Three snorkel stops, one easy morning.

On the 70-foot Palm Pleasure Catamaran, you’ll cruise Aruba’s calm water, snack on a real lunch, and spend time at coral-rich spots like the Antilla shipwreck—plus you can sip an open bar while you’re at it. The big appeal is how smoothly the day runs: clear water, set snorkel times, and a crew that keeps things organized (with Cesar popping up in lots of praise).

What I like most is the snorkeling variety and the overall comfort of the boat. You get wreck scenery, reef snorkeling, and chances to see sea turtles, all with simple gear and a short, guided setup that helps first-timers feel confident. I also like the food and drinks approach: the lunch gets described as plentiful and high-quality, and the open bar gets credit for actually feeling like a real bar, not a watered-down idea, with Cesar often keeping the mood upbeat.

One consideration: the trip depends on good weather. If it turns stormy, expect changes like rescheduling or a refund, and that can be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule (especially if you’re arriving by cruise ship, since this one isn’t recommended for most cruise arrivals).

Key things to know before you go

• Three snorkel stops with about 30–45 minutes at each site, so you’re not rushed.
• Antilla shipwreck plus reefs like Boca Catalina and Arashi, giving you more than one kind of underwater scenery.
• Open bar, lunch buffet, and beer are included, so you’re not hunting food during the trip.
• Cesar (and the crew) get repeated mentions for friendly, professional, and fun hosting.
• SNUBA is an option if you want to go underwater with easier breathing and lighter gear—no certification required.

Palm Pleasure Catamaran: what makes this Aruba snorkeling feel different

This isn’t one of those “hop off, hop on, good luck” boat tours. The Palm Pleasure is a 70-foot catamaran with enough space to spread out—many people like having room to lounge between snorkel stops. There’s also a shaded area on the lower level, which matters when Aruba sun is doing Aruba sun things.

What really changes the experience is the combination: snorkeling sites that are worth the effort, plus an included lunch and open bar that keep the day feeling like a vacation instead of a chore. Even if you’re not the strongest swimmer, the trip is set up to be manageable, with crew instructions and equipment provided.

Price and what you actually get for $124

At $124 per person, the value here isn’t just the boat ride—it’s the bundle. You’re paying for sailing time, lunch buffet, open bar with beer, snorkeling equipment, and local taxes, all rolled into one price.

The one thing to budget separately is transportation to the dock. The good news: hotel pickup is offered for most major hotels, but it’s still worth checking whether your exact hotel is covered during booking. If you’re driving yourself, the departure point is De Palm Pier (J.E. Irausquin Blvd 1), and you’ll want to check in early so you’re not sprinting to the right spot.

For many people, this is the sweet spot: you’re not paying extra for each add-on like food, drinks, or basic gear. That’s why the meal and bar tend to show up in the high ratings—because they’re part of what you paid for.

The 9:00am flow: De Palm Pier, check-in, and how the day runs

The tour starts at 9:00am at De Palm Pier, and it ends back at the same place. The whole thing runs about 4 hours, so you can fit it into a normal vacation day without losing half your day to travel.

Plan to arrive early. If you’re going on your own, check in at least 30 minutes before departure at the Coconuts retail store area at/near the pier. That buffer helps you get settled, get your equipment, and be ready when the crew starts the day’s routine.

Once you’re on board, you’ll cruise between stops while you’re getting your first drinks and getting comfortable with the rhythm of the day. Snorkel time is broken into three chunks, so you get actual underwater time without the feeling that the whole trip is one long wait.

Stop-by-stop snorkeling: Antilla wreck, Boca Catalina, and Arashi reef

You’ll hit multiple sites, and each one gives you a different kind of viewing.

Stop 1: Antilla Shipwreck (wreck snorkeling)

The highlight for a lot of people is the Antilla shipwreck. Coral and other life have colonized parts of it, which helps attract fish, and it’s also a good place for sea turtle sightings. The wreck scenery is memorable even when the fish count isn’t as heavy as you’d hope at that exact spot—because the structure itself is the star.

Stop 2: Arashi Beach (short beach time)

You’ll get a break on the beach. This isn’t just a “stand around” moment. It gives you a chance to warm up, rinse off, and reset before the next water session—useful if you’re traveling with kids or teens who burn energy fast.

Stop 3: Boca Catalina and additional reef time (calm-water snorkeling)

Your other snorkeling time is in calmer, clear water areas like Boca Catalina. This is where you’re more likely to see lots of tropical fish and coral growth close up, without fighting heavy currents. If your goal is “lots of fish” rather than “architectural underwater landmark,” this is the stop you’ll likely enjoy most.

Between stops, the boat ride itself is part of the fun: you’ll see Aruba from the water while you lounge on the sun deck. There’s a lot of music and a lively vibe onboard, including dancing and people digging into the included snacks.

SNUBA option vs easy snorkel gear: choose your comfort level

You have two ways to do the underwater part.

