Booking choice: The morning pirate sail, from $108 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
On a busy morning you will see several boats anchored around the Antilla and Boca Catalina, all from the same stretch of Palm Beach. The snorkeling is similar; the day on board is not.
Here is every option listed on this site, with live ratings, from-prices and the cancellation terms, which differ more than most people expect.
The quick answer
For the party, the rope swing and a pirate ship, the Jolly Pirates morning sail. For a like-for-like morning you can cancel, Red Sail or Pelican. For a smaller group, Octopus or the Black Pearl. For the lowest price, the Arusun catamaran.
How do Aruba's snorkel cruises compare?
They share the same sites; they differ in boat, food, group size and refunds.
| Sail | Boat | Stops | Food | Cancellation | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jolly Pirates morning | Teak schooner | 3 | BBQ lunch | Non-refundable | $108 |
| Red Sail half day | Catamaran | 3 | Snack and lunch buffet | Free to 24 h | $107 |
| Pelican brunch | Catamaran | 3 | Breakfast and lunch | Free to 24 h | $85 |
| Octopus brunch | Catamaran, up to 34 | 2 | Breakfast | Free to 24 h | $80 |
| Arusun | Catamaran, up to 35 | 2 | Snacks | Free to 24 h | $63 |
| Delphi | Catamaran with slide | 2 | Light lunch | Free to 24 h | $69 |
| Black Pearl | Up to 12 guests | 2 | Lunch | Non-refundable | $145 |
Want the pirate ship? Check dates for the morning sail with lunch and open bar.
Check dates for the morning pirate sailPirate ship or catamaran: what is the difference?
The schooner is the social, themed option with a rope swing; catamarans are roomier, with trampoline nets, more shade and usually a ladder or steps into the water.
The Jolly Pirates' 85-foot teak schooners carry up to 65 guests on the morning sail. Catamarans like Red Sail's take up to 75, while Octopus and Arusun cap their groups at 34 and 35.
Which snorkel cruise includes lunch?
The Jolly Pirates morning sail, Red Sail's half day, Pelican's brunch cruise, Delphi (light lunch) and the Black Pearl.
Octopus serves breakfast, and Arusun serves snacks. Guests praise the Jolly Pirates barbecue in particular; a few Pelican guests found the brunch disappointing.
Which cruise can you cancel?
Red Sail, Pelican, Octopus, Arusun and Delphi cancel free up to 24 hours before on Viator. The Jolly Pirates sails and the Black Pearl are non-refundable.
If your dates might move, or you are in port for one day on a cruise, that difference matters more than the price.
Need flexibility? Red Sail's morning catamaran has three stops, lunch and free cancellation.
Explore Red Sail's half-day sailWhich is best for a quieter trip?
The Black Pearl, with up to 12 guests, or Octopus, with up to 34.
The Black Pearl listing is also marked wheelchair accessible, unlike the Jolly Pirates ship. Guests on the Black Pearl mention stairs rather than a ladder into the water.
Which is the cheapest Aruba snorkel cruise?
The Arusun catamaran, from $63 for 2.5 hours with two stops, snacks and an open bar.
The Delphi catamaran ($69) adds a light lunch and a water slide. Both stop at the Antilla and Boca Catalina.
Which is best for families?
The Jolly Pirates for the rope swing and the pirate theme; Delphi for its water slide; Pelican for breakfast and lunch on board.
See Jolly Pirates with kids for ages and child fares.
So which should you book?
Match the boat to your group: party and theme, flexibility, quiet or price.
- First trip, want the fun: the Jolly Pirates morning sail.
- Plans might change: Red Sail or Pelican.
- Quiet and small: the Black Pearl or Octopus.
- Lowest price: Arusun.
- Kids who love slides: Delphi.
Still want the pirate ship? Check dates for the morning sail.
Check dates for the morning pirate sailFrequently asked questions
What is the best snorkel cruise in Aruba?
It depends on your group. The Jolly Pirates morning sail is the best rated of the big boats (4.9); the Black Pearl rates as high with a much smaller group.
Do all Aruba snorkel cruises go to the Antilla?
Most Palm Beach sails do, usually paired with Boca Catalina. The Jolly Pirates morning sail and Pelican add Malmok reef.
Do Aruba snorkel cruises include hotel pickup?
Generally no: they leave from piers and beaches along Palm Beach. Red Sail offers transfers at extra cost.
Ready to book
Choose your sail
Check the cancellation line: the pirate sails are non-refundable, the catamarans cancel free up to 24 hours before. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Morning Pirate Sail & Snorkel Cruise
- Four-hour sail from 9 AM, back around 1 PM
- Snorkel gear for Malmok reef, Boca Catalina and the Antilla wreck
- BBQ lunch (ribs, chicken, rice, salads, fruit) and an open bar
Red Sail Half-Day Snorkel Sail with Lunch
- Half-day catamaran sail from 9:15 AM
- Three snorkel stops, gear and instruction on request
- Morning snack, Caribbean lunch buffet and open bar
Pelican Brunch & Snorkel Catamaran
Three stops, mimosas, breakfast and lunch
