoy the open bar.

A Morning Sail Built Around Drinks and Small Plates

The Octopus combines a snorkel trip with a social boat outing. Mimosas and other cocktails are available from the start, and drinks continue throughout the cruise. The Aruba Arriba is one of the signature choices, and the crew serves drinks directly to your seat.

That service helps the trip feel relaxed. You do not need to keep walking back to a bar while the boat is underway. The crew members also earn frequent praise for being friendly and attentive, with Richard, Jose Luis, Jamil, Jose, Roger, and other crew members singled out for keeping the mood easy and helping people in the water.

Food is served as fresh appetizers rather than as a large buffet. Depending on the day, you might receive muffins or pastries early on, followed by pinwheel sandwiches, wraps, fruit skewers, mini sandwiches, and other small bites. The company describes the offering as six appetizers served in batches.

Here is the practical point: do not treat the word brunch as a promise of a full meal. Some people find the food fresh and sufficient, while others find the portions too light for a morning on the water. If you wake up hungry, have breakfast before boarding. You can still enjoy the food onboard without relying on it as your only meal.

You should also provide any dietary requirements when booking. The information provided does not promise a particular alternative menu, so advance notice matters.

The Antilla Shipwreck: Aruba’s Main Underwater Attraction

The first snorkel stop is the Antilla, a German freighter that sank during World War II and has rested underwater for more than six decades. At roughly 400 feet long, it is large enough to give you a real sense of scale even from the surface.

You receive snorkel equipment, fins, a life jacket, and instruction from the crew. A certified first responder is also onboard. The planned stop lasts about 45 minutes, giving you time to look around rather than making this a quick jump-in and jump-out stop.

The wreck is the most distinctive part of the morning. Instead of only scanning coral and fish, you are looking at a human-made structure that has become part of the sea. Fish gather around it, and turtles, stingrays, and other marine life may appear in the area.

The catch is water conditions. The Antilla stop can be rougher, and several people find it less comfortable than the second location. You may feel the movement more strongly while floating near the wreck, particularly if you are new to snorkeling or not comfortable in open water.

If you are unsure, listen carefully to the crew’s instructions and use the flotation equipment. One useful feature of this tour is that you have a second snorkel stop later. You do not have to force yourself to enter the water at the first site.

For older swimmers or anyone nervous about the sea, staying aboard at the wreck and waiting for the calmer second stop can be the sensible choice. You can still see the site from the boat and enjoy the sailing.

Malmok Reef and the Shallower Catalina Bay Stop

The second stop takes place in the shallow waters of Catalina Bay near Malmok Reef. This is the more approachable site, especially if you are trying snorkeling for the first time.

The crew can provide instruction and help you get comfortable with the mask, snorkel, fins, and flotation gear. A shallow setting lets beginners focus on breathing and looking underwater instead of worrying about depth.

Expect schools of tropical fish and the chance to spot angel fish, damselfish, octopuses, sea turtles, and rays. Marine life is never guaranteed, and visibility depends on weather and sea conditions, but this stop offers a different experience from the wreck.

Some outings produce excellent sightings, including turtles at the first or second stop. On other days, you might see only a few fish. That is the nature of snorkeling, not a flaw unique to this tour, but you should keep your expectations realistic.

The second stop also gives you a useful fallback. If the Antilla feels too rough, Catalina Bay may be more comfortable. If you are a confident swimmer, you may wish the snorkeling lasted longer, since each stop is scheduled for about 45 minutes and the rest of the three hours includes sailing, food, drinks, and boarding.

What the 34-Person Limit Means on the Water

The maximum group size is 34 people. That is not a private cruise, but it is smaller than the large catamarans that carry crowds of vacationers.

The size matters most during snorkeling. You still share the water with other people, but the atmosphere is less likely to feel like a mass outing. The crew has a better chance to keep an eye on beginners, answer questions, and help with equipment.

The catamaran also provides several ways to enjoy the morning without snorkeling. You can remain aboard during either stop, sit in the lounge area, watch the coastline, and order a drink. This makes the outing suitable for a mixed group in which some people want to swim and others prefer to stay dry.

Families can bring children, and one family used the boat with a two-year-old. A small swim vest was available for the child, and the parents felt comfortable snorkeling with their toddler. Still, you should judge your own child’s comfort around boats and water, since the activity includes a shuttle transfer, an open deck, and time in the sea.

The Crew Makes the Difference

The crew receives some of the strongest praise associated with this outing. Richard is identified as captain on several sailings, while Jose Luis, Jamil, Jose, and Roger are noted for their humor, help, and attention.

