VIP Morning Delight Champagne Sailing and Snorkeling with Lunch

The best thing about this Aruba cruise is its small size. With a maximum of 12 people, you get room to stretch out on a padded lounge chair, talk with the crew, and enter the water without the crowded feel of a big catamaran. Captain John and the crew keep the mood easy and polished, with snorkeling, lunch, and an open bar built into the morning.

I like the comfortable seating and the generous food and drink service. I also like that the snorkeling stops are described as shallow and manageable, which helps if you are not a strong swimmer. The main consideration is price: at $129.99 per person, you are paying for space, service, and a quieter boat, not simply for a few hours in the water.

Key things to know before booking

• Small-group sailing: The boat takes up to 12 people, giving this cruise a more personal feel than a large party catamaran.
• Two snorkeling areas: You sail to Malmok Beach first, then continue to Catalina Bay for another chance to see fish and possibly sea turtles.
• Comfort comes first: Padded lounge chairs and shaded seating make the boat itself a major part of the experience.
• Food and drinks are included: You receive lunch, alcoholic drinks, and an open bar during the three-hour outing.
• Easy morning schedule: Meet at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier by 9:15 a.m. for a 9:30 a.m. departure.
• Not a private charter: The group is small, but you still share the boat with other people.

A quiet start at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier

Your morning begins at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier, also called Berea di Piscado Hadicurari, in Noord. You need to arrive by 9:15 a.m., fifteen minutes before the boat leaves. The stated start time is 9:30 a.m., and the cruise returns to the same meeting point after about three hours.

Transportation to the pier is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there. The meeting point is near public transportation, but the tour does not provide pickup from your hotel. When booking, be sure to share where you are staying in Aruba, as requested by the operator.

The dress code is casual. Wear a swimsuit or clothes that can handle salt water, and bring anything you need for sun protection. The supplied information confirms that snorkeling gear is provided, so you do not need to pack fins or a mask unless you prefer using your own equipment.

This is not a private trip. That distinction matters. You are buying a small-group cruise with a cap of 12 people, not exclusive use of the vessel. The small size is the main reason the boat feels less cramped, but you should still expect to share the experience.

Settling into the padded lounge chairs

The boat experience begins before the snorkeling does. Several people singled out the padded lounge chairs, and that detail tells you what kind of outing this is. You are not expected to sit shoulder to shoulder on a hard bench for three hours. You can choose a comfortable seat, with shaded areas available if you want a break from the sun.

The tone is relaxed rather than loud. The cruise does not promise music, and one of the clearest differences from larger catamarans is the calmer atmosphere. If you want a floating party with loud entertainment, this may feel too quiet. If you want to read, chat, watch the coast, and take your time, the quieter approach should suit you.

The crew gets frequent praise for being friendly, attentive, and professional. Captain John is specifically named in the feedback, and one account describes him guiding the boat to the first snorkeling stop. The operator is associated with both Black Pearl and Blue Melody, so the exact boat may depend on the departure arrangement.

A small crew-to-passenger ratio also changes the service. You are more likely to get help with equipment, drinks, and getting into the water without having to wait in a long line. That personal attention is a large part of what you are paying for.

First stop at Malmok Beach

The first snorkeling stop is Malmok Beach. The water here is described as clear, shallow, and easy for people who are comfortable in the water but not powerful swimmers. You should still be able to swim and follow the crew’s instructions, but this is not presented as a demanding open-water outing.

Malmok is a good first stop because it lets you get comfortable with the equipment before the morning moves on. You can test the mask, find your breathing rhythm, and look for fish close to shore. The snorkeling is an important part of the trip, but it is not the whole point. The cruise is paced so you can spend time in the water and then return to a comfortable seat.

The amount of marine life can vary. Some people describe seeing plenty of colorful fish, while one account found the snorkeling areas fairly uneventful and valued the sailing, food, and drinks more. That is a useful warning. Book this for the full combination of boat time, easy snorkeling, and service, not as a guaranteed wildlife expedition.

Sea turtles are possible, not promised. Several accounts describe seeing turtles, including one person who spotted a turtle resting. That can make the morning memorable, but no responsible operator can guarantee a sighting.

Catalina Bay and a second chance to snorkel

After Malmok Beach, the boat continues to Catalina Bay. Having two stops gives you a better chance to find conditions that suit the morning. If one area is less active or the water feels different than expected, the second site offers another opportunity.

Catalina Bay is described as another place to see colorful fish. The stops are intended to be accessible, with shallow water mentioned in the feedback. Still, ocean conditions change, and the exact quality of the snorkeling depends on weather, visibility, and sea conditions on the day.

One useful detail is that the crew has adapted the route when weather made the original plan difficult. On a rainy outing, the crew changed locations and still provided snorkeling time. That does not mean poor weather will never affect the cruise, but it suggests the crew can make practical adjustments when conditions allow.

Do not treat the snorkeling as a technical activity. You are not being taken to a remote reef for a long, strenuous session. The appeal is ease: use the supplied equipment, see what is in the water, then return to the boat for a drink and a comfortable ride along Aruba’s coast.

Lunch, grilled cheese, and the open bar

Food is one of the strongest parts of this cruise. Lunch is included, and the descriptions point to sandwiches and snacks rather than a formal meal. The grilled cheese receives special attention, with some people considering it the standout dish of the morning.

You do not need to eat a heavy breakfast before boarding. One account specifically says the food is substantial enough that a large breakfast is unnecessary. That said, the supplied information does not give a fixed menu, so do not book expecting a particular dish beyond the repeated mention of sandwiches and grilled cheese.

Alcoholic drinks and an open bar are included in the price. This adds real value if you plan to have several drinks during the cruise, but it matters less if you do not drink alcohol. Nonalcoholic drink service is also described, although one note complained about flat soda. That appears to have been an isolated service issue, but it is worth keeping expectations sensible.

The open bar helps create the cruise’s easy rhythm: sail, snorkel, eat, and sit back. Keep in mind that drinking and swimming do not mix well. You should follow the crew’s directions and be cautious about alcohol before entering the water.

What the $129.99 price really buys

At $129.99 per person, this is not Aruba’s cheapest snorkeling option. A lower-priced trip may offer similar access to the sea, and one comparison specifically pointed to cheaper seafood and snorkeling options along the boardwalk.

The value here comes from the extras and the smaller scale:

• A maximum of 12 people
• Padded lounge seating
• Snorkeling equipment
• Two snorkeling locations
• Lunch
• Alcoholic drinks and an open bar
• Personal service from the crew
• A return to the same pier after about three hours

If you mainly want to get in the water for the lowest possible cost, I would compare other boats before booking. If you dislike packed catamarans, care about comfortable seating, and expect to spend much of the morning enjoying the boat itself, the price is easier to justify.

The cruise can also be good value for couples marking a special morning. You get a slower, more polished experience without paying for a private boat. The small group gives you some of the advantages of a private outing while keeping the per-person price below a true private charter.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this outing for someone who wants a calm morning rather than an all-day adventure. It fits couples, small groups of friends, and families with people who can manage a shallow snorkeling stop. The service and seating also make it a good choice if comfort matters as much as the fish.

It should work for a first snorkeling experience if you are comfortable in the water. The shallow sites and supplied gear reduce the stress of organizing everything yourself. The crew’s personal attention is useful when you need help with equipment or want a little reassurance.

This is less suitable if you want a private boat, a packed schedule, loud music, or a long snorkeling session. It is also not the right choice if your main goal is guaranteed turtle sightings or a dramatic reef filled with marine life. The natural conditions can vary, and some mornings may be more about peaceful sailing than underwater action.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity states that most people can participate. The available information does not give detailed mobility guidance, so you should contact the operator with specific access questions before booking.

Timing, weather, and practical details

The activity lasts about three hours and ends back at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier. The morning start gives you the rest of the day for the beach, lunch, or another Aruba activity. Arriving by 9:15 a.m. is important because the boat is scheduled to leave at 9:30 a.m.

Weather matters. The cruise requires good conditions, and the operator may cancel if weather makes the outing unsafe or unsuitable. If that happens, you are offered another date or a full refund. In normal conditions, the crew may adjust the snorkeling locations if rain or sea conditions affect the original plan.

The cancellation policy is strict: once booked, the experience is nonrefundable and cannot be changed for any reason. Check your schedule carefully before paying. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the ticket is mobile, so you can keep it on your phone.

Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and a towel if you need one. The supplied information confirms equipment, lunch, and alcoholic drinks, but it does not list hotel transportation or a full packing list. Plan to get yourself to the pier and ask the operator about any item you consider essential.

Should you book the Blue Melody or Black Pearl cruise?

Book it if you value space, friendly service, good food, and a quiet boat more than the lowest price. The combination of two easy snorkeling stops, padded seating, lunch, and an open bar gives you a comfortable half-day feel in only three hours.

Skip it if you want a private charter, loud entertainment, or the cheapest snorkeling deal in Aruba. The snorkeling may be pleasant rather than spectacular, and the $129.99 price reflects the small group and service level.

For most people who want an easy, elegant morning on the water, I think this is a strong choice. Arrive early, share your lodging details when booking, and think of it as a small-group sailing lunch with snorkeling included, not simply a snorkeling trip.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier, also called Berea di Piscado Hadicurari, in Noord, Aruba.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive by 9:15 a.m. The boat is scheduled to leave at 9:30 a.m.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts about three hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Is transportation to the pier included?

No. Transportation to and from the attractions or meeting point is not included.

Is this a private boat tour?

No. It is a small-group tour with a maximum of 12 people.

Are snorkeling masks and equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Which snorkeling locations are included?

The planned stops are Malmok Beach and Catalina Bay.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with sandwiches and grilled cheese mentioned as part of the food service.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages and an open bar are included in the tour price.