A schooner day with cocktails beats most plans. You cruise Aruba’s southern coast and into the Spanish Lagoon, with snorkeling, kayaking options, and a rope swing.

I love the unlimited open bar and the way the crew keeps things moving without rushing you. I also love that the onboard chef turns lunch into a real meal, timed for when you’re hungry after time in the water.

One consideration: this is an active outing, so if you want a totally hands-off, sit-only day, you may find the swim and snorkeling portions less comfortable.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Pelican Pier departure makes the whole day feel easy from the start.
• Open bar, plus a champagne glass keeps the mood relaxed while you sail.
• Snorkeling gear and kayaks are included so you’re not paying extra for equipment.
• Rope swinging is a signature moment and a big hit with most people.
• Small-group limit (max 36) helps the boat feel comfortable, not packed.
• Light breakfast first, lunch later means you’ll be ready for water time without feeling heavy.

Pelican Pier to Spanish Lagoon: How the Day Actually Runs

This is a 5-hour schooner cruise with a clear rhythm: sail out, get into the water, eat well, then cruise back. The start is at Pelican Pier / Pelican Nest Restaurant in Noord, with a 10:00 am departure. If you’re the type who hates scrambling, show up early enough to check in and get settled before the boat leaves.

Once you’re underway, you’ll start with views along Aruba’s south coast. It’s the kind of scenery you can watch without thinking too hard: coastline lines, bright water, and the slow feeling you only get when you’re not stuck in a car.

The Spanish Lagoon segment is where the day shifts gears. You’ll have options like swimming or doing a guided snorkeling or kayaking experience in calm areas and reefy spots. The tour keeps it flexible, but the overall theme is still water time, so bring the mindset that you’re there to do at least one active thing.

The Chef’s Lunch (Why Food Here Feels Different)

The biggest “surprise” value is how seriously they take the meal. You’re not just getting food to fill space. You get a lunch buffet that’s served later in the cruise, after water activities, with a mix of grilled items and sides.

From what I’ve seen people rave about, the lunch often includes skewers like chicken, beef, and mahi-mahi, plus salads and bread options. One review even called out chicken and veggie skewers and pasta salad, which lines up with the general “buffet with choices” feel. There’s also a vegetarian option available if you tell them at booking.

The timing matters. Breakfast is light, then you head into water activities while you’re not weighed down. After you’re back on deck, the smells of cooking do their job fast, because your appetite has had time to build.

If you’re picky about food timing on trips, this is set up in a smarter way than many excursions: light start, real lunch after snorkeling or kayaking.

Unlimited Drinks and Signature Cocktails That Don’t Feel Like Watered-Down Fun

The open bar here is not a token add-on. You get unlimited drinks, plus there’s a glass of champagne included. That sets the tone early: this is meant to feel like a day off, not a checklist.

What stands out is that the drinks are treated like they matter. People specifically mention that cocktails were better than the usual rum punch situation. The crew also tends to keep the vibe fun with music onboard, and you can often find a mix of styles (some nights play more upbeat island-energy playlists).

Two practical things I like about this setup:

• You can pace yourself. You’re sailing, not stuck in a crowded bus schedule.
• You can choose your lane. If you want cocktails, great. If you want beer or a lighter drink, that’s usually part of the open bar offer.

Also, pack a little reality check: even with unlimited drinks, you’ll still be snorkeling or swinging off the boat if you choose those activities. You’ll feel best if you keep the fun drinks, but don’t ignore the sun and water.

Snorkeling, Kayaking, and the Hidden-Reef Factor

This cruise builds in a water menu, and that’s a big reason it’s popular. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the plan includes opportunities for snorkeling in protected or calm-inlet areas associated with Aruba’s Spanish Lagoon region. You may also do kayaking, and you can usually pick your option based on comfort.

If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll likely enjoy the snorkel the most. People describe seeing a variety of tropical fish and coral, and the water conditions can be friendly when the area is calmer.

If you’re less comfortable in the water, you’re not completely on your own. The crew is focused on safety and helping people get to shallower areas if needed. That matters, because the experience changes a lot depending on where you can stand and how you feel after getting in.

One thing to note: you should expect some swim effort even if you choose snorkeling rather than kayaking. So if you’re debating based on fitness, be honest with yourself. The water part is not just for show.

Rope Swing: The Moment Most People Remember

Let’s be real: the rope swing is often the highlight. Even when people are only semi-sure about doing it, the fact that it’s an included activity and a proper “off the boat” moment makes it memorable.

The swing works best if you’re feeling playful and you’re okay with a quick, physical thrill. It’s also one of the few activities where the entire boat tends to participate in the same kind of energy: watching, laughing, cheering, and then taking your turn.

If you’re traveling with friends or solo, this is also a social magnet. It’s the easiest way to break the “I’m here quietly” mode, because everyone shares the same action moment.

If you’re prone to motion discomfort, consider trying the swing later in the day when you’re used to the boat’s movement. And if you’re not comfortable doing it, you can still enjoy the sailing, snorkeling (if you choose), and swimming in safer, shallower conditions.

Boat Comfort, Shade, and Group Size That Doesn’t Crush Your Space

The schooner ride feels like a real day on the water rather than a tight squeeze. The cruise caps the group at 36 travelers, and in practice that tends to feel roomy. People also mention the boat is spacious and doesn’t feel crowded, even with groups onboard.

Shade is another comfort win. There’s typically enough cover to keep the sun from turning into your main activity. Still, Aruba sun can be intense, so bring sunscreen and plan to reapply.

If you hate long waits and slow service on tours, you’ll probably like the crew’s style. People consistently call out that staff were helpful, attentive, and safety-minded without making the day stiff.

Practical tip: bring sunglasses, water-friendly footwear if you like it, and a plan for where you’ll stash wet items. They provide snorkeling gear, but you still want your personal comfort items.

Price and Value at $149: What You’re Really Paying For

At $149 per person, this cruise can be good value if you compare it to what you’d spend on a similar mix of boat time, meals, and water activities.

Here’s the value picture:

• Boat cruise for about 5 hours
• Unlimited drinks (open bar), plus a champagne glass
• Breakfast/light food before water time
• Lunch buffet later
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Kayak included
• Rope swinging included
• Taxes and fees are included in the price

The “not included” list is refreshingly short: hotel pickup/drop-off isn’t included, and towels aren’t included.

So the real question is logistics. If Pelican Pier is easy for you to reach, the price feels more justified. If you have to book extra transport or spend a chunk of time wrangling transfers, value shifts a bit.

My honest takeaway: if you want a well-fed, well-drunk, water-activity day with real food and included gear, this is the kind of excursion that earns its cost.

What to Bring (and What to Skip)

Towels are not included, so pack one if you don’t want to improvise. Also, since the day has water activities, bring what you’d bring for a beach day: swimwear, sunscreen, and anything you want for comfort onboard.

Because it’s an adult-only experience (minimum age 18), you can pack for comfort without worrying about kiddie logistics.

One other practical note: the itinerary starts at 10:00 am, and the cruise doesn’t wait around. If you’re cutting it close on timing, you’ll feel it fast. Get there early enough to breathe, not rush.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This cruise is best for adults who want a mix of sailing + water activities + good food without complex planning. It also works well if you’re traveling solo, because group energy tends to click during the shared moments like snorkeling guidance and the rope swing.

It’s also a good choice if you like your Aruba day to feel social but not hectic. The crew’s vibe and the small-group feel help with that.

It might be less ideal if:

• You want a mostly seated cruise with minimal swimming
• You’re not comfortable with being in the water at least briefly
• You rely on hotel pickup to make tours easy (you’ll need your own ride to Pelican Pier)

Should You Book This Luxury Lagoon Cruise?

If you’re looking for a day that checks a lot of boxes at once—Spanish Lagoon scenery, included snorkeling gear, kayaking option, chef-prepared lunch, unlimited open bar, and rope swing fun—this is an easy yes.

I’d skip it if you want a calm, sit-and-watch-only outing or if you need hotel pickup and don’t want to handle transportation to Pelican Pier. But if you’re game for the water portion even at a comfortable pace, this cruise is one of the smoother, value-rich ways to spend half a day in Aruba.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you plan to snorkel or mostly swim, and I’ll help you pick the best way to time the day around your other Aruba plans.

FAQ

What time does the cruise leave?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 5 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Pelican Pier / Pelican Nest Restaurant, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 230, Noord, Aruba.

Does this include snorkeling gear and kayaking?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a kayak are included.

Are meals and drinks included?

Yes. You get a light breakfast, a lunch buffet, and unlimited drinks from an open bar. A glass of champagne is also included.

Is a rope swing included?

Yes, rope swinging is included.

Are towels provided?

No, towels are not included.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, a vegetarian option is available if you advise at booking.

What’s the minimum age?

The minimum age is 18 years.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.