Regular snorkeling

This is the straightforward option. You use the provided snorkeling equipment and jump in during the snorkel windows. The crew helps with basics and keeps the process organized, which is especially helpful if it’s your first time snorkeling in Aruba.

SNUBA upgrade (20 feet, no certification, age rules apply)

If you want to go underwater with easier breathing and lighter gear, there’s a SNUBA option. It mixes snorkeling and scuba ideas, and it’s designed so you can breathe underwater without wearing heavy, typical scuba setup. No certification or prior experience is required.

There’s also a minimum age for the SNUBA experience—as young as eight—and it’s supervised by a SNUBA instructor. This is specifically tied to the De Palm Water sports setup, so you’ll want to confirm availability and details when you book.

In practical terms, I think SNUBA appeals to two types of people: those who want a more time-underwater experience without scuba training, and those who feel a little nervous about staying afloat while snorkeling.

Lunch, open bar, and Cesar’s crew style on Palm Pleasure

This is one of the most repeatedly praised parts of the trip: the food and drinks aren’t treated like a small extra. They’re a main part of the day.

The lunch is described as a savory buffet with enough variety and quality that it feels restaurant-level to many people. Specific menu items get mentioned, like grouper and pineapple cake, which tells me they’re putting effort into the meal rather than serving something basic to keep you fed.

On top of that, there’s an open bar with beer and tropical drinks. People talk about the drinks as tasting good and not feeling watered down. If you like having a cocktail or two during a vacation boat day, this is one of the few times where it’s reliably included.

Now the crew. The name Cesar shows up over and over. People describe him as funny, upbeat, and helpful, and that energy helps the day feel like a party that still runs on schedule. Even when someone wished staff energy was a bit higher, the overall setup stays strong: instructions are clear, and the crew keeps things moving.

Who should book this Aruba morning snorkel—and who might want another plan

This tour is a great fit if you want a balanced day: scenery from the water, real snorkeling time at multiple spots, plus food and drinks included. It also tends to work well for mixed groups—kids, teens, and adults—because the boat experience itself is relaxing even for people who aren’t obsessed with snorkeling.

It’s especially smart if:

• You’re snorkeling for the first time and want structured stops.
• You care about seeing the Antilla shipwreck and getting reef time too.
• You want a half-day activity that feels full, not stretched out.

You might skip it if:

• Weather is a big concern for your schedule. The trip requires good conditions, so a storm can change things.
• You’re arriving on a cruise ship. This one isn’t recommended for most cruise arrivals because the timing doesn’t match well.

Also, keep expectations realistic about underwater life. One review notes that the wreck site had fewer fish than other stops. That can happen because wildlife changes by location and conditions. You’ll still get impressive wreck structure, but if your only goal is maximum fish density, you may find the reef-focused moments more satisfying.

Should you book the Palm Pleasure Morning Snorkel Adventure?

If you want a half-day Aruba trip that’s more than just “snorkel and leave,” I’d book it. The reason is simple: you’re getting multiple snorkel environments, a comfortable catamaran with shade, and an included lunch and open bar that people consistently rate highly. For the money, it’s one of the better all-in-one setups—especially if you’d otherwise be paying separately for gear, food, and boat time.

Before you go, do two things: bring reef-friendly sunscreen and a beach towel, and decide whether you want regular snorkeling or the SNUBA upgrade. If you’re comfortable with the idea of staying in lighter gear and following crew cues, snorkeling is plenty. If you want more structured underwater breathing, SNUBA is the option to consider.

If your schedule is tight and cruise timing matters, or if bad weather could derail your plans, that’s the main reason to look at alternatives. Otherwise, this is an easy, enjoyable way to see why Aruba’s water is so loved.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?

Pick up and drop off at most major hotels is included. You’ll select your hotel when confirming your reservation.

Where does the boat depart?

The trip starts at De Palm Pier on J.E. Irausquin Blvd 1, Aruba. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Can I drive myself to the departure point?

Yes. Check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure at the Coconuts retail store at De Palm Pier (between RIU and Hilton Resort).

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

It’s not recommended for cruise ship guests because the scheduling doesn’t coincide with most cruise ship arrivals.

What snorkeling sites will we visit?

You’ll snorkel at Boca Catalina and the Antilla Shipwreck. Coral and tube sponges colonize the wreck and it attracts sea turtles and many fish species.

How long is snorkel time at each stop?

At each stop, you have approximately 30–45 minutes to snorkel, across three snorkel stops.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes with comfortable walking shoes. Bring a towel and reef-friendly sunblock, and be ready for a morning in the sun.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes. Restroom facilities are available on the catamaran.

What is SNUBA and who can do it?

SNUBA is an option that lets you breathe underwater with easier gear, and it requires no certification or prior experience. The minimum age for SNUBA is noted as eight years old, with a SNUBA instructor available through De Palm Water sports.

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