Mimosas and two snorkel stops in one morning. This Aruba sail is built around Antilla and the open bar, plus cushioned lounge seating and crew attention that keeps the day feeling relaxed.

I like that the main draw is the real deal: a WWII 400-foot shipwreck (the German freighter Antilla) and a second snorkeling stop in the Catalina Bay area near Malmok Reef. I also like the brunch-at-sea setup—champagne brunch to start, then fresh appetizers and unlimited cocktails like mimosas and Aruba Arriba throughout the cruise.

One heads-up: this is brunch-style appetizers, not a full buffet. A few people felt the snacks were on the lighter side and some said drinks could taste watered down—so come hungry, and don’t expect endless plates.

Key things that make this Aruba morning special

• Antilla wreck snorkeling: an iconic, intact WWII site sunk for decades, with guided help and set time in the water.
• Unlimited drinks, served to your seat: you don’t lose your spot or stand in lines while you snorkel or lounge.
• Two stops, two vibes: the wreck can be rougher; the second stop is shallow and easier for first-timers.
• Small group size (max 34): more personal attention and less feeling like you’re packed in.
• Snorkel gear + instruction included: flippers and snorkel equipment are provided, and the crew supports you in the water.
• Restroom on board + safety gear: access to a restroom plus life jackets and a certified first responder.

Why the Antilla-and-Malmok format feels like the right kind of Aruba

Aruba has plenty of water tours. This one stands out (in a good way) because it gives you two very different snorkel experiences in about 3 hours. You’re not just cruising for scenery and then squeezing in a quick swim. You get real time in the water at each stop—around 45 minutes at the Antilla wreck and again at the second site.

Another big reason to like it: the group limit of 34 people. That matters on a catamaran. With fewer folks onboard, the crew can actually keep an eye on you—help with gear, check who’s comfortable in the water, and keep the drinks moving without turning the boat into a bottleneck.

The overall vibe is casual-luxury. You’re lounging with unobstructed sea views, and the crew plays music while you sip, snack, and snorkel at a comfortable pace. It’s the kind of schedule that works even if you don’t consider yourself a “serious snorkeler.” First-timers can try, and more confident swimmers can make the wreck and reefs the main event.

Getting there: Palm Beach meeting point and the short calm-water shuttle

The tour starts at the Octopus Aruba beach setup on Palm Beach. The meeting point is listed at J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, suite number 227 (Palm Beach), Noord, Aruba. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

You’ll board in stages. Check in at the beach hut, then guests are transported to the catamaran by a spacious shuttle boat (up to 15 people). That transfer is short—about 30 meters / 98 feet—and the water there is described as calm, with little to no waves most of the year.

Practical tips: bring a towel and suncream. Aruba sun is strong even when the breeze feels nice. Also plan for splash. You’re on a boat with snorkel stops, so your hair and sunglasses will get salty if you don’t protect them.

If you’re the type who likes having a plan before you arrive, you’ll also appreciate the mobile ticket format. It makes check-in quicker when you’re traveling with phone in hand.

Brunch on the water: mimosas, Aruba Arriba, and appetizer expectations

The morning begins with a brunch-style setup. You start with a champagne brunch before the boat sails out—fresh food, pastries, and an open cocktail bar. After you’re underway, drinks stay available, and the cruise includes fresh appetizers during the ride.

The drink list isn’t just a generic bar. Mimosas are a highlight, and the Aruba Arriba cocktail gets a callout. Drinks are described as unlimited, and a key operational detail is that they’re served directly to your seat. That sounds minor until you’re actually on the boat: you can keep enjoying the view without trekking to a bar every time you want a refill.

About the food: the tour is described as serving brunch appetizers rather than a full all-you-can-eat meal. Most of the overall experience feedback is positive—people talk about snacks, wraps, fruit, and that the crew keeps you fed. But a few reviews complain the food felt light or that it wasn’t what the title made it sound like.

So here’s the fair way to set your expectations: treat it like “brunch support” for a morning on the water. If you’re arriving from breakfast already hungry, you’ll likely be fine. If you skip meals beforehand, you might feel like you needed more. A smart move is to eat something small before you go—then you can enjoy the appetizers without worrying about getting full later.

Stop 1 at the Antilla shipwreck: WWII snorkeling with a real sense of place

The first snorkeling stop is the famous Antilla wreck. This isn’t a gimmick set dressing. It’s described as a 400-foot German freighter from World War II, submerged for over 60 years. That length of time underwater is why it’s such a popular spot: the structure has been there long enough to attract fish and create a real underwater scene.

You get about 45 minutes here. The crew guides you, and snorkel equipment is provided. You’re also given safety life jackets, and a certified first responder is onboard, which is worth noting if you’re snorkeling for the first time or you’re traveling with kids.

What I think you’ll like about the Antilla stop is the story factor, but also the physical experience. A shipwreck feels different than a reef. You’re not just swimming past coral—you’re exploring a man-made environment underwater. And for many people, that’s the “Aruba moment” they came for.

