VIP Morning Delight Champagne Sailing and Snorkeling with Lunch

The best part of this Aruba outing is its small-group feel. You sail from Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier with no more than 12 people, settle into a padded lounge chair, and head along the coast before stopping at Malmok Beach and Catalina Bay. Captain John and the crew keep the mood friendly, calm, and attentive.

I like the comfortable seating and the easy pace. I also like that lunch, alcoholic drinks, and snorkeling gear are included, so you can leave your beach bag fairly light. The main drawback is value: at $129.99 per person, this costs more than some larger snorkeling boats.

What makes this morning cruise worth a look

• Two snorkeling stops: Malmok Beach and Catalina Bay offer clear, shallow water, fish, and the chance of seeing turtles.
• A maximum of 12 people: You get more room and less crowding than on a large catamaran.
• Comfortable padded chairs: You can enjoy the sail even if you spend only part of the trip in the water.
• Lunch and an open bar: Food and alcoholic drinks are included in the price.
• A quiet boat atmosphere: Music is not a feature, which suits anyone seeking a peaceful morning.
• Three hours from 9:30 a.m.: You return to the same pier at about lunchtime, leaving the rest of the day free.

A calm start from Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier

You need to arrive at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier in Noord by 9:15 a.m. The boat leaves at 9:30, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point after roughly three hours.

That meeting point matters. Transportation to and from attractions is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the pier. The location is near public transportation, but the tour does not provide hotel pickup. Tell the operator where you are staying in Aruba when you book, and call ahead if you need help with the meeting details.

The boat is not private, but the maximum group size is 12 people. That gives this cruise a more personal feel than the packed boats that carry much larger groups. You still share the outing with other people, but you should have more space to stretch out, get served, and find a comfortable place to sit.

The boat used by the Black Pearl and Blue Melody crew has padded lounge chairs, with shade available if you want a break from the sun. That small touch changes the tone of the trip. This is not only a snorkeling excursion. It is also a slow morning sail for anyone who wants to sit back, watch the coast, and enjoy a drink.

Sailing the Aruba coast before the first swim

The sailing section gives you time to settle in before getting wet. You move along the coast from Noord toward the snorkeling sites, with the boat crew handling the practical work while you enjoy the view from the water.

The atmosphere is intentionally laid-back. The crew has been described as friendly, professional, funny, and attentive, and Captain John is specifically praised for his work at the helm. Albert also appears in the crew responses, suggesting a hands-on team that takes part in the service rather than leaving everything to one person.

Do not expect a party boat built around loud music. Music is generally not played, and the operator explains that many people choose this cruise to get away from noise and crowds. That makes it a good match for a couple, a small family group, or anyone who prefers conversation and sea views to a constant soundtrack.

The lack of music can be a drawback if you want a lively Caribbean party. You should book this for comfort and calm, not for dancing or a high-energy boat scene.

Malmok Beach: an easy first snorkeling stop

The first stop is Malmok Beach, one of the two main snorkeling areas on the morning route. The water is described as clear and calm, and several people found the conditions easy enough for less confident swimmers.

That is useful information if you have not snorkeled in years. You do not need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy this part, but you should still be comfortable entering the water and following the crew’s instructions. The supplied equipment means you do not need to pack your own mask, snorkel, or fins.

Malmok works well as a first stop because it lets you get used to the gear and the water before moving on. You can look for colorful fish in the shallows, then return to the boat for drinks and food. The crew has also been praised for making adjustments when weather affects the planned route, moving to other areas while still protecting snorkeling time.

Underwater conditions can change. One account found the snorkeling areas fairly uneventful and felt the boat ride, food, and drinks were the stronger parts of the morning. That is an important reality check. You may see many fish or even a turtle, but marine life is never guaranteed, and this should not be booked as a specialist wildlife trip.

Catalina Bay and the chance of turtles

The second snorkeling stop is Catalina Bay. The route gives you another chance to see fish, and turtles have been spotted during the outing, including one resting quietly in the water.

Catalina Bay adds variety to the morning. Instead of spending the whole trip at one site, you get two water stops with sailing between them. That balance works well for people who enjoy snorkeling but do not want to spend three straight hours in the water.

Several people found the snorkeling shallow and manageable. If you are not a strong swimmer, this may be more comfortable than an outing that sends you into deeper water. Still, the provided information does not promise flotation support or a particular water depth, so ask the operator about current conditions if that is important to you.

The wildlife is a bonus, not the whole point. Book this for a pleasant boat morning with a chance to see fish and turtles, rather than a guaranteed animal encounter.

