A catamaran sail is the standard Aruba boat day, and the Palm Beach departures make it simple. On Tiqets, the Octopus Aruba Sailing and Snorkeling venue at Pelican Pier on Palm Beach sells three options: an afternoon sailing and snorkeling trip, a half-day champagne and brunch cruise, and a shorter happy hour sunset sail. The afternoon trip runs about three hours on a trimaran with a captain, crew and a certified first responder, with snorkel gear and instruction included, plus lunch and an open bar. It stops at Boca Catalina and the Antilla shipwreck, the island's best-known wreck. The sunset sail is shorter, around two hours, and is the easy choice for couples who want golden light on the water. All of them run from the same pier, so you can walk from many Palm Beach hotels or take a short taxi. You show your smartphone ticket at the Octopus office and arrive on time because departure is on schedule. Expect a social atmosphere, music and a mix of snorkeling and sunbathing rather than a quiet nature outing. Hotel transfers are not included.
Which trip to pick: the afternoon sailing and snorkeling option is the best all-round first-timer choice because it combines the sail, two snorkel stops, lunch and drinks in one outing. The sunset sail is a lighter, shorter evening trip. The champagne and brunch cruise is a relaxed morning option, aimed more at a leisurely sail than at snorkeling.
On the water: the boat sails along the northwest coast to Boca Catalina, a sheltered bay with calm water and fish, and to the Antilla shipwreck, a large German freighter scuttled in 1940 that now lies in shallow water and is covered in coral and marine life. Snorkel equipment and instruction are included, and power snorkeling is an extra fee. Even confident swimmers should wear the life jacket provided and follow the crew's briefing.
Good to know: the Tiqets pages show departure from Pelican Pier on Palm Beach, with the afternoon trip starting early afternoon, and the ticket is nonrefundable with no rescheduling, so check weather and your plans before booking. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a swimsuit and a towel, and take a seasickness remedy if you are prone to it. Other drinks beyond the included bar are extra. Compared with a dedicated Antilla cruise, this is the more social, all-inclusive option.
What to expect
The experience
A guided sail on a trimaran or catamaran from Pelican Pier on Palm Beach, with snorkeling stops, food and drinks on the longer trips.
Best time
The afternoon trip for snorkeling and lunch; the happy hour sunset sail for golden light and a shorter outing.
How long
About three hours for the afternoon and brunch trips and about two hours for the sunset sail.
Tips
Arrive on time at the Octopus office with your phone ticket, wear swimwear under your clothes and bring sunscreen and a towel.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want a social, all-in-one day on the water with snorkeling.
- Families
- Check age policies with the operator; the open bar and party atmosphere suit adults best, and a quieter sail may suit young children.
- Couples
- The sunset sail is a romantic, easy evening on the water.
- Pair with
- Eagle Beach before or after, and a dinner in Palm Beach or Oranjestad.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours on the boat plus time to reach Pelican Pier.
Good questions
Where does the trip depart from?+
It departs from the Octopus Aruba Sailing office at Pelican Pier on Palm Beach. Show your smartphone ticket there and arrive on time.
What is included?+
The afternoon trip includes a captain and crew, a live English-speaking guide, snorkel gear and instruction, lunch and an open bar. Power snorkeling and hotel transfers are not included.
Where does the boat stop?+
The afternoon trip stops at the Antilla shipwreck and Boca Catalina Bay for snorkeling. Conditions on the day decide the exact order.
Can I change or cancel my booking?+
The Tiqets listing says the ticket is nonrefundable and cannot be rescheduled. Check the current terms before you book.
Is it suitable for non-swimmers?+
Life jackets are provided and you can enjoy the sail without entering the water. Tell the crew if you are a weak swimmer so they can help.
