REVIEW · ARUBA
VIP Morning Delight Champagne Sailing and Snorkeling with Lunch
Book on Viator →Operated by Black Pearl and Blue Melody · Bookable on Viator
Champagne and clear water make mornings better. This is a short Aruba cruise with open bar vibes, easy snorkeling stops, and an included lunch. I love the small-group feel and the fact you don’t have to bring gear to get in the water.
One thing to consider: it’s not a private boat, and the cruise still depends on good weather—so you’re trading total exclusivity for a relaxed, well-run morning at sea.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- Why this VIP morning cruise feels different from the big-catamaran day
- Setting off from Hadicurari Pier (and getting there on time)
- Two boat names: Black Pearl and Blue Melody
- Comfort onboard: padded lounge chairs and close crew attention
- Sailing Aruba’s coast before you snorkel
- Stop 1: Malmok Beach snorkeling in calm, clear water
- Catalina Bay: a second snorkeling site with more fish potential
- Lunch and open bar: how the timing really helps
- Price and value: what you get for $129.99
- Who this tour suits best
- Weather matters more than you think
- Should you book VIP Morning Delight Champagne Sailing and Snorkeling?
- FAQ
- What time does the cruise start?
- Where does the VIP Morning Delight cruise start?
- How long is the tour?
- Is this cruise private?
- What’s included in the tour price?
- Is snorkeling gear provided?
- Do I need transportation to and from the pier?
- What should I wear?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key highlights at a glance
- Small group cap (max 12): more space, easier conversation, less waiting around.
- Malmok Beach first: a calm start to your snorkeling time in clear water.
- Catalina Bay for more fish: a second stop to keep the underwater time moving.
- Snorkeling equipment provided: less packing stress and faster setup.
- Open bar plus lunch included: you’re not hunting for food or drinks after swimming.
- Two snack-and-sip moments: one for fuel before/after snorkeling, plus food service onboard.
Why this VIP morning cruise feels different from the big-catamaran day
If you’ve ever done a Caribbean day cruise where you spend more time lined up and listening to boat announcements than actually enjoying the water, this one is the opposite. The vibe is calmer because the group stays small, and that changes how the whole morning feels.
You’ll be set up for a “do less, enjoy more” kind of Aruba day. You sail out, swim when conditions are right, and then you eat and sip onboard while the sea does its thing. It’s also the kind of tour that works even if you’re not a super confident swimmer, because the snorkeling sites are set up as manageable, swim-friendly stops.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Aruba
Setting off from Hadicurari Pier (and getting there on time)
Your start point is Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier at Berea di Piscado, Noord, Aruba. The boat leaves at 9:30 AM, but you should plan to be there at 9:15 AM so you’re not stressed about check-in and boarding.
This matters more than you’d think. A short cruise means the schedule is tight. If you show up late, you can lose time you’d rather spend in the water or resting under shade.
Also, you’ll want to tell the operator where you’re staying on Aruba. That’s not about pickup here (transportation isn’t included), but it helps them plan communications smoothly.
Two boat names: Black Pearl and Blue Melody
The experience is operated by Black Pearl and Blue Melody. Depending on the day, you’ll be on one of those boats, but the key idea is the same: a small-group sailing that focuses on comfort and smooth pacing.
From what people say, the boats feel clean and set up for lounging. You’ll have padded seating, and there’s shaded space if the sun gets strong. On a morning cruise, that shade is a big deal—especially after you’ve been out on the water and want a cool place to relax while lunch is coming.
Comfort onboard: padded lounge chairs and close crew attention
This is not a cramped, rush-everywhere kind of tour. The standout onboard feature is comfort: padded lounge chairs and enough room to actually enjoy the sail.
The other big plus is service. People highlight how friendly and professional the crew is, and the attention feels very personal for a group this size. That’s helpful during snorkeling too—if you have questions about gear or staying buoyant, you’re not stuck figuring it out alone.
Sailing Aruba’s coast before you snorkel
You’ll start by heading out along the coast of Aruba, on a relaxed schedule that gives you time to settle in before the first swim. The water around Aruba is known for being clear, and this cruise is built around that.
What I like about doing snorkeling early in the morning is simple: the day feels quieter. You’re out while the island still feels fresh, and you can enjoy that slow sail rhythm before you switch into underwater mode.
