Booking choice: The morning pirate sail, from $108 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Families make up a big share of the morning sail's reviews, and the crew is used to children. Guests describe it as family friendly and fun for all ages.
The things to plan for are swimming confidence, the sun, and a bar that is very much part of the adult experience.
The quick answer
Children 5 to 10 pay a discounted fare on Viator (youths up to 10 pay $68 direct), and under-5s are a separate infant band. Children must be with an adult. They can snorkel and ride the rope swing; the crew advises which stops suit weaker swimmers. The open bar is 18+.
Is the Jolly Pirates morning sail good for kids?
Yes, for children who are happy in the water: guests regularly book it as a family trip and describe it as fun for all ages.
One family went with three children aged 11, 9 and 7; another said their kids loved jumping off the ship and swinging on the rope. The morning sail is the best fit for families because lunch is included and the water is usually calmer.
Planning a family day? Check dates for the morning pirate sail.
Check dates for the morning pirate sailHow much do children pay?
On Viator, children 5 to 10 pay a discounted fare and 11-year-olds pay the adult price; direct, youths up to 10 pay $68 against $98 for adults.
Under-5s are listed as a separate infant band on Viator; check the total at checkout.
| Age | Viator band | Direct fare |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 | Infant | Ask when booking |
| 5 to 10 | Child (discounted) | $68 youth |
| 11 and over | Adult, from $108 | $98 adult |
Do kids need to be able to swim?
They should be comfortable in the water: the stops are in open sea, though Malmok reef and Boca Catalina are shallow and calm.
The crew tells guests which stops might not suit weaker swimmers, and a travel blogger on the morning sail reported life vests being handed out at the first stop. Children can stay on board at the wreck stop, which is the deepest and most exposed.
Can children use the rope swing?
Yes, children ride it too, and the crew helps guests get the grip and the timing right.
Reviews often mention crew members by name for helping on the rope swing. Let children watch a few turns first so they know what to expect.
What about the open bar with kids on board?
The bar serves soft drinks to children, and alcohol only to guests 18 and over.
It is a lively boat, with music and a party mood. Families rate it highly, but if you want a quieter morning with young children, a smaller catamaran may suit you better.
Want a calmer boat for little ones? Octopus sails with up to 34 guests and breakfast on board.
Explore the Octopus brunch sailWhat will kids eat?
The morning sail's barbecue lunch: ribs, chicken, Caribbean rice, potato salad, fruit and bread.
Ask for the vegetarian option when you book, and flag allergies then too. Bring a snack for fussy eaters in case lunch comes later than they would like.
How do you keep kids safe in the sun?
Rash guards, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen, reapplied after every stop.
Four hours on a deck in Aruba's sun is a lot for small children. The shaded area on board helps. See what to bring for the full list.
Which Aruba snorkel trips suit younger children best?
The morning pirate sail for the theme and the rope swing; a catamaran with a slide or a smaller group for a gentler day.
The Delphi catamaran has a spinning water slide and a rope swing, and the Pelican brunch catamaran includes breakfast and lunch. Both cancel free up to 24 hours before. More in Aruba snorkel cruises compared.
Decided? The morning pirate sail has the rope swing, turtles and lunch included.
Check dates for the morning pirate sailFrequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for the Jolly Pirates?
Viator lists an infant band (0 to 4), a child band (5 to 10) and adults (11 and over), and children must be with an adult.
Is the Jolly Pirates sail too wild for families?
It is lively, with music and an open bar for adults, but families rate it highly and the crew is used to children.
Can non-swimmers go on the pirate sail?
Yes, they can stay on board at any stop. Weaker swimmers should tell the crew, who advise which stops are easiest.
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
Delphi Catamaran with Slide & Rope Swing
Two stops, a light lunch, a spinning slide and a rope swing
Pelican Brunch & Snorkel Catamaran
Three stops, mimosas, breakfast and lunch
