Antilla wrecks and lunch at sea. I love that you get two snorkeling stops with included gear, and I love the easy open-bar vibe that keeps things relaxed after boarding. One possible drawback: snorkeling is the main focus, so the lunch is more like a sandwich-and-snacks setup than a big sit-down meal, and the onboard music can feel pretty laid back.

Starting at the Octopus Aruba beach hut in Palm Beach, you take a short calm-water shuttle ride onto a 40-foot trimaran, then cruise the coastline before your first 45-minute swim. Most of the best seeing happens at the wreck Antilla and at the shallow Malmok Reef in Catalina Bay.

Expect a small group (up to 34) with safety gear onboard—life jackets and a certified first responder—plus real help getting snorkel equipment on. If stairs and ladders feel awkward for you, ask early for extra guidance.

Quick Takes

• Two snorkel stops in about three hours: Antilla first, then Malmok Reef
• Unlimited drinks on an open cocktail bar paired with a simple lunch
• Snorkel gear + instruction included, not just thrown at you
• Aruba coastline views from the water on a 40-foot/12-meter trimaran
• Short beach-hut to boat transfer via a calm-water shuttle ride

Palm Beach Check-In and the Short Ride Out to the Trimaran

Your tour starts at the Octopus Aruba beach hut area in Palm Beach (J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, suite 227). It’s easy to spot, and it’s near public transportation—handy if you’re not renting a car.

The biggest logistics detail is the transfer. After check-in, you board a spacious shuttle boat that carries guests (up to 15) to the catamaran. It’s a short ride—about 30 meters (98 feet)—and the water there is calm, with little to no waves year-round, so you’re not getting tossed around before you even snorkel.

You’ll also want to be on time. Boarding happens before departure and closes shortly before the boat leaves. If you’re the type who likes a buffer (I am), build in a little breathing room.

The 3-Hour Flow: Cruise Time, Two 45-Minute Swims, Then Lunch

This is a tight, afternoon-style plan: about three hours total. You’re not just sitting at the dock. You sail along Aruba’s coastline, get in the water twice, then wrap back up at the beach hut.

What makes the timing work is that each snorkeling stop is long enough to actually relax into it. You’ll have about 45 minutes at the first underwater site and about 45 minutes at the second. That’s enough time for your brain to stop worrying about the gear, your body to get comfortable breathing with the snorkel, and your eyes to start picking out fish patterns instead of only looking at your hands.

The energy onboard tends to be “chill fun,” not a party bus. Some people love the calm vibe; others wish the music ran more upbeat. Either way, you’ll be spending more time looking down than looking around.

Stop 1: Antilla Shipwreck, Old Steel and New Life

The first underwater stop is the famous Antilla shipwreck. This was a 1939 German freighter sunk during World War II, and it’s still there to explore—an unusual mix of human history and living reef.

You’ll get around 45 minutes to snorkel and take in what’s grown around the structure. The good news: wreck sites often attract fish because there’s structure to hide in and graze on. The result is that you’re not just hunting for something to look at—you’re swimming through a created neighborhood.

One practical note: currents can exist around wrecks and reefs. The crew is expected to keep you safe and comfortable, and you should listen closely if they mention how to enter or where to swim. If you’re new to snorkeling, you’ll do best when you slow down, keep your breathing steady, and follow the crew’s cues instead of trying to race to the far edge of the wreck.

Also, wreck snorkeling can mean a little more “where do I put my feet?” attention once you’re in the water. If you’re nervous about ladders or getting on and off, ask for help before the first swim. That’s not a sign of weakness—it’s just saving time and keeping your afternoon fun.

Stop 2: Malmok Reef in Catalina Bay for Shallow, Colorful Snorkeling

The second stop is Malmok Reef, in the shallow waters of Catalina Bay. This is where the trip often feels easiest for first-timers because the water tends to be clear and conditions can be calmer than deeper reef areas.

In this area you may spot fish like angelfish and damsel fish, plus octopuses and sea fans near the coral. You’re also more likely to notice how reef life uses the space—fish weaving through coral, soft growth swaying with the water movement, and the occasional critter that makes you freeze mid-swim because you can’t believe you just saw it.

Because this stop is in shallow water, you’ll typically have more control over how long you stay face-down versus floating upright. If you want a more relaxed, observational snorkeling session, this is the one to lean into.

Lunch and Unlimited Drinks: What the Onboard Food Really Feels Like

Let’s talk about the thing people get hung up on: lunch. The tour includes a sandwich lunch, and it comes with plenty of snacks. Drinks are unlimited via an open cocktail bar.

In practice, this is an easy “sail lunch” setup. It’s not built like a restaurant meal with courses and waitstaff pacing your plate. Think more like bites you can eat while you’re on a moving boat, then grab again when the crew makes the rounds.

