The short answer: book a morning snorkel sail if you want the best water and you’re travelling as a family, or a sunset sail if you want a relaxed, more adult evening. Skip the afternoon trips (the sun is brutal) and don’t pay extra for a brunch upgrade. Small-group or private boats cost more but feel a lot more personal.
This guide is written by a local who was born and raised on Aruba and has been out with Jolly Pirates, Pelican / De Palm, Dolphin Catamaran, Octopus and Around Aruba. A catamaran day is one of the best things you can do here, but the time of day and the boat you pick change the experience completely. Here’s how to choose.
The 4 kinds of catamaran trips, compared
| Trip | When | Who’s usually on board | Best for | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning snorkel sail | Morning, about 2.5–4 hrs | Younger families and kids | Snorkeling, calm clear water, families | WORTH IT |
| Sunset sail | Evening, about 2–2.5 hrs | Middle-aged to older crowd | Photos, drinks, a relaxed adult evening | WORTH IT |
| Small-group or private sail | Morning or sunset | Just your group, or a few people | Couples and groups who want it personal | WORTH IT if it fits your budget |
| Afternoon snorkel trip | Midday to afternoon | Mixed | Only if it’s your one free slot | SKIP IT if you can |
Morning or sunset, never the afternoon
This is our main tip. Go on the morning trip or the evening sunset sail. The afternoon sun on the water is extremely hot and you are definitely going to burn, even with sunscreen. The morning sun is far more pleasant, and the water is usually calmer, which also helps if you get seasick.
Pick by the crowd you want
- Travelling as a family? The morning trips usually have younger families and kids on board, so yours will fit right in.
- Prefer a more adult scene? The sunset sails usually draw a middle-aged to older crowd and a calmer, social vibe.
- On a budget and happy in a group? A regular sunset sail is great value.
- Want more intimacy? Pay a bit more for a small-group or private boat.
Snorkel sails, top-rated on Viator (pick a morning departure)
Dolphin Catamaran Snorkel and Sail with Open Bar
★ 4.7 (2,880 reviews) · 3 hrs
Arusun Catamaran Sail with Snorkeling in Aruba
★ 4.8 (2,678 reviews) · 2.5 hrs
Ratings, review counts and "from" prices come from Viator and refresh daily. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Sunset sails, top-rated on Viator
Aruba Sunset Sail Cruise Aboard The Dolphin Catamaran
★ 4.6 (895 reviews) · 2 hrs
Ratings, review counts and "from" prices come from Viator and refresh daily. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Local tips for a great catamaran day
- Jump in and snorkel. Even if you’re unsure, do it. The water is amazing and it will make your trip so much more enjoyable.
- Sit on the front nets if you get the chance. It’s a vibe (and yes, you might get splashed).
- Wear coral-safe sunscreen and reapply. Aruba protects its reefs, and the sun out there is strong.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water between the rum punches.
- Get out of your comfort zone. Talk to the people next to you. Some of the best moments on these boats are the people you meet.
Is the brunch or lunch upgrade worth it?
Usually not. The champagne brunch and lunch cruises run longer and cost more, but most of the extra money goes on food, not more time in the water. If snorkeling is the goal, a regular morning snorkel sail gives you the same reef and wreck stops for less. Book the brunch cruise only if a long, social day on the boat with a full meal is exactly what you want. Our sunset sail vs. brunch cruise guide compares the two in detail.
What to expect on board
Most trips leave from the Palm Beach area or Oranjestad. Expect some sailing along the west coast, one or two snorkel stops at reefs or a shipwreck such as the Antilla, and on most boats an open bar with rum punch. Snorkel gear is usually included. No sailing experience is needed: the crew handles everything.
What actually varies between boats
- Boat size: smaller boats feel more personal and gear is easier to get to; big catamarans have more atmosphere and a busier bar.
- Snorkel stops: some visit the Antilla wreck, others stay at shallower reefs. If the wreck is your goal, pick a trip that names it in the itinerary.
- What’s included: open bar or limited drinks, a real meal or light snacks. Read the inclusions before you book.
Who should skip it
If you get seasick easily, a moving boat plus an open bar isn’t the gentlest mix; a beach-based snorkel trip is a better fit. Families with very young kids may find a long trip too much, so choose a shorter morning sail.
What to bring
- Coral-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses with a strap
- Water, even if drinks are included
- A towel and a light cover-up
- A dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone
Quick questions
What is the best time for a catamaran tour in Aruba?
Morning for snorkeling and calmer water, or sunset for the views and a relaxed evening. Avoid the afternoon: the heat is intense and it’s easy to burn.
Are catamaran tours good for kids?
Yes, especially the morning trips, which usually have lots of families with young kids. Very young children may find a long trip tiring, so pick a shorter sail.
Do I need to know how to snorkel or sail?
No. The crew sails the boat and gear is usually provided. If you’re nervous in the water, ask for a flotation vest.
Can I do a catamaran tour on a cruise stop?
Often yes, if your ship is in port long enough and the boat leaves close to the terminal. See cruise excursions ranked by time in port before you book.
Fitting a boat trip into your days? Plan My Day builds a free day plan from local picks and real tour times, so your sail lands in the morning or at sunset, not the hottest hours.
We may earn a commission if you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our verdicts.
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