VIP Morning Delight Champagne Sailing and Snorkeling with Lunch

The best thing about this Aruba cruise is its size. With a maximum of 12 people, you get room to stretch out on a padded lounge chair instead of being packed onto a loud, crowded boat. Captain John and the crew keep the morning moving without rushing it.

I like the two easy snorkeling stops, Malmok Beach and Catalina Bay, plus the fact that gear is provided. I also like the generous food and open bar, especially the grilled cheese that gets frequent praise. The main drawback is value: at $129.99 per person, this costs more than some larger snorkeling boats, and you must arrange your own way to the pier.

Key points at a glance

• Small-group sailing: The boat accepts a maximum of 12 people, making the ride quieter and more comfortable than a large catamaran outing.
• Two snorkeling locations: You visit Malmok Beach first, then Catalina Bay, with equipment supplied onboard.
• Comfortable seating: Padded lounge chairs and shaded areas make the cruise appealing even when you want to spend more time relaxing than swimming.
• Food is part of the experience: Lunch, snacks, alcoholic drinks, and other beverages are included in the price.
• Morning schedule: Arrive at 9:15 a.m. for the 9:30 a.m. departure, with the boat returning to Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier after about three hours.
• A calm, social mood: Music is not promised, and the cruise leans toward quiet conversation, open water, snorkeling, and attentive service.

Why the small boat matters in Aruba

Many Aruba boat trips focus on fitting as many people as possible onboard. This one takes the opposite approach. The maximum group size is 12, so you can expect a more open feel and easier access to the crew. That matters when you need help with snorkeling gear, want another drink, or simply prefer not to fight for a comfortable seat.

The boat is associated with the Blue Melody and Black Pearl, and the experience is built around comfort rather than speed. Padded lounge chairs give you a proper place to sit during the sailing portions. Shade is available if you want a break from the sun, though you should still bring sun protection for the exposed areas.

This is not a private charter. You share the boat with other people, and the exact mix of personalities is part of the outing. Still, the small capacity gives it a more personal feel than the large party boats that operate around Aruba.

The mood is relaxed. Some sailings are lively and social, but music is not a central feature. One point of this cruise is getting away from noise, so it fits you best if you want a peaceful morning on the water rather than a floating nightclub.

Leaving Hadicurari at 9:30 a.m.

Your meeting point is Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier, also called Berea di Piscado Hadicurari, in Noord. You need to arrive by 9:15 a.m. for the 9:30 departure. That 15-minute cushion is useful, since the pier area may be active and you do not want to be searching for the boat at the last minute.

Transportation to the pier is not included. You must make your own way there, and the operator asks you to provide your Aruba accommodation details. The meeting point is near public transportation, but the tour does not include a hotel pickup.

Once aboard, the first part of the trip is about settling into the boat. You can choose a padded lounge chair, get a drink, and watch Aruba from the coast before the swimming stops begin. The sailing time gives you a chance to enjoy the boat itself, not just treat it as a ride between snorkeling sites.

The three-hour length is a good fit for a morning. You get two water stops, food, drinks, and time to sit in the sun or shade without giving up the entire day. If you are planning an afternoon at the beach, a meal in town, or another activity, you should have plenty of time after returning to the pier.

First stop: snorkeling near Malmok Beach

Malmok Beach is the first snorkeling stop. The waters here are described as calm and shallow, which makes the area a practical choice for people who are not strong swimmers or who have not snorkeled in years.

You receive snorkeling equipment as part of the tour, so there is no need to pack a mask and fins. The crew can help you get set up, and the smaller group should make it easier to ask for assistance without waiting behind a crowd.

Underwater conditions can change with weather and sea movement. On a good morning, you might see schools of fish and other marine life in the clear water. One outing included a turtle, but wildlife is never guaranteed. You should view that as a welcome bonus, not a promised part of the schedule.

The stop is less about serious open-water swimming and more about an easy look below the surface. That makes it suitable for a relaxed first snorkel, especially if you want to test the water before spending more time in the second bay.

Still, comfortable snorkeling does not mean no effort. You need to be able to participate safely in the water, and conditions can vary. Most people can take part, but you should tell the crew if you are nervous, inexperienced, or need help with the equipment.

Second stop: fish at Catalina Bay

After sailing onward, the boat reaches Catalina Bay. This gives you a second chance to snorkel in a different setting rather than repeating the same stop.

The main appeal is the chance to see more colorful fish in clear water. You can compare the two sites, spend more time in the water if the first stop was brief, or stay aboard and enjoy the view if you have had enough snorkeling. The cruise allows room for both kinds of morning.

The snorkeling is generally presented as approachable rather than demanding. That is good news if you want a gentle outing, but it may feel too tame if you are looking for a long, athletic swim or a highly specialized reef trip. The focus is on a comfortable mix of water time, sailing, food, and conversation.

The crew may adjust the exact plan when weather affects conditions. On one rainy morning, the crew changed locations but still made sure the group received snorkeling time. That flexibility is useful in Aruba, where a short spell of poor weather can change the feel of the sea quickly.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Food is one of the stronger reasons to consider this cruise. Lunch is included, along with alcoholic beverages. The food has been described as surprisingly good, with grilled cheese receiving particular attention. You may also find snacks served during the trip, depending on the day’s arrangement.