One consideration: some reviews mention the water can be rough at this first stop. There’s also a tip from an older-group perspective: if the ocean feels choppy to you, consider staying on the boat at the Antilla stop and snorkeling at the second location instead. That’s not a failure—this tour is set up for two attempts. You can choose what feels comfortable.

Stop 2 in Catalina Bay (Malmok Reef area): shallow water where beginners can relax

After the wreck, you head to the shallow waters area of Catalina Bay at the Malmok Reef side. This is the stop that tends to feel easier on your nerves because the water is described as shallow. That’s a big deal if you’re learning how to snorkel.

You get another 45 minutes here, and this is where you’re likely to spend time watching fish in calmer conditions. The information calls out sightings like angel fish, damsel fish, octopuses, and other marine life. Based on the experience feedback, you may also see sea turtles, and some people mention sting rays too.

The crew instruction matters at this stage. Even if your first time in the water feels awkward, the goal here is safety and comfort—helping you find your rhythm, showing you where to look, and keeping the group moving smoothly between boat and water.

If you’re traveling with a toddler or a mixed-age group, this second stop also makes sense. One family shared that their young child could participate and that the crew helped so they could snorkel together. That kind of flexibility is hard to find on larger boats where the schedule is more rigid.

The crew and service style: what good captaining actually changes

A tour is only as good as its people. What comes through here is the attention level. The captain and crew are repeatedly mentioned as friendly, professional, and quick to help with gear and timing.

Names show up in the feedback in a helpful way:

• Richard is mentioned as captain in multiple accounts.
• Jose Luis, Jose, Jamil, Jameel, and Roger show up as crew members who kept the mood light and the process smooth.

You’ll feel that service in the small moments:

• Drinks are brought to you while you’re seated.
• Snorkel equipment is handled so you don’t waste time.
• The crew keeps everyone oriented at each stop, especially helpful if it’s your first time in a wreck or reef setting.

Safety and responsiveness also get highlighted in the tour details: life jackets are provided, and there’s a certified first responder onboard. That doesn’t mean you should worry—it means the operation takes risk seriously, which lets the rest of your morning feel carefree.

How to think about the price: $79.99 is really “snorkel + boat + bar,” not just a swim

At $79.99 per person, the real question isn’t whether the price is cheap. It’s whether what’s included saves you money and hassle compared to cobbling together parts yourself.

What you’re paying for here is a package:

• A catamaran ride for a morning schedule
• Two snorkeling stops with set time
• Snorkel equipment and instruction
• Unlimited drinks from an open cocktail bar
• Brunch-style food and fresh appetizers during the cruise
• Restroom access onboard
• A souvenir at the end

If you’ve ever priced snorkel gear rentals, paid for a guided boat charter, and then added cocktails on top, the math often doesn’t look so bad. The “value” is strongest if you’ll actually use what’s included—especially snorkeling instruction and staying for both stops.

Where people might feel mismatched is if they expected a full brunch feast. Since the format is appetizers and not an all-you-can-eat buffet, your appetite matters. If you’re the type who wants a big meal before you swim, eat beforehand and then treat the boat food as a steady snack-and-drink support.

Who this tour fits best (and who should choose something else)

This is a great match for:

• First-time snorkelers who want guidance and gear without dealing with logistics.
• Couples and small groups who want a relaxed morning without a giant crowd (max 34).
• Families with kids who can handle a short ride to the catamaran and enjoy a second, calmer stop in shallow water.
• Anyone who loves the idea of snorkeling a WWII wreck—Antilla is the headline.

You might want to think twice if:

• You strongly prefer hotel pickup (it isn’t included here).
• You want a full buffet-style brunch with heavy portions.
• You get seasick easily, because even though the transfer is calm, the wreck stop can feel rough for some people.

A simple planning move helps: if you’re anxious about choppiness, set yourself up to enjoy the second stop more than the first. The tour’s two-stop design makes that a realistic strategy.

My decision guide: should you book this Premium Catamaran Morning Sail?

If you want a classic Aruba morning—two snorkeling sites, a real shipwreck, and a steady flow of mimosas—this is an easy “yes” to consider. The small group size, the inclusion of snorkel gear and instruction, and the fact that drinks are served to your seat all make the experience feel smoother than many party-boat alternatives.

My main reason to pause is expectation-setting around food. You’ll get brunch-style appetizers and fresh snacks, not an endless buffet. If that fits your appetite, you’ll likely feel the price is fair for the whole package.

If you like to be practical, do this before you go: eat a little earlier than you normally would, bring sun protection, and don’t assume the first stop will feel as calm as the second. Then you’ll be set up for the fun part—Antilla, Catalina Bay, and a bright Aruba morning on the water.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

The start time is 9:00 am, and the duration is about 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the catamaran?

You meet at Octopus Aruba Sailing, Snorkeling, Sunset & Private Tours, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, suite number 227, Palm Beach, Aruba (Noord). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkel equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included, and you’ll also receive instruction.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited drinks from an open cocktail bar, plus breakfast/brunch-style food and fresh appetizers during the cruise.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there’s access to a restroom on board.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 34 travelers.

What should I bring, and what if weather cancels the tour?

Bring a towel and suncream. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. For cancellations, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.