That matters because a snorkel trip can feel awkward if you are learning for the first time. You need clear instructions, practical help with the mask and fins, and someone who notices when you are uneasy. The crew also manages the drinks, food, boarding, safety equipment, and timing of the two water stops.

The tone is social rather than formal. Music plays during the cruise, and the atmosphere suits couples, families, and groups of friends who want a morning with conversation and cocktails as well as snorkeling.

Service is not perfect every time. A small number of complaints raise concerns about food portions, drink strength, check-in communication, and customer service around missed boarding. The company says the vessels receive inspections every six months and carry required safety equipment. To avoid trouble, arrive early, complete any required waiver before boarding, and do not wander away from the meeting area during check-in.

Is $79.99 a Good Price for Three Hours?

At $79.99 per person, the tour offers a fair package if you intend to use its main features. The price includes the catamaran ride, captain and crew, two snorkel stops, equipment, instruction, life jackets, drinks from the open bar, food, the shuttle transfer, restroom access, and an Octopus souvenir.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, snorkel gear, cocktails, and food. You also avoid the hassle of arranging equipment or finding a second activity after snorkeling.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a full breakfast or a long snorkeling session. The food is light, and roughly 90 minutes of the three-hour outing is assigned to the two water stops. The rest is sailing, boarding, eating, drinking, and relaxing.

I would compare it with your priorities. If you want an easy social morning and will enjoy several drinks, the open bar adds real value. If you are a serious snorkeler who wants maximum time underwater, a dedicated snorkel charter might suit you better, though the information provided does not establish its price or schedule.

A souvenir is included, while an Octopus T-shirt costs extra. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Palm Beach.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Morning

Bring a towel and plenty of suncream. Aruba’s sun is strong, and the catamaran provides broad exposure with limited shade compared with a building or beach umbrella.

Eat a modest breakfast before you arrive. The onboard food can be fresh and pleasant, but it is served as small appetizers. This is especially important if you are traveling with children or know that cocktails make you hungry.

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a dry layer if you dislike sitting in wet swimwear. Keep valuables to a minimum, since the supplied information does not describe dedicated storage.

If this is your first time snorkeling, start slowly at Catalina Bay. Practice breathing through the snorkel, use the flotation aid, and stay close to the crew until you feel settled. You do not need to prove anything by entering the rougher wreck site.

The tour ends back at the Octopus beach hut. There is no hotel transfer, so plan your return to your hotel or next activity after the boat comes in.

Cancellation and Weather Notes

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

The trip requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

That policy makes early booking reasonably flexible, but the strict 24-hour cutoff means you should make changes promptly if your plans shift.

Who Should Book This Catamaran Morning?

I would choose this outing if you want a balanced half-day on the water, with snorkeling, drinks, music, food, and time to sit back. It works particularly well for couples, families, first-time snorkelers, and groups with mixed interests.

It is also a good choice if you like a smaller boat but do not need a private charter. The 34-person limit gives you more breathing room than a large party vessel, while the open bar and friendly crew keep the mood lively.

I would think twice if your main goal is a substantial brunch. The food is light and served in small portions. I would also be cautious if rough water makes you uncomfortable, though the shallow second stop gives you another option.

Should You Book the Octopus Morning Sail?

For $79.99, this is a well-rounded Aruba outing rather than a pure snorkeling expedition. The Antilla wreck gives the morning a strong focal point, Catalina Bay offers a gentler second stop, and the crew adds practical help for beginners.

Book it if you value the small group, open bar, cushioned seating, onboard restroom, and easy three-hour format. Eat breakfast first, arrive early, and treat the food as appetizers. With those expectations, you are likely to get a relaxed and enjoyable morning on the Caribbean.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour begin?

The tour begins at the Octopus Aruba beach hut on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 87, suite 227, in Palm Beach, Aruba.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 9:00 a.m. Check-in and boarding take place before departure, so you should arrive early.

How long does the experience last?

The morning sail lasts approximately three hours and ends back at the Octopus Aruba beach hut.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 34 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment, instruction, and safety life jackets are included.

What are the two snorkel locations?

The tour visits the Antilla shipwreck first and then the shallow waters of Catalina Bay near Malmok Reef.

How long is each snorkel stop?

Each scheduled snorkel stop lasts about 45 minutes.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks from the open cocktail bar are included, including mimosas, the Aruba Arriba, and other drinks.

Is a full brunch included?

The tour includes breakfast and light brunch appetizers, such as pastries, wraps, fruit, and small sandwiches. It is not described as a full sit-down meal, so eating beforehand is sensible.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to the Palm Beach meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.