I like that the meal is not treated as an afterthought. A morning on the water can make you hungry, and the included lunch means you do not need to plan a separate meal immediately after returning. One practical tip: do not eat a heavy breakfast before boarding. The cruise provides enough food to make a large pre-tour meal unnecessary.

The open bar is another major part of the price. Drinks flow throughout the trip, according to the experience details, and the crew serves both alcoholic beverages and other drinks. One person noted flat soda on a particular outing, so beverage quality may not be perfect every day. That is a small issue, but it is worth keeping expectations sensible.

Because alcoholic drinks are included, you should pace yourself. The boat ride, heat, and sun can make drinks feel stronger than expected. Water, shade, and a casual approach will make the morning more pleasant.

Service from Captain John and the crew

Captain John is named as one of the people leading the trip, and the crew is described as friendly, professional, funny, and attentive. The small group allows the staff to offer more personal service than you usually receive on a large boat.

That service shows up in practical ways. You can get help with snorkeling equipment, ask questions about the island and sea, and request another drink without feeling lost in a crowd. Several accounts of the trip describe a very high staff-to-passenger ratio, which helps explain the more polished feel.

Do not expect a formal luxury cruise. The dress code is casual, and the atmosphere remains easygoing. The word VIP refers mainly to space, comfort, food, and attention, not to private-boat exclusivity or formal service.

There is also no promise of constant entertainment. If you want loud music and a party atmosphere, this may feel quiet. If you want to sit back, talk with the people around you, and enjoy the water without a soundtrack, that same quiet can be the point.

Is $129.99 a fair price?

At $129.99 per person, this is not the cheapest way to snorkel in Aruba. Larger boats may offer a lower rate, and one comparison put a similar seafood and snorkeling outing at a noticeably lower price for adults and children.

The value comes from what is bundled together. You receive about three hours on the water, a maximum group size of 12, snorkeling equipment, two stops, lunch, and an open bar. You also pay for padded seating and a less crowded boat. If those details matter to you, the higher price is easier to justify.

If your only goal is to get into the water for a short swim, you can probably find cheaper options. You are paying extra here for the full morning, not simply for access to a snorkeling site.

Children are not given a separate price in the supplied details, so check the booking terms before you commit if you are bringing a family. Transportation is also extra in the sense that you must arrange it yourself.

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy makes travel insurance or careful weather planning worth considering, especially if your Aruba schedule is tight.

What to bring for the morning

Keep your clothing casual. You will want a swimsuit, a cover-up, and something dry for the ride back if you dislike sitting in wet clothes. Bring sun protection, since the boat includes shaded areas but also open seating.

A towel is sensible, although the supplied details do not state that one is provided. You should also bring any medication you need during the three-hour outing. Keep personal belongings limited, since the tour is designed around moving between seating, food, and the water.

The operator allows service animals, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but you should be realistic about your swimming ability and comfort in the sea. Ask the crew for help before entering the water if you are unsure about the equipment or conditions.

A mobile ticket is accepted, and booking confirmation is provided at the time of booking. Save the confirmation on your phone and arrive at 9:15 a.m., not 9:30. The latter is the sailing time, not the recommended arrival time.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this tour if you want snorkeling without a crowd. It suits couples, small groups of friends, solo visitors who enjoy a social setting, and anyone who values a comfortable seat as much as time in the water.

It also works well for a first Aruba outing. The cruise gives you an easy look at the coast, two manageable snorkeling stops, a meal, and a drink without demanding a full day. If you are not a strong swimmer, the calm and shallow areas may feel more approachable than a rougher offshore trip.

Families should check the current booking details carefully, especially pricing and the ability of children to participate safely. The boat accepts most participants, but the provided information does not spell out age limits or special equipment for children.

Strong swimmers and serious snorkelers may want more time underwater. This is a mixed experience, with sailing, lounging, lunch, and drinks taking up a large share of the morning. That balance is exactly what makes it appealing to some people and less suitable for others.

Should you book the Blue Melody or Black Pearl morning cruise?

Book it if you want a quiet, small-group morning with comfortable seats, two easy snorkeling stops, lunch, and an open bar. The combination is hard to beat for a relaxed start to an Aruba holiday, especially if crowded catamarans are not your style.

Skip it if you are focused only on the lowest price, need hotel transportation, or want a loud party boat with music. At $129.99, this is a comfort-and-service purchase. For the right person, the extra cost buys space, attention, and a far calmer morning on the sea.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

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

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive at 9:15 a.m. The boat trip starts at 9:30 a.m.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Is this a private boat tour?

No. It is a shared experience with a maximum of 12 travelers.

Are snorkeling supplies included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the activity.

Where does the boat stop for snorkeling?

The listed stops are Malmok Beach and Catalina Bay.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic beverages are included, and the experience includes an open bar.

Is transportation to the pier included?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. For personal cancellations or changes, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be amended.