Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba

Trade beach sand for open water. The Arusun gives you two and a half hours aboard a roomy 65-foot catamaran, with snorkeling at the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay, plus snacks and an open bar. I like the mix of sailing, swimming, and easygoing time on deck, and I like that the boat is limited to 35 people rather than packed wall to wall.

The strongest part is the crew. Captains and first mates such as Amanda, Ronnie, and Gabriel are repeatedly praised for being friendly, funny, attentive, and careful with safety. I also like the simple value: equipment, wraps or fruit, and drinks are included. The main thing to consider is the mood. Music and the bar can make this feel more like a lively boat outing than a quiet snorkeling trip.

Quick Takeaways From the Arusun

• Two snorkeling stops: Visit the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay, with the exact order and conditions dependent on the day.
• A spacious 65-foot catamaran: You can sit in the sun, find shade at the back, or stretch out on the forward nets.
• Open bar included: Whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water are available, along with snacks.
• Small maximum group: The boat carries no more than 35 people, and some departures have been much smaller.
• Shore-to-boat transfer: You check in at Palm Beach, then ride a small zodiac boat out to the Arusun.
• Good value at $63: The price covers a sailing cruise, two water stops, snorkel gear, food, and drinks.

Palm Beach Check-In and the Short Ride Out

The experience begins at the Aruba Watersports Center on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord, near Palm Beach. You make your own way there, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The location is near public transportation, and cruise ship passengers have found it practical to reach by taxi from the port area.

You do not walk straight from the beach onto the catamaran. After checking in, you board a zodiac rubber boat that carries you from the pier to the Arusun. That extra transfer adds a small splash of adventure before the main cruise begins, but it also means you should be comfortable stepping between boats and handling a modest amount of movement.

The crew handles the boarding process and helps with equipment. A safety briefing is part of the start, and the first mate typically helps people get settled. If you are not a confident swimmer or have limited mobility, this is worth considering before booking. The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, and the zodiac transfer may be less comfortable than a direct dock boarding.

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. The morning trip may suit you if you want a fresh start and time on the island later. The afternoon sailing can work well after a relaxed beach morning, though the atmosphere may feel more social as the drinks begin and the music gets going.

What the 65-Foot Arusun Feels Like Underway

The Arusun is large enough to avoid the cramped feeling common on smaller snorkeling boats. With a maximum of 35 people, there is room to move around, though the actual space depends on how full your departure is. Some outings have had only eight or nine people, creating an almost private feel, while a full boat will naturally be more active.

The deck gives you several ways to spend the ride. Sit in the sun if you want a clear view and a warm breeze. Move to the shaded rear area when the tropical heat catches up with you. The nets at the front are the classic catamaran spot, letting you sit above the water as the boat moves.

I like this setup because you are not locked into one seat for the whole outing. The cruise has a natural rhythm: ride, relax, swim, eat, and ride again. You can take in the coast without treating every minute as an organized activity.

The crew is a major part of the atmosphere. Amanda and Ronnie are praised for combining humor with clear instructions, while Gabriel and Ronnie are noted for being attentive on a smaller morning departure. Names and staffing can change, but the pattern is clear: expect an involved two-person crew rather than a distant captain who stays at the helm.

The boat can also be lively. Some departures include club-style music, and the open bar encourages a party mood. If you want a quiet sail with soft conversation and long stretches of silence, this may not be your best fit. If you enjoy music, friendly banter, and an easy social setting, that same energy will likely work in your favor.

Antilla Shipwreck: The Main Snorkeling Stop

The Antilla Shipwreck is the signature stop. The wreck sits in the water off Aruba and gives the snorkeling a clear point of interest beyond ordinary reef fish. You are not simply swimming around a patch of coral. You are looking down at a large sunken ship, with fish and marine life around it.

Conditions matter here. The wreck can attract swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers, so the area may feel busy. Water movement can also affect visibility and comfort. On a good day, the wreck is easy to see, with fish moving around the structure and coral growing across parts of it.

You receive snorkel equipment as part of the price. The gear includes fins, and one particularly useful tip is to use them. They make it easier to move through current and stay with the group, especially near the wreck. The crew helps with equipment and gives safety instructions, which is helpful if you are new to snorkeling.

Do not book this expecting guaranteed sea turtles or perfect visibility. Turtles have appeared for some outings, especially around the second stop, but marine life changes from day to day. Fish, coral, and the wreck are the reliable attractions. A few outings have had less-than-ideal conditions and still managed to make both water stops, but the quality of your swim depends on weather, current, and sea conditions.

Catalina Bay for Fish, Reef, and a Second Swim

The second stop is Catalina Bay, also referred to as Boca Catalina in the tour responses. It offers a different kind of snorkeling from the shipwreck. The Antilla gives you a large underwater structure to inspect, while Catalina Bay is shallower and more open, with reef areas, fish, and a better chance to casually explore.

