Flagship Morning Schooner, Meal, Open Bar

Aruba: Morning Snorkel Cruise with Meal & Open Bar

4 reviews

from $59 per person

Opens the live booking listing with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 3 hours
Meeting point: Hadicurari Fishermen's Pier
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Included
Run by: Flagship-Aruba

Overview

This three-hour morning sail puts you on a classic schooner headed for two of Aruba's better-known shallow snorkel areas, Boca Catalina and Malmok Reef, both on the calm northwest coast. The crew supplies premium snorkel gear and flotation devices and is on hand throughout to help, which makes the trip workable for first-timers as well as confident swimmers. Sea turtles show up often enough that the listing calls them out as a real possibility rather than a promise.

Between stops the boat becomes a floating lounge. There is a shaded stern area and an open bow terrace, a rope swing off the side, and an open bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Between stops you also sit down for a proper meal on board, with chicken, beef or vegetarian options, which the listing points out is more than a snack. Anyone wanting top-shelf spirits can pay extra on board for the Premium Bar upgrade.

The pace is easy and the listing pitches it at couples, friend groups, families with children aged 10 and over, and older travellers. There are restrooms on board. You make your own way to the departure pier, since no hotel transfer is included.

What's Included

Included

Snorkel cruise aboard a classic schooner
Guided stops at Boca Catalina and Malmok Reef
Premium snorkeling gear
Professional, safety-trained crew
Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Meal (choice of chicken, meat, or vegetarian)
Use of rope swing
Onboard restrooms

Not Included

Premium bar upgrade with top-shelf spirits and specialty cocktails (available onboard for an extra charge)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities (optional)

Itinerary

Meet at Hadicurari PierCheck in at Hadicurari Fishermen's Pier in Noord. Guests sign a liability waiver before boarding, and no hotel transfer is provided.
Sail the northwest coastThe schooner cruises along Aruba's calm northwest coast, with drinks available from the open bar.
Snorkel Malmok ReefFirst guided snorkel stop in shallow, protected water with good visibility, tropical fish and coral. The captain may shift or skip stops depending on sea conditions.
Snorkel Boca CatalinaSecond guided stop at Boca Catalina, another shallow reef area with a good chance of spotting sea turtles. Flotation devices are available for anyone who wants one.
Meal, bar and rope swingBetween or after stops, sit down to a meal with chicken, beef or vegetarian choice, use the rope swing, and keep drawing on the open bar.
Return to the pierThe schooner heads back to the departure point, with the full trip running about three hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the listing and from traveller reviews will help you decide whether this trip fits your group.

Getting there. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to Hadicurari Fishermen's Pier in Noord. Factor in travel time from your hotel and aim to arrive with a cushion before boarding. The listing gives a meeting-point address you can plug into a map app.
Who it suits. The listing recommends it for families with kids aged 10 and over, couples, friends and older travellers who want an easy day on the water. Guests should be comfortable in the water, though flotation devices are on board. First-time snorkelers are explicitly welcome.
Crew and atmosphere. Several reviewers single out the crew, calling them friendly, attentive and informative, and one described the outing as a good family activity. Their comments suggest the crew's energy is a big part of why the trip works for people.
Food and drink. A full meal is included, with a choice of chicken, beef or vegetarian, plus an open bar of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is served only to guests 18 and over. The Premium Bar with top-shelf spirits costs extra and is paid on board.
What to bring. Swimwear, a towel, beachwear and biodegradable sunscreen, per the listing's packing list. Reef-safe sunscreen is requested to help protect the marine life you are there to see. Leave glass objects at home; they are not allowed on board.
Weather flexibility. Snorkel stops can change or be skipped at the captain's discretion if weather or sea conditions are poor. If the whole trip is cancelled for weather, the operator offers a different date or a full refund. Booking a morning early in your stay leaves room to retry.

Common issues. No hotel pickup is included, so the pier transfer is on you, and the Premium Bar upgrade plus gratuities cost extra beyond the ticket price. Pets are not allowed, assistance dogs excepted, and glass objects are banned on board. Snorkel stops depend on conditions and may be moved or dropped on the captain's call. Children need an adult with them at all times, and everyone signs a liability waiver before stepping aboard.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The ticket covers the three-hour schooner cruise, guided snorkel stops at Boca Catalina and Malmok Reef, premium snorkel gear, an open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a full meal with chicken, beef or vegetarian choice, use of the rope swing and onboard restrooms. The Premium Bar upgrade, hotel transfers and gratuities are not included.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. The listing states pickup is not included and that you meet the boat at the departure point, Hadicurari Fishermen's Pier in Noord. Plan your own transport to the pier.

Is The Trip Suitable For Kids?

The listing pitches it at families with children aged 10 and over, and one reviewer described the morning snorkel as a good family activity. Kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Alcohol is only served to guests 18 and over.

Is It Good For Beginner Snorkelers?

Yes, the listing calls it ideal for first-timers and experienced snorkelers alike. The stops are shallow and protected with good visibility, premium gear and flotation devices are provided, and a safety-trained crew helps throughout. Guests should still be comfortable in the water.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Individual snorkel stops may also be changed or skipped at the captain's discretion without cancelling the trip.

What Should I Bring?

Swimwear, a towel, beachwear and biodegradable sunscreen, which the listing requests as reef-safe to protect marine life. Do not bring glass objects or pets, though assistance dogs are allowed. The Premium Bar upgrade and gratuities are optional extras paid for on board.