Three hours, two snorkels, endless mimosas. This Premium Catamaran Morning Sail from Octopus in Palm Beach mixes WWII Antilla shipwreck snorkeling with a full-service open bar and a real brunch start.

I love that it’s small-group by design, with room to relax instead of shoulder-to-shoulder chaos. I also like the way drinks and snacks keep moving during the cruise, so you’re not constantly hunting for someone to find your cup.

One thing to consider: the Antilla stop can feel choppy for some people, so if you’re sensitive to motion, plan to stay aboard at the first snorkel moment and go in at the second stop.

Key things I’d circle on your Aruba planning list

• WWII Antilla shipwreck snorkeling: a 400-foot German freighter resting underwater for over 60 years
• Two snorkeling stops, 45 minutes each: time to suit up, get comfortable, and still enjoy both locations
• Unlimited open bar served right to your seat: mimosas, Aruba Arriba, and other cocktails without lineups
• Brunch-style food at the start plus snacks during the sail: breakfast and appetizers served through the morning
• Maximum 34 travelers: easier conversation with the crew and a more relaxed pace on deck
• Safety basics built in: life jackets, snorkel gear + instruction, and a certified first responder onboard

Palm Beach start: shuttle ride, quick check-in, and calm water

Most of what makes this tour feel smooth starts before the catamaran even moves. You meet at the Octopus Aruba beach hut on Palm Beach (J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, suite 227). Your ticket is mobile, and you’ll head down to a spacious shuttle boat that takes you about 30 meters (roughly 98 feet) to the main vessel.

The good news: this stretch of water is described as calm, with little to no waves through the year, which helps a lot when you’re matching snorkel gear to your body and figuring out where to store towels. Bring a towel and suncream, because Aruba sun is a fast worker.

Antilla shipwreck: 45 minutes at a WWII relic

The first snorkel stop is the Antilla shipwreck, a famous 400-foot German freighter from World War II. It’s been submerged for over 60 years, so you’re not looking at a modern “photo prop”—you’re swimming around a real wreck, with structure below that attracts marine life.

You’ll get about 45 minutes of water time here, and the crew supports you with instruction and the gear (snorkel equipment is included). I like this setup because you’re not left guessing how long you should stay down or whether the spot is safe for beginners—the crew is there to guide you.

One important consideration: at least a few people have noted that the first stop can feel rougher than the second. If you’re older, very motion-sensitive, or traveling with someone who gets seasick easily, you may prefer to stay on board at Antilla and snorkel Malmok Reef instead. That option exists within the tour flow, since you’ll have a second 45-minute snorkel window.

Malmok Reef and Catalina Bay: shallow snorkeling for fish and turtles

After the shipwreck, the tour shifts to Catalina Bay in the Malmok Reef area. This is the part many people love for simple reasons: it’s shallow enough to feel reassuring, and it’s where you can focus on fish watching without fighting for balance.

You spend another 45 minutes here, and the crew keeps things manageable whether you’ve snorkeled before or you’re new. The tour information says you may spot angel fish, damsel fish, octopuses, and more—plus you might even see sea turtles based on the snorkeling outcomes described by people on past trips.

If Antilla’s conditions aren’t ideal for your comfort level, this stop is your Plan B. The shallow-water setting is exactly why first-timers often relax once they’re in the water here.

Brunch and open bar: what you’re really eating and drinking

This is marketed as a premium morning sail with a champagne brunch feel, and the structure matters. You start with a brunch-style spread—fresh food and pastries are part of the morning setup—plus an open cocktail bar. Then, while you’re cruising between stops, you get fresh appetizers served throughout the tour.

The drinks are a big part of the value. You get unlimited drinks from the open cocktail bar, and people talk about drinks being served directly to your seat rather than making you walk the deck for refills. Mimosas are specifically called out, along with cocktails like Aruba Arriba.

About the food expectations: the snacks are plentiful, but it’s still not set up like an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch. Some reviews describe the food as more average or “light” compared with what they expected from the word brunch, while others say there were enough appetizers to keep them happy. The best way to protect your mood is simple: eat a little something before you board, then enjoy the appetizers as they come.