This contrast is one of the smartest parts of the route. You get one dramatic stop and one easier, more natural swim. Several outings have produced schools of fish, parrotfish, coral, and sea turtles near Catalina Bay. One turtle was spotted just as the boat was leaving, a useful reminder that wildlife sightings cannot be scheduled like a museum visit.

The water is often described as clear and comfortable, but you should keep expectations sensible. Aruba’s conditions can change, and current may be strong. One family found the snorkeling manageable for teenagers even with a strong current, while another person described snorkeling as intimidating at first. The crew’s help makes a difference, but you still need to feel reasonably comfortable in open water.

There is also time to stay aboard if you prefer not to snorkel every minute. You can sit in the shade, enjoy a drink, or watch the coast from the deck. That flexibility makes the cruise more suitable for mixed groups, provided everyone can manage the boat transfer and basic physical demands.

Snacks and the Included Open Bar

The food is light rather than a full meal. Wraps, small sandwiches, and fruit have been served, giving you something useful between the water stops. The snacks are practical for a two-and-a-half-hour outing, but you should not treat this as a lunch cruise.

The open bar includes whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water. Rum punch and a captain’s special have been popular choices. The drinks are included from the start of the cruise, and the bar is one reason the $63 price feels strong for many people.

You should pace yourself. Alcohol, sun, wind, and swimming can work together quickly, especially on an afternoon departure. Drink water, use sunscreen, and be careful around the boat’s edges. The tour is built for fun, but good judgment matters more once you enter the water.

I also appreciate that the food and drinks are part of the stated price rather than a series of extras. There are no required photo packages or upgrade pitches mentioned in the supplied experience details. That keeps the outing straightforward.

Is $63 a Fair Price?

At $63 per person, the Arusun offers a solid package. You get approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes on the water, a large catamaran, two snorkeling stops, equipment, snacks, and an unlimited open bar with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

The value improves if you plan to drink, need snorkel gear, or want both sailing and swimming in one booking. Paying separately for a boat ride, equipment rental, snacks, and drinks could easily make a similar day more complicated. Here, the price is clear and most of the main costs are handled upfront.

The value is less convincing if you want a serious, quiet snorkeling session. The cruise has a social bar atmosphere, music may be loud, and the Antilla can be crowded with other water users. A dedicated reef trip might suit you better if underwater time matters more than sailing and relaxation.

Small groups make this especially attractive. A departure with eight or nine people can feel remarkably personal for a shared excursion, and one small group was not canceled despite having only eight participants. You cannot count on such a low number, but the 35-person maximum keeps the advertised capacity reasonable.

Who Should Book the Arusun?

I would recommend this for couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and cruise ship passengers wanting a short outing near Palm Beach. It works well for people who want a little of everything: boat time, snorkeling, scenery, snacks, drinks, and an outgoing crew.

Older children and teenagers may enjoy the mix of adventure and free time. The supplied experiences include children ages 10 and 5 having a good time, but another account advises caution with very small children or anyone with limited mobility. I would use your own judgment based on swimming ability, comfort with boat transfers, and tolerance for current.

This is also a good choice if you are new to snorkeling. The crew gives safety guidance and helps with equipment, while the two stops let you ease into the activity. Still, you should not assume the water will be calm or shallow at every point.

I would skip it if you want a silent sail, dislike loud music, or do not want alcohol around the main deck. I would also look elsewhere if your top priority is guaranteed turtle sightings. The crew can take you to good sites, but nature makes the final decision.

Book at least 24 hours ahead if your plans may change. Cancellation is free with a full refund until 24 hours before the start time. A late cancellation or change is not refunded, and poor weather or an unmet minimum can lead to a different date, another experience, or a full refund.

Final Verdict: A Strong All-Around Aruba Outing

I would book the Arusun if you want more than a basic snorkel stop but less than a full-day water adventure. The shipwreck gives the trip a clear centerpiece, Catalina Bay adds a second kind of swim, and the catamaran provides enough room to relax between activities.

The crew receives the most consistent praise, especially for humor, personal attention, and safety. The main tradeoff is the party-boat character. You are choosing a friendly, music-filled sail with an open bar, not a hushed nature trip.

For $63, the combination is hard to fault: two and a half hours, two snorkeling areas, equipment, snacks, and drinks. Go for the wreck, stay for the fish, and use the shaded deck when the Caribbean sun starts making its own decisions.

FAQ

How long is the Arusun catamaran experience?

The activity lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at the Aruba Watersports Center, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 81-B in Noord, Aruba.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Which snorkeling sites does the tour visit?

The planned snorkeling stops are the Antilla Shipwreck and Catalina Bay, with the route subject to conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

What drinks are included?

The unlimited open bar includes whisky, rum, vodka, juices, soda, and water.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded.