Premium Morning Snorkel Sail with Champagne Brunch

A morning on Aruba’s water does not need to mean choosing between a snorkel trip and a leisurely brunch. This four-hour catamaran cruise gives you both, with three snorkeling stops, a shipwreck, free-flowing mimosas, and a full meal before you return to shore. It is a relaxed start to the day, with plenty of time left for other plans.

I like the three different snorkel locations, since each stop offers a different setting and keeps the outing from feeling repetitive. I also like the food and drink setup: pastries, coffee, tea, and juice in the morning, followed by lunch, an open bar, and more mimosas. The main consideration is size. Up to 60 people may be aboard, and the boat can feel busy when everyone heads into the water.

At a glance

• Three snorkel stops: Explore several areas, including a shipwreck, Tres Trapi, and Boca Catalina.
• Breakfast and lunch included: Start with Danishes and croissants, then sit down to chicken salad, ham and cheese, seafood paella, breads, and fruit.
• Unlimited drinks: Mimosas, coffee, tea, juice, and open-bar drinks are part of the package.
• Beginner-friendly water time: Equipment is supplied, safety instructions are given, and the crew keeps watch near swimmers.
• Useful half-day timing: The boat leaves at 9 a.m. and returns in the early afternoon.
• Affordable group outing: At $85 per person, the price covers food, drinks, gear, crew, and about four hours on the water.

Setting Sail from Pelican Pier at 9 a.m.

You meet the catamaran at Pelican Pier, beside Pelican Nest Restaurant on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard in Noord. The stated address is 230, while nearby directions may also show 237, so searching for Pelican Pier or Pelican Nest Seafood Grill is the most practical way to get your bearings.

There is no parking directly at the pier entrance. You need to use nearby free or paid parking and walk a short distance to the dock. That is worth building into your morning, especially if you are trying to arrive close to the 9 a.m. start.

Once aboard, you can sit in the shaded area or stretch out on the sunbathing trampoline. The catamaran is made for a mix of activities. You can chat with the crew, listen to Caribbean music, take photos, or simply watch Aruba’s coast slide by before the first stop.

The atmosphere is lively but not designed as a wild party boat. Drinks flow freely, yet the focus stays on the boat ride, snorkeling, food, and social mood. That balance suits you if you want music and company without spending the morning in a full-on drinking crowd.

A Breakfast of Croissants, Coffee, and Mimosas

The first meal is light and fitting for a morning at sea. You get Danishes and croissants, along with coffee, tea, and juice. Mimosas are included, so you can ease into the trip with a glass in hand as the boat heads toward the snorkeling areas.

I see real value in having breakfast included. You do not need to find a café before meeting the boat, and you can eat soon after departure. It also helps spread the food across the morning instead of placing one large meal right before or after swimming.

The crew handles the service while also helping people get ready for the water. Specific crew members named in guest feedback include Captain Johnny and first mate Andy, along with Pepper, Martin, Andrew, Melvin, and Cliff on different sailings. Crew assignments can change, but the consistent point is that several staff members work the boat, safety, and food service.

If you are new to snorkeling, pay attention to the instructions before entering the water. Cliff was singled out for helping first-timers, and the crew has been praised for giving clear guidance in an approachable way. You do not need to arrive as an experienced snorkeler to take part.

Stop One: Calm Water and an Easy Introduction

The first snorkeling stop is often the best place to get comfortable with your mask, fins, and snorkel. Descriptions of the trip identify locations such as Tres Trapi and Boca Catalina, though the exact order may vary.

You can expect to see tropical fish in clear water, with the chance to look for other marine life around the reef areas. One useful feature is the crew’s attention to people who are less comfortable in the sea. A designated watch position is used for safety, and staff remain alert while people are in the water.

This first stop is where you can test your equipment and settle into the rhythm of the trip. If you are a beginner, take your time. Adjust the mask before swimming farther, stay within the area explained by the crew, and let the boat staff know if you need help.

The water may not be perfectly flat. Aruba can have some chop, and conditions vary by day. Even when the water is a little rough, the crew continues to monitor swimmers and provide help. That makes this outing more suitable for mixed groups than a trip that assumes everyone already knows what they are doing.

Stop Two: A Shipwreck and More Open Water

The shipwreck is one of the more memorable parts of the route. You get a different underwater view from the first stop, with the wreck adding shape and interest to the snorkeling area. The crew also provides information about the wreck, so this is more than a quick swim past an anonymous object.

Conditions near the shipwreck can be wavier than at the first stop. You may see plenty of fish, but you also need to be more aware of your position, the current, and the people around you. Keep close to the area marked or explained by the crew, and do not treat the water like a private swimming hole.

Some people report seeing sea turtles during this type of outing. Turtles are wildlife, not a guaranteed feature, so you should regard any sighting as a bonus rather than a promise. The same applies to the amount of fish and visibility, which can change with weather and sea conditions.

You are not limited to ordinary snorkeling. At later stops, you may try the third lung system. It uses a tube connected to an air supply at the surface, allowing you to spend time below the surface without holding your breath in the usual way. Ask the crew for instructions before trying it, and use it only as directed.