A small practical bonus: there’s access to a restroom onboard, which is worth its weight in gold when you’re out on the water for about three hours.

The crew and small-group vibe on the Octopus

Part of why this tour gets a high recommendation rate is the crew energy. Names that come up repeatedly include captain Richard, plus deckhands Jose Luis and Jameel. People also mention Jose greeting them at the beach hut, and Roger supporting guests during the trip.

What that usually means for you: quick help with gear, attentive check-ins while you’re snorkeling, and a relaxed rhythm on deck. If you’re trying snorkeling for the first time, that kind of hands-on support matters more than fancy marketing words. One family even mentioned feeling safe with a toddler and being able to borrow a smaller swim vest so everyone could enjoy the water together.

There’s also music onboard, which shows up in the reviews as part of the fun factor—light atmosphere, not stiff or formal. With a maximum of 34 travelers, you can actually talk to the crew and feel like a person instead of a body on a schedule.

Octopus inclusions that make the $79.99 feel fair

At $79.99 per person, you’re paying for more than “a boat ride with some snorkeling.” The inclusions are what make it work as a value play:

• Unlimited drinks from the open bar
• Snorkel equipment and instruction
• Safety life jackets and a certified first responder on board
• Breakfast and appetizers during the cruise
• A restroom onboard
• An Octopus souvenir at the end

When you price snorkeling tours fairly, gear, instruction, and safety staffing add up fast. Here, those pieces are bundled, and the small-group size helps keep your snorkeling time focused. If you’ve ever done a big-capacity catamaran tour where you wait around for your turn, this is the opposite vibe.

The souvenir is a neat touch too—some tours stop at “good luck, see you later,” but here you get something to remember the morning.

Weather, comfort, and who should book this tour

This sail runs for about three hours and depends on good weather. So if Aruba gives you a windy or rough morning, the operator may switch dates or offer a full refund. That’s common for catamaran schedules, and it’s smart to keep your itinerary flexible that day.

Comfort-wise, plan for strong sun and sea time. Bring suncream and a towel, and wear gear that dries quickly. Also, consider how you’ll handle the shipwreck stop at Antilla if you’re prone to motion discomfort.

Who this tour fits best:

• First-time snorkelers who want guided help and two bite-sized snorkeling moments
• People who want a casual “morning out” with cocktails included, not just swim time
• Travelers who prefer smaller groups, attentive crew, and easier deck movement
• Families with kids who want snorkeling options across two stops (and appreciate onboard support)

Should you book Premium Catamaran Morning Sail with snorkeling and brunch?

I’d book it if you want a classic Aruba morning: shipwreck snorkeling, reef snorkeling, and an easy pace on a comfortable catamaran with drinks and food built into the schedule. The combination of two 45-minute snorkeling stops plus unlimited drinks served to your seat is the standout reason this feels worth it at the price.

I’d hesitate only if you’re very sensitive to choppy water at Antilla or you’re expecting a heavy, restaurant-style brunch spread. In that case, you can still enjoy the day by focusing on Malmok Reef and treating Antilla as optional if the conditions feel uncomfortable.

FAQ

How long is the Premium Catamaran Morning Sail?

The tour lasts about 3 hours (approx.).

What snorkeling stops are included?

You snorkel at the Antilla shipwreck and then at Malmok Reef (Catalina Bay).

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks are included from the open cocktail bar, including mimosas and cocktails like Aruba Arriba.

Is food included?

Yes. You start with a brunch (fresh food and pastries) and then get fresh appetizers during the cruise.

Does the tour include snorkel equipment and instruction?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included, and the crew provides instruction.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, restroom access is included onboard.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Octopus Aruba Sailing, Snorkeling, Sunset & Private Tours, J.E. Irausquin Blvd 87, suite 227, Palm Beach, Aruba (Noord).

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pick up and drop-off are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and suncream.

What happens if weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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