Lunch, grilled cheese, and an open bar

Food is one of the strongest reasons to consider the price. Lunch is included, and the meal is more substantial than a token snack. Grilled cheese receives repeated praise, and the crew also serves snacks during the trip.

You probably do not need a large breakfast before boarding. One account specifically found the food good enough to make breakfast unnecessary, though you may still want a light meal if you tend to get hungry early.

Alcoholic drinks are included in the open bar. Champagne is part of the appeal, and the crew keeps drinks available throughout the cruise. This is particularly good value for people who would otherwise spend extra money on cocktails or wine at a resort.

The food and drink package does not suit everyone equally. If you do not drink alcohol, much of the price difference from a basic snorkeling trip may feel less worthwhile. One note also mentioned flat soda, so beverage quality may not be perfect every time.

Why the small group affects the price

At $129.99 per person, this is not the cheapest way to snorkel in Aruba. You can find larger, simpler outings at a lower price, and one person directly felt the cost was too high compared with another local option charging less for food and snorkeling.

The value comes from what is wrapped into the experience:

• A maximum of 12 people
• Padded seating
• A quieter boat
• Snorkeling equipment
• Two snorkeling locations
• Lunch and snacks
• An open bar with alcoholic drinks
• A three-hour coastal sailing experience

If you want the lowest price and do not mind a crowded boat, choose another excursion. If you dislike cramped seating and prefer staff who can give you more individual attention, the higher cost makes more sense.

The small group also changes the social feel. You are not lost in a crowd, and service can feel more direct. One person described a nearly one-to-one staff-to-passenger experience, though that should not be treated as a fixed promise for every departure.

Who will enjoy this Aruba cruise most

I would point this outing toward couples, small families, older visitors, and anyone who values comfort as much as snorkeling. It also suits people returning to the water after several years, since the stops are described as calm and easy.

You will likely enjoy it if you want:

• A peaceful morning rather than a loud party
• A short boat trip that leaves your afternoon open
• Food and drinks included in one price
• A small group instead of a packed catamaran
• Comfortable seating between water stops
• A relaxed mix of sailing, snorkeling, and conversation

It may not suit you if you want a private charter, a long snorkeling session, loud music, or the lowest possible price. This is not a private boat, even with its small passenger limit.

Children can participate if they meet the activity requirements, but no child pricing or specific age rules are provided. Service animals are allowed, and most people can take part. If anyone in your group has special mobility, swimming, or equipment needs, contact the operator before booking rather than guessing.

Timing, weather, and what to bring

The cruise starts at 9:30 a.m., and you should be at the pier by 9:15. That early arrival gives the crew time to check people in and prepare for departure. Since the boat returns to the same pier, you can plan another activity afterward without giving up the whole day.

Wear casual clothing and bring the usual items for a morning on the water: a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes. The supplied information confirms casual dress and snorkeling equipment, but it does not state that towels or personal sun gear are provided.

The boat trip depends on good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The normal cancellation rule is strict, however. Once booked, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons, so check your schedule carefully before paying.

My practical verdict on the Black Pearl and Blue Melody experience

I like this cruise because it understands that a good boat trip is not only about the snorkeling. The padded seats, small passenger count, shade, lunch, and open bar make the time between water stops genuinely useful. You can snorkel, dry off, eat, and enjoy the coast without feeling rushed.

The snorkeling itself sounds pleasant rather than extraordinary. You may see plenty of fish and perhaps turtles, but conditions vary, and one account found the underwater stops less exciting than the sailing and food. That keeps expectations in the right place.

The price is fair for the right person and high for the wrong one. If you want a budget snorkeling trip, this is not it. If you want a comfortable, low-crowd morning with food, drinks, and attentive service, the extra cost buys a noticeably different experience.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if your ideal Aruba morning includes a quiet boat, two easy snorkeling stops, a padded chair, and lunch with drinks already covered. It is especially appealing for anyone who dislikes crowded catamarans and wants the water experience to feel relaxed rather than rushed.

Skip it if you want a private charter, loud music, a longer snorkeling session, or a cheaper basic outing. Also skip it if you are counting on guaranteed turtles or spectacular underwater sights. For a comfortable small-group cruise with a generous food and drink package, though, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier, Berea di Piscado Hadicurari, HXH3+5X7, Noord, Aruba.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive by 9:15 a.m. The boat leaves at 9:30 a.m.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the activity end?

It ends back at the Hadicurari Fishermen’s Pier meeting point.

Is the boat private?

No. This is a shared tour with a maximum of 12 travelers.

Which snorkeling locations are included?

The planned stops are Malmok Beach and Catalina Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with snacks served during the trip.

Are drinks included?

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

Is transportation included?

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