Stop 1: Malmok Beach snorkeling in calm, clear water
Your first snorkeling stop is Malmok Beach. This is where your morning gets real, because it’s your first chance to see fish in the clear water.
This stop is a strong match for first-timers because it’s geared toward easy snorkeling. You’re not being asked to make a big challenge out of it. The goal is a pleasant underwater experience—floating, watching fish, and enjoying the glide of the water rather than doing anything athletic.
Practical tip: rinse your hands and face after snorkeling if you can, then take a moment to breathe before you move around the boat for food and drinks. Saltwater can make you feel more tired than you expect.
Catalina Bay: a second snorkeling site with more fish potential
After Malmok, you’ll sail to Catalina Bay. The point of the second stop is simple: more underwater time, more chances to spot colorful fish, and a better overall flow for a 3-hour cruise.
This is also one of the parts of the trip where surprises can happen. Multiple people talk about seeing sea turtles, including a turtle seen resting near the surface. You won’t control what you see, but you can absolutely keep your eyes open and enjoy the possibility.
If you like photography, this is a good moment to slow down and watch. Don’t chase fish. Let them come to you while you stay calm in the water.
Lunch and open bar: how the timing really helps
The tour includes lunch and alcoholic beverages. For a short cruise, that’s big value—you’re not spending Aruba vacation time looking for a place to eat afterward.
One detail I pay attention to: what happens after snorkeling. When your body has been in cool water, food hits differently. People also call out the grilled-cheese-style item as a favorite part of the onboard meal, so it’s smart not to overdo breakfast before you go. You’ll enjoy lunch more if you come hungry but not stuffed.
As for drinks, the open bar is a highlight. The overall feeling is “uncomplicated enjoyment”: you can relax, sip, and cool down from the sun while you’re still on the water.
Price and value: what you get for $129.99
At $129.99 per person, this isn’t the cheapest option in Aruba. But you’re paying for a bundle that adds up fast if you do it separately:
- a guided boat cruise (about 3 hours)
- snorkeling equipment provided
- lunch onboard
- alcoholic beverages
- small-group attention with a max of 12 travelers
That’s the real value story: you’re buying convenience plus comfort, not just a swim spot. A big group cruise can feel cheap until you price in the time cost—waiting, crowded seating, and less personal help. Here, the small-group cap is part of what you’re actually paying for.
If your ideal Aruba day is “calm water, gear handled for me, good food, and no chaos,” this price can feel fair quickly.
Who this tour suits best
This cruise fits best if you want:
- a relaxing morning with a small group
- snorkeling that’s set up to be doable (not a high-skill requirement)
- onboard comfort with shade and padded seating
- lunch and drinks included so you don’t build a separate plan
It may not be your pick if you’re the type who wants a private, no-one-else-on-the-boat experience. It also isn’t designed as an all-day party. The tone is laid back.
Weather matters more than you think
This experience requires good weather. If the cruise gets canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important because snorkeling depends on sea conditions, not just sunshine.
If your Aruba trip is tight on dates, this is still a good choice—just keep flexibility in mind. A 3-hour cruise can be rescheduled, but you’ll want a backup day if possible.
Should you book VIP Morning Delight Champagne Sailing and Snorkeling?
Yes, I’d book it if your top goals are comfort, convenience, and easy snorkeling—without the big-boat crowd energy. The biggest reasons are practical: snorkeling gear is provided, you get lunch and an open bar, and the group is capped at 12 people, which makes the whole experience feel smoother.
I’d think twice only if you absolutely need a private charter or if you dislike sharing a boat with other couples/friends during a morning outing.
If you want a classic Aruba morning that feels more like a well-run day out than an all-day production, this is one of the better ways to do it.
FAQ
What time does the cruise start?
The boat trip starts at 9:30 AM. You need to be at the location by 9:15 AM.
Where does the VIP Morning Delight cruise start?
You meet at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier at Berea di Piscado, Hadicurari, Noord, Aruba.
How long is the tour?
The duration is about 3 hours.
Is this cruise private?
No. It is not private, and the maximum group size is 12 travelers.
What’s included in the tour price?
Lunch and alcoholic beverages are included.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you don’t need to pack gear.
Do I need transportation to and from the pier?
Transportation to/from attractions is not included.
What should I wear?
Dress code is casual.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