If you’ve got dietary needs, let them know when you book. That matters, because the tour does provide lunch items on board, and it’s better when the crew can plan.

One more detail: the bar runs often enough that people don’t feel like they’re waiting around for a drink between snorkeling moments. If you prefer low-key drinking or none at all, that’s fine too—the tour still works as a snorkeling and scenery day.

Crew and Safety: Life Jackets, First Responder, and Getting Your Gear Right

A big reason this tour rates so well is the way the crew runs the experience like they’ve done it a thousand times. You’ll have snorkel instruction and safety life jackets on board, plus a certified first responder.

What I think you’ll appreciate most is not just that safety exists, but that it’s paired with real assistance. People often mention how patient crew members are with first-time snorkelers. Names that show up in past experiences include Martin, Richard, Jamel, Jose, Davino, Divichi, Alexia, Roger, and Shaka—so if you hear one of those, say hi and ask for help adjusting your snorkel fit.

Boat entry is always the moment that can feel awkward. You may need to manage ladders and steps when getting into the water. The best move is simple: don’t rush it. Ask someone to spot you, take one step at a time, and keep your hands free if you can. If you wear prescription glasses, consider a snorkel-friendly setup in advance since the tour does not mention extra eyewear gear.

The Real Value at $74.99: What You’re Paying For

At $74.99 per person, you’re paying for a package: two snorkeling stops, snorkel gear and instruction, lunch, unlimited drinks, and the safety setup that comes with a crew-led operation.

This is where value can make sense for a lot of visitors. If you add up the typical cost of transportation to multiple sites plus the cost of renting snorkel gear plus the cost of a guided boat outing, the total often climbs quickly. Here, those elements come together under one price.

Where the value may not be perfect is if you’re only interested in snorkeling and you already plan to spend most of your time in one easily accessible spot. In that case, you might compare this trip to simpler shore snorkeling. But if you want variety—wreck plus reef in one afternoon—and you want that boat-and-bar convenience, this price feels more fair.

Who Should Book This Aruba Afternoon Sail

This is a solid pick if you want:

• Two snorkeling sites in a short time without planning logistics all day
• Lunch plus unlimited drinks included while you sail
• A crew-driven experience that helps you with snorkel gear and safety

It’s also a good match if you’re traveling in a mixed group—some people want to swim more, some want to float and look, and everyone still gets food and drinks on board.

You might think twice if:

• You expect a big, heavy lunch. Many people describe it as more snack-based than a full meal.
• You’re hoping for a high-energy party vibe. The atmosphere tends toward relaxing music and downtime.
• You’re very sensitive to ladders and stepping up/down. You can usually get help, but it’s still a sea-boat entry situation.

Tips That Make Your Afternoon Smoother (and More Fun)

Bring a towel and sunscreen—you’re outside for most of the afternoon, and reef visibility plus sun glare can be intense. If you burn easily, consider a hat with a brim too.

Pack smart for snorkeling:

• Wear swimwear under your clothes so you’re not changing in a hurry.
• Plan for secure gear management. The crew provides equipment, but you still need to keep it from getting tangled.
• If you’re a first-timer, take the crew’s instructions seriously and practice your breathing once, early, before you swim away.

If you care about the music vibe, set your expectations. Some onboard playlists lean toward chill background rather than nonstop upbeat. Still, you may hear group singing at times—so if you like a light communal mood, you might enjoy that.

Should You Book This Aruba Snorkeling Catamaran?

Book it if you want a simple, guided Aruba afternoon with two real snorkeling moments—Antilla for the wreck experience and Malmok Reef for shallow reef life—plus lunch and drinks already handled.

Skip it (or choose a different format) if you mainly want a full meal and a party atmosphere, or if ladder-style boat entry will make you miserable no matter how friendly the crew is.

Overall, for the money, the mix of two snorkel stops, included gear, and onboard food-and-drink convenience makes this a practical choice—especially when you’re in Aruba for a short stay and want your time on the water to count.

FAQ

Where does this tour start?

The meeting point is at Octopus Aruba Sailing, Snorkeling, Sunset & Private Tours, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, suite number 227, Palm Beach, Aruba (Noord).

What time does the sail depart?

The start time is 1:00 pm, with the experience lasting about 3 hours.

How long do you snorkel at each stop?

You’ll make two snorkeling stops, and you spend about 45 minutes at each one.

What snorkeling locations are included?

The two stops are the Antilla shipwreck and Malmok Reef in Catalina Bay.

Is snorkel equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkel equipment and instruction are included.

What food and drinks come with the tour?

Lunch is included (a sandwich lunch), and there are unlimited drinks from an open cocktail bar.

Are restrooms available onboard?

Yes. There is access to a restroom on-board.

Do you need to be 18 to drink alcohol?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. The tour also recommends being prepared for sun and water time.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount paid will not be refunded.