Stop Three: Variety Before Lunch

The third location gives the morning a useful sense of variety. Instead of visiting one reef, swimming, and returning, you get several chances to see different underwater scenery. The named stops of Tres Trapi, Boca Catalina, and the shipwreck give you a good idea of the range, though the exact route can depend on conditions.

You can continue with a mask and snorkel or try the third lung system if it is available during your sailing. The final stop is also a good chance to take photos from the boat, enjoy the view, or stay on deck if you have had enough water time.

That flexibility matters in a group setting. Strong swimmers may want more time in the sea, while a parent, first-time snorkeler, or anyone feeling tired may prefer to remain aboard. You are not required to spend every minute in the water to get value from the trip.

The outing works especially well for families and groups with different comfort levels. One group ranging from ages 25 to 60 found the trip suitable across two generations, and children have enjoyed both the boat and the snorkeling. Still, parents should supervise their own children and listen carefully to the crew’s safety instructions.

Lunch, Paella, and the Open Bar

After the water stops, lunch gives you time to sit down and refuel. The menu includes chicken salad, ham and cheese, seafood paella, assorted breads, and fresh fruit. The exact selection is not enormous, but there is enough food to make this feel like more than a snack service.

The paella gets particular attention from people who enjoy a warm, filling lunch at sea. You should not book this as a gourmet food tour, but the meal adds meaningful value to the $85 price. You are paying for transport on the water, equipment, crew, three snorkeling locations, breakfast, lunch, and drinks in one package.

Vegetarian needs may be handled, but the supplied information does not provide a fixed vegetarian menu. If you have dietary restrictions, contact Pelican Aruba before booking rather than assuming the buffet will cover your needs.

The open bar includes unlimited drinks, while mimosas continue through the meal. There is also coffee, tea, and juice. Since you still need to move around on a boat and enter the water, pace yourself. The inclusion of unlimited alcohol is convenient, but it is not a reason to overdo it before snorkeling.

What $85 Buys You in Aruba

At $85 per person, this is a strong value for a half-day water outing if you plan to use most of what is included. A simple boat ride might cost less, but it would not necessarily include three snorkeling areas, breakfast, lunch, gear, mimosas, and an open bar.

I especially like the timing. You start at 9 a.m. and return in the early afternoon, so you can still spend later hours at the beach, explore another part of the island, or enjoy a quiet afternoon at your hotel. A full-day cruise can be fun, but it also takes over your schedule. This one leaves room around itself.

The value drops if you do not drink, do not snorkel, or plan to remain seated for most of the trip. You can still enjoy the scenery and food, but the tour is built around water time. For someone who wants a private sailing experience, a group catamaran will also feel less personal. One group used it as a lower-cost alternative to a private charter, which is a sensible way to view the tradeoff.

Several boats may leave around the same time, and individual boats can carry up to 60 people. If being in a small group matters most to you, this is not the right product. If you like meeting people, music, and a social deck, the larger setting can work well.

Practical Details Before You Book

Wear a swimsuit and bring what you need for time in the sun. The boat has shaded seating and a sunbathing trampoline, so you can choose between cover and direct sun during the ride.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied. It is also cleaned and maintained for use, and safety instructions are given before people enter the water. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The meeting area is near public transportation, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Weather matters. The experience requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a cancellation, with the choice of another date or a full refund. For your own plans, keep the afternoon flexible until you know the trip is running.

The cancellation terms are simple: cancel at least 24 hours before the 9 a.m. start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. Cutoff times follow Aruba’s local time.

Who Will Enjoy This Catamaran Morning

I would choose this for a first-time snorkeler, a family with older children, a couple looking for an easy half-day plan, or a group that wants food and drinks built into the cost. The crew’s friendly approach and attention to safety make the trip less intimidating than an outing that leaves you to manage the water on your own.

It also suits solo visitors. The open boat setting makes it easy to meet people, and the shared lunch and music give the morning a social rhythm. You do not need a private group to have a good time.

I would think twice if you dislike crowded boats, need a quiet sailing experience, or want complete control over the route. Sea conditions can be choppy, and the shipwreck stop may feel less comfortable than the first location. You should also avoid treating marine life sightings as guaranteed.

Should You Book It?

Book this tour if you want three chances to snorkel, a shipwreck, breakfast, lunch, and an open bar without giving up your entire day. At $85, the package offers a lot, especially when you value the food and drinks as much as the time on the water.

Skip it if a small private boat is essential, or if you want a quiet cruise with little activity. For most people seeking an easy, social, well-priced morning in Aruba, this catamaran offers a practical mix of snorkeling, scenery, and brunch, with enough structure to make the day simple.

FAQ

Where does the Premium Morning Snorkel Sail depart?

It departs from Pelican Pier beside Pelican Nest Restaurant on J.E. Irausquin Boulevard in Noord, Aruba.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9 a.m. and lasts about four hours, returning to Pelican Pier in the early afternoon.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

You visit three snorkeling locations. The route may include a shipwreck, Tres Trapi, and Boca Catalina.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast includes Danishes and croissants with coffee, tea, juice, and mimosas. Lunch includes items such as chicken salad, ham and cheese, seafood paella, breads, and fresh fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes mimosas and unlimited drinks from the open bar.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to Pelican Pier.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. For your own cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund.